Will of Man - Part Five Read Free Page A

blankets, medical supplies, containers of kerosene, etc. My guess is this plane was delivering emergency supplies to the area when it crashed here. The plane was far enough away from the airport, and hidden well enough from any travelers, that no one ever found it - lucky me.
    I could stay here all winter in comfort with everything I need. But that would mean another six months away from my family. I wonder if they've given up on me. My heart tells me they never will.
    I've been going over my map and have found my location. The airbase was hard to find, but here it is, and my estimation of “miles to go” has been wrong. I'm 625 miles away (I thought 580), 45 more than I thought. That's another week of travel!
    I am close to Balow and I’s meeting spot (maybe a day or two away). I think about him often and wonder how his PULL went. I’m sure he did fine. He seems more capable than most. I would not want to go up against him. I wonder who would win between him and my dad. I am glad they are on the same side.
    I fashioned a mini woodstove (made of spare junk from the cabin) near the opening of the window. It's large enough to heat the inside of the cockpit at night.
    I've used up most of my cocoa mix I found in the MRE's. When I drink the cocoa, I close my eyes and pretend I'm back home, in my living room, and sitting with my family. I picture Dad and Tanner playing with the IPad, Mom cooking in the kitchen, and Molly our dog lying on the end of the couch. I can hear the TV and smell Mom's cooking.
    Like this plane, our house creeks on windy days and the windows shutter slightly. I miss my home so bad. I am so lonely. I’m beginning to talk to myself and it worries me.
    I found a book one of the pilots must have been reading. It helps pass the time and takes me to a different place. Ironically the book is about the end of the world and how the main character survives. There's a little too much violence for my taste and I find some of the scenarios silly. Maybe someday someone will use my journal to write a book. Ha.
    Tyler's Journal Entry: 447
    Date: September 30
    Weather: Cool and cloudy
    Miles to go: 625
    I’ve been on this plane for way too long. The endless supply of food is nice, but I need to move on. I will go insane if I have to be here all winter by myself.
    I’ve hit each wolf numerous times with my spear, but no visible kills yet. However, it’s been two days since I’ve seen them. I’m wondering if they’ve moved on.
    I’ve packed my backpack with a few MRE’s and plan to make a run for it. My plan is to run hard to the fence surrounding the airport perimeter. Once I climb over it, I will make my way to the airport and camp there for the night. If still no signs of wolves or any other predators, I will continue on with my journey back home.
    It’s getting more cold out and I’ve decided to wear my thermal wetsuit throughout the day under my clothes. Tomorrow, when the sun comes up, I’m making a run for it.
    Tyler's Journal Entry: 449
    Date: October 1
    Weather: Cool and cloudy
    Miles to go: 625
    Morning came and I scanned the area for any unwelcomed guests. There was no signs of the wolves, so with all my gear on, I slowly crept out the crack of the cabin and onto the grass outside.
    I hadn’t touched real ground for a long time and it seemed strange to me. As I left the plane, I felt more and more insecure. That plane was my oasis and now I’m leaving it. I wondered if I was making a huge mistake.
    But the decision was made and I knew I could not stay there over winter. Realistically it’s the best choice to stay (because of the food and shelter), but having no one to talk to will drive me insane. I need to push on.
    So I started out in a slow walk towards the tall fence. With each step I looked around for any movement. The further I was away from the plane, the more vulnerable I felt to attack.
    I wondered if the wolves were smarter than I thought, and were waiting for me to get far enough away