Unknown Treasures

Two rafts slowly floated down the river of the Red Walled river. It was a level 1-4 rapids. There was a group of 7 people per boat, plus two guides, one for each raft. It was a youth group from Chapel Hills Baptist Church with 10 teens and 4 adults. It was about 3:30 in the afternoon and everyone was laughing and enjoying their trip.1

As the raft slowly pulled up to the bank, the guide hopped out of the raft and pulled it the rest of the way onto the shore. Everyone hopped out and helped pull. After the raft was pulled completely onto the shore, we all grabbed our equipment and began to set up camp. Soon we had a little fire going and the guide said, “You can go ahead and explore the area, if you want.”2

A boy by the name of Sam looked around at everyone else as they were deciding whether to just sit around camp and relax or go explore. Being the explorer, Sam instantly knew that he’d like to go explore this strange land so he went over to his best friend Luke and pulled him aside. “Hey man. What’s up? You wanna go with me?”3

Sam was about 17, deep, green eyes, brownish hair, and about 5’ 11’’, still growing. He wore dark blue jeans and a black hoodie with the words “Billabong” across the front. He had a slight goatee growing because he hadn’t shaved for a couple of days. They had been rafting for about 3 days now, exploring and adventuring all along the way.4

Luke slowly nodded his head, being the reserved person he was. Luke wasn’t as big of an adventurer as Sam, but he would tag along for fun. They grabbed their large backpacks that were full of stuff like change of clothes, flare, little bit of food, sleeping blanket, and one backpack even had a small tent that could hold 2. “See ya all later!” Sam said to a couple of the other guys as they began their adventure into the unknown wild.5

They walked single file for a little while, neither saying a word. They soon found a dirt path and followed it as they were led further and further into the forest. The sun was at about 5 or 6 o’clock as they slowed. They had been walking for half an hour. They stopped near a rock and both boys sat down. “We shouldn’t wander too far or else we might get lost,” Luke said in his typical careful self.6

Sam shook his head. “It’s okay. I have gut instincts in the wild. We won’t get lost.” Neither said anything for a little while and the only sound was the constant breathing of both boys. “Shall we get started again?” Sam said.7

Luke nodded his head as both boys got off of the rock and began to follow the path again. The light became less and less as more animals could be seen on the path. Occasionally, a small white rabbit or deer eating grass could be seen close to the path; it ran away as soon as it saw the two boys. As darkness became more and the light became less, the forest also became less. Another ¼ of a mile went by and the boys slowly stopped.8

Spreading out in front of them was a vast and wide canyon. It was a beautiful sight with sun setting and the forest still behind them. “Shall we continue?” Sam said looking out in awe across the chasm.9

“I think we best be heading back before it gets completely dark.”10

“Ah, Luke. What a party pooper! Okay, you can turn back. You know the way the path took us. I’ll continue on into the valley.”11

“Well… alright. Be careful, will ya?” Luke nodded his head slowly and then turned off into the forest. Sam watched him walk away for a little while until he could barely see him. Then he turned and walked closer towards the canyon’s edge. He crept closer and closer to the edge until eventually he was peering straight over it. A small rock broke loose underneath Sam’s foot and he watched it slowly fall, bouncing off edges and breaking into smaller pieces as it fell, until it hit the bottom. He took a step back, imagining how that could have been him, breaking into smaller and smaller pieces with each bounce.12

He crept forward and looked into the canyon again, peering around. I wonder how I’ll get down into it…. He quickly spotted a small, narrow path leading downwards so he decided to take it. He went slowly, hugging the side of the cliff as though it would kill him not to. Slowly and carefully he made his way down into the canyon till eventually he was at the bottom. He peered around into the dark, not knowing where he was. Since the sun had set into the horizon, darkness filled the entire valley, with only the small bit of light coming from the moon.13

He stumbled around in the darkness. This probably wasn’t a good idea…. He glanced around, trying to allow his eyes to adjust as he slowly stumbled forward. He slowly knelt down so he wouldn’t fall over. As he knelt on the ground, he saw a light coming from a cave a little distance away. He stood and slowly made his way in that direction. As he got closer to the cave, he saw torches lining the walls to the entrance.14

