The boys groaned as they bent their knees, gripping the heavy wooden rafts with calloused hands.
The logs were still rough in some places despite their efforts to smooth them down earlier, and splinters threatened to dig into their fingers as they struggled to lift the unwieldy structure.
"Alright, boys, teamwork," the PE teacher called out, clapping his hands together. "Let's move these rafts bit by bit. No need to rush — just make sure you don't drop it on anyone's foot, or we'll be testing more than just your survival skills."
Lucas gritted his teeth, shifting his stance as he hoisted up one end with Leo and Oliver.
The weight pressed down on their arms like a solid mass of exhaustion, but there was no turning back now, besides it wasn't as heavy as the tree.
Other boys who hadn't been part of the chopping and shaving process came over to help, their fresh energy a relief to those already drained from hours of work.
