The White Abyss

1971 I was born in 'Hollow Creek', a secluded commune deep in the Rockies. My mother was insane. She spent her days clawing at her face, whispering about 'The Echo'. 1978 The Elders never let the women outside the compound. I asked my father why. He smiled, his eyes dead. 'To keep the stock pure.' 1982 The Devil's Throat—a ravine east of our village. I snuck a look with binoculars. It was mid-July, but the bottom was filled with white snow. 1999 I escaped years ago. I married the love of my life, Sarah. I work for a private contractor now, hunting for lost tech in the desert. 2004 I was away on a job. Sarah texted me: 'I'm fixing your mistake. I'm dying for you.' I rushed home. She was gone. The police found nothing, but the hydrangeas in our backyard bloomed brighter and larger than ever before. 2006 I found what my company was looking for. A silver sphere in a cave. I touched it, and I remembered everything. I know why Mom was crazy. I know where Sarah went. 2007 I went back to Hollow Creek. I killed them all. It was mercy. Now I stand at the edge of the Devil's Throat. The snow is waiting.