Chapter 1: I Woke Up
I stare up at the car ceiling, crying…and wondering. But not wondering of where I am or what happened, but wondering of the reason I survived. The impact was so great and powerful and destructful. Must be a miracle. But why me, I've never been a kind kid, the one that everyone adores. No, that’s my mother.
Her smile lighted up a room; made everyone feel welcome. When you looked at her soft innocent face with those big brown eyes and bright white teeth, you felt save, like nothing on earth would get in between you and her. And she wouldn't complain about anything, like the whole world was perfect to her eyes. We were so different. I never thought a single good thing about this world; with its religion and muggers and terrorist and debt and a whole bunch of other shit. I never thought it could get worse. Whenever we’re seen together, you could instantly tell we were related. Everyone thought we looked just alike, so I've spent my whole 17 years being compared to her. Yet I still love her. She was just, the most positive person I've ever met. I should be the one with glass through their chest.
As I wiped the tears off my cheeks, I crawled out of the wreckage to find myself in a much darker place than I expected. I can only see a few inches in front of me; more or less. So I walk in one direction with my hands out in front of me. A couple yards later I felt cold hard rock. Then I realized: Out of six billion people, what are the odds that we got hit in the middle of a 3-way intersection, rolled down the side of a mountain, and into a cave. Truly amazing. I blacked out right after we got hit so I don't actually remember falling into this hell hole. But common sense clearly points to this. After trying to navigate my way out of here I confirm that I need a flashlight. So I head back to what’s left of the car. If I don't find one I'm screwed.
It's so hot in here. Yet a draft sent shivers down my spine. As the tiny needles pick every vertebra I rummage through the glove box. I have to identify the objects by touch, which isn't making this situation any easier. The shiver never seems to completely go away; it lingers, only until I find the most peculiar octahedron shaped object. Without the chill, the cave is quiet; the kind of quiet I've never experienced. The kind of quiet that can only be found when you're miles away from everyone, with no help and no communication. I'm alone, and I hate it.
"Eric," say a whispery voice from behind.
