THE CHASM

By Tessa Harvey 

    Excited, he carefully helped her turn around, moving back as the sun lit up her pale, blond hair as it swirled around her face, shining and bright. Dylan aimed the camera carefully. The sun blazed into his eyes, confusing him. "Just a little to the right," he called." "Perfect!" The boy took a few more pictures, both young people totally unaware the ground, dry for far too long, was beginning to crumble and give way.

    Ari gave a shrill squeal, flinging up her arms. In shock the boy, reflexively clicked again before moving to try to grab the girl.

    But she was gone. Just like that.

    Sickened - he crawled and looked over, choosing a more stable piece of ground. There was no trace. A few birds flew up from the trees far below and that was all.

    Dylan crept home, eventually arriving there long after dark. His uncle was waiting and immediately noticed his tear-streaked face. "Bullied again!" he chipped nastily. "How will you manage high school next year if you are so weak now?" The boy moved towards his room, but the older man barred the way. "You will eat your tea. I am not wasting good food. Then do your homework at the kitchen table where I can keep an eye on you."

    Dylan obeyed. He had waited near the chasm, calling, even crying out to a God he no longer believed in, but there was no answer. He had cherished a small hope he could maybe talk to his uncle. He didn't know what to do. The girl was new to the school. He had no idea where she lived. Feeling a failure, he finally flicked the photos to a local store without really looking at them. Perhaps he could win the competition. He couldn't bear to think of the girl.