He chuckled. “What?”
“I’m telling the story of how you were murdered by big foot’s cousins.”
“There’s nothing in the cave.”
“How do you know that?”
“I feel it in my gut. Let’s go.”
“You know what? I’ve definitely seen enough. We can go back and cook these mushrooms.”
“No way. We have to check out that cave.”
“Let’s at least take out the gun.”
“We don’t need it.”
“Fine. Just as long as you know that you’ll wrestle Big Foot’s cousin by yourself?”
“You’ll help. Right?”
“No, sir. Someone must live to tell the story.”
“You’re just going to let me battle on my own?”
“It was your dumb ass idea to go into the cave. I’ll be running to get help.”
Cain’s laughter rose high, battling with the sound of falling water.
Chapter 29
The Cave
CAIN
W
ith a lot of coaxing, I convinced Phoenix to explore the cave with me. I kept my bag close, happy I’d packed flashlights.
And there we began, walking up along the twisting path.
The hike was strenuous. Loose stones and gray gravel covered the first part of the climb. The tiny trail must’ve rose to a hundred feet. Cool mist rose around us. The higher we rose and the closer we made it to the waterfall, the more the trail shifted to slippery clay and spongy green moss.
Phoenix remained silent. The only sound was our footsteps and the soothing noise of water crashing against rocks.
Still, Phoenix moved slowly and carefully, placing each foot in front of the other with deliberate care just like a professional hiker. She was so smart, so fucking resilient. Even I had to admit the slippery trail was a bit scary, especially when looking over the edge.
About halfway up I tightened my grip on Phoenix’s hand and helped her move forward. “Are you okay?”
She turned her head toward me and her eyes were wide with excitement. “I’m good, just make sure I don’t fall to my death and we’ll be cool.”
“Never that.”
When we arrived at the top, I gazed around us. The sky was a cloudless, brilliant blue. The view of the hills through the mist was breathtaking. The sun burned a bright gold and sparkled onto the lake below us.
The waterfall appeared more spectacular from this height. Ripples of sunlight danced about the waterfall’s surface, giving off a reflection of tiny liquid rainbows.
Phoenix stood beside me, holding my hand and gazing out over the hills with a look I couldn’t read.
I took a deep breath of the waterfall’s mist. It smelled of cool water and moss. Relaxing, I turned to her. “What do you think?”
“I feel like I’m standing in the center of a cloud.”
“Due to all the mist?”
“And because we’re so high.” A wide smile spread across her face. “It’s so beautiful. I’m glad I thought of this idea.”
“Oh. This was your idea?”
She chuckled. “It was.”
“Alright then.” I guided us along. “Now the cave.”
“Oh shit.” She frowned. “I forgot about that.”
“How could you forget about the cave?”
“Because I was focused on this wet path with no railing and a steep ledge.”
“This will be exciting.” I led her behind the waterfall. Here, the water roared louder and the mist thickened every inch of air.
Phoenix waved mist away and tip toed forward. “I would like the gun now.”
I grinned. “Absolutely fucking not.”
She was about to say something, but froze with her lips parted.
I looked in that direction.
Damn. This is amazing.
The cave’s mouth opened to a large natural chamber of glimmering limestone. The walls glittered with a million refractions of black and beige speckled rock formations from dolomite, marble, and even gypsum.
The floor was rocky and uneven.
Passing me, Phoenix stepped inside. “It looks like God came in here and sculpted the place.”
“Maybe. . .He did.”
“Why is it so shiny?”
“The cave rock is dissolved by the natural acid in seeping water. Over time cracks enlarge to become caves and cave systems and you get this. . .shiny gleam.”
“So this place will be bigger in future years?”
“Definitely.” I lay the backpack on the ground and stepped into the natural chamber with her. The cave had a damp calming sensation wafting through the space, making the air smell like cleansing medicine.
“I’ve never seen anything like this before.” Phoenix looked awestruck. “The trail was scary and the idea of some creature being in here was terrifying. . .”
“But?”
“But the payoff was worth it.”
“I agree.”
“It’s so. . .amazing.”
“I agree again. Not only are the waterfalls themselves spectacular, but this cave is unforgettable.” I soaked in the tranquility. “Yeah. This looks like the place.”
She quirked her brows. “For what?”
“For lunch. We’ve been hiking and foraging for hours. You must be hungry.” I bent down, opened the huge bag, and pulled out the blanket. “Spread this out.”
She took it. “Did you bring Moby Dick too?”
I chuckled. “You want to find out what happens?”
“I’m hoping for a happy ending.”
“Well. . .I would keep an open mind about that.”