Chapter 10 - Beastly Terror

"There's a crocodile, Al. What do we do now?" Laura asked anxiously, standing behind Alvaro.

Alvaro gripped his spear tightly, eyes locked on the approaching crocodile, which crept forward with slow, deliberate movements. "We are not going to be its lunch, don't worry," he said in a serious yet calm tone.

Laura swallowed hard, eyes fixed on the massive reptile. "What's your plan, Al?" she asked, her voice trembling.

"First, we back away slowly," Alvaro replied, stepping backward without taking his eyes off the crocodile. "We need to keep our distance and find higher ground."

Laura carefully followed Alvaro's lead, stepping away from the crocodile inch by inch. Together, they moved toward the rocks rising near the riverbank.

The crocodile opened its jaws wide, revealing rows of terrifyingly sharp teeth. Alvaro knew one wrong move could end disastrously.

"If it attacks, I'll try to distract it," he said firmly.

Laura shook her head quickly. "You can't face a crocodile alone, Al! We have to find a safer way."

Alvaro gave a thin smile, even though the situation was dire. "Then let's make sure it doesn't get any closer."

Quickly, Alvaro grabbed a large rock and hurled it toward the crocodile. It landed with a splash, causing the beast to hesitate and shift its gaze.

"This is our chance, Laura! Get to the rocks!" Alvaro shouted.

They both sprinted to the higher rocks. The crocodile appeared confused for a moment, then finally turned back toward the river, realizing its prey was no longer within easy reach.

Laura let out a long breath, her body trembling. "That... was absolutely terrifying."

Alvaro smiled in relief, though his breathing was heavy. "At least we're not on the menu."

Laura chuckled faintly, still shaken. "I have to admit, you were amazing, Al. But next time, let's not have lunch near a crocodile-infested river, okay?"

Alvaro laughed. "Deal."

They tried to calm their racing hearts. "While it's still distracted, we need to get out of here," Alvaro said, grabbing Laura's hand as they hurried away from the river.

Laura followed his quick steps, her heart pounding from the earlier incident. "You're right, we can't stay here," she said, glancing back to ensure the crocodile wasn't following them.

They ran along the riverbank, searching for a safer route. The trees grew thicker around them, but they pressed forward with determination.

After several tense minutes, Alvaro finally stopped at a higher, drier area away from the river. "We're safe here," he said, trying to catch his breath.

Laura sat on a large rock, wiping sweat from her brow. "I think I need a vacation after this," she joked wearily.

Alvaro chuckled. "If we get out of here safely, I promise to buy you a steak dinner without a crocodile watching."

"Promise?" Laura smiled, still panting.

"Promise," Alvaro said, holding out his pinky. Laura laughed and hooked her pinky with his.

Though their journey was far from over, a new confidence bloomed between them they could survive anything, as long as they were together.

"Honestly, that fish I ate earlier? My gut processed it instantly after that shock," Laura said.

"And now you're hungry again?" Alvaro guessed, making Laura laugh.

He shook his head with an amused smile. "I can't believe you're already hungry again."

Laura laughed, clutching her grumbling stomach. "Blame the crocodile. My adrenaline spike must've sped up digestion."

Alvaro laughed harder. "Sounds like your stomach needs more than just grilled fish."

Laura nodded. "If there were a burger stand in this forest, I'd be first in line."

"Burger with fries and a cold cola?" Alvaro teased, picturing it.

Laura groaned dramatically. "Don't tempt my stomach, Al."

They both laughed, their fatigue momentarily forgotten. Despite the wilderness, the tension between them eased.

"Alright, before we start daydreaming too much about food, let's find safe shelter," Alvaro said, rising and brushing off his dusty pants.

"Agreed. Preferably one without any wild occupants this time," Laura replied half-joking.

They resumed their trek with renewed optimism, ready to face whatever awaited them.

They moved deeper into the forest, the thick canopy above shielding them. Though exhausted, their spirits were lighter after their harrowing river encounter. Occasionally, birdsong and rustling leaves accompanied their steps.

