Chapter 379
‘Hey, Milly’s fan here. Welcome to the family. All we need is a bit of her to live.’
The comments flew around.
In the thrum of the live chat’s effusive discourse, the seven adventurers remained oblivious, their attention seemingly immune to the rising tide of adulation for Milly, unbeknownst to herself as the object of newfound fandom.
As they disembarked from the yacht, the crew’s departure was as swift and silent as the dusk settling over the desolate shores. Not a word of parting grace passed their lips.
Proud Hannah, bedecked in her finery and lofty heels, found her countenance shifting to a pallid hue as the stark reality of this untamed, uninhabited expanse struck her with the force of a bitter jest.
Had the live transmission not been underway, thus mandating the preservation of her public image, fury would surely have ignited the powder keg of her indignation long before.
Stephanie, accompanied by the stalwart presence of Matthew, wore a visage of ashen perplexity. “Is this all?” she inquired plaintively, casting a glance about the desolation. “Are we to be forsaken in this place, deemed unfit for human habitation?”
Dakota, less extravagantly garbed but still restrained by her clinging attire, bore the blemish of smeared makeup upon her fair complexion. “This… desolate place,” she murmured, her voice tinged with apprehension. “Surely the crew does not intend to leave us stranded here overnight, right?”
Three of the four young women stood aghast and wan, their disbelief painted upon pallid features. Milly alone maintained an air of composure, her gaze sweeping serenely across the surroundings.
Curious thoughts stirred within her.
Why did this island seem so strangely familiar?
In the midst of their confusion, a sudden crackling from a nearby tree heralded the authoritative tones of Director Cameron, resonating through a hanging loudspeaker:
“Ahem, esteemed participants of the wilderness survival expedition, take heed. The official recording of our venture commences forthwith, marking the onset of your three-week odyssey. Good fortune attend you all!”
With the fading of his voice, silence returned like a tide ebbing from the shore.
Is this the entirety of their reception?
Is this the sum of their welcome?
As Milly pondered, her gaze lifted to the tallest tree, where the loudspeaker dangled. A spark of recognition illuminated her features. This was the island her elder brother had purchased for her!
In the absence of landmark structures, recognition had eluded her initially. Yet now, standing before that towering sentinel, clarity dawned like the first light of morning.
When she first saw images of this island, she had urged her brother to preserve that very tree. To sever it would have been a grievous loss indeed.
In the turn of events, a felicitous chance unfolded! Were it any other unfamiliar islet, it might have posed a daunting challenge, for Milly was no seasoned adept of the wilderness. Yet, this was her own private isle, and with the recent perusal of its detailed archives, her anxieties dissipated like the morning mist.
With a tranquil mind, her thoughts flowing in unison, she dragged her suitcase and, guided by her recollections of the isle’s terrain, declared, “Let us proceed. Firstly, we must secure a dwelling place, then we can attend to our water and sustenance.”
She ventured towards the thickest part of the woodland. She recollected that the forest was not vast; beyond lay a flat expanse ideal for making camp.
William, steadfast in his loyalty to Milly, shouldered his luggage without hesitation and followed. Charlie, who had maintained silence until now, also shouldered his burden and joined the march.
As Dakota pondered whether to follow suit, Stephanie’s measured voice interjected from behind, “Milly, would it not be imprudent to act alone? We are all strangers to this place. You ought to confer with us before making decisions.”
Ordinarily, Milly might have dismissed Stephanie’s cautious counsel, but given the television show’s context, substance outweighed pride. This venture marked Bonnie’s maiden foray into reality television, and Milly could ill-afford to disappoint Bonnie.
Drawing a deep breath, she patiently expounded, “This terrain consists entirely of rocky precipices, and with nightfall imminent, the tide will surge. We cannot tarry here. Regardless of what lies ahead, our foremost task is to vacate this locale and locate a secure haven.”
Milly’s rationale was lucid and cogent, yet Stephanie persisted in her stance, determined to paint Milly in a negative light. “Milly, this is no domicile. We are a team. Communication and cooperation are paramount. If each of us acts independently, how will we harmoniously endure three weeks here?”
Her words resonated with emotion and fervor, placing Milly on the precipice of ethical reckoning.
Words failed Milly.
Should she unleash a fiery riposte or maintain her composure? At this pivotal moment, should she uphold her integrity and standing? It seemed her reasoned appeals had failed to sway opinion.
Suddenly, Hannah stepped forward, her voice resonating with authority. “I concur with Milly. We are a team. We rise and fall together. This is not about individual renown or toying with lives for spectacle.”
In that instant, Hannah’s stance echoed Milly’s, emphasising the significance of unity over individual heroics.
‘Indeed, Ms. Hannah speaks truth. They form a fellowship, thus communication and collaboration ought to prevail. Does Milly aspire to lead, compelling all to follow her?’
‘Heh, quite amusing. She, from the hinterlands, presumes to dictate here.’
‘Ms. Hannah exudes genuine kindness. Faced with such self-interest, a resounding slap would be my response!’
‘Anyone endorsed by Ms. Hannah must stand justified! Hail, Ms. Hannah!’
Amidst the deluge of remarks, a handful of astute bystanders and Milly’s devotees voiced their perspectives:
‘I concur with this maiden’s wisdom. As an outdoor survival chronicler, our imperative now is to depart and secure a sheltered haven before twilight. In the wilds, the unknown lurks with nightfall!’
‘I am Milly’s fan. Milly’s acumen shines bright. A scholar of distinction from Crestfallen University, I fail to fathom the critique here.’
‘Precisely! Utterly exasperating. A throng disputes the sole sage amidst them, self- congratulating aplenty.’
Their minority wielded scant sway, swiftly drowned by Hannah’s adherents in the tumultuous outpouring.
Milly harboured no intent to entangle further. Her stance articulated, their disbelief was their own affair. Should the rising tide ensnare them anon, it would not weigh upon her.
“Should discussion be your desire, then discuss here. We press forth.”