Crocodiles

There's always someone or something bothering you.

Crocodiles

It was a few more miles to the island. High above the world, a plush carpet of cloud looked wondrous, endless, comforting and magnificent. Illuminated by the brilliance of an unfettered sun, shining its holy light. It was almost amazing, how beautiful the world could seem when you couldn't actually see it.

I'd decided to go alone in the end. If I took anyone else I'd feel responsible for them, they probably wouldn't appreciate it.

With my thoughts muffling the sputtering roar of my little red bi-plane I reviewed my plan. I'd been by a month ago to make sure everything was set up just right, a little champagne, enough wood for the fire, and starlight to usher in a new year. Nobody to bother me.

Roughly judging distance and time, I nose dived beneath the clouds. Cruising through the mist, I could already see my island in the distance. It had been my own personal retreat for a good while now, imagine a stereotype of boiling white sands, rolling spray of crystal blue waves to cool them down.

Rows of palms at once invigorated and oppressed by the brilliant sun, and perhaps most gorgeously, not another single creature.

I found an ideal strip of beach once I eventually reached it, and rolled awkwardly into landing, having never fully adjusted to the landing, a harrowing death trap of turbulence. Some part of the plane occasionally broke, but I'd deal with that later on.

I left myself drink in the atmosphere, peace, life and sheer gorgeousness at once. A smile beamed onto my face for the duration of my stroll to the remote log cabin.

The closer I got...I felt my heart sink at the sight of unknown, moving figures. Running to the cabin, I encountered a scene awash with crocodiles. I shouted at them to get away from my cabin.

"Why?" They barked back. This was their island after all, I should leave.

I knew that my tenancy agreement was in the cabin, but I couldn't get inside. I started to panic as the hungry monsters encircled my position, snarling with heavy indignation and appetite, all ten of their black beady eyes boring into me.

Sheer moments later, a 'friend' of mine from the city emerged boldly from the cabin door. Looking strong and authoritative despite his ratty shorts, shirt and sandals tourist starter pack combo. He had my contract in one hand and another crocodile by the other. With enough legal grounds to call the police, and one of them apparently being acquainted with the landlord, the crocodiles slunk away irritably, sullenly returning to within the thick of the jungle.

My friend said he knew I'd be here alone for the new year and was keeping me company. I weighed up his annoying company against the jaws of the crocs, and wondered, should I be grateful?