Wolves (English)

Chapter 41

'Well, there it is,' Danny says, gently letting go of my hand.

I really regret that he does that. I wish I had held him a little longer. But I also realize that would be very strange. After all, we are friends – nothing more, nothing less.

With that thought in mind, I take a few steps ahead and look at the great grey cave that looms ahead. Actually, there is not much special to see. At first glance, it looks quite normal. The black opening stares at me like a gaping mouth.

It gives me goosebumps without noticing. But that's what I always get from caves. That's why I'm so happy that someone is coming with me. I would never have dared to do this on my own.

Then, I see a small brown stone in the shape of a signpost in front of the cave. There is a text engraved in the stone. The letters are gold and curl like spaghetti strands the entire length of the arrow which points to the cave.

With my head, I give Danny a signal. He nods back, and we walk towards the signpost together. The text is almost impossible to read when standing – the letters are so small. I'm going to squat down. With my eyes narrowed, I read what the text on the signpost says.

The person who goes

Knows something no one else knows

Keep your courage and shine bright

Only in this way, you will do it right

I almost laugh at the simplicity of the poem. An eight-year-old child could even have written this. Still, I understand that there is some kind of hint in the text. Although, I have no idea what that hint could be. What the hell should I know? Yeah, okay, maybe that I am the Saviour. But that is no longer a big secret, so that option is almost out of the question.

And those last two sentences ... I have never doubted my own courage. I may be a shy girl, but if I don't like something, I really show it. Sometimes even to the point of boredom. Maybe I should just keep that spirit up when I go into the cave with Danny.

He is now kneeling next to me as well. I see his eyes follow the direction of the letters.

When he's finished reading, I ask him the question that also haunts my own head, 'What do you think this means, Danny?'

I see him thinking deeply, but he shakes his head. 'I really don't know, Ester. Even if you killed me, I still wouldn't be able to answer that question.'

'Well, I'd rather not,' I grin. 'I'd like to keep you with me a little longer, if I may.'

Danny laughs. 'Okay, ma'am. No problem. If you feel the need, since you are of the weaker sex ...'

I know he's kidding, but still I can't resist giving him a playful push.

Then, I clear my throat and get serious again. 'You know, when it comes to courage, this cave has nothing to worry about. I am not afraid of anything.'

Danny looks at me with a doubtful look in his brown eyes. 'Are you sure, Ester? I mean, it's no shame. Everyone is afraid of something.'

I shake my head confidently. 'No, Danny. If I was afraid of something, I would have known what it was for.' Then, I ask him the same question, 'Are you actually afraid of something?'

In response, I get a deep sigh. It's quiet for a few seconds.

'Well?' I insist.

'Well, I am definitely afraid of something.' The boy shrugs uncertainly. 'But I'd rather not discuss that with you, if you don't mind.'