3

Caleb slowly opened his eyes to the dim light inside the cottage. He sat up and swung his legs off the side of the bed seeing that Mateo had left his side. He stood up carefully, his head throbbing in protest. Mateo walked through the bedroom door coming over to Caleb’s side and trying to help him stand. Mateo easily towered over Caleb. “Where were you?” Caleb asked, looking into Mateo’s seemingly glowing red eyes. “I went to get you some food because I figured you would be weak when you woke up.” “Thank you,” Caleb told him, taking the fruits from his arms. “How did you get here?” Mateo asked Caleb when he was sure he had had enough to eat. “I- I don’t know… from what I can remember I was on a boat with my little brother and my best friend. I’m pretty sure we were going on vacation after I was having a rough time,” replied Caleb. “Oh… alright,” Mateo said slowly. “How did you end up here?” Caleb asked the other shortly afterward. “Umm… I think my grandfather and I were out boating and a storm caught us causing me to get thrown off the edge of the boat. That’s about all I can remember… I think?” He questioned himself. It was hurting his head when trying to remember what he had forced himself to forget. Caleb peered into his eyes which had an empty look, like someone who had seen everything but had no one to share it with. Mateo stared back with wonder, for it had been years since he had gazed upon another person. What broke his heart was that he reminded him of the one person he had truly loved, Desi. 

He had the same eyes with a hint of loneliness to them; the same gentle, caring smile; and the same nose that was a little too big for his face. Mateo showed a sad, solemn smile while glancing out the window. Caleb noticed how his eyes had glazed over slightly, and how he had transitioned into a trance-like state. He tried not to pry, but it was killing him not to ask. “How long have you been here?” Mateo, still gazing out the window, replied bluntly, “Look at the wall,” He tilted his head at the wall behind Caleb, “and you’ll have your answer.” Caleb turned to peer at the wall behind, just to realize there were rows upon rows of scratches on the wall, marking Mateo’s days on the island. His head shot back to look at him with a worried expression.

 “I- I-” he started but was interrupted when Mateo put his hand up to shush him. “It’s fine, I stopped counting a long time ago when I realized I can’t leave the island. But you still can as long as I keep you safe.” He smiled, and the corners of Caleb’s mouth twitched slightly in response. “What do you mean by that?” He asked, confused. “During my first week here, I met the love of my life,” Mateo started, “We shared a few lovely moments but it didn’t last long. On this island there are many creatures, most will try to kill you, others won’t.” “I-” “Let me finish…” He interjected, “One of the creatures found us… and killed him.”

He released a shallow breath and continued, “I got away but I soon found my demise at the end of a cliff.” Caleb was confused. “If he is right in front of me, why did he say he died?” He thought. “I don’t know how I’m still here, all I know is that I'm happy I am and can help you.” Mateo looked up at Caleb as he said that as if he had read his mind and answered his question. “You know it gets lonely sometimes alone but I don’t mind it,” Mateo mumbled just low enough for Caleb not to be able to hear him. The taller of the two men stood up and looked at Caleb. “If you need a change of clothes check the closet behind you, I'm sorry that there aren't many choices," He said. “They are perfect,” Caleb said solemnly, walking to the closet and slipping on some jeans. Mateo had started to walk out of the room when he heard scratching noises at the window. He whipped his head around and quickly ran to barricade the glass. Caleb confused opened his mouth to ask what was going on but was quickly shushed by the taller. Seeing the fear in his eyes Caleb listened profusely. Mateo gestured for them to get down and crouched holding the other to his chest. Caleb listened to the taller male breathing and calmed his nerves. 

Suddenly, there was the sound of glass shattering. Mateo held Caleb closer to his chest and rolled under the Desires that he had woken up on. Caleb held his eyes shut with such force that white spots started covering his sight. There was a thump of something large hitting the ground next to the cot. The scraping of scales echoed through the room and Mateo slowly moved his leg out from behind him so he could try to distract the creature currently hunting them. Suddenly without warning, there was a screech echoing from the surrounding forest. Upon hearing the sound the scaly creature jumped out of the window it had just come through. 

