Hell's Cave

Playing it Safe (Researched)

 The weight of silence was starting to feel very uncomfortable for you. On top of that Emily had not been saying anything the entire time. You knew better to no leave her alone, but at the same time there was a huge tornado set to come in soon. There was a tornado coming soon...

"Emily," you called out, this was it. The perfect excuse for you to pull away from her.

"Yes?"

"I am sorry, but I cannot make it to pick you up." You said flatly. It left a dry lump in your throat. Granted you did your research and knew that Hell's Cave was a real place, it just seemed far too sketchy for you. You felt a little bad for Emily as she stayed quiet.

"Why? Is there a reason you cannot come?" Emily sounded anxious to you, but you needed to put your foot down. And quickly.

"There is just not enough time for me to come and find you. There is a tornado approaching and I won't be able to get a flight either. I cannot look for you again, anymore that is." While it was not completely true, you felt it was close enough to the truth.

There was silence and Emily hung up. It was a bittersweet ending to a very confusing evening/morning for you. Maybe you should have told her about your dream, but it was an odd choice for you to make. Even if Emily was in such a place, she should have thought about it first.

You then went on your morning the same as you had been doing so since you graduated college. You made yourself breakfast, did your indoor workout due to the darkening weather, and at the moment you were filing some work into the right area. Since you were an archeologist on break due to the pandemic you've had to write a plethora of speeches for funding. Today's work revolved around the many caves across the world. It was coincidental at most, curious to say the least. You decided that after Emily's calls, to ignore it.

You later on received an email from your boss informing you that if you were to do an exclusive on a particular cave, then you'd be offered an incredible bonus! It was more than you'd make in 2 years, so it's a tempting offer. You then get another call, checking your phone it's from your boss. You answer it without thinking.

"Hey, how's my favorite archeologist doing?" your boss exclaimed. His voice was bright and cheery.

"Hello, I'm doing well," you said plainly. You were still a little overwhelmed from earlier.

"I'm doing great! Say, have you seen my offer for exploring some of these caves." You froze in place. He was not serious.

"Yeah, I did," you replied coolly, trying to keep a straight face while doing so. It would not do you well to be fired. "Is there a particular cave you'd like me to explore?" You wanted to bite your tongue then and there.

"Well," exchanged your boss, "now that you mention it, there is a destination the crew has in mind." You held your breath waiting for his next few words. "We want you to come and examine a cool series of caves that go by the name Hell's Cave! Ain't that a neat name, huh?" You wished you had bitten your tongue. "The decision to go is all yours, but at least research into it! We will pay for your trip and expenses if you decide to go, and hey! If you go now, you get to escape the turbulent weather for a while." It was a good offer you had to admit, plus the bonus. It was tempting. It would mean that you could find Emily too.

"I am going to let you go now," your boss started, "but I am most certain that you will make the right choice! Bye now." With the phone off call and you all alone, you had a few things to clear over now. This new job was a good opportunity for you to practice your linguistics, possibly get a good tan. Who knows? But you'd need to call Emily first. Luckily for you she happened to call you right at that moment. You wanted to pick up the phone then, but were you ready to answer and give her a yes, so soon? Do you need more time? But what should happen if you miss her call? What would she say if you answered it? You...