Isabelle

“I thought that you…”

“I thought that you…”

“Are you serious? I did too!”

“You mean…”

“I wasn’t going to let you have all the fun!”

“You swam all the way?”

“The fisher boy carried me.”

The fisher boy grinned, rubbing his head.

“I think you two better get going,” Ashoka said. “There’s a lot to explore on this island. It may be wrong, but I have a funny feeling you two will discover Paradise for the first time.”

“Thanks, Ashoka, for looking after me.”

“Thanks, Ashoka, for looking after him.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Everyone knows you can’t take care of yourself.”

“And everyone would be?”

“Look around you. The rocks and the streams. Every little rill here is burbling. They’re giggling. They’re looking at us.”

“How do you know they’re not laughing at you?”

“Well, I guess that’s possible.” Isabelle stopped. “But you know what’s not possible? That life should ever come to a stop, looking for you. There are so many things we have to do. There are so many things I have to do. I can’t spend my whole life on this island looking for you.”

“Well, I’ll try my best not to hold back.”

“Do you see this plot? For some reason I feel like it’s where I’m meant to be. I plan on staying here for a very long time.”

“But Isabelle…there’s nothing here.”

“I know it looks like it. I think that’s why I like it so much. I can make my own Paradise.”

“Where do I fit in it?”

“Well, if you’re brave enough, you can come along for the ride.”

“I’m brave enough!” Ishmael shouted.

“Are you sure you can handle it?” Isabelle asked. “Let me warn you…I’m pretty dangerous. But really. I really am. Don’t get too close to me.”