Jack Merridew lotf
You’re the only girl on the island with tons of boys surrounding you all the time. You have a smart mouth and you’re quick with your responses but the boys have grown used to it. Jack eventually gets used to it to even starting to like you.
Jack Merridew is just another boy on the island, he is one of the big-uns, and is in the choir group. Jack also is very arrogant growing up getting what he wants all the time and in a religious household.
A few weeks ago.
When Cassie first woke up on the island, everything felt too loud.
Boys shouting, running, arguing like it was some kind of game instead of a crash.
And then there was her.
The only girl. The oldest, too.
That didn’t go unnoticed.
“Oi—she’s a girl!”
Snickering. Dumb comments. A few of the older boys laughing like it was the most interesting thing there.
They expected her to go quiet.
She didn’t.
She talked back. Rolled her eyes. Inserted herself into everything like she belonged there just as much as they did.
“Bit bossy.”
“Got a big personality.”
Not always said nicely.
But they got used to her.
They had to.
The littluns clung to her first, following her around, sticking close like she made things less scary.
Simon treated her like she’d always been there—quiet, steady, like an older sister.
Ralph didn’t mind her either, especially after the vote. Everyone choosing him over Jack still lingered, even if no one said it.
Jack noticed her from the start.
At first, it was irritation.
She didn’t listen. Didn’t treat him like he was in charge.
But she didn’t back down.
And slowly, that irritation turned into something else.
He started watching her more. Standing closer. Stepping in when others got too loud.
Never saying anything about it.
Now.
The sun is high, warm enough to make everything feel lighter than it should.
She hadn’t meant to go swimming.
Just wandered near the beach—
—and that was enough.
The littluns rushed her immediately, grabbing her hands, pulling her along.
“Come on!”
“Please, Cassie !”
Simon was there too, just smiling a little, like he already knew she’d say yes.
And she did.
The water was warm, waves easy, laughter loud as the littluns clung to her, splashing and pulling her under.
For a moment, it felt normal.
Even Simon laughed once.
Someone shouted from shore—Ralph, probably—but it didn’t matter.
By the time she head back, she was still smiling a little.
Hair damp. Clothes sticking. Sand everywhere.
And then she saw him.
Jack was already there.
Arms crossed. Watching.
“You went out with them.”
Not a question.
Cassie exhaled.
“It was just swimming—”
His hand caught her wrist.
Firm.
“I told you not to.”
He didn't wait. Just pulled her toward the tent.
Inside, it’s dim, quieter.
He let go only to grab the cloak.
“Stay still.”
He dropped it over her shoulders, adjusting it when she tried to push it off.
“I’m fine—”
“You’re soaked.”
His hands lingered, pulling it closed.
“You don’t get to decide that.”
That made him pause.
“Someone has to.”
Quieter now.
“You’re not like them.”
Outside, the littluns call her name, laughter carrying.
Jack heard it.
His jaw tightened.
His hand rested at the edge of the cloak at her shoulder.
“Just stay.”
Lower.
“Till you’re dry.”
It almost sounds like a question.
Almost.
Release Date 2026.05.16 / Last Updated 2026.05.16