Cave of Terror Read Free Page B

all formations found in the cave are represented in this very room.” He pointed his light at each one and gave a brief summary. Then, he walked over to a crevice in one of the walls. Everyone crowded around as he pointed his light into the crack.
    A tiny bat was all tucked into the crevice, hiding from the light.
    "Awwwwww ... it's so cute,” one of our classmates crooned.
    "That's what all the girls say. If you notice, this bat is brown in color, which means it's a male,” Stan informed us.
    As far back as I can remember, I've been intrigued by bats. There's a bridge near where I live where bats congregate during certain parts of the year. When they come out after the sun sets, they look like puffs of smoke rising into the air. I've spent hours watching them.
    After what I learned on my birthday, my fascination with bats makes sense.
    "This has been a very unusual day for us. Since there are no longer any natural entrances, a colony of bats will never form again in this cave. We consider it lucky to be able to point out a few bats a day, especially one so close. But today, Halloween of all days, we've already seen at least six bats. We even found one farther back in the cave than we've seen in years. Bats that do come in tend to stay close to the opening.” Stan pointed his light on the limestone ceiling where another bat hung. “See that furry gray chicken nugget? It's a female bat."
    I caught a movement from the corner of my eye just in time to see a bat fly toward the back of the cave. A funny feeling settled in my stomach, and it wasn't nausea.
    "Wow, we even have a flying bat today. Y'all are lucky,” said Stan.
    One of the cheerleaders squealed and whined, “I don't like bats flying around my head."
    I rolled my eyes. Maybe she can have one of the hunky football players hold her wittle hand and protect her from the big bad bats. Paalease! I hoped one of them would crap in her perfectly styled blonde hair.
    "Nothing to worry about. They eat mosquitoes, not humans. Besides, what could a cute little furry chicken nugget do to you?” Stan turned and led us out of the room.
    Along the way, we stopped at the Soda Straw Balcony while Stan discussed how the straws formed from rings of minerals. The ceiling glistened from moisture, and water beaded at the tips of the soda straws. I stared at the delicate projections.
    A cold drop of liquid plopped onto the top of my head. I flinched and let out a startled yelp.
    Mandy whipped her head around, sending me a questioning look.
    I gave her a cheesy smile and shrugged. “A drop of water fell on my head. It was cold."
    Stan laughed. “That would be what we call a cave kiss. It's the purest form of water you'll ever come in contact with. Not to mention, it's considered good luck."
    If that's the case, I hoped cave kisses would rain down on my head. After what I learned the day before, I needed all the luck I could get.
    As we moved farther into the cave, humidity surrounded us like a cool blanket of moisture. The high pitched echo in my head intensified. I plugged my ears, but it didn't help. The scent of almonds became stronger as well—like an amaretto cake baking in the depths of the cave. What could possibly be causing such a smell? Mom wasn't kidding about the senses becoming more acute. A person could go crazy with the sensory overload.
    "Do you smell almonds now?” I asked Mandy.
    She wrinkled her nose. “Umm ... no. What's with your obsession with almonds?"
    "I don't know, but I swear I smell it."
    One formation, Temptation Stone, Stan allowed us to touch. We each took a turn. I waited until the end, just after Mandy. I touched it, allowing my fingers to run the length of the cool, smooth surface. Dampness from the humidity clung to the formation and slicked my fingers.
    A slight vibration moved through my hands, up my arms, and down to my toes. I jerked my hand away and paused, my hand hovering inches from the formation, then slowly put it back. The pulsation