Catch Me, I'm Falling

Two weeks have passed me by, and it's hard to believe that I'll probably be stuck here forever.

On the bright side, at least I was not alone.

But one day, everything changed, and I don't know if it was for the better or for the worst.

The day had started normally, just me and Calypso chatting while drinking tea and eating breakfast, but then, I went outside to check out the island some more.

The island stretched like a jewel across the endless blue, its powder-white sand glinting in the sunlight. Gentle waves lapped at the shore, & the rustle of palm fronds danced in rhythm with the ocean breeze. The scent of salt and blooming hibiscus filled the warm air, while colorful parrots called from the treetops. Each step onto the beach sank into soft, sun-kissed sand, and the taste of fresh mango lingered in my mouth. Time felt suspended—just sea, sky, & serenity.

Or so I thought. If only I had known what I'd find in just fifteen minutes, I wouldn't have had this mindset.

As I continued to explore the island, I saw something that I was sure hadn't been there before. A dark shape nestled in the foliage—a doorway, maybe, or a cave—its jagged entrance yawning like a secret waiting to be uncovered.

And of course, like the fool that I am, I couldn't help but walk towards it.

When I got in, I noticed that there were two unlit torches right across from each other, and a spiral staircase descending down into the darkness.

Suddenly, I heard something loud from behind me.

I whirled around and saw that the entrance to the cave was blocked off by a large stone.

"Oh, no." I grumbled, but then, I heard the two torches light up.

How could this be? This all seemed so surreal.

"Go down, if you dare."  a voice coming from below told me.

So, I did, because I was stupid enough to listen to that voice.

Although my gut was practically SCREAMING at me to turn around, I chose not to listen.

As I went down, I felt a shiver run down my spine, and the hairs on the nape of my neck stood up.

"What the actual heck is happening?" I wondered aloud.

"You'll see. Just follow the sound of my voice." the voice responded.

"Wait, why are you talking to me?" I questioned.

"There is something here that not even Calypso or the Olympians knew about. Only I, a minor goddess, know about it."  the voice replied.

"Well, what's your name?" I inquired, eager to know.

"My name is Nike, and I'm the goddess of victory."  the voice said to me.

"Okay, so, um, Nike, why am I here?" I asked.

"Because I need you to help Calypso get off this island and end her state of loneliness." Nike told me.

"But that didn't answer my entire question. Is there something that you want me to see?" I questioned.

"Yes, there is. Now keep going, and I'll reveal it to you." Nike bellowed.

So, I listened to her and I kept going.

If only I had known what would be down there, I don't know if I would have stood there and listened to Nike, or if I'd turn around & run.