The Mysterious Island: Chapters 1-3

Chapter One: In Which We Must Not Waste Time

       There is time, the most precious thing in our world.

       How do you know? There are much more precious things.

       Time can not be rewound, and nothing can be repeated the exact same.

       ​But why? Sometimes I have to do the same things at the same time everyday.

     Child, you shall stop asking about what things are. You must focus on what you are doing right now. Time will not be the same every time.

       But this is knowledge, and sometimes we must learn!  
 
      Yes, you must. You shall. But right now, time is being wasted from the questions you ask by the minute.

       Fine, fine. But questions are another way to see everything your way.
​
      Yes, there are things you must learn and see, but time has fled from us right before your eyes.


Chapter Two: In Which Problems Can Be Fixed

       It was a bright summer day in Alter town. Luna, a ten-year-old girl, strolled around the city, looking for some stores to buy food from. The street was bustling with crowds of people, many people walking from place to place. Luna had to be rapid so she could find somewhere to buy lunch.

       Then, Luna spotted the perfect store, one that had what her mom told her to buy written right on an enormous sign. She rushed past the road, and dashed into the store. Instead of a few people, there were many -- about a count of sixteen!

       Quarter of an hour passed without any movement, and only five minutes were left to spare. Would she be on time to go back home?

​       Just then, someone walked up to her and tapped her shoulder. The stranger said something that Luna did not understand.

       “What did you say?” Answered Luna, prudently. She spun around.

       The stranger laughed. “I asked if you need help.”

       It was Ada, Luna’s big sister!

       Luna was confused. What would she be doing at the market? Ada was supposed to be in piano class!

       “Huh? I thought you were in Ms. Vitney’s house?”

       Ada shrugged. “You should’ve looked at the time. Also, you are late to come back home, so mom sent me here to help you out if you needed that.”
       
       “Hey, how did mom know where I am?”

       “I’ll tell you later. Oh, and, I got the food already at another store.”
       
       Off the two sisters went. They walked all the way back home, until they noticed that both of them, now, were thirty minutes late!
       
       They darted back to their cabin.

       “Mom! We’re back!” Ada yelled.
 
       “Oh dear, you guys sure are late! Luna, your class is starting soon. You should get ready.” Mrs. Wilson said as she rushed to the door.

       “Yes, mom,” Luna replied.

       She placed her hat on the coat rack, then ran upstairs to pack. She took out a piece of paper of what she needed for a language group.
Luna stuffed everything in her backpack rapidly. She was determined to be on time for this class!

Class Supplies:
- Language Arts book
- Vocabulary flashcards
- Pen, pencil, and eraser
- Pretzels and Yogurt

       As Luna walked along the streets, she saw something on a sign that caught her eye. Something she was interested in, and wanted to know a lot more about. 


Chapter Three: In Which Time Can’t Be Rewound

       She stared at the sign, reading about it. Woah, a mysterious island which needs to be investigated. The sign was carved with these words:

HELP WANTED
This island is unpredictable of what is on it, but we will be hiring people to investigate the island. This will help with our investigation program. Remember, it is not easy work, so if you decide to help out, make sure you bring everything you might need. This includes bags of meat, vegetables, fruits, bottles of water, a flashlight, some batteries, a small tent, a sleeping bag, many clothes, sweaters, pairs of shoes, a first aid kit, a backpack, some books, a pillow, many towels, a cell phone, and any other things that may be needed for a long, terrifying trip. Are you interested in going? Please contact 1927-313-2810. Reward is $500.

       Curiosity shot through Luna. Everything seemed very interesting, but absolutely dangerous. Should she go? Luna could do this. She may be the person who could help. But it was hazardous, a decision that wouldn’t be easy to make.

       If I want to help out, thought Luna, will my parents be too worried and decline my request? How should I convince them?

Teresa Jiang is a fifth grader at Eton School.

Lindsey Mo is a fourth grader at Palo Verde Elementary.