When a group of friends stumbles upon a mysterious cave hidden along the sandy shores of Santa Monica, they expect nothing more than a thrilling adventure. But what starts as a harmless exploration quickly turns into something much more sinister. As the cave's shadows deepen, strange occurrences begin to unravel time and reality itself. With no light, no way out, and no one to trust, the friends must rely on each other to survive the cave's eerie darkness.

Ethan, the ever-cautious one, wasn’t keen on the adventure to begin with. But when he returns with a flashlight, he reveals something far more terrifying than just darkness—something that will change their lives forever. Marta tries to keep her cool with sarcasm, but even she can't shake the feeling that something is very wrong. And Ben, with his wild theories, might not be too far off the mark after all.

What lies within the depths of the cave? Is it just a trick of the mind, or is there something far more dangerous waiting in the dark? As time seems to warp and twist around them, the friends must face their deepest fears, uncover hidden secrets, and find a way out before they’re trapped forever.

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Excerpt from Christmas 2030 © Copyright 2024 Toma Perica

CHAPTER ONE

  • Hey, Marta. – I say.
  • What? – Marta asks.
  • Let’s go, into that cave.
  • Why; are you bored?
  • No. – I chuckle.
  • Why in the cave?
  • I don’t know; why not?
  • Yeah, let’s go; sounds interesting. – Ben says.
  • I don’t really feel like going; but if you all go, I’ll go too. – Ethan says.

And; did you go into that cave? Not yet. Didn’t you say, not to skip anything? (I chuckle) Yes, continue. (She smiles) When we arrived in front of the cave…

  • What now; Toma? – Marta asks me.
  • Let’s go inside, and then we go where the path leads us. – I say.
  • I hope, we’re not gonna die. – Marta laughs.

Where is the cave? On the sandy beach; in Santa Monica. There is a cave in Santa Monica? There is; when we went into the cave… What’s the cave like? I don’t know; the usual; from the inside or outside?

  • Anyone have a flashlight? The deeper we go; the darker it’ll be. – Ben says.
  • It will be darker; I didn’t realize. – Marta says; sarcastically.
  • I have a flashlight, but I don’t have it with me. – Ethan says.
  • What’s it good for, if you don’t have it with you? – I say.

When Ethan came back… Wait; what were you doing while you were waiting for him? Nothing special.

  • See; it’s getting darker and darker; this cave might be some sort of time machine, that accelerates time. – Ben says.
  • Not funny. – Marta laughs.
  • Just a theory. – Ben answers.
  • It’s just a cloud that covered the sun; and you’re already thinking about time machines. – I say.

The cave went completely dark; at least the part where we were; we weren’t right next to the entrance. Why didn’t you tell me that? I was about to. What; I have to say everything in order? (I smile) Yes, you have to. (She smiles)

  • What the heck? – Marta asks.
  • Calm down, we can’t see anything either; you haven’t gone blind. – Ben says.
  • I am not stupid; what’s going on? – Marta asks.
  • Anyone have a phone; to light up the cave? – I ask.
  • I, don’t. – Marta and Ben say simultaneously.
  • Great. – I say.
  • For how long are we going to stay here; in the dark? I don’t even dare to move. – Marta laughs.
  • Why is it pitch dark all of a sudden? – I ask.
  • I have no idea. – Ben answers.

I heard the footsteps on the pebbles; I assumed that was Ethan. Okay; you really don’t have to go into all those details; didn’t you say, it was a sandy beach? Yea, it’s sandy; there are also rocks around the cave. The cave is not right by the sea; I told you already. Yeah, sorry. Continue.

  • Can you hear that? – I ask.
  • Someone’s coming. – Ben says.
  • That’s definitely Ethan. – I say.
  • I hope so. – Marta says.

How old are you? Twenty-three; you? I’m interviewing you here. (She smiles) Okay. (I smile)

  • Here I am! – Ethan says; while entering the cave with the flashlight.
  • Our savior! – Ben says.
  • Savior. – Ethan chuckles; and continues – Come; you have to see this.
  • What? – Marta asks.
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