Gone (Parallel Trilogy, Book 1) Read Online Free PDF

of that trap.
    I decided to take my chances and continue on. I could use the matches to light my way and hope that they would hold out until I reached the end. I would have to move as quickly as possible.
    Though I hated using another match, I decided it would be worthwhile to be able to see well enough to collect every match that had fallen out of the box. After lighting a second match, I quickly picked up the spilled matches and placed them securely in the box, then placed the box in my front pocket.
    Dropping the used-up match, I felt around for my backpack, slung it onto my shoulders, and stood. I took the box of matches out of my pocket, but this time when I opened it I did it slowly and made sure the box was right-side up before opening it enough to pull out a match. I lit a match then tucked the box in my pocket. Cupping my hand around the flame, I moved forward swiftly, trying to keep the flame from blowing out while forcing myself to ignore the possible presence of spiders.
    It didn’t take long for the flame to go out. I struck another match and continued on, using this method to make good progress. When I was down to three matches I began to worry, but with no other options, I pressed forward. As I lit the second to last match I noticed the floor beginning to slope upward. Hope surged through me and I began to walk even faster, but the additional speed brought too much air flow and the match blew out before it had completely burned down.
    I dropped the match and pulled out the last one, not allowing myself to think past the moment, and lit the tiny stick. Slowing my pace enough to keep the flame going, I kept walking until the flame burned my finger.
    “Ouch!” I shook my finger, ignoring the sting of the burn, then closed my eyes, hoping that I could somehow adjust to the darkness. After a moment I opened my eyes again and was shocked that I could see a little bit.
    Had my eyes gotten used to the dark? Or was I nearing the end and a way out?
    Frantic to get out of this dungeon-like place, I ran, no longer constrained by the need to keep a match burning. As I moved forward, I noticed I was able to see better and better.
    Suddenly I saw daylight. I had reached the end.
    Elated, I rushed forward but stopped short when the bright sunlight hit my eyes. Squinting, I shaded my eyes. I was thrilled to be outside again and never wanted to go inside that tunnel again. After a moment I had adjusted to the brilliance of the sun and removed my hand from my eyes.
    Now that my fears had melted away, I realized that my throat was very dry. I shrugged off my backpack and pulled out my nearly empty water bottle. Trying to ration what little water I had, I took a few sips, then screwed the lid back on and set the bottle back in the pack. Though I was famished, I decided to wait on eating either of the two remaining granola bars, afraid that would make me thirsty again.
    There was no snow here, though the ground was damp, and I wondered how far from my original location I had come. At the hut the snow had appeared to be at least a foot deep. But here, birds chirped in the trees overhead and the branches seemed to whisper as a gentle breeze ruffled the pine needles.
    I looked around, trying to find something familiar. Nothing was and I knew I was hopelessly lost. Trying to suppress the growing panic that tightened my chest, I inhaled deeply and then exhaled slowly, loosening the fear and helping me to take a moment and think.
    The walking path has to be around here somewhere, I thought. All I need to do is find it, then I’ll be home free.
    I studied the bushes and trees surrounding me, looking for something that resembled a trail.
    This place must be pretty abandoned, I thought, because nothing looks like a trail to me.
    Snugging the backpack tighter to my shoulders, I set off in a direction I hoped would lead me to the path. As I trudged through the muddy forest my feet became heavier as the mud became a thick cake on my shoes. I