The Three Day Survival Game

After two more days, we were finally out, thanks to Hemma, who brought us food daily. I regained my strength with her help and Liam's healthcare. Now, back in the sunlight, I wandered around the forest, savoring the freedom after being under constant watch for a week. I needed solitude, so I walked until I found a bench beneath a tree and sat down.

Alone at last, the thoughts that had been haunting me returned—thoughts of Kris. It was impossible not to think of him. My mind clung to memories of him, replaying them endlessly. I wanted to feel loved again—by him and only him. A tear slid down my cheek as I leaned back, closing my eyes. Without realizing it, I drifted off to sleep.

I woke up to Astrid gently shaking me. "The chairman's on an online conference to talk to us," she said. She led me to a dark room illuminated by a large screen on one wall. Karun and the others were already seated, waiting. I sneaked in like a kid late to class and took my place.

The conference began. Others reported their tasks while we waited for our turn.The chairman took a moment to address the group before moving forward.

"I must commend everyone involved in this mission. To the guild—Gibbard, Damian, Aiden, and Astrid—your bravery and skill were instrumental in navigating the challenges of the game. Your efforts set the foundation for success. And to the research team—Ryan and Daisy—your sharp analysis and quick thinking provided the crucial support we needed to make it out alive. Each of you played a critical role, and for that, I am deeply grateful."

Hearing his words of appreciation brought a sense of pride to the room, even as we remained focused on our own impending turn to speak. For a moment, the weight of our ordeal felt lighter, knowing that everyone's contributions were recognized.

When it was finally our turn, the chairman addressed us. "I'm glad you all made it out alive. Your reward will be waiting here when you return."

Karun interjected, "Sir, what about our positions?"

The chairman smiled. "Ah, yes. Your jobs are secure. You can regain them, but I believe your reward will be even more satisfying than just your professions. However, I fear it may also feel like a burden."

I sat awkwardly, nodding along like a child surrounded by adults discussing matters she didn't fully understand. But Karun wasn't done. "Why did you send only us on this mission, sir? You promised to answer this question now."

The room fell silent. Only Ryan and I knew the truth. Our eyes met briefly, but I couldn't bring myself to tell Karun. Revealing the truth would also mean sharing parts of Ryan's private life, especially about Noah. Even the chairman didn't know that his second son had been in love with a man.

The chairman finally spoke. "Before he died, my second son relayed your names. He sent a picture of Kathy to be included. I'm not sure why, but he believed you could end this. And I wanted that to happen."

Karun glanced at me briefly, seeming to piece things together but chose not to press further. Instead, chairman asked, "So, Kathy, do you care to share what really happened?"

"I—I don't know what you mean," I stammered.

He persisted. "The game shut itself down, Kathy. No more cheat codes are required, and the game is gone. It vanished into thin air."

He added, "It's fascinating. How could the game shut down entirely? The Avikaranya Forest will now regain its peace."

"So will Kris" a thought ran in my head "I hope he'll be at peace now"

I suppressed the glimmer of hope and joy I felt, feigning shock and confusion. "I just hit the exit button, sir. Karun was unconscious by then, and I didn't have time to decode the program. We left with what we found inside the game—what we thought was the cheat code."

"And where exactly did you find it?" the chairman asked.

"In a corner near a glitch," I lied.

He didn't believe me, but for some reason, he didn't press further. No one else in the room seemed willing to challenge my answer either. Perhaps they understood that we had already endured so much within the game—far more than any explanation could justify or recount. The silence carried an unspoken agreement: some truths could remain buried, at least for now.

Karun lightened the mood by asking, "So, when will we return, sir?"

"In five days," the chairman replied. "Get your strength back and enjoy yourselves. The game is gone, and now it's just a tourist spot."

The call ended, and the tension lifted. Outside, as the others gathered around us, I shouted, "Now's the time for a vacation, folks!"

Starting that day, life felt like a celebration. We soaked in the sun at the beach, ventured deep into the forest, and even revisited the game center. Or, at least, where it used to be. All that remained was an old, weathered door frame standing like a forgotten relic. It was strange to think something that had shaped so much of our lives was now just… gone.

Having fun was exhausting, though. My body hadn't fully recovered, and most nights, I'd collapse into bed without even bothering to eat dinner. Hemma, bless her soul, started preparing midnight snacks, knowing I'd wake up hungry and rummage through the kitchen.

But fun wasn't the only thing keeping us busy. Every day, we pitched in to help with the massive operation to rebuild and move out. People were leaving the island, and everything was changing. The research center, once filled with secrets and tension, was being redesigned into a luxury resort hotel. The guild hall? That was now turning into an amusement park. Talk about a wild transformation.

Still, some people chose to stay behind to manage the island, especially since Avikaranya, dangerous as ever, remained home to untamed wild animals. The island was evolving right before our eyes. Every haunting memory—every corner of dread—was now being dressed up like it had been waiting for this makeover all along.

Helping out wasn't a chore; it was fun when surrounded by friends. We joined in on every quarry-loading operation, starting early in the morning and working till noon. The air buzzed with laughter and shouts as we packed the ships. People kept insisting we should rest, but honestly? There was something fulfilling about working together. Who said hard work couldn't be fun when you had a team like this?

I even made new friends along the way and found myself meddling in Damian and Ryan's lives a little too often, playing the self-appointed Cupid. My antics included creating "coincidental" moments for them—like conveniently making sure there was only one seat left next to Damian during our campfire gatherings. Ryan, trying to look unfazed, would awkwardly take it, but by the end of the evening, he'd be smiling at Damian's latest ballad or witty remark.

Then came the bombshell.

It was one of those campfire nights. Damian strummed his guitar, playing a soulful piece he'd titled Eternal Love. The melody danced in the night air, and everyone listened, mesmerized. Ryan, too, was unusually relaxed, and I silently congratulated myself for the progress I was making as their "matchmaker."

But before I could bask in my success, Hemma and Gibbard walked hand in hand into the circle. My initial thought? Oh, just another quiet stroll. Then Hemma cleared her throat, her eyes sparkling brighter than the fire.

"We have an announcement," she began, glancing at Gibbard, who gave her a warm nod. "We're getting married!"