78

She takes a deep breath and nods.

"Cassie showed me a secret place in here. You should see it, too."

Emma steps over to a stone pedestal next to a wooden pew. On the pedestal is a polished surface curving down in the shape of a basin. You recognize this as a baptismal font where someone receiving the Sacrament of Baptism is immersed. Emma moves her foot along the bottom edge of the long pillar and depresses an area at the base. You barely spot the area she presses, a slightly raised and discolored share of a tile. She pulls the pedestal which slides with ease over the stone floor. A wave of cold air rushes from the ground and carries a mist of dust. Beneath the pedestal is an open, square hole that matches the size of the pillar. A staircase leads down with steep, narrow, stone steps covered in dust. A thin layer of light coats the steps. Emma grips your arm and squeezes, causing you to turn to her. You can see her face is flush and her breathing is rapid. You wonder if this is a good idea for her to be here, as there's no telling what kind of danger may be below.

A flash of light crosses your eyes, and a quick image of a little girl fills your vision. The image grows and grows until it's all you see, and then suddenly fades. Your eyes water and blur, and after you wipe them, Emma is staring at you, breathing in long streams to calm herself.