TRAPPED IN

Awoken by a cold breeze that pierces his skin like an ice sickle. “Damn it’s cold, wait I’m at work right now,” Reggie says. Where are the lights? It’s pitch black in here, Reggie says. “The cave collapsed in on us,” a voice says. “Who’s there?” Reggie asks. He reaches for his phone and uses the flashlight. “Mitch?” “Afternoon, Reggie, would you get that light out of my face?” Mitch orders. “Sorry, how did the cave collapse? Why does my head hurt, and it feels like I swallowed pennies?” Reggie asks. “Well, you hit your head when it all went down. I looked your way, and the rubble collapsed near you. You dodged it, jumping in the opposite direction, but hit your head,” Mitch explains. Reggie’s nose burning looks around, sniffing. “Don’t look at me, I’m not finding that out,” Mitch chuckles. Reggie checks himself. “Nothing,” he says. “It’s the cave. You know they produce several smells. Especially after collapsing onto itself,” Mitch explains. “So, what do we do?” Reggie asks. “Well, I see light in that hole, but those boulders are heavy,” Mitch says. “If we work together, we can get it done,” Reggie explains. “I’m done. I've been working since this morning,” Mitch conveys. “I'm tired, too, but Mitch, this is an urgent situation. We can’t sit down and hope someone rescues us,” Reggie states. “Well then, you get us out, I’m not touching anything,” Mitch says. Are you seriously going to act like this while we’re in this situation?” Reggie says. “I'm not acting, Reggie, and if you want to get out of here, I suggest you hurry before another earth-. Never mind, hurry up, don’t need us getting hurt,” Mitch states. “Mitch, you sit there then, I hope a rock crushes you since you pick today to be lazy,” Reggie says with anger. Mitch chuckles, not laziness, and trust me, you’d understand if you were me,” he says. “Whatever,” Reggie says. Reggie continues to pick up boulders. He knows that boulders will lead him closer to escaping the cave. As he bends and lifts with all his might, he can’t help but take a break. “Feels like my vision is off,” Reggie states. “Drink water, you're dehydrated, you didn’t drink anything when you woke from slumber,” Mitch adds. I didn’t drink anything. Why is he being helpful and not helping? Reggie drinks his water, which is like a slushy with no flavor. Water with ice shavings. Mmmm, I needed that. It's time for me to get back to work. Reggie pushes himself and keeps lifting boulders as the light grows more within the cave. He keeps digging till his fingers feel numb and bruised. He paces himself and gets to a point where he stops. The light has grown within the cave, and you can practically see everything. Reggie stops and sits down to take a break. He can see Mitch with the light shining on his face. “Mitch, come on, man, I’m tired of being at this for an hour and thirty minutes. Get up and help us get out of here,” Reggie orders. Mitch smiles and says, “If only I could, Reg, but it’s not worth it for me,” Mitch adds. “Mitch, you were the most positive person I’ve ever met within the company. Why have you now chosen to give up?” Reggie asks. “I have no choice in this matter. I’d help you if I could, but this isn’t the right time for me. I’d rather you do it, you’re a strong guy,” Mitch explains. “Well, you are, too. This is not a time for discouragement,” Reggie says. “Just hurry the hell up, Reggie, you don’t have time to talk to me and move boulders. We’re limited on air for now, I suggest you use it for getting us out of here,” Mitch says. “You know what I’m going to make sure I get us out of here. Then I’m talking to the boss to see if I can group up with another person. You’re too difficult to work with in these types of situations. It’s unfair to me and you, Mitch, and I hope you see that one day,” Reggie conveys. As Reggie keeps picking up rocks and boulders. The light shines in the cave more. Thank God for the light, just a few more boulders and we’re getting out of here. Reggie turns into a workhorse, the adrenaline has gotten to him, and he won’t stop till he sees the light completely. He keeps going and pulling rocks out of the way. He’s so motivated to get out that he doesn’t notice the blood on his fingertips. He looks and can fully see the exit as he chuckles a bit. “Heh heh, we’re out, hey Mitch, you see that a little faith and you-,” Reggie stops. He turns and can completely see Mitch on the ground, legs injured. “Wait, what happened to you, Mitch?” Reggie asks. “I altered the story in your favor. An earthquake erupted as we were mining, and boulders were falling near us. I pushed you out of the way when I saw a few falls towards you. I guess it was too hard cause you had a mild concussion. I realized after the boulders crushed my legs and I couldn’t stand anymore,” Mitch confessed. Reggie wipes the tears falling from his eyes. You had me thinking you wouldn’t do anything. I thought I had done something wrong to you. Come to find out this entire time that you're hurt. If I told you I was hurt, you would have focused on that instead of getting us out. Now, hurry up, get out of here, get a signal for the phones, and call somebody so I can get out of here. Reggie turns around and runs out of the cave. He gets a signal on his phone and calls for help. Paramedics and police approach him and run into the cave to get Mitch out.

Aaron Blair Jr:  "I’m 29 a writer and currently going to Full Sail University . I’m from Oakland California I love food,anime,books,video games, movies, music. I’m not a specific writer. I can write about anything."