#303
Story: The journey🚍
Carlos was a young adventurer who loved to travel the world. He had visited many countries and learned about many cultures, but he still had one destination pending: Antarctica. He had always dreamed of seeing frozen landscapes, penguins and the aurora australis. So, when he found out that there was a scientific expedition that was looking for volunteers to accompany them, he did not hesitate for a second. He signed up, packed his bags and boarded the ship that would take them to the white continent.
The trip lasted several days, during which Carlos made friends with the other travelers and the scientists. They all shared the same enthusiasm and curiosity about Antarctica. Carlos felt happy and excited. Finally he was going to fulfill his dream.
Upon reaching the coast, they disembarked and settled into a temporary base. From there, they would go out in groups to explore the terrain, collect samples and observe the fauna. Carlos signed up for all possible exits. He wanted to make the most of the experience. Every day was an adventure, a surprise, a wonder. Carlos fell in love with Antarctica.
One day, Carlos learned that there was a cave near the base that was very special. According to what they told him, it had very beautiful ice formations and crystals that reflected light in a magical way. Carlos couldn't wait to see her. He asked the scientists if he could go with them, but they said no. It was a dangerous area, requiring special equipment and a special permit. Only experts could enter. Carlos was disappointed, but he did not give up. He decided that he would go on his own, without anyone finding out. He waited until everyone was asleep and left the base with a flashlight and a compass. He followed the directions he had heard and headed towards the cave.
He found her without difficulty. It was an opening in the ground, surrounded by snow. Carlos looked out and saw that there was a metal staircase that went down to the interior. Without thinking twice, he tied a rope around his waist and climbed into the mouth of the cave. He descended the ladder carefully, lighting the way with the flashlight. When he reached the bottom, he was left speechless. The cave was amazing. It was like being in another world. There were ice stalactites and stalagmites of all colors, shining in the light of the flashlight. There were crystals of strange shapes, which looked like diamonds. There was a frozen lake, which reflected the ceiling like a mirror. Carlos felt like a kid in a candy store. He wanted to see everything, touch everything, photograph everything. He forgot about time and danger. He just wanted to enjoy the cave.
But then, something happened that he didn't expect. A dull noise, like thunder, echoed throughout the cave. Carlos started and looked up. He saw that the mouth of the cave had closed. An avalanche of snow had fallen and blocked the exit. Carlos was paralyzed. He was trapped. There was no way out. There was no way to ask for help. There was no way to survive. Carlos felt indescribable panic. He screamed, he cried, he hit the snow wall, but it was all useless. Nobody heard it. Nobody saw it. Nobody saved him.
Carlos died alone, in the most beautiful cave in the world.
ArteFelinoo