Maggots

Cao Ling was woken up by the cold in the middle of the night. The cave was pitch black when she opened her eyes. Only some sparks were left among the ashes.

The loud roar of lightning and thunder came from outside as cold, moist wind blew through the cave’s entrance. Judging by the sweet moisture in the air, it had to be raining.

She was cold and hungry, her body trembling even though she was hugging a bundle of straw.

She could not stand it anymore. She got up carefully to start another fire.

It was quiet inside the cave as everyone was fast asleep from the day’s exhaustion. Even Wang Shishi was snoring lightly.

After searching in the dark for a while, she finally found the lighter beside the bonfire.

The flame flashed in the wind, producing an eerie feeling. She squatted down to light the fire, hands trembling. She tried not to look anywhere, lest she should see something scary.