

56
Into The
Darkness
worthless. People were driven to the point of insanity, trying to discover the
reason for its incomprehensible and unforeseen vanishing. No scientist nor
politician was able to provide succour to the public’s relentless demands for
answers, so people unequivocally fell further into despair. Nevertheless, there was
still a handful of idealists who believed that there was a way to get it back.
‘Madeline Estella Hazel Buchanan, would you please hurry up!’
‘Savannah, there is something that I would love to give you, and
it’s called patience. So if you would kindly just wait while I get more
supplies.’
‘Fine.’
Savannah was the unofficial leader of all our expeditions, but she
never admitted it. She mapped out everywhere we went, all I had to
do was follow and stay silent. She didn’t tell me where we were going
tonight, but I trusted her because she seemed so fervent and keen to
go exploring. I noticed her steps gradually slowing down, a sure sign
that meant we were almost there. I squinted into the distance and
could just make out a lonely greenhouse at the end of the road.
Savannah gently squeezed my sweaty palm, her usual indication that
we had arrived.
As we entered the greenhouse, a wave of heat crashed onto us.
Savannah, already exploring far ahead of me, gasped. ‘Maddy! You
would not believe what I found, look at this!’ Exclaimed Savannah
with a hint of delight in her voice. I sauntered at my own pace
towards her, and noticed the plants in here were still alive. I knelt
down and immediately smelt the overpowering aroma of wet soil.
Maybe the overhead sprinkler system was still in use? However, I
couldn’t investigate further because of Savannah’s insistent calls.
As I finally caught up to her, I realised what had her transfixed. It
was beautiful, absolutely stunning. It glowed with an unnatural
luminosity, illuminating the small tent with warmth and radiating
an alluring aroma. The plant was a phenomenon and we marvelled
at its beauty. Unbeknownst to us, a silent figure had been soundlessly
observing us ever since we laid foot in the greenhouse.
‘
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