SURVIVORS
Chapters 15. The Beginning of the Journey (revision)
Robert, Indra, Sunil and Dr. Chandra came out early in the morning. They should check the traps faster.
Alan goes with Toni, Leon, Liam and Alex to cut down some trees for a few days' worth of firewood. It had to be done because the saw would be brought in the first team to prepare the shelter.
When Laras, Niken and Angel prepare breakfast, Widuri looks cool with her own world. He was sitting on a snow cot with a notebook on his lap. No one bothers them because they have their own activities.
Dear diary,
I haven't greeted you in a long time. It's been the fourth day since I last wrote. It is now November 19, 2021.
You know, that night the plane entered a storm and we were thrown into a wild and unfamiliar place, a pine forest full of snow. Whether it is in which country and continent.
I don't know the total number of passengers and crew on board. But now only 21 people remain. Some have injuries and injuries. But we ignored it and kept fighting together to overcome this problem. The dead were found to have been buried properly.
In this forest in the middle of nowhere, men had to set traps to get food. Dean even sacrificed his hands to catch fish in the frozen river. And we even ate wolf meat that bit Indra. Unexpectedly, Marianne said we had to make suitable shoes. I even just learned how to make socks and gloves, how to make animal leather shoes? Hahahh
But I'm still grateful that we have optimism and great hope to go home. So even if I have to be cold and sleep with discomfort on a pile of suitcases or pine leaves, I will think of this as being just a camper. The men have been trying hard to make a shelter and look for food. So no one protested about the menu and the taste. Everyone still eats with gourmand.
It's been 4 days here and there's no sign of rescuers coming. So we decided to find a way out of this forest. Although this place is comfortable to live in, but far from civilization. No electricity or hp signal. So we decided to start the journey today.
I really want to get down and out of this forest. I miss my mom and dad. I hope this trip is made easy and I can go home soon.
Widuri keeps books and pens in a bag. Then check the backpack. All of his belongings were there, including plant seeds and gardening tools. Widuri has also packed asparagus seeds that Gilang gave yesterday.
He also kept several pairs of gloves and socks that had not been sewn. He asked Marianne for a needle and thread. They are in a different team, so Widuri can prepare those things for his team. Now Widuri's ready to go.
"Can I help Marianne?"
Widuri approached Marianne who was busy moving the contents of her suitcase into the empty backpack they had collected. Carrying a backpack is much more practical than dragging a suitcase in the snow.
"This, put the cloth we have sorted into the green backpack. Put all the bandage rolls in it. Ah yes, take some scrolls for your supplies. Then hand the bag over to Silvia."
Marianne gave instructions while continuing to clean up her equipment.
Widuri carries out Marianne's orders and hands Silvia the bag.
"This is a bag of cloth and bandage bandages. You just take it."
"alright. My backpack is not too big either. I can carry one more bag. Don't worry," Silvia replied kindly.
Others are also packing. Dean reminded to bring important items so as not to complicate yourself. Women who only wear high heels must break the heels of their shoes to easily penetrate the snow later.
Lena who turned out to only have strappy shoes, finally made socks by Marianne so that her feet are not too open and cold.
Everyone forgot breakfast until Robert came back with the rabbit in his hand.
Dean cut it up and packed it. He will bring that for the first-team squad that departed this morning.
Alan is back too. They then had breakfast together. The breakfast was not protracted, because there was still wood that had to be sawn immediately.
Dean prepares the first team he will bring. On the team were Widuri, Dewi, Nastiti, Gilang, Alan and Sunil.
They have each prepared their own bags. Also bring a bit of cooking and eating utensils for the team. Carrying matches was also a rabbit that Dean packed. They waited until the work of cutting wood was finished just leaving.
Dean led the way followed by his small team waving away from the shelter. Widuri looked at the place for a moment before walking to follow her friends. Dean took them down a downhill road. Some of the marks Dean left behind began to sink from the snowfall. Dean makes a new mark for the second team tomorrow.
"I'll clean up the snow on that roof. Or we'll get wet when we start a fire inside." Dean walked out of the room and observed the roof whitening with heavy snow.
"Sunil, take the wooden stock inside to make a fire while here." Dean pointed into the shelter.
Sunil went in and took out a pile of wood to take out. Then make a fire where Widuri wants. They warm themselves for a moment. Then Dean got up and handed the saw to Alan.
"The three of you can find firewood all around. I'm going to clear the snow so we can rest comfortably tonight" Dean said.
Dean piled the snow thick enough to serve as a foothold up to reach the roof of the pine leaves. He lifted, patted and shook the snow on it. Before long the work was finished and switched to clearing the deep space filled with snow falling. Built-in bags are collected inside the shelter. A fire is also made inside to warm the room.
Nastiti and Dewi entered the room and started preparing food for dinner. While Widuri was still sewing outside near the fire. The afternoon sunlight was still bright enough to be able to finish the socks he was working on. Widuri continued to sew while occasionally watching the men who were busy cutting firewood.
The reddened sky was a sign for them to enter the shelter. The smell of food was already smelled. They warm themselves near the fire.
"Where's Dean?" ask Widuri.
"He's not with us" Gilang replied.
Everyone looks at each other.
"Hmmm.. Maybe he's doing something else. Let's just wait. The sky is not dark."
Widuri calmed everyone down, even though she herself was very worried. If anything happens to Dean, they won't have the courage to go through the night quietly.
The sky was getting darker, but Dean still hadn't returned. The howling of the wolf began to give fear. Sunil then closed the shelter door with wooden poles.
"When he gets there, he'll call us later" Sunil breaks up. "I think he'll be fine. He knew what he was doing and was used to this. Don't worry."
Everyone eats with worry. They set aside Dean's dinner rations. Now they realize that the comfort and safety after the accident is not from themselves, but from the responsible attitude of Dean and Robert who are quick to respond and understand the situation. Organize everyone's tasks to stay safe.
"Alan?"
There was a call at the door as the wooden posts were lifted and Dean appeared.
"Deans. Why is the night back? What's up?"
Everyone is asking. Dean warms himself up. His fingers were brought close to the fire. Widuri thrust a cup of warm water at Dean. His heart is relieved now.
Nastiti handed Dean a plate filled with food. Dean accepted and nodded.
"I set a trap. But it seems too far away to get lost in the dark. I finally saw the light at the entrance. That's what led me back. It's good you guys didn't cover it with pine leaves. Or I won't find this place until morning." Dean chuckles.
All smiled in relief as the team members did not decrease.
******
Simple rabbit trap illustration.
Make a hole in the thick snow, cover the surface with foliage, sprinkle thin snow and bait if there is one. If a rabbit crosses him, he will get stuck in the hole.