Setting: Aboard the Prison Ship

The prison ship creaks and groans as it cuts through the restless waves of the South China Sea. 

Below deck, the stench of saltwater, sweat, and despair fills the cramped, dark cell. 

The faint light from a single lantern barely illuminates the faces of the prisoners, 

each wearing the same hollow, defeated expression.

Miguel Alcantara sits against the damp wooden wall, his wrists shackled, 

his clothes torn and soiled. His sun-kissed skin, 

once a testament to his life of freedom under the open sky, 

is now covered in grime and bruises.

Around him are men of different backgrounds: farmers, fishermen, and laborers, all accused of treason. 

Their whispered conversations are tinged with hopelessness. Miguel listens but says nothing. 

His mind is consumed by thoughts of Isabela and Rafael.

Miguel (thinking): Rafael... You were my brother. How could you? And Isabela... 

Does she believe I betrayed her? Does she believe their lies?

As the ship rocks violently, Miguel is jolted out of his thoughts by a voice.

Old Prisoner: (raspy, to Miguel)

You’re new. Haven’t seen your face before. What’s your name, boy?

Miguel: (looking up, voice steady)

Miguel. Miguel Alcantara.

Old Prisoner: (with a bitter laugh)

Another fool accused of treason, eh? What did you do? Steal a loaf of bread, speak to the wrong person?

Miguel: (clenching his fists)

I did nothing. I’m innocent.

Old Prisoner: (smirking)

Innocent? (He leans closer, his voice low and menacing.) None of us are innocent here, boy. 

That’s why we’re chained like animals. The moment they put you on this ship, your innocence no longer matters.

Miguel says nothing, his jaw tightening.

In the dim light, a younger prisoner, Andres, leans toward Miguel. 

Andres is thin and wiry, with sharp eyes that hint at a rebellious spirit.

Andres: (whispering)

Don’t listen to him. Some of us still fight. Even in here.

Miguel: (narrowing his eyes)

Fight? For what? There’s no escape from this.

Andres: (with a sly smile)

You’d be surprised. You’re strong, Miguel. I’ve seen the way you carry yourself. 

Men like you don’t break easily.

Miguel: (scoffing)

What good is strength when your freedom is gone?

Andres: (leaning closer)

Strength is everything. Strength of the body, strength of the mind. 

They can take your freedom, but they can’t take your will. Remember that.

Miguel stares at Andres, the young man’s words stirring something within him.

Days later, the ship reaches a barren, rocky island surrounded by treacherous waters. 

The prisoners are herded off the ship like cattle, prodded by the butts of rifles. 

The sun beats down mercilessly as they are led to a crumbling fortress perched on the cliffside.

Capitán Morales stands at the gates, his cruel smile firmly in place.

Capitán Morales: (mockingly)

Welcome to your new home, gentlemen. Here, you’ll learn the true meaning of obedience.

The prisoners are assigned grueling tasks: breaking rocks under the scorching sun, 

hauling heavy loads up steep cliffs, and digging trenches in unforgiving terrain. 

Miguel, despite his anger and despair, endures. His body aches, his hands bleed, but his spirit refuses to break.

Each night, Miguel writes letters to Isabela on scraps of paper he manages to steal. 

His words are filled with love, hope, and desperation.

Miguel: (whispering to himself, as he writes)

Isabela, I don’t know if these words will ever reach you, but I must try. 

I am innocent. I swear it on my life. Believe in me, my love. Wait for me.

He gives the letters to a sympathetic guard, who promises to deliver them. 

But days turn into weeks, and no reply ever comes. Miguel’s hope begins to waver.

One fateful night, as the prisoners huddle in the darkness, Andres reveals shocking news.

Andres: (whispering)

Miguel, I overheard the guards talking. Your friend Rafael... He’s the one who betrayed you.

Miguel’s heart stops. He stares at Andres, his mind reeling.

Miguel: (hoarsely)

What did you say?

Andres:

He went to the Spanish authorities. Sold you out to save himself. 

They say he’s been rewarded—land, money, even a position in the government.

Miguel’s hands tremble with rage. The image of Rafael’s smug smile burns in his mind.

Miguel: (whispering, to himself)

Rafael... You will pay for this.

Among the prisoners is an older man named Padre Esteban, a former priest accused of harboring rebels. 

He takes notice of Miguel’s growing anger and pulls him aside one evening.

Padre Esteban:

Hatred is a heavy burden, Miguel. It will consume you if you let it.

Miguel: (bitterly)

What else do I have? My life, my freedom, my love—everything has been stolen from me.

Padre Esteban: (softly)

Then take it back. Use your anger, but do not let it control you. Focus it. Shape it.

Miguel listens, his eyes burning with a newfound determination.

The Escape Plan

Months pass, and Miguel becomes a shadow of his former self—leaner, harder, and more resolved. 

He works closely with Andres and a small group of trusted prisoners, crafting a daring plan to escape the island.

Miguel: (to the group, in hushed tones)

We have one chance. If we fail, we die. But I would rather die fighting than live another day in chains.

The prisoners nod, their faces set with determination.

As the moon rises high one fateful night, Miguel and his group make their move. 

They overpower guards, scale the fortress walls, and steal a small boat. 

The waves crash violently as they row away from the island, their faces alight with hope and fear.

As the island fades into the distance, Miguel grips the boat’s edge, his voice filled with quiet resolve.

Miguel: (to himself)

Rafael, I will return. And when I do, you will face the man you betrayed.