I woke up with the sun on my face the following day. Surprisingly, I slept soundly through the night since I didn’t have any nightmares or at least none that I can remember. With a refreshed body and a calmer mind, I set out for another day of surviving and finding my way out of this living nightmare.
I got up and did a bit of stretching. I need to limber up after sleeping on the ground all night. The sleeping bags I found were a huge help but they don’t compare to my soft, comfortable bed back home. Once I make it out of here, I’m gonna get myself a date with that good ol’ bed of mine that’s for sure. But that’d only happen IF I make it out of here alive.
Brushing those thoughts aside, I started checking the perimeter of the camp. The plates are still in place and the vines are intact. That tells me nothing or no one came by during the night. That’s another piece of good news.
I went through the camp again, looking for more clues and other useful items I might’ve missed yesterday. Since it was brighter, I could see better. I found some old tracks nearby, which were likely made by the people who left this camp behind. I followed the tracks for a bit and found a couple of canned goods not too far away. From the looks of it, they dropped the cans while in a hurry to get away. That or they threw the cans at whatever was chasing them.
I picked up the cans and what do you know – they’re Spam, my favorite! Spam is always welcomed especially in a situation like this. I had a smile on my face for a second there before reality hit me hard. To throw away something this important and delicious, they really must’ve been in trouble.
Now, what could scare them away like that? Was it a wild animal? Probably the bobcat I saw before or maybe something more dangerous? I can’t be sure, but one thing is certain: This place isn’t safe.
One of the cans was already swollen. I know from experience that the contents of the bulging can are likely spoiled already. I had to spend a few days in the hospital because of food poisoning back then. I never want to experience that again.
The other can has a slight dent but I don’t see any leaks or holes in it. It should be safe to eat but I’ll know better once I open the can. I’ll save it for later.
After a final go-around, I decided it was time to leave. The longer I stay here, the riskier things may get. I packed all I managed to find and was about to put out the fire when I thought of something. I could use the ashes to write something. I grabbed a piece of firewood and wrote my name and the words, “Lost. Need help.” I also drew an arrow pointing to where I’m headed after this. If it rains, all these would be washed away but I should still do it just in case someone passes by before my note is gone.
It’s now or never! I’ll find my way to safety today, come what may. I said a prayer and started walking, determined to make it out alive.
As I continued on my journey along the river, I was reminded of how important it was to keep a clear head and remain focused. I had to stay alert and aware of my surroundings at all times. With the thought of a possible threat in my head, I continued to scan the trees for any signs of movement or danger and the trail for any footprints, animal or otherwise.
And as I feared, I did stumble upon something alarming. Horrifying, even.
I’ve been having this eerie feeling ever since I left the camp. But now I’m terrified as I noticed something out of the ordinary. The trail ahead was littered with a few tattered pieces of clothes and other items as if someone had been in a fight or struggle. I took out the hatchet and checked the knife in my pocket. I made sure it was easy to reach if I need it.
I cautiously moved forward, looking for any signs of danger. There were blood stains on the clothes. This was getting more and more like an animal attack. As I investigated further, I found more clues that pointed to a possible threat in the area.
There were broken tree branches and trampled bushes as if someone or something had passed through there with great force. The ground was also disturbed, and there were deep claw marks in the dirt. It was evident that something had been chasing or attacking someone.
I continued following the trail of broken branches and disturbed vegetation hoping it’d lead me to the missing campers. I kept going until I couldn’t find any more signs of a struggle. That’s when I came to my senses.
I was too immersed in knowing what happened to the campers that I inadvertently put myself in even more danger. My heart raced as it dawned on me that I’m lost in some creature’s hunting grounds. What the heck was I thinking following the trail of something that could potentially kill me?!
I decided enough was enough and that I should go back to finding my way out of this wretched jungle. I turned around only to realize that I was deeper into the jungle than I should have gone. I thought I was walking for just a few minutes but it looks like more than an hour has passed since I couldn’t see the river anymore. The sky was getting darker, too.
I couldn’t believe what was happening! It felt like I blacked out for a moment yet my body continued to move, as if it had a mind of its own. My love for solving puzzles and mysteries took over and I was on automatic pilot. And now I was closer to danger when I should’ve been finding my way out of this nightmare. Way to go, stupid!
