I finally woke up, feeling groggy after what happened 6 hours ago.
-
"We are here to help you."
"We will teach you new ways of living"
That's just what I remembered from what they said when they landed.
My head is still aching from the lack of sleep.
But il never forget what they negotiated for it.
"This new era of life will change you for the better, but for it to happen, we need this island's source of energy. The volcano's core."
I slammed my fist against the wall, hearing the audacity of wanting that one thing that's keeping the island flourishing with life in exchange for their "advanced technologies".
As I left my hut, I looked down at the town gathering.
Seeing my people use their technologies fueled an anger inside me, but then a hand touched my shoulder in a comforting way. I looked back to see who it was- Lionel, my best friend the one who understands what I'm feeling.
"Where were you?"
I said with annoyance.
I needed him back when those egotistical humanoids arrived, but he was nowhere to be seen.
"I was at the town, helping others evacuate, Tahira."
His voice gave comfort, his eyes pleading for forgiveness.
I could never find a single lie behind those eyes he has; it's a quality of his that brings me closer to him.
I sighed, then nodded at his explanation.
He spoke up again
"So, is it true? You'll give them the core?"
My hand immediately turned into a fist.
"No."
...
"Look at our people, Tahira. They seem to like those things the outsiders gave us."
His tone formal and serious.
"It-"
...
"It just doesn't feel right, you know? It's my job to protect the core. I'm not letting those .. things have the one I vowed to protect from the beginning here on this island."
I saw my people enjoying the things they were given.
I looked at a distance, and saw Nova along with the other kids flying with the mechanisms.
Sure, they're different from what our life can offer but then again, it comes with a very big price that I had to pay.
Lionel then spoke with an assuring voice,
"No matter your choice is- I'll support it, Tahira. You know the land better than us.
Do what you think is right for our island."
I smiled at Lionel, now knowing what I had to do.
-
"This is your loss. We gave you an opportunity for a greater life you'll experience!
Nevertheless your island is not that special. We can just find others whom we can fool.
Farewell."
As the humanoids ascended back above their ship.
I looked back at my people, some of them felt betrayed by my decision.
"I know this choice seems bad to some of you, but what I did is for the better of this island.
We must always stick to our roots,
our traditions-
Don't let yourself be fooled by the sweet talk of others-"
As Nova hugged me tighter giving me comfort to speak up and voice my truth.
"Because what matters are the ones who are with you."
The End.