This choice: Start when Amelia picks up the Idol • Go Back... Amelia and Michael had been hiking for about an hour now, they were in a remote part of the park that wasn't visited very often. Amelia wiped sweat from her brow as she stepped over some debris that was blocking the path.
"Did that ranger know the trail was blocked?" she called ahead to Michael, who wasn't even slightly winded.
"Nah, probably not. It's been raining a lot 'round here lately so it's probably just from the run-off. Nothing major." he called back, stopping to let her catch up. It was clear Amelia wasn't having as good a time as him in the overcast muddy terrain. "I really appreciate you coming out here with me, y'know."
"As long as I get to see you having such a good time, I'm happy." she replied, patting the side of his face as she reached him. They traded a quick smooch and continued hiking. "You said this was a historical site?"
"Yea, there uh, was a huge neolithic city here. One of the first on the continent. I read there was a huge temple here, based on the city layout and foundations that remain."
"Do they know what they worshiped?"
"I don't think they know. I remember they noted how all of the doors were abnormally wide compared to other sites around the world." Michael continued stealing a glance at Amelia's wide hips.
"Oh hey! Look at that up there!" Amelia said, pointing to a brick-lined cave nestled in the hillside, it was surrounded by mud that had been washed away in the recent rains. "Let's go check that out!" she continued as she approached the cave without any response from Michael. He watched as she somewhat struggled to trek through the mud to the opening, following a few yards behind. She dashed inside and he had to duck down as he entered. The cave smelt of dirt and stale air. The outside light lit up the first few yards, but it was total darkness after that. He ventured forth, regardless, and procured his flashlight from is bag. Turning it on, he found Amelia staring aghast at a skeleton.
"Oh shit." he murmured, "You okay, Amelia?"
"Yea, I couldn't even see it in the darkness honestly." she said as she silently closed a side pocket of her bag opposite of Michael. "How long do you think he's been here?"
"A few thousand years, at least. That's also assuming the skeleton belonged to a male." Michael said as he studied the room further. It was a little wider than the hallway. There were some etchings and paintings on the walls. The two took pictures of them with their phones.
"Isn't this exciting? We're the first living people to be in here in thousands of years!" Amelia exclaimed. "This must be why people become archaeologists, or paleontologists."
"Oh yea." Michael replied, a huge grin crossing his face. "Let's go tell the ranger." they both left the room. Michael pinned the location on his GPS and they set off to return to the ranger station. Amelia lagged behind a little, taking in the thrill of discovering unknown. She reached back and felt the stone idol she had grabbed in the cave in her bag. It was weird, she couldn't even see in the room, but she just felt the need to reach down and grab it, without even knowing what it was.
Suddenly, her mind filled with her deepest thoughts. About something she hadn't told anybody. She wistfully, as always, wished it could be true and continued hiking behind Michael, quickening her steps so she could walk beside him. They held hands as they reached the end of the trail. They continued to excitedly chatter as they climbed into Michael's car, putting their bags in the back. Before putting the car in gear, Michael unexpectedly and playfully pinched Amelia's exposed love handle before she could pull her shirt down. Amelia blushed and swatted his hand away. Michael stared blankly for a minute as he had never done that before. Shaking it off he put the car in gear and drove to the ranger station. indicates the next chapter needs to be written. |
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