Antonio knew that something was wrong and was quick to call property security. They were shocked when they finally opened the door, fearing what they might see inside. There was no one there; it was as if they had never even gone to bed. They knew they had to alert Allan and Marie’s families of their predicament. After they notified their families, they deployed rescue units to help search for the couple. Special units had gone into the jungle, and helicopters had flown overhead for weeks, but with no sign of life.
Despair soon took over; the care packages they had dropped were all left untouched, and Allan and Marie were proclaimed dead. Some family members started to create conspiracy theories, stating that they had left the place in too good of a condition; it was as if they had vanished, two lovers lost to the wind, unable to ever be found. Though to them, not much could be found, even 20 years after their loss, the pain still remained. Though Marie’s mother had never gotten over her daughter’s death, she had tried to go on with her life regardless.
Everything she owned reminded her of her only daughter. Marie’s mother had nearly gotten a heart attack with the news, pinching herself on the arm to ensure it wasn’t a dream when Marie came back to civilization. They had all questioned the validity of her statement, but when they saw the passport photo, they were sure. Marie’s English had worsened over the years; she could hardly tell them what had happened to her. It was as if she hadn’t practiced English for years, maybe even decades.
Marie was frustrated by her nearly forgotten English, as the government officials told them that she would show them what had happened. With every word she uttered, it became apparent how long she’d been away from civilization. “We…we walk,” she started, her voice shaky. “Night beautiful. Allan and…and me wanted sea stars.” She clenched her hands, frustration evident, trying to pull words from a language she barely recognized anymore. The couple, intoxicated by the natural beauty of the Amazon and the allure of their recent vows, ventured out of their cabin.
