,
Marcus disappeared the instant he said goodbye. The bonfire on the ground slowly dimmed, and all that remained were glowing embers and ashes.
Martha opened the light on her helmet and began to ascend back out of the cave.
She had no regrets nor fear of going home alone, knowing Marcus is on a mission.
She scaled the wall of stones leading to the opening near the top of the mountain. Getting out is effortless. It took her just an hour when she landed on the cave opening. She grabbed the rope on the side and used all her strength to climb upward, thinking about Marcus all the time. She stood on top of the cliff and watched for a brief moment the view of Palindrome.
"Write to me, Marcus!" Martha shouted in the wilderness. A flock of squeaking vultures passed by as the sun slowly set on the horizon.
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