Dweller of the Cave

Three

I couldn't tell what time it was. Griffin led the way through the thicket, jumping over rocks and overgrown roots. I started overheating in my jacket, so I tied it around my waist. It might've been half a mile until we got to his destination.

The trees cleared a wide path, its treetops forming a dome ceiling. Names were carved into the bark, stuff like J+C and I Luv U, M. Ahead was a long bridge made of walnut wood. Roots wrapped around the railing, even harboring flowers. Either side of it led to a rocky foundation.

I followed Griffin onto the bridge.

It overlooked a pond forming a semicircle about thirty feet below. Lime green grass and tiny lilac flowers coasted it. Golden light speckled the glittering surface.

"Whoa!" I muttered.

"I know," he said. "You know what's even cooler?"

He pointed to the far side of the river, which met a rocky wall. Basically a cliff. Deep at the base of it was a cave. Thin, balding trees and fallen hollow branches swarmed the opening.

"Is it weird I never saw a cave in real life?" I asked.

"That's the only one I ever seen," Griffin said. "You excited for the new year?"

"Kinda... I don't remember my teacher's names."

Griffin scrolled through his phone for a second, then handed it to me. "Hmm. Can I get your number?"

"Oh, uh..." I typed my phone number in a notepad app he'd opened, which would've taken two seconds if it weren't for my shaky hands.

"So... my little brother goes to East Caedispear. He'll be in fourth grade. Ollie."

"Mine too. His name's Andy."

"You have an Instagram?"

"Yeah. I... Did you want it? I mean..."

"Yeah." He turned his gaze back to the shimmering water.

I didn't want to, but looking at the water made me afraid I would throw his phone in it. It could happen. He bit his nail as he studied the pond. I guess he wanted me to hold his phone for him. I rested my arms on the rail.

"When'd you want to head back?" I tapped my finger on the wood.

"Whenever you want."

"So like a few hours?"

He grinned. I didn't really understand what that meant, but I knew it was a yes.

The void of the cave far ahead stared back at me. There was no way any animal could live there. If they ran too far, they'd probably fall into space. I found myself nearly falling asleep. Not in a bored way, just so concentrated I was dreaming. I gave Griffin back his phone.

The forest cooled down as morning turned to midday. Griffin and I continued to admire the colorful painting that is Murderkill. The pond's sparkle started to fade.

"My mom texted," I said. I looked at my phone. "She's getting us lunch. Guess we should head back."

"She sounds really nice." Griffin smiled.

"We're getting burgers and fries. You want a soda?"

"Yeah. Thanks, Blaine."

He stretched his arms and legs. "Get ready for the journey back."

I wish I could time travel: I'd still be exhausted by the end of the walk, but at least I wouldn't have to experience it. I trudged behind him and distracted myself on my phone. I didn't have anything to say. What would he even want to hear?

It felt like an hour before we escaped the woods.