Coconut Joe
The prompt was: Write a flash fiction piece of 1000 words on the theme of “What would we do without. ”
“Hey, Joe, do you have a minute or two? There is something important that I want to say to you.
This may sound a bit dramatic, but I am just going to say it anyway. You have really changed my life in the few weeks you have been with me. I know, I know, everyone always says that when they meet someone, but really, you have. And our situation is unique, after all.
Think about it! Before you came along, there was only me, for such a long time on this lonely little island. I can’t remember too much about my other life, but I do remember being on the ship, and I still dream about falling, and water, so much water. I remember waking up on the beach with my head bleeding into the sand, so I know I must have bumped my head somewhere along the way, and maybe that is why I can’t remember much.
As you know, that is all I can remember from before, but I remember everything after that clearly. I can tell you for certainty, my whole life was filled with desperation and loneliness for far too long, until you came along!
Remember that I told you how I struggled to build myself shelter on those first days, trying to make some sort of lean-to, out of sticks and dried leaves. I used to try and sleep in there, but I spent more time crying in the dark, terrified of what could be living on this island with me. You made such a difference, keeping me company at night, and with you there, my fears seemed to slip away into oblivion, and I finally managed to start sleeping, even though conditions were rough.
Before you came along, I searched the island for other people and found no one at all. I was so lucky when I found that little stream that we get our water from when I was searching for people because that has kept us going, hasn’t it? Hah!
The memories of the early days here are so strong. Like the first time I ate a raw egg and it slimed down my throat. Dis-gus-ting! I thought that was the worst, but I had no idea how bad it would get until I became desperate for food! Raw egg doesn’t seem half as bad after eating raw lizard, for example.
It took me ages to work out how to start a fire by rubbing sticks. I swear the god of fire must have given me that first spark out of pity for my raw and blistered hands, and for dogged determination after trying day after day out for weeks!
Does the god of fire have a name I wonder? I hope I haven’t offended them by not knowing it...
Oh, sorry, I got distracted by the thought. As I was saying, although I managed to get it together a little after weeks of desperate scratching and scrabbling, and although things are so rough still, I never actually realised how much you would change my life the day I saw you out in the sea.
You couldn’t even swim, you were so out of it, and you could even have missed the island completely if I hadn’t seen you and swum out to get you! In fact, if I hadn’t decided to watch the sunset over the water that day, I might not even have seen you at all, let alone been able to rescue you.
No, I am not saying this to make you grateful for me rescuing you, because the truth of it is, you actually rescued me! Since the day you arrived, everything has been different for me. After all, if you had reached the island and I wasn’t here, it would have been just as tough for you! What would we do without each other, hey?
Anyway, I just wanted to make sure that I took the time to tell you how important you are in my life. I love running my fingers over your hair when we sit around the fire in the evenings, and I am still jealous of how brown you are, when I just keep turning lobster red in the sun!
You literally keep me sane! Before you arrived, I was sometimes tempted to speak to the plants and animals, like a crazy person! I know, right?! At least, with you here, I have had someone to talk to!
Look, I know you haven’t spoken a word since you arrived. I am sure it must be the shock that caused that to happen, but never mind, I speak enough for the both of us. Yeah, you know it and I know it, ha, ha, ha! Well, I know that you probably won’t open up to me even now when I say this to you, and you might think this is premature to say, but I love you, Joe.
You probably think my brain is addled by that infernal sun, or that I only say this because there is no-one else available. Goodness only knows, you may even think I am saying it because of going mad stranded on this island, but I am serious, Joe. I said this just a few moments ago as a joke, but what would we do with each other? What would I do without you? Terrifying thought, but... oh well.
I do love you Joe, and you have been so supportive of me, staying by my side through thick and thin the last six weeks. I have to make sure that you understand how much you mean to me. I need you to know that I have made a decision, and I do not make it lightly. After all, you aren’t going to last forever, Joe, and food is so scarce right now. It would be such a waste to not eat such a lovely coconut before it spoils, so, even though I love you dearly...”
Smash!