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What's in That Cave?

A Fictional Short Story with Adventure and Mystery

By Autumn BrownPublished 5 years ago 5 min read
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Not all caves have mysteries, but you would be lucky if you found one.

The woods were silent except for the few high-pitched chirps of the birds hidden among the tree tops. Sunlight glinted through openings in the tall oaks and birches, and floated down to the forest floor. In the distance something loomed mysteriously in the side of a small mountain, a cave with ferns that littered the ground around it. No one had been in the cavern for over 100 years and it was because of a 100-year-old mystery of a missing child.

Jessica tossed her rust colored hair over her shoulder and raced after Charles, her younger brother. Jessica was 15 and quite the tomboy catching frogs, climbing trees, swimming in lakes. Her brother Charles was only a year younger and very adventurous, though he was younger than his sister, he was inches taller and had more of blonde colored hair. Today Jessica and Charles were exploring the old woodlands surrounding their Oregon home.

The September air was crisp and cool and fallen leaves began to littered the ground. As they sped through the forest trying to catch each other, the leaves crunched soundly beneath them. "Gotcha!" Charles teased as he reached out to tag her. Jessica shrieked as she dodged his outstretched hand and began run faster. Laughing she jumped rocks and fallen branches trying her hardest to stayed ahead when a chilling scream pierced the air. Suddenly, frozen she found her legs unwilling to move. A rush of relief filled her as her eyes met her brothers where he stood only three feet away. Then who screamed? They walked a little farther until they came to a cave.

"It's kinda quiet, do you think the scream came from there?" Jessica asked Charles.

"I don't know it's possible though." He answered furrowing his brow as he gazed skeptically at the entrance. Suddenly a bony hand reach out and grab Jessica's shoulder, she screamed then felt a hand slip over her mouth. Turning around she saw a girl with red curly hair, she looked about 13 and rather thin. "Sorry I didn't mean to startle you." She mumbled squinting her eyes in the sunlight.

"Who are you?" Charles questioned.

"I'm Lizzie, I live in a cabin on this mountain." She replied as she shuffled her sneakers in the dirt, "I wanted to warn you not to go in the cave."

"Why?" Jessica pressed as her gaze met the girl's face and then cave behind her. "Legend, that's all." Lizzie answered simply.

"What legend?" Charles prodded impatiently. "Well, over 100 years ago, it is said after an extremely frigid and harsh winter a child of 12 named Isaac Wilson, was separated from his family and sought refuge in this cave. Everyone looked for him, but he was never seen again. Some say he died lost in the cave during the storm others say he left after the blizzard and vanished in these here woods." Lizzie finished.

"How sad." Jessica murmured, "But why doesn't anyone go in the cave?"

"Many are afraid to get lost in there just like Isaac." Lizzie responded. "I suggest you don't go in there, I got to go, see you guys around!"

Then as soon as she had come, Lizzie disappeared into the woodlands back up the mountain. "Well, should we go in?" Jessica nudged her brother.

"Definitely!" He grinned as he dashed into the cave. The cavern was dark and damp smelling slightly musty and had little glimmering pools under medium sized stalactites. The consistent dripping was oddly calming and the reflections on the wall were satisfying to watch and Jessica rub her hands on the walls cold surface. "This is pretty cool." She whispered, but even just her quiet voice sent off a volley of echoes.

"Yeah good thing we took those extra classes at school on spelunking." Charles chuckled.

"If only you payed attention." Jessica teased as she began to jog farther in. Charles stuck out his tongue mockingly then followed her deeper into the black abyss.

After about 20 minutes the two had made a trail from the entrance to around the center of the cave using land marks and large stones they found inside the cave. "So what do you think about the reported missing Isaac?" Jessica questioned.

"I'm not sure, it could be an old wives tale to keep kids out of the cave but if he was here I'm gonna find evidence." Charles spoke eagerly with a determined glint in his eye.

"I know that look, you think we'll find something!" Jessica beamed enthusiastically.

"It's possible, anything is possible." He grinned hopefully. "Come on let's put this legend to rest!"

With more spirit now the siblings raced through the cave looking for clues, but a half hour went by in vain. But just as they were about to head back something caught Charles' eye. Excitedly he dashed back a little ways and wrapped his hands around a blanket. It was faded and worn and moths had gotten to it at one point, and when he pulled it back it revealed a small book. "Jessica come see!" Charles practically shouted.

Almost immediately she was there. "Whoa, this is incredible!" Gently, she scooped up the book, it had a worn black leather cover, but though it was weathered it was still in considerably good condition. Looking at the binding now she saw it was a KJV bible, and slowly she opened the cover revealing the name Isaac Wilson and the date he got it in 1852 and underneath it was a small paragraph that read:

It has been lonely in this cave and I am scared, I don't know if I'll ever be found but at least I still have my faith and I know I'm not alone. I really miss my mother and father and hope to be reunited with them soon.

-Isaac Wilson

"This poor boy must have died in here, by the way he was speaking I don't think he would have left this behind." Jessica mumbled sadly.

"Looks like you're right, Jess, I found Isaac." Charles motioned for his sister come to him. Bringing her hands to her mouth, she gasped as she saw a small curled up skeleton of a young 12-year-old boy. Tears pricked her eyes at the sight, he must have froze to death.

After they wrapped the bible in the worn blanket, Charles laid it in the little boys arms before hugging his sister. Together they left, leaving the story behind for another to find.

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About the Creator

Autumn Brown

I'm a new author starting here to practice my writing. If you like what you read please share with friends on social media or send a tip if you wish:) Your support is always welcome.Thanks again!

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