To the Caverns

A group of amateur cavers run into trouble. 300-word flash

To the Caverns

“Everybody get suited up warmly,” our troop leader, Mr. Messer told us. Somebody had to say it, so I did.
“Where are we going?” I asked so everyone could hear.

“I wanted it to be a surprise, but since you’re all so curious, we’re headed to the Laurier Caverns. I have the tents and food in my van. We’re going to spend the night.”
We looked at each other. I spoke again.
“Seriously sir, where are we going.”

“This is a caving and spelunking group, isn’t it?”
We all nodded.
“It’s time we tried out our skills, don’t you think?”
Some nodded, others shook their heads. Mr. Messer studied the naysayers.

“How many of you are scared?” The naysayers and a few others raised their hands. Mr. Messer did too.
“Never say you aren’t afraid, if you are. Be afraid but do it anyway. That’s real bravery!”
He marched us to his van and we piled in. The trip wasn’t far, so we didn’t really have time to build up fear. When we got there, we swarmed out with our equipment and some of the other supplies.

It was a bit of a hike to the caverns, but we were now gung-ho. Once there, we roped together and trooped in. Things started out fine. Soon we ran into a snag.
We were climbing a tricky patch, when the rope suddenly slackened. Climbing axes saved us and we made our way to the top of the rope. Mr. Messer wasn’t there, just a frayed rope.

We organized to search, but there was no sign of him.
“What do we do?”
I took out my two-way and called a park ranger, my dad. By the time he got there, we’d found Mr. Messer or what was left of him.