The others came rushing behind him- daggers and spears raised as if to strike, only to be stopped by their sight falling on the massive vessel in the background. The navy ship was blue and white- classic colours for a British navy drone. The boys cheered at the feeling of freedom. They were finally going home. The British naval officer looked at him expectantly, eyes stern and face despondent.
Solemnly, Ralph began explaining what had happened on the Island- from the plane crash to the burned trees that now mars the island like an ugly scar. He told the admiral of how he was elected leader, of how no one listened to him. All the while, the crew and captain listened intently, waves receding and crashing on rocks behind them, the spray casting a salty breeze.
"There were twenty-four of us, and now there are twenty-two," he said solemnly, wiping tears of exhaustion from his cheek. The officer motioned for me to continue.
He spoke of the long hours they spent tending to the fire, how a ship passed when it was out. He told them about the mysterious Beast that roamed the land, hungry and relentless. He told them about the hunts the 'savage tribe' went on, and how that eventually led to the murder of Simon - who they mistook for the Beast. When he had reached the part about Piggy's death, he looked at his feet- sure he was an annoying runt with his great ideas and moral compass, but he has been Ralph's companion for almost a month.
"We wouldn't have lived this long if it weren't for him"
First, there was silence. And then-
"Well, dear boy, it seems like you've been through a lot these past few days. We will hold a memorial for your friends, but first.." He turned to the crew, "We need to get these boys home."