The Night Light

 

When the light on his helmet went out, the cave became so dark that the only thing that could possibly show him the way out was the light from the distant lighthouse.  Every 50 seconds it briefly illuminated the entrance to the cave.

Herb would have to take very small and careful steps, allowing about only 3 seconds for each movement.  Needless to say, he was scared and quite nervous.  He thought about the lighthouse and how far away from the cave it was.  It really was impressive how the light was making it to the cave opening.

He had never climbed up to the top of the lighthouse but over the years had taken several pictures of it.  Until now, he hadn’t realized the power it had.  With each momentary flash of light he’d take another small step towards the exit.

As he made his way, he kept both hands against the cave wall in front of him.  It felt cold and wet, but then, just that quickly, it felt furry.  He let out a yell and jumped backwards.  The pressure on Herb’s arm startled him awake.  His wife, Nora, told him he was yelling in his sleep again.  Herb’s pulse was racing.  “It was that same dream again.  It was so real.”

“What did you have to eat before going to bed?”

“It wasn’t anything I ate.  This was exactly the same as the last time.  I’m trying to find my way out of a dark cave and suddenly something startles me.  I don’t know what it is.”

    “Were there passing car headlights again, lighting up the entrance?”

“No, this time is was a lighthouse.”

"A lighthouse?  Do you know how far inland we are from any water?  That must be one heck of a beam."

"It was."

 

 

to be continued