"A Quiet Retreat" by Brad Thomas

A Quiet Retreat

by Brad Thomas

Day 1: Arrival

They arrived in silence, blindfolded and wearing ear protection to cancel out all sounds. None of them had any idea where they were. Cell phones were sacrificed, all valuables were removed, and their identities were traded in for numbers. This isolation was real with each participant feeling like a reclusive figure in an unknown paradise. 

Nora Myers became Participant 47, and a small badge was pinned to her linen shirt. She'd paid thousands of dollars for this exclusive, tranquil retreat. This was her chance to disconnect from the real world, an opportunity to relax and heal. The retreat grounds spanned along a pristine, private beach with white sands and clear blue waters. It was surrounded by dense jungle and one winding dirt road. There was strictly no WiFi, no mirrors and no way of communicating with the outside world. Meals were delivered three times a day through small hatches on the doors to their huts. All communication was through guided sessions or note slips, but at least it was peaceful and quiet.

Day 2: Orientation

"You are all here to dissolve and cleanse your mind, body and souls," said the instructor, a man with eyes that never blinked. "You will surrender control of everything. You will surrender your name, your history, and even your family and friends. Only then can our peace begin."

Nora wrote in her journal that night, It feels a little culty here. I'll be okay. That may be the whole point of this place. At least I'll get time to myself in peace and quiet. 

Day 4: Restriction

They were no longer allowed to speak unless spoken to. There were classes for morning yoga, silent meditation, and even journaling. Meals were now eaten in groups while staring at the waves.

Another participant— number 54, whispered to Nora at dawn, just a single sentence.

"This isn't what I signed up for."

By that same evening, he was gone.

Nora raised her hand to one of the instructors, signalling permission to speak. 

"Yes? number 47." He said, giving her permission. 

She asked where number 54 had gone.

"He returned to the real world. Not everyone is ready."

Day 6: Obedience

The jungle path that led to the main road was now closed off with rope and wooden signs, 

REFLECTION ZONE – DO NOT ENTER.

A girl, number 32, ran toward it after dark. Three instructors tackled her to the ground. Nora watched from behind the blinds of her hut as number 32 was dragged away, kicking and screaming, past the sand dunes. Her screams cut off immediately as she was out of sight like a switch had flipped. The next morning at group meditation, number 32’s badge was on the instructor’s table.

No one said a word.

Day 8: Hunger

Meals were reduced to broth and rice. 

"Your bodies must detox, eradicate all toxins and negativity, " they were told.

Participant number 61 collapsed during yoga, but no medical aid was provided. The group was asked to sit around him with their eyes closed. When they opened their eyes, he was gone.

Day 9: Inquiry

Numbers 32 and 61 were replaced today. Something doesn't seem right at all. Nora found the journal entries of a previous participant hidden beneath the slats of her hut floor. Pages stained with saltwater and fear

They don't let anyone leave. They see everything. They track who asks questions. They test us. I've heard stories of graves in the dunes marked 'WALKED TO FAR' and 'TOO MANY QUESTIONS'. The sand is a border. Cross it, and you disappear.

The following entry made Nora's hair stand on end.

I managed to sneak out last night; I don't think I was seen. The rumours of the graves are real. I don't know what to do. I don't want to be here anymore. I'm Mara Summers, not 47!

Nora's face dropped in shock. 

Day 10: The Escape

Nora decided she wanted to leave, she left her hut and walked towards the jungle path. As she neared the path, she noticed a camera hidden in the vines. A loudspeaker clicked on,

"Return to your hut, now. You are not ready."

They didn't have the chance to repeat themselves. She ran into this jungle-like area, but it didn't last long. The jungle ended abruptly at a cliff overlooking the sea. Nora heard something behind her. As she turned to look, three figures emerged behind her. No violence, just silence. One of them held a syringe. The feeling of helplessness was overwhelming, Nora realizing that she was completely at their mercy.

The next thing she knew, she woke up in her hut. The journal was gone, and the door was locked.

Day 12: Clarity

Yesterday, Nora wasn't allowed out of her hut. Her food was passed to her through the hatch, just as it had been on day one. Today, she was finally let out of her hut to eat with the others. At dinner, Nora decided that she definitely wanted to leave. She stood up from her table. 

"This is not healing. This is a prison," Nora shouted out.

The others didn't even look up, but one instructor did.

“You’ve reached a milestone, 47. Resistance is natural. Surrender is peace.”

He placed a hand on her shoulder. It felt like a verdict.

Day 13: The Truth

A new girl arrived today. Bright blue eyes, long blonde hair, and very nervous. Her name is 47.

Nora had been replaced by another woman, but Nora was still alive, still breathing. Her new badge read "Observer."

"You've been elevated," the instructor said. "Now, you will help guide others toward peace."

Nora didn't speak or run. Her eyes were wide open, but her pupils seemed glazed over. The lights were definitely on, but no one was home. She just watched as the waves rolled in like she was in a trance or something. Because no one leaves the beach. 

Not even the volunteers.