You could count on Mary Ann to be in a good mood, almost always. She was so sweet and caring of all the other Castaways, even Gilligan, who was actually her best friend. Even though, they had all been trapped on this island for about two and a half years, she still had such a positive outlook on life, just like Gilligan. She had a feeling deep inside of her, that one day they would all be rescued. It had to happen sooner or later, right?

Suddenly, Mary Ann's cheerfulness and positive attitude vanished once Jonathan Kinkaid visited the island. He truly was a monster! A no-good evil man who deserved to rot in a cell for the rest of his life. The fact that someone could just hunt another human being, was just plain sick! The man had no moral compass, whatsoever. It took Gilligan a few days to get over it, but he was able to bounce back. Mary Ann hid her pain because she didn't want to upset Gilligan any more than he was, and the others had a hard enough time dealing with Gilligan's post traumatic stress, they didn't need to deal with her.

There had been nights when Mary Ann had nightmares, that Kinkaid had come back, and not only killed Gilligan, and the other five, and then kidnapped her and forced her to become his wife.

For the sake of the others, Mary Ann had put on a brave face, and would act just as cheerful as could be. The only difference really was that she was being more overprotective of Gilligan than usual. Whenever Skipper would give him a chore to do, Mary Ann would follow closely behind to keep an eye on him. He sure was tougher than he looked. After having another nightmare, Mary Ann decided to go sit outside and build a campfire. Maybe the fire and a warm cup of coffee would help her relax. It helped a little, but not much. She reached up and wiped a tear from her eye. Was she being selfish? Gilligan had been the one who was hunted and almost killed, and he was doing better, and here she sat, about to fall apart at the seams!

"Mary Ann, are you all right?"

Mary Ann gasped, and turned, to find Gilligan standing there, a look of concern on his face.

"What are you doing up so late? And why are you crying?"

Gilligan sat down next to her and put a gentle hand on her arm. He was caught off guard, when Mary Ann turned around and pulled him into a huge embrace. Gilligan didn't have much experience when it came to girls, and they often made him nervous, but Mary Ann was the exception.

Finally, after Mary Ann calmed down, she let him go, and wiped at her eyes. "I'm sorry, Gilligan. I-I just can't take it anymore! I've been having nightmares about-"

Gilligan's eyes widened. "About monsters? Oh, I have them all the time. You get used to it. Did they grab you by the throat?"

Gilligan put his hands around his throat to emphasize.

"No. Worse. To me, anyway. I had a dream about Kinkaid."

"Kinkaid?"

"Yes, Gilligan. I was so worried about you. You're my best friend, and I don't know what I would do if he got you. I've tried so hard to be brave for you and the others, but it's just so hard!"

"Oh, Mary Ann. It's okay. He's gone, now. Locked up somewhere, and he's never coming back. I had nightmares about it, too, remember? Awful ones. But thanks to all of you, I'm okay now. You have nothing to worry about, Mary Ann. I'm here. And you're right. Having nightmares about Kinkaid is a lot worse than having nightmares about monsters."

"Kinkaid's a monster, too, Gilligan."

Gilligan shook his head. "No, he's not, Mary Ann. He doesn't have fangs, or claws, or red eyes, or-"

Mary Ann gave a small laugh. "Gilligan, you always know how to make me feel better. Thank you."

"Are you all right now?"

"A lot better. Thank you so much for the talk."

"You're welcome."

Mary Ann gave Gilligan a hug, helped him put out the fire, and then went to bed, nightmare free.

THE END