Solitary Contentment

By Avalon Kelly

To the classic question, “If your house was on fire and you could only save three items, what would you save?” I have always responded (without hesitation), “My chapstick, my books, and my journal.”  If stranded on a desert island, I would live in complete contentment with these three items, plus a pair of comfortable shoes.

My close friends would not be shocked to hear that I brought chapstick—I reapply every five minutes throughout the day.

Books would offer an escape from the terrible tragedy of my stranding.  I would bring East of Eden by John Steinbeck (because this 600-page novel is a time cruncher), Recollections of My Nonexistence (my favorite book of all-time), and The Source of Self-Regard (which I have yet to begin, but would be a relief from the re-reads).

I could never endure surviving on an island without my journal and a pen for two reasons.  Firstly, I would have some sense of consistency from my life back at home.  Secondly, I would immediately publish my journal upon my return and become rich and famous.  The journal would provide a sense of hope as I await my eventual rescue.

Lastly, my running shoes are a necessity for the miles of trekking and journeying every day of my stranding.  I would choose my Nike Invincibles because they have plenty of cushion and are very lightweight.

With these four items, I know I could live a pleasant life alone on my island.