GILLIGAN'S MOTHER-IN-LAW
The two men watched as Gilligan raced full speed through the island toward safety. Haruki looked puzzled as he paddled back to shore.
"Skipper, you best go find him," the Professor whispered, before going over to talk with the island's latest visitor.
With a small sigh, the Skipper went off to search for his scared shipmate and friend. It wasn't too hard and didn't take too long to find the shaking bush beside their camp.
"Gilligan…" Skipper whispered, and the bush stopped shaking. Out popped a white cap, followed by the young man.
"Skipper, please don't make me go with him!" Gilligan pleaded.
The Skipper didn't know what to say. Part of him wanted to go back home and the other part wanted to keep his little buddy safe. Before he could regret it, he chose the second option.
"Gilligan, how do you feel?" he asked calmly.
The scared man looked up, puzzled. "Fine," he answered, unsure of what was happening.
"You're sure? You feel warm to me," the Skipper responded, touching the man's cool forehead.
"I feel… very, very, sick," Gilligan said, catching on. He moaned and touched his forehead.
"Then… I guess I can't let you go to that island. With your fever, he'd stab you with the dart in seconds," Skipper said, and Gilligan smiled.
"Thanks, big buddy," he said, as he was lifted up and cradled like an infant.
"Don't worry about it, little buddy," the Skipper answered. "Gilligan, do you remember the day you saved my life?" he asked.
Gilligan nodded. "No way that I could forget it; not with that great medal hanging over my mom's fireplace. She was really proud of me."
"Yes, that medal made you a man. I never seen such a scrawny kid do something that brave," the Skipper went on, and Gilligan smiled, proud of his accomplishment.
"Anyway, I made a promise to your family and to myself that I'd keep you safe. Gilligan, I'm sorry you went through that first test, but you are not leaving this island just to get shot with poison," Skipper said, as they reached their hut. He dumped Gilligan into his hammock. "I'm going to find the girls so they can take care of you and that cold," he said with a wink. Five minutes later Ginger and Mary Ann were standing next to Gilligan.
"He seems fine to me, Skipper… what is going on?" Ginger asked, folding her arms.
"The Skipper is trying to keep me safe from the poisoned darts, Ginger," Gilligan answered. Ginger looked at him, and then to her confused roommate, and then back to the Skipper.
"Because Gilligan won the first test, they made him best man," Skipper explained.
"You mean, there's another test?" Mary Ann asked, suddenly worried.
"Poison darts - six paces," the Skipper answered. "Listen girls, I need you two to stay here with Gilligan until I return. None of you are to leave," he went on, having to yell because of the girls screams. Finally both the girls nodded and Skipper left for the lagoon.
"There you are, Skipper, but where is Gilligan?" the Professor asked as he saw the captain.
The Skipper shrugged. "I searched everywhere. He must have gotten too big a head start, Professor," he answered.
The Professor looked at him, and then Haruki. He spoke to him in his language: "Isn't there any way you can stay and wait?" he asked him, and Haruki shook his head.
"Little man not have survived anyway," he said with a laugh. Then he took off in his canoe.
"Well that was pleasant. So where are you hiding Gilligan, Skipper?" the Professor asked.
"He's in our hut, Professor you and I both know he wouldn't have passed the native's test," Skipper said, defending himself.
"I know. It appears we are stuck here… still!" the scientist answered. The two went to camp and opened the door to the Skipper's hut.
Gilligan sat up straight. "Am I safe?" he asked, and the Professor nodded.
"Oh, boy! I'm going to tell my diary about this! Wait until my mom reads her, she'll be so impressed!" Gilligan cheered up immediately and raced out of the hut carrying his book.
Dear Diary,
Almost got maried tuday. this native gerl dicided she luved me and wanted me to mari her. I had to pas tests ferst. Thes nativs sur got werd tests. By dum luck I noked a guy out with a coconut. Skipper saved me from doin the best man test tho. I dont think I culd surviv a poisin dart!
Gilligan