Two boys walked down the dirt road swearing under their breaths. It was supposed to be a fun ride to their favorite spot, the little cave that stayed hidden in the forest. James had made the discovery and without thinking twice let his friend in on his most priced discovery. From then on Caeser had never failed to accompany his friend to their new hideout and home away from home. The two boys had only been eleven then and they'd seized every opportunity to make the cave as comforting as possible sneaking toys and whatever they thought could make their stay there worthwhile.
Growth brought with it some undesirables and both of them had to part ways to different boarding schools with James parents very particular about him being an Astronaut and he'd never declined because he thought himself great at discovering things. Years passed and each boy discovered himself, making new friends and learning new things but they still managed to stay in touch and soon got the opportunity to see each other again one fine holiday.
Without thinking twice they both boarded their bikes and made their way through the forest. The green had an infecting stare and the breeze's embrace was fascinating to feel, everything falling just right in place. The marks and signs that helped them maneuver their way without anyone taking a hint was still there as they neared their symbolic home.
" Do you think it is still there?!", Caeser said with so much excitement.
"Of course! No one knows about our secret hideout Ceez, not even god", James who had grown rather pessimistic replied and they both laughed.
As they'd expected, the cave was still there in all it's glory. Everything was still as they'd hoped it would be, the magical blue of the cave, with ancient carvings and picturesque walls, clearly no one else knew of this place. They played for hours and Caeser finally decided it was time for them to leave, he had to be home before midnight to avoid any outburst from his frequently drunken father. James had insisted they stay a little while, they was no telling when next they'd be able to come here again.
"If only you'd listen to me Jay, we wouldn't be in this mess"
"How was I supposed to know that was the wrong path, both looked exactly the same to me", James clearly disgusted still couldn't understand how they'd both gotten lost. They'd been riding in circle for hours and their phones weren't receiving any signals. Both of their parents must be pretty worried by now and if they're lucky, someone would find them soon.
"No one's going to find us, we'd soon be some wild animal's food", followed by Caeser's hysterical laugh and that was enough to make James almost resent his friend. He couldn't understand how someone who'd been so positive and full of life had become this person he'd ended up being trapped with. He couldn't recognize him anymore, what did they do to him in that school.
As they sat there, under the moonlight and cold breeze, they heard ruffling sound that startled them both. They both hoped it wasn't a lion as it sure did sound like something that was really hungry and both boys ended up holding hands in fear without even realizing it. It felt like old times when they'd both entered the cave for the first time, and they'd both been there for each other during their worst moments.
"We can do this Jay, we can still make it back before midnight", Caeser finally said and his friend James immediately believe him.
"Since we came through this way and it still leading us back here, let's try something else, let's rally back to where we started from and check for....
James couldn't believe it but this was actually the guy he'd become friends with. Without wasting much time, he did as he was told and after minutes of going through lines of trees, they finally found their way and each boy, holding the other's hand and his bike on one side made their way home.
This wasn't the sort of reunion they'd hoped for but this was the sort they'd never forget.
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