Shadows flickered, reflecting off the four figures sitting around a dim lantern. The light didn’t penetrate far into the gloom, the cavern walls only barely discernable in the pale light.
“We can do this!”
The man appeared hesitant. Doubt showed clearly on his pale face, framed by thinning grey hair.
“If not for us, for her. You know it’s only a miracle the overseers haven’t taken her already.” The woman – her greying, pale and grime-covered appearance unable to hide a beauty that had once still been there; was perhaps still there – indicated the younger woman.
“But that’s how it’s always been! That is how we survive.” the man protested.
“It doesn’t have to be that way!” frustration showed in her voice.
“We will most likely die if we try to escape. Is that what you want?”
“Then I’ll die with the sun on my face!” her whispered voice carrying absolute conviction.
“I think I would like to see this ball of fire that floats in an endless sky.” Enunciated slowly, but clearly from the fourth figure. A young man, bearded, filthy like the rest. “Is it better to live and die like a rat in the dark or take one chance?”
His mother glanced appreciatively at the young man, then returned her attention to the older man. “We can do this!” Again.
Half reluctantly the man nodded; apprehension in his voice. “For them.” He inclined his head to the two younger figures. “And you. I will take you back to your endless sky, if I can.”
The once-beautiful woman’s eyes watered, streaks of tears creating tracks down her grimy face. Gently, she reached out and took the man’s hands. “Even if we fail, it cannot be worse than life here. I promise, there is a better life awaiting us. Outside. In the sun.”
As the lantern’s feeble light faded to a glimmer, the four figures hunched closer together. And planned.