Cave of Dreams

The Beginning

Chapter 1 – The Beginning

“It’s just something I have to do,” said Marcus, avoiding eye contact with his fiery-eyed mother. He was thirty-five years old, but you would never guess it from his personality. He was cowardly, shy, and had a bad habit of making dumb mistakes. He wondered how long he would have to endure his mother's nonsensical shouting this time. He sat at a plain round kitchen table with his mother hovering over him. 

“Are you insane? You have a job and a wife! You don’t even have any camping experience!” She waited for Marcus to give a response and, when none was given, threw her hands up in frustration. “You’ve been stupid before, but this is a new low Marcus.”

Marcus continued to stare at the floor for a few seconds before quietly delivering his reply. “I just have to do it mom. Sean told me….”

His mother, Theresa, rolled her eyes and let out a long sigh. “What does Sean have to do with this, Marcus? He always gets you into trouble. That’s it. You aren’t doing this. I was against it before, but now I’m positive.”

Marcus rose from his seat with a newfound motivation. “Fine! I don’t know why I even came here in the first place!” He stormed out the front door and slammed it behind him. He sat in silence in his dirty car. His face crumpled up as he began to cry, slamming his head down on the steering wheel.

2 months ago - 

He got the idea at the local burger joint with his best friend Sean. “Dude, you know what you need? An adventure! Go on a cruise or something.” Sean had a way of making even the most absurd idea sound somehow enticing. 

“Yeah wouldn’t that be great, but you and I both know that’s never gonna happen.”  Marcus laughed, but he knew Sean was right; his life had been going downhill fast. “I have other responsibilities Sean. I know you always seem to have free time but not me."

“Marcus, let me help you out. I know people! I’ll get you everything you need. How about a canoe trip? I’ll get you the canoe, paddles, food, everything! I just want to help you out man.” His usual jocular attitude faded into a friendly concern. 

“No sorry, I don’t like the water.” He paused. “Thanks for the offer though.”

“Okay, okay, no water then. How about skydiving? A lot of people say it relieves stress. Who knows? Maybe it’s exactly what you need!”

“That sounds a little too intense for me. Seriously I know you’re trying to help, but nothing is gonna work. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“No wait! Hiking! How about a hiking trip? It’s easy, nowhere near water, what do you think?”

Marcus paused for a quick second, enough to let Sean know he was considering the idea. Sean’s usual smile climbed its way back onto his face. “I’ll consider it,” Marcus said with a nod. He waved goodbye to Sean and walked out the door.

2 months later - 

Marcus stood at the start of the trail. He wore a large backpack with a variety of camping supplies inside. Sean stood by his side, excited to see his friend departing on the long-awaited journey.

“Why can’t you come with me Sean? I don’t know what I’m doing. I’m going to die out there.” 

“You aren’t going to die Marcus,” said Sean with a chuckle. “Besides, you’ve been through training and if you need help you can always call my cell.”

“What if I run out of food? Or water? I might get eaten by a bear! Calling you won’t help when I’m getting mauled by a bear!” Marcus’s expression of genuine worry appeared almost humorous.

“There’s a stop every thirty miles or so for you to get more supplies. And Marcus…bears? Really?”

“You’re right, I’m just nervous. Well then, better get going while I still have daylight.” He began walking down the path only a few steps before turning back around to put in one last word. “Thank you Sean. For everything.” Sean gave a slight nod.

Besides a minor cramp and a dinner that was colder than perfect, the first day on the trail went well. Marcus found a flat spot for pitching a tent, just like he had been taught. However, the night was cold and the various sounds of the forest kept Marcus awake.

For three nights he tossed in his sleeping bag, but was never able to get more than a three hour sleep. Exhaustion began kicking in. On the fourth night, Marcus began hearing voices. 

One voice was the distant scream of a little girl. Marcus was tormented by the never-ending cries. He tried to force himself to sleep, but the voices only grew stronger. He jumped from the tent in a cold sweat, trying to shake the demons in his head.  The scream echoed in his ears again, but now Marcus could determine the direction of the source.

He ran as fast as he could to the top of a steep hill, revealing a stream emerging from a black cave. At that moment he heard the scream again, this time much louder and clearly coming from inside the cave. In a moment of bravery, or perhaps total mindlessness, Marcus ran inside, calling for the girl. It was then that Marcus’s worst fears came true. The cave began to shake, at first softly, and then with violent force. Before he had a chance to let out a cry for help, he was trapped inside the cave by an enormous rockslide. The worst part, however, was his strange feeling that he was not alone.