My bed is sending out serious nap rays. I can’t help myself. The fluffy pillows and warm comforter are more powerful than I am. I have no choice but to snuggle under the covers. -Laurie Halse Anderson, Speak.
At the hut, David set down his pack and looked toward the sea. The light was fading, and the horizon glowed with a rose-colored line between the dark green ocean and the azure sky. The grand views of sunset and sunrise were his favorite times of every day.
Renate began to prepare dinner. She worked quietly on a cutting board placed on a stump next to David, slicing vegetables and washing the potatoes in a bowl of clear water. David built a small fire and set the pan on the stones.
The steak from the boat hissed when it hit the pan. The smell filled the clearing. Renate smiled faintly. āThatās the best sound.ā
David nodded. āThese steaks smell delicious. We have been working hard and not eating enough. I think I might be hangry.ā
Renate massaged his shoulders with both hands, digging into his tight muscles. āHang in there, champ. I have a feeling this island is going to make us fat and happy.ā
āIāve never once seen you with an extra pound on that sweet behind of yours.ā
āCheck back after I eat an entire apple pie all by myself,ā Renate said.
David choked for a second. āDang. I drooled on myself. Please make two pies, or maybe four.ā
They laughed. The tension of the day was quickly fading.
They ate at the small table inside the hut. The meal was simpleāsteak, potatoes, vegetables, and a bottle of pear wine they had saved. The wine was sweet and light, and it softened the silence between them.
Renate cut a pear after dinner and handed him a slice. āTaste this.ā
He put the whole slice in his mouth. The fruit was crisp and sweet. āPerfect.ā
She smiled. āWeāll make more wine. Enough to last.ā
Outside, the night came down. The fire burned low, and the forest started its ritual hum. They sat for a while, listening to the wind move through the palms.
David stood. āWe should get supplies. Tomorrow weāll need tools.ā
Renate nodded. āAnd clean sheets.ā
They walked to the boat under the stars. The tide was low, and the hull rocked gently against the makeshift slip they had built. David went below and gathered what they neededāscrews, a hammer, screw driver, a small saw, and a handful of nails. He rolled up their mattress and pillows and found fresh sheets in the locker. He tied the bundle to make it easier to carry. After a quick shower, they changed clothes and headed back to the hut.
Renate carried the pack while David slung the bedding over his shoulder. The path to the hut was quiet, except for the breeze rustling the leaves and the faint rush of the sea.
At the hut, David set down the tools and looked at the leftover poles stacked near the wall. āLetās make a bed.ā
Renate smiled. āA real one.ā
He worked by lantern light, cutting and fitting the poles together. The frame took shape quicklyāsturdy and square. Renate held the pieces steady while he twisted the screws in. The sound of their work echoed softly through the clearing.
When the frame was done, they lifted the mattress onto it. Renate spread the fresh sheets and smoothed them with her hands. The lantern light caught the white fabric, and the hut looked suddenly more like a home.
David stood back and looked at it. āThat looks good.ā
Renate nodded. āIt feels right.ā
They sat on the edge of the bed. The mattress was firm but comfortable. The air smelled of fresh-cut wood and clean linen.
Renate leaned against him. āAnother step,ā she said.
He put his arm around her. āToward living the dream.ā
They lay down, the lantern flickering beside them. The night was warm, and the sound of the sea came faintly through the open window like a lullaby.
Renate turned toward him. āWeāll find out what that place was.ā
āWe will,ā he said. āBut not tonight. Weāve got more important things to do.ā He held Renate to him and kissed her long, slow, and deep.
She smiled. āI like how you prioritize.ā She pulled him down on top of her and released a soft moan from the comfort of their new bed.
They pulled the blanket over them. The bed creaked softly under their weight. Outside, the forest whispered, and the waves broke against the shore.
Completely spent, David closed his eyes. The dayās work, the walk, the discoveryāall of it settled into quiet. Renateās breathing slowed beside him.
The lantern burned low, throwing a small circle of light on the wall. The hut drew quiet.
They slept like that, in each otherās arms, the island around them alive and waiting.
Hyperion Sky 
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