This is a story about Jason Baker, a young man who recently lost his fiancée. Hoping he can help Jason resume his life; his best friend Ben suggests they take a sailing trip to a nearby island. The trip offers the two men a life changing experience that neither will soon forget...
Story in a box
~A New life~
By Timothy J Coughlin
Jason Baker awoke just as the sun peeked above the mountains, washing away the darkness from the cobblestone streets. A warm breeze brushed the leaves of the chestnut tree, its seeds scattered below his kitchen window. The sweet smell of lavender filled the air. A perfect day he thought as he sipped his strong coffee; bitter yet soothing. He closed his eyes, picturing Samantha and her beautiful green eyes and how they sparkled in the morning sun.
It had been a year since she passed. The thought of that night still haunting his mind, I just don’t understand why she had to die. If she just gave them those damn coins, she would probably still be here. Jason sighed. She was always so damn stubborn. I know I told her I wanted to complete my collection, but not…
“Knock, knock. Ya just gonna sit there all day?” Ben said returning Jason’s mind from the past. “Did ya forget about the islands?”
Jason responded, slightly shaken “Nope, the boat is packed and waiting; and I just finished plotting our course last night.” He snatched the map off the table, knocking his ruler and compass onto the floor.
“You ready?” Jason asked as he raised the sails forcing the small craft to push forward. “It should be smooth sailing from here on out.” The calm water allowed the boat to glide along its glassy surface, the salty air sending them steadily along. A flock of seagulls floated lazily as the boat coasted past.
“Man, you sure can’t beat this.” Ben said, lounging against the bow of the boat.
Awhile later, Ben noticed a large storm cloud off in the distance. “Hey, how long till we get there?” He asked, “I don’t like the looks of that storm.”
“It shouldn’t be more than a couple of hours.” Jason replied, inspecting the charts.
“I don’t think we're gonna have that long!” Ben added.
. . .
The waves slammed the small craft, tossing it violently from side to side. “We're almost there,” Jason shouted, “I can see the shore!” his voice straining to be heard over the howling wind. A large wave crashed into the beaten craft knocking Ben over in to the churning sea. Jason leapt from the controls to grab his friend, but was struck hard by the main sail as a violent gust of wind knocked the craft over. The two men now struggling to keep above the water clung to anything within reach. The relentless swells, draining them of what little strength they had left, pulled them further from shore.
“We gotta get to shore!” Jason screamed, “We can make it! It’s only a few hundred yards!”
“I won’t make it!” Ben yelled.
“Yes you will! It’s not that far!”
“I’m not as strong a swimmer as you Jason!” Ben cried.
“Well we have to try!” Jason shouted, as he turned and pushed toward shore, Ben now following behind.
“JASON!” Ben screamed.
Quickly turning to see what had happened, Jason watched in horror as Ben was pulled below. He could see their grey fins break the bloodied water as they feasted on what remained of his friend. Determined not to suffer the same fate, Jason swam for shore, pressing hard against the giant waves. Suddenly, Jason screamed in agony, as the mighty beast bore down on his left leg. Its razor sharp teeth tore through his flesh with ease. His body now filled with adrenaline, kicked the monster and clawed at its soulless eyes. The shark startled by Jason’s attack, retreated back to the murky depths. Weak from battle Jason dragged himself upon the sand, with nothing left to give, his body collapsed into darkness.
He awoke a few days later; his eyes stinging from the brightness of the light, were welcomed by a beautiful woman. Her mahogany skin glistened in the humid air. Her neck adorned with an intricately beaded necklace, its pearly white shells danced as she sponged cool water over his brow. Jason tried to speak, but she quickly placed her hand upon his lips signaling to him to rest quietly while she tended to his wounds. She began to unwrap the tightly woven cloth from his leg, its course flower pattern soaked with blood, revealed what remained of his tattered leg. She smiled as she reached into her small sack and removed a small green glass bottle. When she removed the cork the hut filled with its pungent aroma. She paused, looking into Jason’s eyes as if to say sorry as she poured the contents of the bottle onto his wounds. Jason screamed, springing himself forward, as the tonic sent a lightning bolt of pain throughout his body. The women quickly pressed back on his chest forcing him down to the cot, as he passed out from the searing pain.
When he came to the pain had subsided, releasing him of his agony. He was beckoned by the inviting smell of fresh fish cooking over a fire just outside his hut. Jason sat at the edge of the cot, looked down at his bandaged leg. It could have been worse, he thought standing briefly before falling to the floor. The woman rushed in helping him back to his bed, she then poured some freshwater into a small clay bowl that sat beside his bed. He drank the water, noticing the palm trees etched into its surface. She then helped him back to his feet and led him out of the hut.
Jason emerged to an older man beginning to play his small drum, as if to celebrate his recovery, his scarf flowing freely behind him. Soon, other tribe members began to gather and dance alongside the old man as the women prepared the evenings supper. Jason’s stomach begged for more as he ate the smoky fish. After eating his fill, the women ushered him back to his hut to rest.
Feeling his strength return as each day passed, Jason finally felt that he was well enough and decided it was time for him to head back to his life. He motioned to the old man that he would like to trade his last few gold and silver coins that he removed from his wallet for one of the tribes bark canoes. The old man refused his offer, but gestured for Jason’s wallet. Jason hesitated; this was the last thing Sam gave me before she died. The old man grunted and Jason reluctantly handed the handcrafted wallet over, a tear dropping from his eye. To Jason’s surprise, the old man opened the wallet, revealing Samantha’s last message to Jason “Never forget”, and placed two white feathers inside. He handed the wallet back to Jason and said “May your path be true and your journey swift.” Jason thanked the tribe for all of their help as he climbed into the canoe and pushed off.
Jason looked back at the island, now only a spec on the horizon, realized that he really had nothing to return to; turned the small canoe back toward the banks of his new life.