Caleb's heart started to slow down when they could no longer hear the monster's steps. Mateo unwrapped his arms from around the taller and crawled out from under the cot. He turned around and stuck out his hand for Caleb to hold onto and help him up. “What was that?” Caleb asked, barely above a whisper. “One of the many things on this island that will try to kill you, that's why I am going to protect you” Mateo gave a sly smirk after saying this. Caleb flung himself at Mateo and wrapped him in a hug. The taller male was surprised at the sudden action and hesitated before returning the hug.

Caleb was the first to pull away, Mateo had then grabbed his face and started to wipe his tears away with his thumbs. Caleb's stomach growled and they both burst out laughing. “Let’s get you something to eat,” Mateo said, struggling to breathe from how hard he was laughing. The pair of them walked out of the room to the kitchen area of the cottage. “What sounds good right now, Caleb?” He questioned. “Ramen,” The brunette responded. Mateo had a puzzled look on his face. “What is ramen?” Caleb looked at him with a shocked expression. “It's flavored noodles from Japan. What year did you arrive here?” “1883, I'm pretty sure,” He told the other with confusion, “Why?” “Mateo… It’s 2023” He responded sadly. The taller one had a look of shock on his face and slowly backed up sitting on the counter behind him. Caleb cautiously walked towards him and sat beside him putting his hand on his back, and rubbing circles into it ranging from big to small.

Mateo's body started to shake as his sobbing became more profound. “Do you want some water?” Caleb said, closing his eyes. “Th- That would be appreciated.” He stuttered out trying not to let his breathing affect his speech. Caleb stood up and grabbed one of the stone cups sitting on the counter then walked to the creek that was outside the window the monster had broken. Carefully he lowered the cup into the water listening to his surroundings.

A twig snapped behind him and he jerked his head to the side trying to get a glimpse but there, standing behind him, was someone he had never seen before. “Who are you?” He questioned, taking the cup out of the water and standing up. “My name is Desi. I wanted to ask you for a favor?” Desi looked back at the cottage and smiled. “What kind of favor?” Caleb asked cautiously. “Take care of Mateo for me, will you? He has some issues you will need to watch out for, but other than that, just make sure he stays safe, please?” Desi requested from Caleb. “Y-yea I'll do that, but why not go talk to him yourself?” He acknowledged. “Because he more than likely hates me. I hid from him for nearly two-hundred years apparently from what you just said. Would you forgive someone who did that?” Desi asked. “I suppose not but if they had a good reason to, I would understand.” Desi sighed and said, “That’s exactly why I can’t face him now. I don’t have a reason.” Caleb could see the hurt in his eyes and responded, “I promise to keep him safe but you have to promise me something in return,” Desi nodded, “One day you will have to be brave enough to face him yourself.” Desi hesitated for a moment before agreeing with him. 

“Alright now I need to get back to Mateo, I’ll keep an eye on him, goodbye Desi,” Caleb said, taking the stone cup in his hand and walking back to the cottage. “Goodbye, Caleb.”  Hearing the door shut, Mateo lifted his head and looked into the eyes of the shorter. Upon seeing the redness in his eyes Caleb sighed and walked carefully toward him trying not to spill the water. “Here,” Caleb said, handing him the makeshift cup, “Do you need to talk?” Mateo nodded his head, setting down the water. “It’s just,” he paused and rubbed his eyes, “I knew it was a long shot, but I had thought I would have been able to see my family again. Now I realize it was just a stupid wish.” Caleb hugged Mateo and held him close to his chest. “It wasn’t a stupid wish. If only you would understand that.” Mateo's body began to shake before quiet sobbing could be heard. 

Caleb started whispering sweet nothings into his ear all the while tracing shapes into his back. After about twenty minutes Mateo was finally asleep. Caleb chuckled softly while struggling to carry him over to the bedroom without waking him. Laying him on the bed he started to walk away, but he was stopped by Mateo grabbing his arm, “Don’t leave me.” “Alright, I’ll stay.” Caleb sat down beside the shorter and pulled his head onto his lap. Running his fingers through his hair he sighed contently and closed his eyes.