She couldn’t remember how she got here…confusion fogged her mind. As she sat up her head throbbed from lying on the hard ground. Looking around- Aurora gazed upward at the sky through an opening between the tops of very tall trees. Great. She says aloud. Talking to the nothing that surrounded her. She remained utterly alone.

The rain had driven Aurora into the web of trees that were her only shelter from the storm.

I am held captive.

Nature has already begun to state it’s dominance over Raymu. Aurora’s thoughts raced. Shelter; a place giving temporary protection from bad weather or danger. The hand saw that was packed for her lay across her lap. She stared at it like it may start to begin sawing on it’s own. Of course she wouldn’t actually believe in such. Today marked the beginning of change, the beginning of survival, and also the beginning of accepting this punishment.

The decision has been made. These 10 months would not defeat Aurora. There is freedom in knowing we exist separately on our own islands. We need the island for refuge and in turn the beauty of it’s quiet solitude aspect.

Home.

By the sweat of her brow and the laboring of her hands, the shelter was finished. The structure, framed in twine and teak, had leaves and limbs crisscrossed to make up tent like side walls. She realizes that hours have passed. Her stomach ached with hunger. Blood stings her eyes as she runs her hands across her face.

The sun set on the second day.

Time moves slowly. The challenges are brutal. The fight in her mind rocks back and forth like waves against her feet. Today, Aurora notices what’s left of her flamingo pink toenail polish – toying with the urge to remove it completely. Her mental health is damaged. Rage and hopelessness surround her. The handmade nets that were cast for fish failed.

Aurora returns to the shelter.

The sun sets on the third day.

The mornings on Raymu were bitter cold as were many of the nights. She longed for the midday sunshine.

Her crime boomeranged inside her head. Aurora would reap what she sowed. That was God’s money Aurora! She shouted to herself. Others were along for the ride as well. The agreement was to share the benefits. The role as the church newcomer became her main performance in raking up the big bills. It was only a matter of time before the truth was revealed. The cloak was removed and the light illuminated the groups sins. Joining churches and stealing tithes and offerings had the jury wiggling in their seats.

They couldn’t wait to banish her.

Being the ringleader the blame and ultimate penalty was brought against her. We hereby sentence you, Aurora Lindell, on this day March 10th of 2006 to isolation and solitude on Raymu. The gavel might as well have been an inch from her face. She felt it’s wooden power and the hardwood pierced her ears. The judges words haunted. Raymu- a nightmare you can’t awake from.

The sun set on the fourth day.

In the night, Aurora was awakened by a loud screech. Her instincts told her to be very still and not to move. Other forces encouraged an investigation. She circles the perimeter of her structure to no avail. Whatever was stalking the night was long gone. Nothing was able to comfort the fact that wild animals were aware of her presence. The rest of her sleep was unsuccessful as she kept one eye opened.

Day five was bound to be a fruitless one. Determination was wearing thin. When wandering off a short ways from the structure she stumbled upon a little stream. She bottled up the hydrating substance. Tears sprang up from the corners of her eyes. The past few days have been dark and exhausting. In this moment mercy has shown itself. A small gift To: Aurora From: Raymu.

The sun sets on the fifth day.

If Aurora does not eat soon her stay will be short lived. She moves the twine across tiny limbs and branches that bend between her fingers. Fumbling them over and over again in her hands. Finally, the netting seems sound. She casts in an area where she had seen movement. As she begins to walk away something catches her gaze. Instantly, a fish was redirected into her trap. Luck was suddenly on her side. She is overwhelmed with emotions. There is no hiding her great achievement. She prepares and cooks her fish. Aurora glows in the enjoyment of her first meal.

And when the sun sets on the sixth day, something changes. Whether it be positive or negative. Things are different from this point forward.

Nights turned to days and the days into nights. Time began to evaporate from the earth. It must be around September. The sun warms the land a little less. The darkness comes sooner and stays later. Aurora thought of home. Or the home she had at one time anyway. Her parents were the religious strict rule followers. Her past speaks of church going and dedication to God. Her betrayal of their beliefs at an early age left her homeless. While living on the streeta, she learned a great deal. Life as she knew it dissolved into a puzzle with tons of lost pieces. Too many to even count. The entire picture was incomplete. Was her soul dawned? Never before had she asked herself this. Tied up in the scheme of things, she did not recognize any wrong doing. Some might say Aurora was blinded to the reality of every situation that she battled.

The fight was over. A telegram sent by boat informed and confirmed the news. It was the beginning of January. Civilization had just brought in the new year. She spiraled with happiness. The cold of the winter surely played it’s part. It was long and unforgiving. This message symbolizes that the war is over. Aurora is. Raymu. Neither contenders awarded the winning title. The circumstances had Aurora annoyed and unprepared. While Raymu was stubborn and impatient.

Throughout these months the girl and the island shared in giving and taking. The ebb and flow between man and creation defies the ordinary

Remarkable lessons.