Chapter 3

Day Three – The Rules

Dawn broke hot and still. The trade wind had died overnight, and the jungle steamed like a greenhouse. Taylor was already up, coiling the last of the salvaged rope and lashing a few more fronds to the lean-to’s roof to plug the leaks. The girls watched him from the shade, sipping the last of the boiled water from the stream.

No point in moving camp yet. The beach gave them visibility—any ship or plane on the horizon, they’d spot it first. The stream provided fresh water, and the wreck was still spitting up useful debris with every tide. Inland might have fruit and a prettier view, but rescue came from the sea, not the trees. They’d stay put until they had to move.

The girls looked worn but alert. Kimberly’s hair was a tangled mess without her Aqua Net, but she still carried herself like she owned the sand under her feet. Brittany and Jennifer huddled close to her, their spring break glow fading into sunburned cheeks and wary eyes.

Taylor wiped sweat from his brow and faced them.

“Ground rules,” he said. “Starting now.”

They straightened, sensing the shift.

“Rule one: water is life. It gets boiled, it gets carried, it gets guarded. You waste it, you answer to me.”

“Rule two: fire never goes out. One of you is on fire watch at all times. You let it die, you sleep cold and eat raw fish.”

“Rule three: everybody works. No exceptions. No days off. The island doesn’t give days off.”