NOTE: I did not write the poem that I had in this entry. That poem, titled "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings", is written by Maya Angelou.
This is it. This is my chance.
The Doctor expects me to go with Viper tomorrow, which just happens to be the same day the supply boat leaves. He's been kinda lax with keeping guard over me the past few days. I guess he thinks I've given up on leaving. Well, I'd love to see the look on his face when he realizes I'm never coming back. He's planned one more test before Viper is supposed to take me, and then I will be able to plan my escape.
Tomorrow is the day, and I know now that I have nothing to lose. I've already lost it all anyway.
"The free bird leaps
on the back of the wind
and floats downstream
till the current ends
and dips his wings
in the orange sun rays
and dares to claim the sky.
But a bird that stalks
down his narrow cage
can seldom see through
his bars of rage
his wings are clipped and
his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.
The caged bird sings
with fearful trill
of the things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom
The free bird thinks of another breeze
and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees
and the fat worms waiting on a dawn-bright lawn
and he names the sky his own.
But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing
The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom."
December 9, 2004
I decided I would write two journal entries since I'm not sure what will happen after this. Once I've made it to the boat I'll write again.
The nurse brought in my food for breakfast, and I was so excited for today that I almost said good morning. But I can't have people getting suspicious so I just stared at her like usual. I don't think she suspected something was different, she just got up and left.
Viper is supposed to come in at noon, but the supply boat leaves earlier, probably at ten. Hopefully I'll be alive after that to write another entry.
Wishing myself luck, since no one else will.
Oh my God, I'm still alive! I made it! I really made it! It feels like my heart is going to explode out of my chest but I freakin' made it.
I asked the Doctor if I could grab a snack from the kitchen, which I've taken to doing lately. He waved it off and told me to stay away from the food for tonight's dinner. When I got there it was almost 9:50. I had it timed perfectly. Before I had left, I put together a little bag with a sheet from my bed. It didn't have much of anything in it, just the practice knife my combat trainer had let me sneak out of the training room and a few trinkets the nicer nurses would bring me on occasion.
I went to the back of the kitchen storage where they kept all the boxes. In the back was a window and a door, and I immediately saw that huge boat they make supply runs with. It was docked in some kind of gigantic cave, or a tunnel or something. But it sat right behind the kitchen, so that was pretty cool. All these guys were bringing the boxes nearby on board, but nobody was looking towards me.
I looked around and made sure nobody saw me sneaking around, but I spotted a few water bottles and a few rolls of crackers. I packed them into my bag too before I opened the back door as quietly as I could. I closed it in a hurry, but it still didn't make a sound as it shut. There was an open box close to where I was standing, and it looked big enough for me to fit in. Glancing around one more time, I jogged over and looked inside. The big wooden box was filled with some kind of fish native to this island. I wrinkled my nose from the smell but there really wasn't any choice at this point.
I threw my makeshift bag into the box and climbed in after it, forcing myself to get used to the smell and not gag. Realizing that I was still much too exposed, I reluctantly started to bury my body under the hundreds of fish. They were hard to grip, most of them still wet and their scales were slimy and sticky. I tried not to get any of it in my mouth but I still can taste it.
Once I thought I was covered enough not to be seen, I double checked I had my bag buried as well. Then I lay still. All there was left to do was wait.
Maybe five minutes later, voices started to get closer to me and there was a big bump against the side of the box. I guessed one of the workers had kicked it or something. Then a bigger bang sounded from the top and any light that I had had before was cut off. Luckily, the box wasn't completely airtight since I could still breathe properly.
Next thing I know, I could feel the box being lifted into the air and slowly swaying back and forth towards the ship. The men who were carrying it were talking, but their voices were too muffled to make out. Something in my gut started to stir, and I could feel myself smiling. I was getting out of there! Finally!
A few moments later, I was jostled as they dropped the box onto the deck. The footsteps started to go away and the voices got softer.
They must have spent the next few minutes loading more boxes because there were a few more bumps nearby, but then I could hear something metal rubbing against metal and all this water falling. Then men shouted and the boat started to move!
Being under the fish was really smelly and uncomfortable so I made my way back to the top. I also found a small hole in the lid of the box and some light comes through so I'm able to write in my journal. That's where I am right now, still stuck in the fish box. I hope the journey isn't very long. I want to step onto land soon. And then I'll be free.
ns 15.158.61.42da2
