The Three Day Survival Game

The morning of the wedding had arrived, and the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement. The wedding was set to take place in the lush, grassy garden at the newly renovated resort, with the beach just beyond, promising a beautiful, serene backdrop for the evening's celebration. The air was filled with a sense of joy, anticipation, and a little bit of nerves as everyone worked together to ensure everything would go smoothly.

The first arrival was Narayna, the head butler of Velandria. The old man had arrived just in time, and his face lit up as he saw us. He approached with a proud smile, his eyes scanning the group, as though checking if we had indeed made it out of the island's chaos unscathed. He had been like a father figure to us at the start our journey wishing us luck, and seeing him again felt like a comforting reminder of how far we'd come. "So, you made it," he said with a grin. "And you're all here, ready to help with the wedding? Good, good. Let's make sure it goes off without a hitch." I nodded, ready to get back to work and make sure everything went as smoothly as possible for Hemma and Gibbard.

Then, Gibbard's two guests arrived—two men, dressed in smart suits, with an air of elegance and wealth about them. They had come all the way from the mainland to celebrate with the couple. It was clear that they were important to Gibbard, as he greeted them warmly, introducing them to everyone with pride. "These are my closest friends," Gibbard explained, smiling. "They've been with me through thick and thin."

While all the wedding preparations were going on, the atmosphere was light-hearted. As Hemma and I went over the final details of her dress with Daisy and Astrid helping, the boys were all busy with their own roles. Liam, Aiden, and Karun were bustling around, running errands and having a bit of fun in between. Karun and Liam made jokes, laughing at how they looked in their wedding attire. Aiden couldn't help but poke fun at their mismatched tie colors. "Are you two trying to outdo each other in the 'worst dressed' category?" he teased, causing Liam to roll his eyes and Karun to throw a playful jab in return.

In the midst of the hustle and bustle, Damian stood still, still processing the idea that his boss—his mentor—was about to get married. He stood by the back, hands in his pockets, looking at Gibbard with a look of admiration and slight disbelief. "I can't believe it," Damian muttered to me, eyes wide. "I never thought I'd see the day. Gibbard, of all people, getting married." It was clear how much this moment meant to him, and I could see a mix of awe and pride in his expression.

Back in the bridal room, Hemma was glowing, and there was a moment of quiet before the ceremony began. The moment we had all been waiting for. Daisy and Astrid fussed over the final touches of Hemma's dress, carefully ensuring every detail was perfect. The dress was delicate, made of shimmering fabric that sparkled as the light hit it. It was a vision of elegance, with intricate lace work on the sleeves and a sweeping train that seemed to flow effortlessly behind her.

As Hemma stood, taking a final look at herself in the mirror, a soft smile spread across her face. "This feels surreal," she whispered. "I never thought I'd be here, like this." It was a quiet, tender moment that all of us shared. We stood by her side, helping her step into the role of bride. Her eyes were full of warmth, and she looked at each of us as if we were part of the dream she'd never truly imagined. "I'm glad you're all here with me," she said, her voice filled with gratitude.

Finally, it was time for the ceremony to begin. As the guests settled into their seats, the music started to play, and the crowd fell silent, eager to witness this beautiful moment. Hemma's brother, Narayna, walked by her side, his arm linked with hers, a look of proud affection on his face. The aisle was lined with flowers, their petals gently swaying in the soft breeze. Every step Hemma took was like a dream, her smile radiant, the sun catching the glimmer of her dress.

Gibbard stood at the altar, waiting for her, his eyes never leaving her as she made her way down the aisle. The crowd couldn't hold back their cheers, and there was a general sense of joy that filled the air. It felt as if the world had paused for this one moment—a moment that would change everything for Hemma and Gibbard.

As Hemma finally reached him, there was a pause, and the world seemed to hold its breath. Gibbard's smile was wide, genuine, as he took her hand in his. "You look perfect," he whispered to her, his voice full of emotion.

The ceremony itself was simple but beautiful. They exchanged vows, their voices steady but filled with meaning, promising to stand by each other through every challenge that lay ahead. The crowd looked on, some with tears in their eyes, some with bright smiles. Narayna watched the ceremony closely, his hands folded in front of him, clearly touched by the moment.

After the vows were spoken and the ring exchanged, the officiant declared them husband and wife. The cheers from the crowd rang out, loud and joyous, as Hemma and Gibbard shared their first kiss as a married couple. It was a moment of pure happiness.

As the ceremony came to an end, the guests moved toward the reception area for the evening party. The beach was decorated with lights, setting the stage for a night full of laughter, dancing, and celebration. The atmosphere was vibrant, and the music played on, filling the air with excitement. It was a night to remember.

Hemma and Gibbard danced together under the stars, and I could see how happy Hemma was, smiling from ear to ear, her joy undeniable. I remember asking Hemma during one of our talks why she hasn't married yet, She paused, her gaze turning distant for a moment as she thought back. "I just hadn't found the right person," she'd told me quietly. "You know, someone who truly feels like... the one."

And now, as I watched them twirl together, it was clear that she had found that person in Gibbard. It wasn't just love—it was something deeper, something that had been years in the making. They were each other's missing pieces, and the way they moved together under the stars spoke volumes. The love that had bloomed between them in the midst of uncertainty was now flourishing, and it felt like the world was finally in balance.

As I collapsed into a chair, too exhausted to keep up with the fun, I looked around at the friends I had made and the life we had built on this island. But despite the joy of the evening, there was a twinge of sadness in my heart as I realized how much I would miss this place—and the people in it. The thought of leaving the island, leaving the memories we had created together, weighed heavily on me. I didn't want to say goodbye, but deep down, I knew it was time to move on.

Daisy, Karun, Aiden, and the rest gathered around, all of us too tired to keep up the fun, but still finding joy in each other's company. The late-night talk, filled with laughs and deep conversations, turned quiet when Daisy asked, "So, are you moving out tomorrow?"

I nodded. "Yes, we have to. It's time."

The others were also preparing to leave, with most heading back to their respective lives. Kaile spoke up, "We'll be leaving next week. Everyone is going back to where they belong."

The mood shifted for a moment, but we all shared a silent understanding. It was the end of this chapter for all of us, but the beginning of something new.

The conversations grew quiet as everyone went back to their rooms to sleep. But I couldn't rest. The thought of leaving the island weighed heavily on me. Memories of Kris flooded my thoughts, and his figure kept appearing in my dreams. I couldn't shake the feeling. I left my room, hoping to find comfort somewhere, but when I opened Karun's door, I saw him sound asleep, snoring peacefully.

I stepped outside into the cold, the night air biting at my skin. The sound of the waves helped calm me, but the emotional storm inside me raged on. Alone, I let the tears fall. I quickly wiped them away as I heard footsteps approaching. Something I couldn't carry on yet I couldn't explain, well truthfully I did I explained everything to Karun my brother by blood if not I didn't think anyone would even believe.

After all, how could I explain to them that everything that had happened—this island, the game, the NPC that was my other half—was all part of a fantastical story, one that seemed impossible to believe? I couldn't carry this secret alone any longer.. but I knew I had to.