BIG MAN ON A LITTLE STICK

"Great! What were the chances of that?" Skipper asked annoyed. It seemed the seven were never going to get off the island.

"I can't believe it. I should have realized the odds," the Professor agreed as he shut off the radio. Mr. Howell just shook his head in disgust.

"Hey cheer up guys, I kind of like it here." Gilligan said.

Skipper looked up in shock. "You do, little buddy?" he asked, surprised. Gilligan nodded.

"Sure. I mean, I do miss Mom and Dad, but when we get back..." Gilligan trailed off, with a sad thought. It showed on his face.

"What's wrong, Gilligan? You can't really love it here, do you?" Professor asked, intrigued as well at Gilligan's outburst.

"Well... never mind, you'll just think it's dumb," Gilligan said, stopping himself. His sad look didn't vanish, even when he tried to smile.

"Gilligan? Tell us already, little buddy," Skipper urged.

Gilligan just shrugged. "Please don't get me wrong. I didn't mean to mess up our rescue, the balloon thing..." Gilligan trailed off again, stalling to keep from his worry.

"We know that, little buddy, we'll get off. Come on - let's go catch some fish for dinner," the Skipper said, and patted Gilligan's back, thinking the conversation was done.

"Sure, Skipper." Gilligan started to follow his big buddy, but stopped at the door. "I just... none of you will be my friend when we get off. That's why I'm glad Duke got hurt!" Gilligan burst out, before he could stop himself. The worst part was this had been eating at him since the jungle boy was rescued. He looked up at the three men's faces and judging by their expressions, he knew not one of them thought about that. Not even the smartest man he ever knew. "I'm sorry... it's just… I had friends move away - good ones - I'm just sick of losing good friendships. You all... are my family," Gilligan stuttered, looking away quickly.

Skipper put his hand on Gilligan's arm and Gilligan scooted away. "I know Skipper... I've made you all mad... but you're still the best friends I ever had... I'm just sorry that some day it could end," Gilligan said, and then took off running fast as he could into the trees, ashamed for saying dumb things as usual.

"That poor boy! No wonder he had trouble finding my ball, he's been in the clouds." Mr. Howell said.

The Professor rolled his eyes. "He is right, Mr. Howell, we never talked about it, but if Duke hadn't gotten injured he may have recued us," he added.

"Poor Gilligan! I admit, I never really thought about it, the sea is my best friend, but of course I'd keep his as my first mate, no matter how mad he makes me..." Skipper trailed off as he stared out to where Gilligan's footprints disappeared.

"I say we don't discuss this anymore. No need to worry the women. I'm sure Gilligan will return, back to his normal self, now that we're detained here, once more," the Professor answered, and the two nodded a silent agreement.

XXX
Gilligan had stopped after finding a small cave. He curled up and hugged his knees. Then he pulled his diary from his pocket.

Dear Diary,

Anuthor visater arived. his name was Duke, he semed to go for the gerls i dunno why. I had to kiss Mary Ann to mak him go back. He cam on a surf bord on a sunami. Prafesor says its a gigantor wav. he hit his head tho and anuthor rescu bust. I realy dont car diary. I miss mom but I dunt want to lose them. I know Mary Ann will go back to hers farm, Ginger to holly wood. Prafeser will go to his lab and the Howells to there mansen. they cant tho long as we nevar leve. is that wrong diary? am I selfesh?

Gilligan

PS. I dunt thinks I am. I just want freinds, good unes likes them.

Gilligan came back to camp for dinner, just as the Professor predicted. He was smiling happily, but his thoughts still rang, loud and clear, in his mind…