"How much longer until we find a way out?" Laura asked, glancing at Alvaro.

He shrugged casually. "If we don't find a road, at least let's find shelter for the night."

Laura sighed. "Hopefully no more crocodile surprises this time."

Alvaro smiled faintly. "I'll set a mental alarm for danger."

"Don't forget to wake me if it rings," Laura chuckled.

They eventually found a small clearing with flat ground, surrounded by large trees for natural protection.

"This looks like a good place to camp," Alvaro said, surveying the area.

Laura nodded. "Agreed. Let's get things set up before nightfall."

Together they prepared a simple campsite. Laura gathered dry leaves and sticks to make a temporary bed, while Alvaro arranged firewood and built a fire ring with stones.

"We need a strong fire tonight," he said, lighting it with stones and dry wood.

"I agree. I don't want any more surprise visitors," Laura replied half-joking.

As the fire crackled to life, warmth slowly enveloped them. The sound of burning wood and the soft flicker of flames brought peace, even as night crept in.

Laura sat cross-legged, watching the dancing flames. "You know, Al... if it weren't for all the danger, this journey would be kind of fun."

Alvaro smiled softly. "Yeah, let's call it a nature trip."

Laura nodded. "It's been a week now. No helicopter, no rescue. Do you think they think we're missing... or dead?"

"This island is remote, and as far as I know, it's part of private territory," Alvaro explained. "That's why I keep asking you to move forward. I believe it borders another private island. This one might be included, which means access isn't easy."

"Do you think someone might help us on the other island?" Laura asked.

"I don't know," Alvaro replied. "Judging by the forest and the wild animals, it's been a long time since anyone came here. My goal is to get out of this forest and, if possible, cross to another island."

Laura sighed deeply. "So we really have to rely on ourselves."

Alvaro nodded firmly. "Yeah. I don't want to sit around hoping for help that might never come."

"What if there's nothing on the other island?" Laura asked, worried.

Alvaro looked her in the eyes. "Then we keep surviving. There's always a way if we don't give up."

Laura gave a faint smile, though unease lingered. "I like your spirit, Al. Still, I never imagined my vacation turning into a survival adventure."

Alvaro chuckled. "Me neither. But hey, not everyone gets an experience like this."

Laura laughed. "True. So when do we head to the next island?"

"Tomorrow morning," Alvaro said. "Tonight we rest and regain our strength. We don't know how far we'll need to walk."

"Alright, Captain," Laura replied with a thumbs up. "Let's hope luck is on our side tomorrow."

Alvaro stared at the dimming flames. "We make our own luck, Laura."

They talked lightly about their likes and daily lives. The forest night felt warmer despite the occasional breeze. Laura leaned against a tree, smiling. "So, Al... what do you normally do when you're not stuck in a jungle?"

Alvaro smiled. "Maybe it's cliché, but I love mountain climbing. It feels peaceful up there, away from city noise."

"That suits you," Laura chuckled. "I prefer sitting in a café with a book or watching movies."

"No wonder you always have clever remarks," Alvaro teased.

Laura raised her eyebrows proudly. "And you definitely look like a natural adventurer."

Alvaro laughed softly. "Maybe it's just survival instincts kicking in."

They fell quiet again, the sounds of the forest lulling them. Confidence slowly returned, readying them for whatever tomorrow held.

Night deepened, and they drifted into sleep from exhaustion.

Suddenly, Laura felt something cold brush against her skin, coiling around her until she couldn't move.

Her eyes flew open a massive snake was wrapped tightly around her body. Panic surged through her as she looked at Alvaro, still asleep.

Laura tried to hold her breath, wide-eyed with terror. The snake's grip made it hard to move, her heart pounding wildly. With trembling lips, she tried to call out.

"Al... Alvaro..."

But her voice was faint, choked by the pressure around her neck.

"Is this really how I'll die?" Laura thought desperately. "I'm sorry, Al..."

***