Implosion

A vignette inspired by the true story of Louis Zamperini, told by Laura Hillenbrand in Unbroken

Camille Jacoby '20

The sweltering sun that re-appeared day after long day pierced through Louis’ pupils. The harsh rays penetrated through every inch of his skin and burned all the way into his bones. His face was peeling with the skin that had been so damaged by the sun. His lips were swollen, as the salt, sun and lack of nutrients entering his body had caused them to crack and sting. When Louis looked down, he saw his withering body that lay in the small puddle in the middle of the raft. He saw the bones protruding and bulging from under his skin; there was no fat or muscle left. He saw his stomach that looked like it was imploding. His stomach had not seen food for many days and had been numb for what felt like forever. He fought a constant sting in the back of his mind. Louis’ tattered, faded clothing that had been covering him since the crash irritated him. His brain felt heavy in his head. When Louis looked forward, he saw hopeless faces covered with patchy beards and pigment. If he looked around in any direction, dehydrated Louie saw the infinite deep blue of the salty water he was unable to drink. The water that constantly reshaped itself from peak to peak played along, carefree as a butterfly.