This choice: Our First Night in the Caves • Go Back...Chapter #4Our First Night in the Caves by: BeeJay   Our first stop was the brook, where we all drank our fill. And we weren't the only ones to think of that, as a family of very large dinosaurs drank from the other side. "Apatosaurus," Hector told us.
"The watering hole is mostly a safe place among animals in our world," Captain Tippett added. "It seems to be true here, too."
Once we were done, we went to the mountain where the band had seen the cave. There it was, about halfway up; it looked like the opening was big enough for a human being to walk through, and the climb up didn't look like it would be too bad. I wasn't used to climbing, but I made it up the side and onto the ledge. Even Big Sweaty managed to get up.
Once we were in the cave entrance, Captain Tippett led us on an exploration of the cave. It was a pretty big system, and it had several chambers. "This looks like we can make it a decent shelter," the captain said. Then, turning to the band, he said, "Good job, men. We don't know how long we'll be here, but this should protect us for now."
We all applauded.
Once it died down, I spoke with the lead singer. "Good job, guys," I said. "I feel awful about this, but I live down the street from some of you guys, and I don't even know your names."
He nodded, then pointed a thumb at himself. "On lead vocals and guitar, Caleb Henson." Then he pointed to a boy who looked a lot like him, but with a different hairstyle. "My twin brother, and human drum machine, Axel Henson." He pointed to another boy. "Bassist extraordinaire, Kevin Aupperle." Finally, he pointed to a dark-skinned boy. "And, on keyboards, it's Kumail Nassour."
"What do you boys call yourselves?" Captain Tippett asked.
"We're still working on a name," Caleb replied. "Every time we get together, we've got a hundred possible names to consider. You wouldn't believe how hard it is to think of a band name."
"I suggested The Joint Phenomenon," Kumail said. "It's from a book; the same book where Nirvana got their name."
"How about The Band?" I asked.
"It's been used."
******************************
To celebrate making it through our first day in this strange place, the boys led us in an a cappella version of "Cleveland Rocks." Kumail used the natural acoustics of the cave to give "Ohio!" an echo.
The celebration was muted, however, when we heard two roars. "What is that?" I asked.
"There are two usual reasons why an animal roars," Captain Tippett replied. "Either a territorial challenge, or looking for a mate."
"So it's just the Jurassic Park version of Netflix and Chill?"
"It could be."
And so we went to bed.
Using my carry-on bag for a pillow, I hoped I wouldn't meet whatever roared, while I knew that I probably would.  indicates the next chapter needs to be written. |
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