F̶.̶ ̶G̶A̶R̶C̶Í̶A̶,̶ ̶U̶N̶I̶V̶E̶R̶S̶I̶T̶Y̶ ̶O̶F̶ ̶M̶A̶D̶R̶I̶D̶ DAYS LOST IN THE JUNGLE
I hope Mr. Garcia doesn't get mad at me for using his notebook... well, anyway, I don't really know how many exact days I've been here, so I'll reset the count from the day I met the girl who saved me: Y'shaati (I hope I spelled that correctly, hehe). She is an extraordinary girl! And very beautiful! If someone had told me that there was a blonde girl living in this place, I would never have believed it! I wonder how old she is... she doesn't look much older than me... I think. My experience with girls is scarce. But I still don't know much about her. How did she end up here all alone in the middle of the jungle? It's a mystery... for now.
She can't talk, and she acts very strangely. It's like she believes she's a monkey. She can even communicate with them... or so I thought I saw. Fortunately, she has begun to understand my words and I can tell she is interested in learning. I think she has bonded with me in some way. I will do my best to teach her as much as I can and at the same time, learn from her as well. And with a little bit of luck, maybe together we can find my grandfather, Dr. Isabel and the rest of the group. I feel ready! Dad, wish me luck!
Day 2
Y'shaati arrived at the cave quite early today. I was still asleep! She would be an excellent student if we were in school haha! Well, today we started with very basic concepts. I tried to explain to her how to articulate sentences and the meaning of some words... she had quite a bit of trouble doing it, so I think it will be better to teach her to speak with a more rudimentary, almost primitive language. Simple, but easy to understand. After the lesson, she went out to catch some fish for dinner. I think it has already become her favorite food thanks to me, haha!
Day 3
I had my first survival lesson today and.... it didn't go as I expected. Y'shaati took me to a place where many kinds of fruits grow on trees. If I want to survive, I must know where to find the most delicious fruits, right? Well, first of all, I couldn't even climb a single tree. Every time I tried to hold on, I didn't have the strength to lift my own weight. I've never been an athletic guy, so that's going to be a big problem. Y'shaati makes it look so easy. I definitely need training. Maybe if I take off my shoes and go barefoot like her, I'll get the hang of it... I'll try it next time.
Day 5
I finally got rid of my shoes! They were already very torn, I don't know why I didn't do it before. Now I can feel the wetness of the earth under my feet! I was very hesitant at first, but I guess it's not so bad after all. I could get used to it! I just hope I don't step on anything nasty... and that no poisonous animal bites me on the foot. That wouldn't be good. Oh, and speaking of nasty things... I asked Y'shaati to take me back to the same place as yesterday, but instead she decided to take me to some dirt mounds where a colony of ants live. She got a thin branch and started using it to pull out ants... and started eating them. Yikes! I really need to learn how to climb, having to resort to eating bugs is definitely NOT in my plans. It makes me want to puke just by remembering it, ugh...
Day 7
I was alone in the cave for almost two days. Y'shaati only showed up today for dinner at dusk. Living without human contact, I believed her daily life would be quite simple, just eating, drinking and sleeping. Apparently I was wrong. She arrived with several scratches and bumps. Every day is a new adventure for her. I tried to have a conversation with her to ask what happened to her. It took me a long time, but I was able to understand that she confronted a very dangerous creature to defend a group of monkeys. This girl's got some guts! I can't imagine what kind of animal could have inflicted such injuries.
Apparently, my assumptions were correct: the monkeys are like a family to her. But that just makes me wonder... where are her parents? Did they abandon her? Maybe she got lost... maybe she grew up with the monkeys? Gosh, that would be an amazing survival story. I hope I can find out the answer soon...
Day 8
Today seemed like an excellent day to teach Y'shaati how to fish. I managed to get a rather long branch and use it as a makeshift rod a few days ago, so I took Y'shaati to the edge of the river and showed her how to fish, the same way my grandfather taught me when I was a child. At first she was very excited to learn, but I could tell that she started to get bored after several minutes. It looked like she was pouting from sitting for so long, she looked really cute! I... I mean... whatever. After that, she stood up, tossed the rod and jumped into the water herself to do it "her way". In less than a minute, she jumped out of the water right in front of me with a fish in her mouth. I must admit, she outplayed me at my own game... I looked like a fool...
Day 10
I've been working out a lot these past few days. Fortunately, I still remember the workout routines I used to do in high school. I'm determined to learn how to climb like Y'shaati and get those fruits myself! However... today a rather strange incident occurred... not to say embarrassing. After the exercise, I decided to take a shower at the waterfall. Everything was going well, however, just before I could finish, I noticed that Y'shaati was there, watching me... as I was completely naked! I couldn't help but let out a scream and try to cover myself with my hands! Then she came closer. I was frozen, I didn't know how to react. I've gotten used to seeing her private parts every hour of the day, but not the other way around! This was the first time she saw my... manhood. Instinctively, the first thing I did was try to put on my underpants, but in less than a second she just snatched them away with her foot! I didn't even see how she did it, it was too fast. I ran after her keeping my hands down there for coverage. I begged her to give them back to me, but she just smiled and hooted at me while waving my underwear with her toes like a prized trophy! I guess she thought it was some kind of game. To my bad luck, she climbed a tree so I couldn't get them back. She was very interested in my underwear... she even started sniffing them! I was dying of embarrassment! I could feel my head was going to explode at any moment! And thanks to that, I now only have my pants on.
