Paradise Induction Chapter 5 – Extract 21

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Chris patted down his head. “Thanks very much for your help.”

He looked at the time on the clock and saw that he might have enough to make it to the airport and back to the Labour Department to collect his Work Permit card.

“Alright, have a nice day,” she said.

“See you later,” he replied as he breezed out the door.

Chris knew his next step wouldn’t be easy. Hitching.

He darted down the staircase, back through the outdoor corridor, and down the stairs. Pacing across the main road to the side with motorists heading in the direction of the airport, he put his thumb out.

This was another aspect he remembered well and hated from last time he was in the PI; relying on the generosity of strangers to get him from point A to point B.

Minutes began to drop off the clock as the ever-blazing heat hit him. Sweat poured out of him so much, it looked as if he had some deficiency.

Got to avoid wearing a black T-shirt in furture, he thought.

The heat didn’t stop and cars passed by. He could swear he saw islanders pointing and laughing from their cars; big, garish smiles of mocking. The more he saw, the more his face became serious, and the more he felt his chance decreasing of appearing like a friendly person in need.

Why was it taking so long to get a ride? Wasn’t this island supposed to have village mentality? Friendlier? Safer? Trusting of newcomers?

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