THE MOON OFFERED JUST ENOUGH LIGHT TO distinguish vague shapes and outlines. My breath misted in front of my mouth as I released Aynslee, then slipped Mattie from my shoulders and eased her to the ground. I knelt beside her. My cooling sweat joined with my heat-leaching clothing. Hand shaking, I reached for the latch. I could barely feel my fingers.
The latch clattered loose when I touched it. Pulling the door open, the gaping black hole faced me. You have no options.
I listened for the dogs, but heard nothing above the light breeze swishing through the pines. Why have the dogs stopped baying?
As if reading my mind, both dogs let out an eerie cry that reverberated off the mountains.
They were close.
They could get to the house before I dragged both girls to safety. But which girl should I pull in first? Mattie could hardly move. Aynslee was my only child.
I froze, my mind blank.
“Mom?”
Another howl. Closer still.
Jerking to action, I edged to my feet. “Aynslee, I’ll help you lie down, then I’m going to pull Mattie inside.” I tried to keep my voice from shaking. “I’ll drag her to the trapdoor. You have to follow the best you can. As soon as she’s inside, I’ll help you. Do you understand?”
She answered with a soft sob.
Wrapping my arm around Mattie, I propelled myself through the opening. The darkness enveloped me. Ahead, a square of pale earth outlined the pantry hatch above. It’s not that far.
Lying on my side, I hitched forward, dragging Mattie slowly through the talcum-fine dust. A gossamer web draped my face. Delicate legs skittered across my mouth.
I clamped my lips tight, desperately battling the desire to open my mouth and scream. Black widow spiders loved dark places. Oh, dear Lord! Endurance. With endurance. Creeping faster, something snaked up my pants. Reaching back, I swatted hard, smashing it against my leg.
A large timber blocked my view of the light. The floor joists seem to crush downward, snagging my shirt. Trapped! I scrabbled to my left. There! The trapdoor beckoned. I clawed forward. Mattie struggled against me, slowing me down further. “Mattie, it’s me. Be still.” The girl stopped resisting. More webs draped around the insulated pipes. A strange moaning accompanied my movements. Endure. Endure.
Reaching the square of light, I let go of the girl and crouched, then slowly straightened my legs, bringing my shoulders to the hatch. I pushed, trembling at the weight. The trapdoor raised, allowing more light below. I pushed harder, willing the door to open.
An excited howl seemed just outside.
Adrenaline fueled my efforts. I shoved one final time. The door flew back and landed with a crash. I reached down and dragged Mattie to a sitting position, then lifted her. She muttered a protest against me as I thrust her through the opening.
Shoving her away from the open hatch, I turned back toward my daughter. Still outside. With the dogs.