THE DARK TUNNEL

I paced around and kept tapping my knuckles. What could I do to save them? Then suddenly I realized that we were in the security room.

I had built a tunnel that started in the security room when Alex has absorbed some of my powers so that I could keep a watch on him. It led straight to Dixonville. Hopefully, it would be still intact.

Alex picked up an iron rod and stood in a defensive position but I pulled him along and said, “Help me shift the wardrobe”

“Is this girl out of her mind. Here we are dying of fear and she wants to shift the wardrobe.” Michael said irritatedly.

“Mind your language, If you can’t help us, keep your mouth shut,” Alex said and started pushing the wardrobe.

My heart warmed up at the trust Alex showed at my decision. Some others came forward and helped Alex.

The wardrobe was shifted quickly. I had expected the opening to the tunnel to be visible but I could only see the wall. I felt panic rise within me. What could we do now?

Alex came forward and placed his ears on the wall, then he started tapping at it methodically. He took the iron rod and hit the wall with it.

“Have you lost………………” Before Michael could complete his statement the rod had pierced through the wall. Luckily the opening had not been cemented. There was only wallpaper.

It was not the first time Alex’s analytical skills had saved my life. It came handy especially when my brain was rendered useless by fear.

Alex tore down the remaining of the wallpaper quickly and said, “Everyone walks through it quickly. The students started walking in one by one.

The door had almost come off the hinges by now. We literally started pushing everyone inside. Alex and I were the only ones left when the door broke but the things piled in against the door still blocked the view of the creature.

I pulled Alex's hand and started walking inside but Alex said, “One minute…..” He went to the wardrobe and started pulling it back to its place.

I clenched my fists tightly and muttered, “ Please make it on time….”

There was a loud crash. Then someone brushed past me and then the next moment everything became dark as the wardrobe slipped into its place, blocking all the light.

“Alex...” I whispered.

Someone grabbed my hand making me jump.

“Ouch……” Someone’s muffled scream was heard. I must have stepped onto someone’s feet.

“I am sorry,” I whispered

“Shh…don't worry I am here.”I heard Alex’s voice. I let out the breath I was holding.

“I am so relieved that you are alright,” I said tightening my grip on his hands.

“Now, What do we do?” He asked.

I thought for a moment and then instructed, “Each one of you hold the other’s hand and form a chain. This will prevent us from bumping into each other. Pass this message to the ones that are ahead in the tunnel.

Each one should wait till they feel the tug ahead of them. We will all walk in a rhythm, like a march. It would take us about thirty minutes to reach Dixonville. If someone needs to stop, they must pass the message first before stopping. Is that clear?”

“Yes…..yes….yes….” I heard a chain of whispers and we started moving. My idea actually worked as we walked forward smoothly. I was glad that we didn’t end up in a tangled mass in the tunnel.

“While we are walking let us introduce ourselves as we do in colleges. The one in the front will say 1 and tell his name and something about himself and the second will say 2 and so on.” It was a great strategy as it kept everyone distracted.

“Number 33, I am Michael Gonsalves. I am from El Nina. I love football and acting.” Michael told when it was his turn.

It was then I realized that there were only 35 of us but as per my estimate, there should have been at least 40-42. Maybe I was wrong. Anyway, there was no use worrying Alex right now. I gave my introduction and then Alex did too.

We could see a faint light in the tunnel now and everyone was visible as silhouettes. After walking a few more steps I saw all the students standing together. No one seemed to be moving ahead.

“What happened? Why did you all stop?” Alex asked.

“Come and see for yourself.” The man near the opening said.

We pushed our way forward through the narrow gap that the students had created for us to move ahead. I halted in my steps when I saw that the opening wasn’t blocked. As far as I remembered I always kept it closed. Did that mean someone was already there?

I peeped in to see about four-five figures sitting on a couch. They seemed to be engaged in the conversation. Since the lights of the bungalow were turned off, I couldn’t see them clearly, only faint outlines.

Alex saw the same sight and pulled me back. Then he warned, “No need to play the Superwoman by going inside. Others can do this. If nobody is willing, I will go. But, you will stay here. Is that understood?”

I was going to protest when Michael said, “Alex is right, Eva. You shouldn’t go inside. We both will go and check. If the people inside are monsters too, we will run back. You don’t look like you would be able to run. I noticed that Alex had to support you while walking. So, going inside would be a suicide mission.”

He was right. I felt totally drained. Taking each step was becoming more and more difficult for me. I had to nod in agreement.

Alex and Michael climbed in through the opening and then they walked towards the couch. I strained my eyes but those men weren’t visible. They must have gone to some other part of the house.

I waited impatiently for them to return, looking at my watch every other moment. Five minutes passed, then ten but they had still not returned.

Then out of nowhere, I heard many screams. My heart came to my mouth when I heard their screams. I had to go and find out.

“Please God…..Please……Let him be alright….” I muttered as I propelled myself out of the opening, ignoring the warnings of other students.

I tiptoed through the hall, looking around warily. My foot got caught on something and I stumbled. I gripped the thing closest to me but unfortunately, it was a showpiece. It shook precariously due to the impact. My jaws hit the ground and I stretched my hands to prevent its fall but I was too late. It fell on the floor with a crash.

“Why do I have to be so clumsy?” I muttered under my breath as I looked around.

Someone grabbed me from behind and I let out a scream. My heart throbbed like crazy. My hands covered my belly in a weak attempt to sheild my baby. I didn’t want to die like this. I had to find a way to save myself and my baby.