I really don't understand her some days. Would it be the first time she ever saw a naked person? I understand that she wants to know what's in my crotch. I'm a man and she's a woman. It's natural for her to feel some curiosity, isn't it? Could it be that she likes me? I mean... she's pretty... very pretty. God, who am I kidding? She's gorgeous. Maybe some day we could... I don't know...
Day 12
Today I woke up remembering that Y'shaati was very interested in my knife the day we met, so I thought I could go outside to make her a nice gift. I looked for a stone to carve it, sharpen it and turn it into a small knife. I worked all day on it. I've never seen her using tools, so I thought she could use one for her own safety. There are a lot of dangers out there. Before nightfall, she arrived at the cave for dinner. I wanted to show her how to use a knife to defend herself, but as usual, it turns out I'm an idiot... I ended up cutting my hand myself by accident. Y'shaati looked worried about the blood, so she helped me again. She immediately went out to get the petals of a flower I had never seen before. She covered my wound with those. I didn't think much of it at the time, but after I finished eating, I noticed that the petals had stopped the bleeding, in less than an hour! Y'shaati really knows her stuff. Her knowledge of the jungle is incredible. She is not the brute girl I thought she was.
Day 15
I continued with Y'shaati's lessons to help her speak these past few days. I am happy to say that she now understands many basic concepts! I think today I had the smoothest and most enriching conversation with her so far! I was finally able to explain several things to her: I explained the incident that happened to me and my group when we arrived in the jungle. I also mentioned her that I come from a very different world than hers, but that I'm a human just like her and that I have a family that I'm trying to find. She explained to me that she also has a family... a family of monkeys and gorillas. My theory turned out to be true. She's one of them, which is why all the gorillas bowed down to her the other day. Apparently, she is a figure of respect. A leader, so to speak.
I tried to explain that she and I are the same, we are humans, however, I could tell that she wasn't very happy when I told her that she was human. I think she had some negative experience before. I was sorry to hear that. I explained to her that not all humans are the same. There are good and bad people in this life, but she didn't want to talk about it anymore and left without even finishing her food. Was I wrong to tell her that?
Day 16
Y'shaati didn't come today... I spent all day by myself. And to top it all off, a storm came down. I just hope she's ok, wherever she is... and I hope she's not angry with me for what I said yesterday... good job Lucas.
Day 17
I did it! I finally made it! I was able to climb the tree and get the fruits! I'm so proud of myself, I feel like I can do anything now! I just wish Y'shaati had been with me to see me... I think I'll save a few fruits for her and offer them to her as an apology for what I said. Girls love to be surprised with food. Or at least that's what the other guys in college told me...
Day 19
This day was INTENSE! And I'm also relieved. After several days, Y'shaati finally came back! And I think my strategy worked perfectly! I gave her the fruits I got the other day and she started eating them with a smile on her pretty face. But that wasn't all! She was so happy that I decided to show her what I was capable of now and more. I started climbing the tree the same way as before until I reached the top! It took me a couple of minutes to do it but hey, that's huge progress for me! However, I also got the biggest scare of my life. Being at the highest point of the trees, I couldn't find my way down. My hands started sweating and I knew that at any moment I could let go and fall... which indeed happened. I could have died if I hadn't managed to grab hold of a vine just as I was falling. It was so close! And when I least noticed it, Y'shaati was already beside me, but she was upside down, holding the vine only with her toes! It was crazy! She never ceases to amaze me with her skills. She really is a monkey girl! She was smiling, so I want to believe she was proud of me at that moment hahaha! But what she did next was even more amazing! She swung between the vines so that my vine and hers were tangled together. She and I were facing each other. We looked into each other's eyes for a few seconds. It was magical... if I wasn't such a coward, maybe I would have tried to... kiss her...
