Not A Small-Town Girl

"Inside the cave, everyone stayed alert, not letting their guard down for a second. The further they walked, the colder it got. The chill crept up from their feet and wrapped around them.

"Can Matthew really make it here? There are snakes, traps, and mazes everywhere. I almost thought we were following a treasure trail," Xavier said, sounding puzzled.

“I swear, this feels like one of those adventure movies," he added, trying to lighten the mood as the danger seemed to pass.

"Vivian patted Xavier on the head. "Have you been so jobless lately? No one asked you to film? Want us to invest in you?"

“Mom, are you sick of me? Am I not your favorite anymore? Matthew is the one ruined my precious vacation," Xavier said, rubbing his head with a dramatic sigh.

“Can you just be quiet for once? You talk non-stop. I have no idea how your fans put up with it," Vivian said, half-annoyed, half-amused.

“You don’t get it. I’m handsome, I’m a good actor, and I’m a warm guy. Why wouldn’t people like me?" Xavier argued.

"Danielle chuckled softly. Xavier really was like a little sun, just with a bit of a nervous streak.

"Suddenly, squeaking sounds came from ahead, sending chills down their spines.

“Something’s up ahead. Stay sharp," Danielle said, her voice low.

"Wow, this is definitely an adventure. Sounds like rats... It’s freaky," Xavier muttered, his eyes darting around. Everything in the cave felt like bad luck to him.

"Danielle’s eyes widened as the sound continued. It was likely vampire bats. The noise was unmistakable.

“Dad, Xavier, do either of you have a lighter?" Danielle asked, her mind racing to think of something that might work.

“I do," Howard replied, pulling one out and handing it to her. "Are you thinking of using fire on bats?"

"Danielle gave a quick nod. "Yeah, bats hate firelight. When we move past them, we need to be as quiet as possible, or we’ll spook them." The high-pitched chirping gave her a good idea of how many there might be.

“Dad, how’d you know it was bats?" Xavier asked, clearly puzzled. He had been sure it was a rat or something.

"Howard gave him a look. "Isn’t it obvious? You, keep it down. Don’t want to wake them up."

“Why is it always me?" Xavier muttered, resisting the urge to stomp his feet. He glanced nervously at the ceiling, his mind racing with images of bloodsucking bats. Matthew was crazy to come to a place like this.

"Danielle gathered a few sturdy sticks, tore some fabric from her coat, and wrapped it around them. After dousing the fabric with alcohol, she fashioned four rough torches.

“Here," she said, handing them out. "Take one each, but only light them if we absolutely have to. Let’s not stir up the bats."

"Xavier accepted a torch and immediately shrugged off his coat, draping it over Danielle’s shoulders. "You take this. It’s freezing in here, and you’ll catch a cold."

"Howard and Vivian exchanged approving glances. Their son wasn’t completely hopeless—at least he knew how to look out for his sister.

“Thanks, Xavier," Danielle said, accepting the coat without hesitation. She was definitely feeling the cold.