106
I am having difficulty breathing. Suddenly, in my frenzied
state, I have a comforting thought. My grandfather Virgil left
proof that he came this way. His inscription in the stone is
the proof—living proof. Yes, he must be alive, my grandfather.
I just have to find him.
This thought gives me the strength to continue.
Right up until the moment my flashlight batteries die,
leaving me in the
pitch black
. I cry out in despair.
“
HELLLLLLLLL
PPPPPPPPPPPPP
!
”
Hellp…helllp…helllpppppp
, mimics my echo.
I must stay calm—though if it weren’t for my Stuart pride,
I would burst into tears! No! I’m mad now! All of this is the
fault of…FrouFrou! Taking care of the dog these past few
days has taken so much energy that I forgot to recharge my
flashlight batteries.