Day 21
Y'shaati took me to a very peculiar place today. A mud pond but it looked more like a muddy lake! I had no idea what she intended to show me until I saw a very large hippo and its baby. I had no idea that these animals lived here in the Amazon rainforest! I guess that counts as a scientific discovery, right? Hehehe. Y'shaati explained to me that the hippos were her friends and invited me to cool off with them in the mud. She performed a running jump and dived headfirst into the mud and disappeared completely under the surface. I couldn't see her at all for a while, and I was starting to worry so I walked into the mud and I called out to her. However as mischiveous and playful as ever, she played a joke on me. Without noticing she was near me, she grabbed me by the ankle and pulled me into the mud as I fell on my back. For a second I thought I would drown! It would be the stupidest way to die under my circumstances. Luckily, floating in mud isn't much different from floating in water. I panicked for a second, my body was completely covered in mud! I couldn't see anything! Although, to be honest, the coolness of the mud felt pretty good. It was a very hot day and I really needed it. But someday I'll have my revenge for that joke, I'm sure of that, hahaha! I dragged myself out to the edge and looking back, I saw Y'shaati playing with the hippos. She was completely drenched in the mud sitting atop the big hippo and lovingly caressing the animal. The way she lives in perfect harmony with the animals fills my heart! She is a child of nature! The hippos greatly enjoyed her presence. It restores my belief that humans can perfectly coexist with jungle animals... I know, it sounds like something out of a fairy tale.
Later during dinner, I was able to understand something important. She explained to me that she has a purpose in her life: she is some kind of guardian... I don't know if I understood that well, but I think she is trying to protect all the animals in the Amazon jungle. I think that's a very difficult task for a simple girl, but for some reason I feel that what she said is true. I don't know how to explain it.
Day 22
Today I decided to take the next step and show Y'shaati how to produce fire. I still have my lighter so it was very simple for me to show her how to do it. She seems to have a fascination and admiration for fire. From what I could understand, she thought of fire as a living creature like any other animal. I explained to her that fire can be an ally, but if not given the proper respect, it can become an enemy. I could see the concern on her face as I said this to her. I think she already knew what fire is capable of creating. It's unpredictable and volatile... I'll be sure to keep the lighter away from her. Y'shaati is very curious and we don't want an accident to happen.
Day 25
Today I had another amazing experience! We climbed the trees again, but this time, she wanted to show me something. Today we put into practice the meaning of two very important words: promise and trust. When we reached the treetops, Y'shaati wanted me to hold on to her waist. I didn't know what she intended to do... but I did, I hugged her body. As soon as we were ready, she grabbed a vine and we both started swinging through the canopy. I was absolutely sure we would die! But incredibly, she managed to support my weight and travel freely through the jungle. She possesses extraordinary strength! She can carry me without any effort. I don't even know how to explain it! What I do know is that I have never felt so alive and free! I was terrified of the height, but deep in my heart, I knew that Y'shaati would never allow me to fall to the ground. I trust her completely now. And I believe she trusts me as well. I am no longer afraid of anything!
That same night, a heavy storm hit the place again. But Y'shaati decided not to return home. Instead, she wanted to spend the night with me! She lay down on my bed and slept next to me, putting her head on my shoulder. It was a beautiful moment for me. I think it's official... I spent my first night with a girl, hahaha! I want to make something very clear: we just slept. We didn't do anything funny. I would be incapable of taking advantage of her innocence... unless of course she asked me to... no, I mean, if she wanted me to... argh! Never mind.
I'm writing this in the morning. We just woke up together and we are about to leave to get some food. I can't wait for the adventure that fate has in store for us today!
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THREE WEEKS LATER...
Lucas and Y'shaati traveled together to all parts of the Amazon jungle. The bond they shared was growing stronger and stronger. The two were closer than ever. Unbeknownst to the boy, it had been a over a month since the day they first met. He had finally adapted to the Amazon environment, against all odds. Lucas' longing to be reunited with his grandfather was slowly beginning to be forgotten as the days went by. However, what was about to happen would completely alter the course of their lives: One day while the monkey queen was swinging on the heights and Lucas was running freely behind her, a beast pounced wildly on Y'shaati, hurting her left shoulder and part of her back. She crashed violently to the ground. The boy could only watch in horror at the situation.
"Y'shaati!!! Noooo!!!", Lucas screamed in desperation as he ran to the blonde's aid. She groaned in pain, as the attack had taken her completely by surprise. At that moment, the boy looked at the creature that caused her suffering... another black jaguar.
"You damned animal! Look what you did to her! Why did you attack her? Who are you looking for is me!", exclaimed Lucas as he prepared his knife to fight the Onsa. The feline began to approach slowly.
"I'm not going to let you hurt her, you hear me? She means everything to me..."
"Lucas... escape!", said Y'shaati in a weak voice.
"Never! You protected me... it's time for me to protect you!"
Suddenly, the black jaguar ran at full speed and made a powerful leap to attack Lucas, but there was no fear in the boy's face. He was willing to sacrifice his life for her.
"Ahhhhhhhh!!!!," cried the boy with his eyes closed.
And then, a thunderous gunshot sent all the birds perched in the trees to flee in terror. The Onsa fell to the ground, dead. A pool of blood began to form near its neck. Lucas opened his eyes and saw the silhouette of a very familiar person emerging from the foliage.
"Ah? It can't be! Grandpa... it's... it's you!?", the boy asked with a smile on his face.
"Well, this is a surprise! I never thought a scum like you would still be alive in this place. Well, they say cowards always survive at the end", said the unknown person.
At the sound of his voice, the smile on the boy's face disappeared completely, only to change to an expression of horror...
