The Neophyte

The Neophyte

In the years since before-time, the remnants of the human race were forced underground for survival. The eco-system destroyed, the environment polluted, the planet retreated into a ice-age of global proportions. Over time, the automation that had once served them failed. Every 25 years, one person would be selected to make the arduous journey to the surface. None of the previous members had returned.

The chamber was spherical, lined with dials and gauges covered with dust. A faint light streamed from windows high up. Julian22 could feel cold emanating from the final door. Working the large wheel, he heard metal protesting as the locking bars released.

"Well, you've come this far," he vocalized. A tinny replication of his words echoed back. Taking a deep breath, he strained against the door.

"Huh, must be stuck." He re-read the faded directions stenciled on the door.

Click, click, click. Julian jumped as a sound came from the other side of the portal.

Suddenly, the door swung open and he felt himself pelted as the chamber filled with a harsh white light. Momentarily blinded, he stumbled backward sprawling on the floor.

Shielding his eyes, he saw an enormous creature silhouetted in the brilliance. With a yelp, Julian scrambled to his feet.

"Hello," a deep voice said.

"Wha... what are you?" Julian managed to stammer.

A chuckle echoed back. "We'd heard that others were still trapped but I never thought we'd find any ... alive, anyway."

"Others? Trapped?"

The creature advanced into the room and became a man wearing a strange fur covering. He took off his coat, shaking it. Julian stared, reaching out to touch the small puddles of water that formed.

"Snow," the man said. "Frozen water. You'll get used to it."

Looking past the man, Julian saw a world of white and knew he'd found his way home.

Notes:
An entry for the 1/24/10 round of "Daily Flash Fiction Challenge"  [13+] as part of The Talent Pond's "Winter Writing Warm Up"  [E]
Prompt: Write a story about someone seeing snow for the first time.

neophyte - a beginner or novice
Word Count: 300

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Please, as long as you're here, leave a comment. Criticisms, thoughts, reactions, yes – even a kind word of encouragement – are all equally welcome

Ken