Story Excerpt

Ravaged by Cavemen, by Jezebel Rose

My friends laughed as they pushed me towards the cave in front of us. “Come on Ashley, just do it. Go and see what’s in there. I dare you.”

Jamie, my girlfriend, chipped in. “I double-dog dare you. Now you have to do it.”

I replied quietly, “This is such a bad idea guys. Seriously. Just because we are hiking and hanging out doesn’t mean we have to explore every little cranny of this place.”

Jason and John looked at each other then burst out laughing at me.

Glancing inside the cave, I couldn’t see more than a few feet inside despite the fact it was the middle of the day.

“Ok. I’ll do it. Does anyone have a flashlight?”

Jason opened his backpack and pulled out a light then handed it to me, “Here, take this. There should be more than enough battery for you.”

“I’ll be back shortly. Stay here… I’m trusting you guys.”

I watched as each of them nodded as I stepped towards the cave. Clicking on the flashlight, I ran my hand along the wall as I went deeper.

Looking back at my friends, all I could see was a pinprick of light as I continued along the path. Dripping water echoed in the distance as I came to a split in the path. I’ll go right first.

My hand still along the wall, I came across what appeared to be mine tracks. Running my light along the tracks, I noticed a decaying mine cart just ahead. Jesus, this place is creepy.

I came across another junction. Taking the right again, I continued into the cavern. Water echoed down the corridor. Glancing back at my path, I shined the light and saw three splits in the cave. Fuck. I came down the middle one I think.

“This place is just a stupid mine. I’ll head back, this is boring and creepy,” I whispered to myself as I went down the middle path.

Three more splits were in the path just ahead. Fuck. I don’t remember this.

Each of the different paths were completely dark as I focused on trying to remember which one I came down.

This was a really, really stupid idea, I thought to myself as I walked deeper into the mine shaft. Just because some friends dared me to come down here alone, doesn’t mean I should have done it. Jesus.

I ran my hand along the cold stone as the sound of water dripping echoed off the walls. Blind and unable to see, I felt shivers of fear run up my spine, Shit. What if I’m stuck down here?

The flashlight dimmed for a moment then clicked off. Oh… no. No. No. No! I banged the flashlight against my hand for a moment to no avail.

I pulled out my cell phone as I continued along the path. Clicking on the phone for a moment, it immediately died as well. Damn cell phone batteries. Jesus.

The light from the phone lit up the room briefly before it shut off. Glancing around for that half of a second, I saw two large hairy men in the room. Both appeared to be sleeping on some sort of makeshift cot with only loincloths covering their body.

Paralyzed in fear, I stood there, attempting to slow my breathing. Focus on the sound of the water… relax… everything will be ok, I thought to myself as I felt my legs start to shake.

Moving as slow as I possibly could, I crept past the men and continued down the tunnel. The dripping of the water and the cold stone on my hand kept my mind in reality. I would have certainly gone insane if I couldn’t touch anything. It was difficult enough with the loss of my eyesight.

Turning around the corner, I noticed a small beam of light hitting the floor ahead, about 50 paces or so. Walking slowly and feeling each step, keeping my hand on the wall, I tried my best to make sure I didn’t stumble on any rocks or worse… stumble and fall.

The last thing I need is a broken ankle. God, wouldn’t that suck. I need to be more careful.

Reaching the next corner, my eyes followed the shaft of light up the tunnel to what appeared to be an exit. My god. Finally. I’m so going to tear my friends a new one once I get out of here. They will never believe what I saw.

Please purchase this story and support me as an author! Thank you! ~ Jezebel Rose

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