Innocence

A Snake in the Garden

     "Ralph, come here. It won't hurt anything," the voice tempted.

    Ralph despised the voice. It had become the symbol of hurt and pain. It was the sole cause of torment to Simon. Ralph wanted the voice to disappear forever.

    Ralph ignored the speaker as he sat with Simon sleeping in his lap. His frame, though it started slim, had grown even smaller. Ralph worried that Simon hadn't been eating.

     "Ralph?" Jack asked.

     "Go away! I love Simon! I can't let you injure him anymore! Hit me, kill me, call me names! I don't care! If what you do causes Simon harm, I swear!" Ralph lectured.

     Simon's body convulsed with silent coughs. Ralph stroked the boy's chest. Simon stirred on the blond's lap. Ralph kissed his forehead.

     "Jack Merridew, if I turn around and you aren't gone-" started Ralph.

     "One day you'll love me," interrupted Jack. He retreated to his side of the island.

     Simon found Ralph's hand with his own. He squeezed tightly as he attempted to sit up. Ralph supported his head.

      "Stay down. Take it easy. I've got you, batty," instructed Ralph.

     Simon's stomach rumbled. Ralph kissed the young boy's cheek. Piggy came over to them.

     "I'll watch him. You get him something to eat, and sleep some," suggested Piggy.

     "No. Piggy, get him some fruit. I can't leave him," refused Ralph.

     "Now I can't make it. Remember my asthma," Piggy whined.

     "Sucks to your ass-mar," grumbled Ralph.

     The blond lifted Simon onto his back. He disappeared into the trees to gather fruit for Simon, Samneric, Piggy, and himself. Simon coughed weakly. He gasped when he realized he wasn't on the ground.

     "You're alright, Simon. I won't drop you," Ralph comforted.

     Simon went limp against Ralph's shoulder. He leaned backwards. Ralph caught the boy as soon as he felt the weight off his arms.

     "Simon! Simon!" Ralph called.

     An uneven breath poured out of Simon's mouth. Ralph found three sturdy vines. He tied Simon around his waist and secured their shoulders with the other two vines.

     "You'll make it home alright, batty. You'll make it," encouraged Ralph. He steadied Simon's legs as he collected more fruit.

     "R-Ralph, am I dead?" Simon whispered.

     "No," denied Ralph.

     "Dreaming?" questioned Simon.

     "Simon, this is real, and you are real sick. I need you to get better," Ralph informed.

Simon's head fell against Ralph's shoulder. Ralph sprinted to the beach, mindful of his load of food.

Once he saw Piggy, Ralph gave him his share of the crops. He cautiously fed Simon. Then, he gave Samneric the rest of his bounty.

     "Eat," demanded Piggy, handing Ralph an apple.

     Ralph ate quickly. He pulled Simon into the only remaining hut. The sun was just starting to go down, but it was still hot. Ralph heard a voice.

     He exited the shack. A familiar chant arose. However, it was a single person rather than a crowd. Ralph found the source when Jack emerged from the trees with a sharpened stick.

      "Smear the queer!" Jack shouted.