Before dawn. Ethan walked back to the gorge, his mind still reeling from the intensity of his goodbye with Ann. He couldn't believe he was actually leaving her behind, but he knew he had to go back to the cave to get his things.
As he walked, the darkness seemed to swallow him whole. The only sound was the crunch of gravel beneath his feet and the distant hum of crickets. Ethan's heart felt heavy with the weight of his secret, but he pushed on, driven by a sense of duty and determination.
He reached the cave and ducked inside, the cool darkness enveloping him like a shroud. The air was stale and musty, filled with the scent of old earth and forgotten dreams. Ethan's eyes adjusted slowly, and he made his way through the winding tunnels, his footsteps echoing off the walls.
