Member-only story
Solitary Cave
All you need is a friend — A short story
The darkness was terrifying when I was first isolated, but after a while, I got used to it. I’ve grown to like the solitude of this damp cave, and I no longer enjoy company from the outside world. Until today, I didn’t have to worry about someone bothering me, but now there was a man inside my cave, and I didn’t like it.
The young man shifted back and forth on his feet as he stared at my claws. Any minute now, he would take off running just like the rest of them, and I could go back to my solitude. I waited patiently, but he just stood there, staring.
Then he did something I never expected. He sat down on the dirt. I tilted my head to the side, studying him, unsure if I liked this man in my cave. I snorted, a puff of smoke coming out of my nostrils to swirl around his head. He didn’t move.
A growl rumbled from my throat. “Why are you here?”
“You need a friend.” He smiled the biggest smile I’ve ever seen, making the coldness that clung to my heart for so long melt away.
I lowered my head to look him in the eye. There wasn’t even a hint of ill intent. It had been so long since I had a friend. It would be nice to share even a small part of my day with someone.
“You can stay,” I grumbled, not wanting to let him know how pleased I was.
That day started a friendship that lasted a lifetime.
