Village E3: Survival of the Human Spirit by James Holler Read Free Book Online Page B

to Katie, then he handed what was
left in the pot to Hailey, and said, "Go ahead
and drink out of the pot."
    Katie had hers gone in seconds.
Hailey, aware that John was probably thirsty too, drank about half of what was
in the pot, and then handed the rest to John. John filled Katie's cup again,
then drank what was left in the pot. Between the three of them, the water in
the pot wasn't enough to quench their thirst. John walked over and got his
plastic water container and they continued to drink until they were all
satisfied.
    "We better get some more water
going," said John, as he threw his shirt down and walked toward the pool.
When the shirt hit the ground, the knife rolled out. Both women noticed it, and
glanced at each other to see if the other had seen it too. After filling the
pot with water, John checked for hot embers in the fire, and found none. He was
gone much longer than he planned, so the wood he put on the fire when he left
wasn't enough to keep it going.
    He went into his hut for some fire
starting material. This was a special occasion, so he would use one of his
remaining matches to get the fire going again. In a few minutes he had it
going, and positioned his newly filled pot over the edge.
    He had an overwhelming feeling of
self-consciousness. Before the women arrived, it never mattered that he hadn't
taken a bath since he woke up on the beach, or that the back of his boxers were
badly soiled from sitting in the dirt. He thought back to the day when he
looked at his reflection in the pool, and realized, that was the image they
were seeing now. He felt embarrassed and ashamed.
    It seemed like an eternity since he
had seen a woman. He was trying not to stare at them, but couldn't help
himself. They both looked like they just dropped in from a trip to the mall.
They were both pretty, and it took all the willpower that he had to keep from
being mesmerized.
    "OK, now that we have that
going, I will fill you in on what I know, and what I don't," said John, looking
at his guests. Eager for answers, they both listened intently. "Months
ago, I went to sleep in Colorado, and woke up here. I have no idea how I got
here, where we are, or who is behind this. I haven't seen another person since
I've been here, until today, when you arrived. There is a pretty good reason
why I haven't seen anyone here. You are going to think I'm nuts when I tell you
this, but we aren't on earth anymore," said John. Katie and Hailey looked
at each other. John could tell by their expressions that they thought he was
insane, or lying.
    "I know what you are probably
thinking. You will see tonight when the moon comes out. It will convince
you," said John. "How will the moon convince us?" asked Hailey.
"It's huge," said John. "Much bigger than the moon you are used
to seeing." Again the women looked at each other. "Do you remember
how far the water was from the tree line?" asked John, looking at Hailey,
and then Katie. They both nodded. "I think that is because of the big moon.
There is a huge difference between high tide, and low tide," said John.
"Oh, that makes sense," Hailey said, trying her best to convince John
that she believed him, even though she didn't.
    "Is that where you always get
your water," Hailey asked John. "Yes, it's the only place I know
of," he replied. "Let's take a look," Hailey said to Katie,
motioning for her to come with her. The two women walked over to the pool of
water. Looking back, to see if they were far enough away from John, so he
wouldn't hear, Hailey said, "We can't stay here, this guy is crazy. As
soon as he goes to sleep tonight, we'll get the hell out of here. For now
though, we'll play along with him, so he won't go off or something." Katie
nodded in agreement. "If he tries anything crazy, I'll distract him, and
you go for his knife. Let's get back, before he gets suspicious," said
Katie, as she began to walk back to where John was seated.
    "So, what have you been eating
around here," asked Katie, as the