10-Minute Writing Prompt: Island

Prompt: In ten minutes, finish the story. "He tied his boat off and started to climb the cliffs. He knew that no one had lived to tell what was behind the cloud, but still he climbed."

My story:

Saltwater clung to his hair and clothes, the scent of the ocean giving way to fresh mist. The view was completely obscured, but he had come too far to let that slow him down. Returning to his boat held at least as much risk, since he had run out of rations days before.

With every last ounce of energy he had left, he continued to climb. Doubt trickled into his clouded mind, and questions of what manner of death he would face at the peak. Would it be worse than starvation or thirst? Would it be worse than drowning? Or would the key to his survival be found just ahead?

There was only one way to know, but it was starting to seem farther and farther out of reach as his muscles burned with the effort. His heart was giving its all and his panting breaths made the mist swirl in front of him.

The rocks were rough enough to grip, but the water made slipping a constant possibility. After what seemed hours, he thought he might rest for a while. He knew he might slide back down to the bottom if he lingered for too long, but the ache was nearly too much to bear.

“Just one more step,” he told himself, “then I’ll rest.” He heaved himself up just a little bit more, and the cloud seemed to thin. The blue sky became clear at last.