The gap smelt safe and no other fragrances swept along in the air. However there was a light scent of dampness that crept up the walls and turned into mould, it drifted into his nose like an unwelcomed guest. But the multihued brute was not concerned with the unpleasant smell; he was too busy musing over what things he might find on his ‘adventure.’ As he suspected, the gap was narrow but thankfully it still left small gaps on either side. In the distance, he could see the passage width widen but he knew to be quite far off. You would think, with Terrel’s history that he would find himself in a mess. That he would be a spluttering fool, with no thought process other than to cower under his fear. But he stared those painful memories into submission, reminding himself that this was not the time, that it was not the place… And it worked. Mae was his bright light in the tunnel; she radiated hope, emitted a peace that calmed and soothed him. And all the troubling things that had once resided in his muddled up mind no longer existed. Her sweet scent offered him a security that he had never felt before and sense of belonging in this messed up world. “Let’s see what magic a waits.” He commented, laughing gently.

The pair ventured forward. His gaze was often caught and pulled towards the top of the passages side. It was apparent that they were not far into the cliff, only a thin layer of stone blocking them from the outside. Small gaps in the wall unleashed a shimmering light to decorate the passage; it illuminated their path and fell delicately upon their pelts. He grinned – superstars in the spot-light. The light didn’t offer much warmth as the sun was early and supplied little but it was reassuring for the boy. Other gaps were blocked, ensuring that light did not pass through the small plants seeking sunlight. Little bugs scampered innocently across the ground, dodging his falling paws. Terrel inhaled sharply, releasing a small and muffled yelp that burst through his pallid maw. Jagged rocks proved a mighty threat in a narrow passage way…

He felt drawn to Mae like a fluttering moth to a flame. It was unbreakable. Terrel wanted to cradle her frame and offer her sweet words of comfort. But that was unnatural. The motley beast knew what he felt and he knew what it was called, what it meant… But he could not admit these feelings. Mae was his friend and he knew he would only be rejected. He didn’t deserve her and she deserved a lot better. And so, in the end the moth couldn’t reach the flame.



I keep climbing but it never seems to stop