Inside

Chapter 5

Five

"Hey Dublin," I hear Crome call. "Get over here."

I hear Dublin's steps as he picks up the pace. I walk out of the empty cave and follow close behind. As we get closer to Crome, I see dark patches on the walls surrounding him. The closer we get the clearer it gets.

"Holes," I say as I stop infront of Crome. They are exactly like the holes of the caves, but smaller. As if they were windows.

"Sort of," Crome says. "Look inside."

Crome points the flashlight inside one of the holes. I walk slowly remembering the insects. I crouch and stick my head in through a hole closest to the floor. All around the bottom of the wall a bump sticks out. There is a strange mount on the middle of the cave. Then I realize this is a room and these holes are windows, as I previously thought.

"It's a room," I say.

"The ground must have moved and covered the entrance," Crome says exactly what I was thinking. It's kind of funny how I'm right.

Then I spot some dark shapes in a corner. I crawl in to get a better look and I stand. I keep walking closer but it's so dark that I can't see any details.

"Could you point over there?" I ask Crome pointing to the dark corner.

When he points, the white sticks shine brightly showing off their decay.

I jump back as I realize what it is.

"Let's leave," I say running torwards Crome. When I'm out, I accidentally knock off the flashlight from his hand and it rolls into the room.

"I'm sorry," I say as I bend to pick it up. I put the hand in through the wall and push the flashlight deeper into the cave.

"Ugh! Sorry," I mumble as I crawl into the cave once again.

When I look down, I see the same white sticks lying around the flashlight.

"Crome!" I yell as I crawl backwards.

"It's ok, just grab the flashlight and get out," he says sounding a bit annoyed.

I rush forward and grab the flashlight. When the light points up, the whole rooms lights up. I can't hold back the screams that escape my mouth. It's a death cave! I quickly shut my eyes.

"They're everywhere!" I yell with eyes shut close.

"Just get out," he says monotone.

"I can't," I answer weakly as I shake with terror.

He crouches, grabs the back of my suit and pulls me. I push with my legs once and when I open my eyes, I see Crome's blurry face.

Warm drops roll down my cheek as I struggle to breath. I've started gasping for air that won't come into my lungs and I panic. Breathing faster doesn't help. I gasp and grab my throat. I can't breath! My throat thumps to the beat of my heart. 'Do something Crome' I want to yell, but he just stares at me confused. Then his eyes widen.

"Hey, hey," he says trying to sound calm. "Shh. It's ok. Breath."

He grabs my shoulders and I push his hands away and bend over. Dark spots cover my vision, which only adds to my panic. Someone do something! I'm going to die and stay here decaying until all my bones show. But I can't. I need to...

"Get up," Crome tells me harshly. But I can't see him. I feel my warm cheeks get wet and hands pulling me up. I fall up into somone's arms. My feet drag on the hard floor as he grips my arms.

"Give it to her," Crome says.

"Bu-but I can't. It's for-"

"Give it to her!" Crome yells, his voice sounding like a loud growl.