I hate darkness. It takes my breath away turns my blood cold and makes me want to scream. That’s why I never go to sleep without making sure there are at least two nightlights on in my room. My door is always kept open just a crack allowing some of the hall light in.

So when my teacher announced where our class would be going for the last school trip of the year I panicked.

“Underground caverns?” I asked my teacher a huge lump in my throat.

“That’s right Mordechai!” Mr. Fink answered with an enthusiastic grin. “According to local lore the arrow heads of ancient Indians and broken pottery pieces belonging to forgotten tribes are scattered throughout the deep rocky caverns. Just think about the history we can touch with our bare hands!”

After class I found my best friend Shimshon waiting for me by the stairwell leading outside.

“I don’t have to see your face to know you’re scared of going on the school trip ” Shimshon said as I took his hand and we walked slowly down each step.

“I’m just not going ” I said with a determined frown. “I’ll stay home all day! There’s no way I’m going into some dark spooky caves where there are probably Indian bodies buried under the earth!”

Shimshon laughed.

“You are going Mordechai. You’re not going to sit at home all day and let your fears ruin an awesome trip!” he said feeling his way toward the exit.

“I am not going ” I repeated.

“You’re not going to miss out ” he insisted.

“Yes I am.” I stubbornly stuck to my guns. “I am not going. Not a chance!”

“Welcome to Baythurn Caverns the secret caverns of the Hopi Indians. I’m your guide for the day. You can all call me Bernie!”

“I can’t believe you convinced me to come!” I hissed to Shimshon.

“You’ll love it here! Just enjoy yourself!” he replied.