Gone (Parallel Trilogy, Book 1) Read Free Page B

hat was still in place and adjusted my scarf to cover most of my face. Feeling more secure, I continued my blind search.
    As I shifted to the new wall, the surface felt different. Hard bumps stuck out in places and I realized they were handles for cabinets and drawers. Though hope blossomed inside me that I might find something I could use, the idea of sticking my hand into a dark cavern sent a new spasm of shudders racing through me.
    After a moment I gathered my courage and pulled open the first cabinet. Cautiously, I lifted my hand toward the opening, then centimeter by centimeter I reached inside, expecting at any moment to have my gloved hand pierced by the fangs of some hideous creature. When all my hand found was empty air, my bravery increased and I moved my hand around more confidently, verifying that the space was bare.  
    When I opened the next cupboard I wasn’t quite as nervous and reached inside with more sureness, but when my hand bumped against something, I was so startled that I jumped backward and nearly fell. With adrenaline pounding through my veins, I froze, waiting to see what would happen next. When nothing jumped out and attacked me, I decided to figure out what it was I had touched. This time I reached inside with both hands and immediately felt the hard object. The sides felt smooth and the top was curved, but when I discovered a handle hanging against the side, my hopes rose.
    I pulled the object out of the cupboard and turned toward the meager light coming in from the small windows on either side of the front door and confirmed my suspicions.
    “Yes,” I whispered. “A lantern.”
    Next, I needed to find some matches. I set the lantern on the table and turned back to the wall of cabinets and drawers. Handles along the drawer fronts made the drawers easy to pull open. Removing my gloves to better feel, I reached toward the open drawer. Fearing spiders might be hiding inside, I stopped and leaned down, then blew a puff of air into the open drawer, hoping to scare off any insects. A cloud of dust went up my nose and I coughed. Pointing one finger downward into the drawer, I quickly touched the bottom of the drawer before pulling my hand back. Nothing bit me so I reached my whole hand inside and felt around. Small, hard pellets were sprinkled in the bottom.
    “Eww, mouse droppings.”
    Swallowing my disgust, I ventured farther. Cobwebs caught in my fingers and I had to force myself to keep exploring. My fingers reached all the way to the back, but found nothing. I pulled open the second drawer and carefully explored it. Just as I was about to give up I felt a small box. I lifted it out and held it close to my face. Matches! A smile lifted the corners of my mouth as I slid the box open and pulled out a tiny stick.
    I brushed the match against the rough side of the box and was rewarded by a bright flame. Carrying the burning match to the table, I used it to help me examine the lantern. It looked like it was in good shape, although it was coated with a thick layer of dust. I was suddenly grateful for the many times the power had gone out and Dad had made me learn how to light the lantern.
    The match burned out and I picked up the lantern
    First, I gently shook it and heard liquid sloshing around, confirming the presence of fuel. Then I pumped the knob to force the gas to fill the line. Last, I lit another match and inserted it through the small opening at the base of the glass, lighting the fragile mantle that hung inside. It caught and I withdrew the match before blowing it out. Then I turned the knob on the lantern to release more gas, brightening the flame.
    Calmness washed over me as darkness fled. I lifted the lantern by the handle and explored the room. It was a little smaller than my bedroom, but less cluttered. Along one wall were the cabinets, where I had found the lantern and matches. In a corner sat a rocking chair that looked like it had seen better days. Against the opposite wall sat a