I laughed in disbelief after realizing my journey to safety had become a quest to solve a mystery. And right now, I’m nowhere close to home or finding out what happened to the missing campers.
No use blaming myself now. I took a deep breath, settled my nerves, and prepared to retrace my steps. I should just go the opposite way and follow the trail of trampled foliage back to the river.
I haven’t gone far when a weird sound came from behind me. I froze in place and the noise stopped. I waited and listened but I didn’t hear anything again. I looked around and saw nothing out of the ordinary. My mind must be playing tricks on me.
As I stood there surveying my surroundings, I finally admitted to myself that I was struggling to find my way back to the river. I was totally and hopelessly lost in the jungle even more. I was starting to panic even though I know that was the worst thing that can happen.
I did some breathing exercises again to help calm my nerves. I suddenly remembered what Tadashi Hamada told his little brother Hiro when he was struggling to get out of a tight spot: “Use that big brain of yours to think your way out! Look for a new angle.” Good thing I love Big Hero 6!
I repeated the words in my head as I looked for the tallest tree I could climb. I found one and quickly went to work. From that height, I couldn’t see the river. There were too many trees in the way.
I was trying to decide which was the best direction to go that’d likely lead to the river when I noticed something a bit out of place not too far out. It looked like a structure of some sort. Perhaps a house or something similar. I guess my luck is changing, huh?
I figured that it’d be safer to head for the structure instead of trying to find the river at this point. It’d get dark soon and I don’t think I have enough time to look for a place to camp out there. There might also be someone there who could help me. at the very least, I’ll have shelter from the cold.
I charted the path toward the house making sure I remember some landmarks so I won’t get lost. Once I got down, I grabbed my stuff and wasted no time heading towards it. I kept hoping it wasn’t just another mirage, but the closer I got to it, the more real it looked. Finally, I arrived at the structure. It was an old cabin!
At first, I was hesitant to approach it. Who knows what kind of danger might be waiting for me there? But then I thought, what other choice do I have? I’ve gotten this far and I can’t stay out in the open, exposed and vulnerable.
I surveyed the surroundings to see signs of any inhabitants and after making sure it was safe, I cautiously approached the cabin, trying to make as little noise as possible. As I got closer, I saw that the door was slightly ajar. With a hatchet in one hand, I pushed the door open. My heart was pounding as I stepped inside.
The cabin was small and seemed empty. The windows were boarded up and there was a worn-out table and a couple of chairs. It looks like the cabin was abandoned a long time ago though there were signs that someone was here recently.
The dust on the floor was disturbed like someone had been walking and crawling around recently. The table was also wiped clean. Well, as clean as it could be. But what really caught my attention was the piece of wrapper under the table. It’s what’s left of an energy bar and it’s the same as the ones I had in my pack when I first realized I was lost in the jungle.
What a strange coincidence, I thought. Well, if you’re a serious camper or backpacker, it’s quite natural to pack some energy bars. I just found it quite peculiar that we had the exact same kind of energy bar.
Brushing that aside, I figured it’s better to look at the bright side. The wrapper and this old cabin can actually be a saving grace. Aside from having a roof over my head, I also know now that someone was here recently. It’s possible that the missing campers made it out of their ordeal in one piece and took refuge here. They could still be alive. If they are and I find them, we could help each other get home. At the very least, I could look for the trail they left behind and hopefully, it’d lead me out of this jungle.
That gave me a newfound hope and I felt relieved. It’s still a long way to go but at least, I know now that I’m not alone in this journey. As long as I stay vigilant and keep looking, there might be a chance that I’d find the group or even make it back home on my own.
I rummaged through the cabin, hoping to find something that can lead me out of this jungle. But I was getting hungry so I thought I should eat first. I already snacked on the trail mix in the morning and had a canned tuna for lunch. I decided to eat the last canned tuna since I didn’t want to start a fire to prep the freeze-dried meals. Also, I was too hungry to start a fire ad I didn’t want to risk burning the old cabin down.
I downed the tuna and had a couple of gulps of water. I felt better but my mind and body were exhausted. All those walking, climbing, and worrying got me tired. I gave in and decided to lie down. After all, one can never underestimate the importance of rest in a situation like this.
