“Because you asked me to help you get stronger, remember?”
I frowned. Not like this.
“I know you hate the dark, Wyatt, and I know you hate being alone.”
“I’m fine.” I crossed my arms.
“So I should just leave you then?”
“NO!”
Again she laughed.
“Mommy, I want to come out now.”
“Then come out.”
I pushed and pushed but it didn’t work. “Mommy, I can’t.”
“I’ll teach you how.”
“Mommy, I’m scared!” I couldn’t see.
“I know, but we have to do the things that scare us to become strong, okay?” I couldn’t stop shaking. “Wyatt?”
“Okay,” I said softly.
“Good, now move around. Do you feel anything?”
I did so and felt something hard and heavy. “Yeah.”
“Now roll over to your side.”
“Okay.” I did.
“Now feel the side; do you feel anything like panels?”
“What are panels?”
“Like curtains or…something covering something else.”
I felt along the wall but found nothing but carpet. “No.”
“Roll over on the other side and try again.”
I did. Wiping the sweat from my face, I felt again. “I think I got it.”
“Good, pull on it as hard as you can.”
When I did, light came in really bright, and I could see outside, but it was red and blurry.
“I did it.”
“Now use the heavy thing to break the red thing.”
When I did, the first person I saw was Uncle Fedel.
“Hey, kiddo.” He smiled.