After quickly glancing around, he decided to go farther into the cavern and explore. He grabbed a torch and began. He walked for about 10 minutes or so, following the path of the caves twisting here and there. The light grew stronger and suddenly standing before him was a giant wall. It went from one end of the wall to the other with no gaps or spaces. He went up it and tapped on it to see how thick it was. Suddenly, a small hole opened in the door and a man’s head popped out. “Who are you and what do you want?”15

Sam was startled by the stranger and staggered backwards. “My name is Sam and I wish to explore beyond this wall.”16

“Well, well, well… there hasn’t been someone back in here for years. Tell me, Sam, what have you done with your life that is your greatest accomplishment and deems you worthy of passing my gate?”17

Sam stopped, puzzled by the man’s response. “My life has been corrupted by the pollution of this world. Is it fair to ask such a question of me?”18

The gatekeeper waited before responding. “Is it fair for you to receive when you have not given? Do not answer my question with another question. Give me an answer and then I shall answer yours.”19

Sam didn’t answer for along time while he thought about his answer. The gatekeeper waited patiently, as though he was expected to wait. After a while, Sam shook his head and looked towards the gatekeeper. “Many people do great things, but I myself have not. The greatest accomplishment in my life is serving others and being kind to everyone. I treat everyone as equals and show no prejudice against others….” He slowly faded his words out and stopped, staring at the gatekeeper.20

“My question has been answered; now I shall answer your question. Yes, it is a fair question for all must know what they have accomplished in this world. You must know what you have put into this world to be able to get anything out of it,” said the gatekeeper. “Now you may enter and find the treasure that has been waiting for you.”21

As the door appeared and sung open, a bright light shown out and a women’s voice could be heard. “Hello, Sam…. Welcome. We don’t have long.”22

Sam walked through the door, the light almost blinding him. Quickly, it dimmed and his eyes adjusted to the light. Before him was a beautiful woman, standing about 5 foot, 8 inches, blue eyes, and long, blonde hair. She was about 25 years old and the most gorgeous woman in the world, or so he thought. “Who… who are you?”23

She answered, “I am the woman waiting at the other side of the door… the treasure at the end of the path. We were destined to be together…” Her voice sounded almost as beautiful as she looked. He felt a sense of belonging for once in his life. He felt as though someone truly cared about him.24

They spent a while together, talking and laughing. It was getting late as she said, “You must leave, but we’ll meet again.” Sam resisted at first, but then slowly left, not looking back. He walked through the door and it mysteriously closed behind him.25

He exited the cave, carrying a torch and found his way back up the cliff. He traveled into the forest and followed the path back to camp. When he arrived, only Luke was still awake, sitting around the camp fire, poking it with a stick. “So… where’ve you been? I’ve been worried sick, ya know?”26

“What time is it?” Sam replied.27

“Oh… I’d say about 9, or 10.”28

“Only that time… why’s everyone asleep?” asked Sam.29

“We head out early tomorrow…”30

“Wow… only 9 or 10… seems like I was gone for hours…” Sam said. “Well, I best be off to bed.” He said his good nights and then went off towards his tent, still thinking about the cave and the treasure behind the door.31

32

Sam and Luke went home after the trip. Life went on as it had been, or so it seemed. Sam never told anyone what happened to him in that cave. He never told anyone about the man who asked him the question. He never told anyone about the girl. He never told anyone about that trip, but he often thought about it.33

He often thought about the girl. He wondered what her name was. He thought about what she said, what they had talked about. He wondered if they’d ever see each other again. He wondered if she’d be a lot older than him when they met. How much would she have aged? Why was she in that cave?34

He often thought about going back there, to that cave, to that exact spot. He really wanted to see her again. They had truly connected and bonded together in that short time and he knew that she was the one he was suppose to be with. He planned it all out in his mind, but he never attempted it. He never tried, just plans that never went into action.35

He dated a few girls throughout high school and college, but none of them were the one he was searching for. They all just weren’t right for him. He knew that he wouldn’t want to spend the rest of his life with those girls. Eventually, he began to forget about that girl in the cave. She just became a girl in the caves of his mind that slowly got lost farther and farther in. He soon could barely remember what she looked like.36

Then, one day, they met.37

By: Sharcu(Tim)*38