I took out one of the sleeping bags. One should be enough since I’m inside the cabin. I laid it down behind the door and placed my gear beside it. This way, when someone comes in, they won’t see me right away.
I peeked through the gaps in the boarded-up windows to check if it was safe outside. It seemed safe for now but I thought I should block the door just to be sure. I picked up one of the broken chairs and lodged it against the door. If someone or something tries to come in, I’d hear it and wake up instantly.
Finally, feeling secure enough, I went back to my sleeping bag. I placed my hatchet and flashlight nearby so I can easily reach for them when I have to. Then I zipped myself in the sleeping bag and closed my eyes.
I was just about to drift off to sleep when something caught my eye. There was a piece of paper on the floor. I didn’t see it before. Am I dreaming already? Most likely not so I gathered what energy I have left and got up.
I grabbed the paper. It was probably under the chair that I used to block the door that’s why I didn’t see it before. I examined it closely and my heart nearly stopped.
There was a note written on the piece of paper. I was trying to read what was written on it when I suddenly remembered something. I rummaged through my backpack and got the piece of paper I found on the first day I woke up lost in the jungle.
I put the two pieces together and it fit like a jigsaw puzzle. The note said, “Help. We’re lost and something is…” The rest of the message was torn off. But based on what I read, it was probably written by the missing campers and that this “something” was likely a wild animal that was tracking and hunting them.
My head was spinning and my knees suddenly felt weak. I managed to hold on to the table and supported myself. The back of my head started hurting. Suddenly, I had flashes of the woman from my dream. I could see her face clearly. Who is she and why does she look so familiar?
The pain eventually subsided and I managed to regain a bit of composure. I took a deep breath and tried to process what just happened. It seems likely that the woman in my dream was one of the missing campers. And it’s highly possible that she wrote the note. But why did I have part of it?
The only logical explanation I could think of is that I must have encountered her before. It’s possible that I’m suffering from a bit of amnesia since I hit my head. Or maybe I experienced something so traumatic that I forgot the events of the past few days.
Things are getting crazier and stranger by the minute. I just hope that this piece of paper can lead me to the missing campers and out of this jungle. I can’t do anything right now since it’s already dark. Looking for them right now is not a good idea. And besides, I barely have strength in my knees and my head still hurts a bit.
I tucked away the pieces of paper and laid back down on my sleeping bag. I’ve decided that I’ll try to look for the woman tomorrow. I’ll give myself a day or two days tops to satisfy this curiosity of mine. I could stretch my food and if I run out of water, I’ll just look for the river again. It shouldn’t be that hard.
I know it’s dumb and I could get myself in more danger than I am right now if I look for the woman. But I have to do it! If I don’t find her, I’ll focus on getting out of this jungle and get some help.
I closed my eyes, willing myself to sleep. I’m sure all the pieces of the puzzle will come together eventually, hopefully with a happy ending in sight. Whatever happens, I’ll just have to take each step carefully and do my best to get out of this jungle alive. That’s all I can do now! Good night world!
The exhaustion finally caught up with me and I eventually doze off.
I was in the dream world when some noise woke me up. It sounded like the chair blocking the door was slowly being pushed. Someone or something was trying to get inside!
I opened my eyes and stared at the door. It was moving slowly. I slowly reached for my hatchet and flashlight while keeping my eye on the door.
The door stopped moving for a few seconds then I heard it again. This time, there were sounds coming from outside. I couldn’t make out what it was though. Was I hearing voices or some kind of animal?
I slowly unzipped my sleeping bag enough for me to quickly get out if something attacks me. My mind was racing and my heart was beating so hard it was about to burst out of my chest.
This is it! I’m going to die here. I’m never getting out of this jungle.
Looks like our hero is in a tight spot! What is lurking behind the door? Will he be able to escape the clutches of danger? How about you? What would you do if you were lost in the jungle and trapped in an old cabin with something sinister lurking around you? Catch the fifth installment of this mini-series as our protagonist navigate his way out of this life-threatening predicament in What Would I Do If I Was Lost in The Jungle! Visit Gentleman Pirate Club regularly to keep tabs on this exciting journey of survival!
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