Separated in the Phantoms

Chapter 18

I grabbed a torch out of my bag and held it into Torin’s fire. Soon, my torch lit as well. Faith quickly followed my example. I took a deep breath as I looked at the endless hall in front off me. It really gave me the creeps.
“This is hella freaky.” I heard Torin say. I turned towards him.
“More like hella creepy.” I said. I sighed again.
“Shall we?” I hesitantly said. Both Faith and Torin nodded and we went on. I swear, I heard so many noises. Noises like footsteps -not those of either Torin, Faith or myself-, whispering voices, soft and muffled screams. I was terrified. I looked at every wall. I was walking at the back of the line, as the hallway was too narrow for the three of us to walk next to each other. I heard someone run behind me and turned around faster than the speed of light. No one. Nothing. There was absolutely nothing that could’ve caused the running sound. I sighed in fear. I turned back.
“Ruby, are you alright?” Faith asked. As she was walking in front of me, I reckon she heard my panicked movements.
“I’m fine…” I said, “I’m fine.” I quickly caught up with Torin and Faith. Soon, the hallway split into three different halls, each one just as dark.
“Which hall are we taking?” I asked.
“Dunno. Why don’t each of us take another hall, aye?” Torin said.
“No way! I’m not walking in a creepy, dark hallway alone!” Faith exclaimed.
“I have to agree with Faith, Torin. This cave brings madness to everyone who enters. Once that happens, it’s better for all of us to stick together.” I said.
“Then how are we supposed to check out all the halls?” Torin said.
“For-get-it! I am NOT, and I repeat, NOT entering one of those halls alone!” Faith said. Both Torin and Faith turned to me, expecting me to have an answer. I looked at my friends. On the one hand, I agreed with Torin. We had to check out the whole cave. On the other hand, I agreed with Faith. It was too risky to go alone, even if it might take a little longer. My eyes switched from Faith to Torin and back. I wish there was a middle ground, but there just wasn’t. It was either: be fast and alone, but at risk or be at no risk and together, but be slow. Torin and Faith just kept staring at me. Staring until I had an answer. But that answer just didn’t appear in my head. I scratched my head. I walked towards the first hallway and shined my torch into it, just a little. I repeated this process with the other two passages. It didn’t get me anywhere, though. I walked back. Torin raised his eyebrow. I looked at Faith. God, I can still see her face. She was so scared. Terrified even. I sighed, knowing I would disappoint one of my friends. And I was really not looking forward to it.