Mystery In The Dark

She had been missing for 3 days when they were discovered by hikers.

Nearly buried by the light powder that blew forcefully off the jagged peaks. Folded neatly and placed at the edge of the mountain, they discovered a jacket, sweatshirt, a pair of pants, and pink socks tucked into a new pair of fur trimmed snow boots. Much like the ones her nana had given to her 4 days earlier for her birthday.

Under the dodgy swirl of flashlights, they feverishly searched for her, following the fading footprints that led into the underground cave.

Knowing what the weather would do to her fragile, naked skin only exacerbated the urgency.

The search dogs howled out an alert, something had been found.

Hanging, encased in the ice was a severed finger. It appeared to be frostbitten, apparently torn from a hand in a violent effort to free oneself from the icy grips of the cave. And even more disturbing, pointing them further in.

They couldn't be sure it belonged to her.

As the wind wisped excitedly around them, they tried to discern if the screams were the howling draft or cries for help.

Helplessly they wandered farther and farther into the darkness of the frozen caverns.

Whether it was exhaustion, fear or the mesmerizing glow of the crystalized chambers, they had become lost. Each one certain they knew the way. Before long, they had lost all sense of their search.

As they began to ravage one another, a faint breath exhales.