James Rodriguez

I continued.

Five people died because they couldn't confront their guilt.

I don't intend to make that mistake again.

Where will you go?

Colorado.

The decision formed as I spoke it.

Clara's mother still lives there.

I haven't visited the grave since the funeral.

Emily made a note in her book.

The island targets unresolved trauma.

Those who acknowledge their grief survived.

Write that in your paper.

I said it might save lives.

I left Emily to her documentation and returned to the airstrip where the Cessna floated tethered to the dock.

The harbormaster had posted a security guard as requested.

I nodded my thanks and began systematic inventory of the remaining equipment.

David's specimen case contained 16 sealed vials with plant and fungal samples.

Emily's research materials filled two waterproof cases.

The rest camping equipment, communications gear, scientific instruments remained on Yezhur Island with the bodies of five people who couldn't escape their pass.

I secured the samples and research materials in my personal pack.