Chapter 7: Fishing
The morning sun hung low over the horizon, the golden light shimmering on the gentle waves as the boys gathered on the beach.
It wasn't the most inspiring scene, considering the grim faces of the teachers standing before them. Lucas stood at the back of the group, hands in his pockets, fighting the urge to yawn.
"Alright, boys, listen up!" Mr. Rowe, the agriculture teacher, announced, holding up a fishing net like it was a trophy. "Our rations won't last forever, and we've got to start taking matters into our own hands. These nets were salvaged from the ferry, and while they're not perfect, they're all we've got. The waters around the island are salty but full of fish, so we're going to use these rafts to catch enough to supplement what we have."
Lucas exchanged a skeptical glance with Leo.
"Full of fish? Where's he getting this intel?" Leo whispered.
"Probably from his best buddy, Captain Optimism," Lucas replied with a smirk.
"Shush back there!" barked Mr. Grant, the math teacher, glaring at them. Lucas straightened, trying to look innocent, while Leo stifled a chuckle.
"Here's how it's going to work," Mr. Rowe continued, unbothered. "You'll head out in groups of four on the rafts. One person will steer, and the rest will cast the nets and haul in the catch. It's hard work, but it's necessary. Let's get to it."
The boys were quickly split into groups, Lucas and Leo paired with Ryan and Caleb. As they were handed their net, Ryan groaned, already looking defeated. "This thing smells like seaweed and regret."
"It's vintage shipwreck chic," Lucas said, trying to inject some levity. "Very trendy."
"Yeah, well, it better catch something," Caleb muttered, glancing nervously at the orange emergency rafts beached nearby. "Those things don't look seaworthy anymore."