The sunlight reflects across the ocean’s water before it says its final goodbyes, and the sky is engulfed in darkness. Now I sit alone, staring out from the island with only the moon and the stars to keep me company. It’s been 21 days since the accident. I was sailing across the ocean with Natalie, Jake, and Ross. These three are my closest and most trusted friends. We were on an expedition to find the lost treasure of Mozambique; legend has it the treasure holds great power, and whosoever is fortunate enough to discover it would be given the key to everlasting life. We all wanted to find the treasure for different reasons, but my ambition stuck us on this dreadful island. A storm was coming up the coast; I gave it a brief thought and told our group to continue the search. Yet, I admit, my own needs overlapped my judgment. We started in the Pacific, and the storm spit us out somewhere, I assume to be between the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean. For now, we remain castaways on an uninhabited island. The four of us have been living off of mother nature’s resources, but we all know it isn’t going to last long. We needed to find a way out of this godforsaken place, and as fate would have it, our boat, although damaged, made it to the island. The boys have been working a great deal on the boat since we got to the island while Natalie and I gather resources. Presently, I made my way up from the beach to our campsite, where everyone was already asleep. I, too, laid down feeling the exhaustion and lack of proper amenities kicking in. However, I knew this wasn’t just a side effect of our current situation; it was a sign that my time was running out. Six months ago, I was diagnosed with terminal cancer and told I didn’t have much time left. The group knew nothing of my secret, and I wanted to keep it that way. I awoke the next morning from the warmth of the sunlight hitting my skin. Rising, I immediately got to work like the rest of the group. By midday, everyone was already looking miserable and hopeless. I came up with the idea that we should all take a break and explore. At first, the three did not seem thrilled by the idea. However, I was able to persuade them. Walking along the island, we discovered many tropical flowers and fruits that cover most of the land. If time wasn’t of the essence, I could see myself staying on the island and enjoying its wonders. Just as I was about to suggest we head back to the campsite, my foot hit something hard, causing me to stumble over myself. As I climbed up from the ground, I looked to see what had caused me to fall: a golden hatch.The four of us opened the door for it to reveal a passageway. I couldn’t tell if it was curiosity or adrenal urging me to go down the passage; either way, I did, and my friends followed. After endlessly walking, we were finally met with a vast room whose walls were covered in gold and engraved with ancient textiles that looked thousands, if not millions, of years old. In the center of the room sat a pedestal with a scroll at the top. I made my way over, and as I opened the scroll, it read, “Everlasting life lies within the island.” We were all astonished; the treasure we had been searching for was with us all along. For the next few days, all I could think about was written on the scroll. I knew none of them wanted to stay, they all lived fulfilling lives, and although I once had, I wouldn’t be for much longer. I told my friends everything, the cancer was spreading, and I couldn’t stop it, but if I stayed here, I could. They tried to sway me to accompany them once the boat was fixed. I wish I had; 20 years have passed, and I have been alone living on the island. Being here made me realize that the thrill of living is knowing that there is an end, and so I would continue to live, now only wishing that instead, I could run out of time.
