Fiction: Group 3
December 25
th
, 2005 2:34 PM
The boat is built. I am currently gathering food for my journey and hopefully will be off later tonight. I
must admit I am proud of myself to have made it this far. To survive on this island alone with no help.
Looking back to when I lived in Guangzhou I know I could have never been able to survive even just one
night on a camping trip. The island has taught me how to adapt. How to discard all the materialistic goods
which were so important to me in my former life. Despite its flaws, my experience in this secluded world
has taught me so much.
December 25
th
, 2005 7:48 PM
The boat is ready. Before I leave I almost feel like I am going to miss this place. It has been my home for the
past 11 years and has kept me safe from the dangers of the outside world. Nevertheless, I know it’s the right
thing to do. I need to go back to Guangzhou and raise awareness about the horrible way people are treating
our beautiful river. I need to change this for our future. I am ready.
February 9
th
, 2006
I have just arrived back in Guangzhou. However, the tough journey has prevented me from writing in my
journal earlier. Every night I would wake up to the roar of a new rainstorm, and in the morning would
freeze from the howling winds. After the first month I also realized I had not brought enough food and that
the water was too dirty to fish in. Being back is weird. Everyone has grown up. The kids I used to see
running around that old house are gone. They have all grown up and are working hard. They probably long
for the days where they could relax and be scared of a stupid old house. As for the old man? He’s gone too,
consumed by the hands of time.
February 15
th
, 2006
Looking back on my days on the island, I remember the people throwing waste into the river as I sat there
helplessly. Invisible. Seeing all those poor animals suffering because of the destructive and careless nature of
my society. I need to make a change. That is what I’m here to do.
March 18
th
, 2006
It has only been a little more than a month but I have managed to speak to a couple of people who will
partner up with me to help clean the river. I have campaign managers who will help me advertise and
reach out to more people that live their lives like I used to, oblivious to the beauty that we are destroying.
I have people helping me with charity fairs to raise money. And I have people who are planning trips for
me to go to schools and speak about this growing problem that is happening all around them. My goal for
this project is to get the younger generation involved and to make them passionate and committed to
solving this devastating problem.
