Outside of the cave, everything was dark, the entire land was cloaked in darkness. The trees were silent, and the rush of the river was only a faint trickle. The traps lay un-sprung and the goat was fast asleep. However, inside the cave was much different. A warm fire crackle in the ring of stones placed in the center of the cave, and the two occupants chattered away while the girl cooked dinner, which was a spicy soup and egg custard. Above the sizzling of the cooking meal, she spoke to her companion in a casual voice, though, in truth, she was quite serious about what was about to be said. "Jack," she began. "Today, when you were out hunting, I was thinking..." She let her voice trail away as she tried to group her thoughts together. "Maybe I should take on some of those responsibilities. I mean, I'm living here too, so it isn't fair that you should hunt all the time." Her fellow survivor stopped shaving away at the wood on the spear he was making and stared fixedly at the burning logs. His jaw tightened and he clenched his fist around the stick so much that his knuckles turned white.
At last he spoke tensely. "Amy, you know how I feel about you with a bow and arrow. I just..." He struggled for what to say for a moment, then settled for a quiet, "I worry about you, Amy."
She stirred the custard, slightly annoyed, and replied, "I'm perfectly capable with hunting. You know that. I don't see why I can't help you!" She brandished the wooden spoon and put her other hand on her hip. The boy sighed and stood up, tossing the spear to the side.
"Look, I know you would be able to do it, but you don't know what's out there!" He spread out his arms to encompass the entire island. "There are crocodiles and boars and tigers...So much that could hurt you!" He walked over to her and hugged her tightly. "I don't want anything to happen to you, Amy. I love you..." The last three words hissed into the air, rendering the girl speechless for a minute.
Then, hugging him back fiercely, she said, "I love you too, Jack!" A tear coursed it's way down her cheek and she whispered in a shaky voice, "That's why I want to help. So that we can be back here sooner, so that we can be together more..." They stood, embracing, in silence for a little bit, then she concluded, "I hate having to wait for you all day, not knowing when you'll be back, if you'll be back."
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," Jack comforted her. "I didn't know you worried." He held her at arm's length and looked deep into her eyes. "I promise, Amy, that I will do everything I can to be with you. But I have to hunt to keep us alive." She sobbed some more and then looked urgently up into his face.
"Then take me with you, Jack," her soft voice pleaded. "Please..."
He looked at her for a long time, then gave in to her tears. "Alright, Amy. I will. I love you." She smiled faintly, then looked over her shoulder.
"Sorry, the custard's burning..."