The amount of green the docking area possessed was uncanny, and was overwhelming for someone who has lived in the dying desert for so long. It was only accessible by a big wooden boat. Sounds of clucking from chickens could be heard off in the distance, their beautiful black feathers glowing green in the warm sunlight. At first glance, the boat ride to the island seemed like a lagoon. Green water and algae held the boat up with ease, allowing it to blissfully glide across the river. Large palm trees and ferns sprouted up and out from the ground, welcoming the newcomers by waving their leaves as if to say hello. In a short while the boat would arrive at the island.

     The raft banged against the wooden dock of the small island, and more chickens scattered out of fear, thinking that they would be hunted down by these strange new people. The travelers exited the boat cautiously as to not tip it over. Once they had a moment to process their surroundings, the group came to the conclusion that this exceeded any beauty they had seen at the dock. A jungle of palm trees and plantain trees formed a canopy over the island. Rough textured, teardrop-shaped fruits fell from the sandbox trees that helped form the canopy. The old dynamite fruits would explode angrily and scared the passerbys, as this was something they had never imagined. Old tree stumps made up the path that guided visitors through the quaint, little island. It forked off at a row of old wooden changing rooms, which were infested with spiders the size of your hand. The worry of large bugs was whisked away by the tranquil dancing of the smooth leaves and the playful splashing of waves upon the shore.

     A thoughtful cook grilled the group some kabobs while they kept themselves busy with the two volleyball nets in the jungle, not too far off from the shore. The kabobs consisted of juicy red and yellow peppers with onions, and savory chicken and beef. The sweet vegetables clashed with the salty, smoked taste of the red and white meat. The combination was enticing. The guests carried their food over to the two large easy-ups sheltered multiple rows of long, light brown, wooden benches. Although it was noisy, the island managed to maintain its peaceful nature and kept its visitors worry free.

     After the visitors ate, they made their way over to the sand that could be compared to that of a throw blanket, soft and smooth to the touch, but looks were deceiving. The sand wanted to hurt every living thing that stepped on it, and it would go as far as to bury dead, pale coral under it and absorb the heat of the sun. It almost felt as if you were stepping on a pan that was lain over a hot stove. The clumps of calcium were often mistaken as rocks, for the texture was rough and bumpy. This made the victim feel like they were stepping on a floor covered in small Legos and causing deep cuts on the smooth skin. But the unique, branch-like shaping of it gave away its facade. The smell of fish would latch itself onto anyone who dared to jump into the ocean, and more coral would stick up from the bottom and bite the feet of the unsuspecting swimmers. Off in the distance, there was a sailboat that would take visitors out farther into the beautiful blue ocean. This time, there was a coral reef bursting with life, and friendly little sea turtles passed under the boat to show off their green shells. The coral’s color was that of a rainbow. Reds, oranges, and purples showed through the water’s surface, doing anything to be noticed by onlookers.

     Friendly dolphins hopped out of the ocean, showing off their beautiful form and calling out to the visitors. The tropical birds sang happy songs to give off a joyful vibe, which settled all over the small island. Fish swam into their homes in the coral so they would not be a disturbance to the people splashing in the ocean. The animals respected the visitor’s space, accepted that they could share the island, and allowed the people to enjoy their stay. They sang out their “hellos” to the world around them.

      Everything on the island, living and nonliving, seemed to want the best for its guests. The warm, loving sun shone on everything it could, and if there were places where it could not shine, the trees and leaves would offer comfort and serenity. The kayakers and water boarders waved to each other and often raced against one another, for there was no trace of any sort of evil or malicious intent between anyone. The stray palm trees acted as a temporary resting spot for any tired persons. They supported large rope hammocks that invited anyone to rest with it and stare out into the ocean blue as it would whisk them into a state of peaceful sleep. However, all of this tranquility would be disrupted when eighty teenagers discover the island.