Natural Selection: A Short Story BY Elin Hilderbrand

When her boyfriend bails on their couples’ cruise at the last minute, Sophia Othonos faces an unexpected solo journey to the Galpagos Islands. What was meant to be a romantic getaway for two becomes a transformative adventure of self-discovery.

Sophia, who had endured a series of disappointing dates before meeting her seemingly perfect boyfriend, had looked forward to this trip as a step toward their future. Yet, his sudden cancellation leaves her stranded on a rustic cruise she had never planned on taking alone.

Amid the stunning backdrop of the Galpagos, Sophia confronts her feelings about her relationship and her own identity. Surrounded by nature’s untamed beauty and the islands' unique wildlife, she begins to question whether she’s truly happy or merely settling.

As she navigates the wild, pristine landscapes and the vibrant life around her, Sophia finds herself reevaluating her life choices. The islands, renowned for their adaptation and resilience, become a metaphor for her own personal growth. What starts as a disappointing solo trip gradually transforms into a profound journey of self-realization.

In these eight days of unspoiled beauty and solitude, Sophia discovers that the love she was seeking might have been within her all along, and perhaps the person she needed to fall in love with was herself.