Mosaic

Mosaic

The once-in-a-lifetime earthquake had sent shockwaves throughout most of Virginia. The Luray Caverns, sitting just north of the quake's center, had suffered some damage and Sebastian was doing a safety inspection before the attraction could be reopened to the public.

Entering the main cavern, Sebastian hesitated. He never tired of the majesty of this dark world.

A fall of rock caught his attention. That's odd, he thought. He ran over the map in his mind and there wasn't anything in that section that should have collapsed.

As he approached, he was surprised to see a new crevice. "Well, I'll be." His voice echoed back at him. Looking closely, he saw it appeared to be passable.

He instinctively knew he should call for others ... but the temptation was too much. Checking his equipment – hard-hat, walkie-talkie, rope – he squeezed through the labyrinth of jagged rocks to see where it might lead, his helmet light picking out the route festooned with sparkling bits of quartz and mica.

About a hundred yards in, he tripped and his helmet went flying into the dark. Looking up, he watched the light dim and then blink out. Crawling forward, he felt along the path until his hands touched the familiar shape of the hard-hat. He tried the switch but nothing happened. The battery was dead. "What can happen next?" he asked aloud.

To his surprise, he heard his voice repeated multiple times. I must be in a very large space!

He sat quietly and slowly, faint runes began to appear on the wall as his eyes became sensitive to the glow of phosphorescent fungi. Slowly the mosaic of their growth became visible, astounding him with their intricate patterns. I wonder how they get their energy to shine so?

He peered at the curves and lines ... and suddenly, began to laugh, his mirth bouncing off the walls in joyful noise.

Pointing, he shouted, "I knew it!" The image appeared to be a rabbit holding a drum.


Notes:
An entry for the 12/1/11 round of "Daily Flash Fiction Challenge"  [13+]
Prompt: Write a story that includes the words: the battery was dead

Word Limit: 300
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 words of encouragement or praise – are all equally welcome

Ken