In Deep Water: Chapter Ten

“I don’t think I’ll ever get that image out of my head.” I sit in the Hangar control room with a blanket wrapped tightly around my shoulders. The only warmth I feel comes from a steaming cup of tea cradled between my palms on the desk in front of me.

Sophie cries softly beside me. “Th- Their screams. I keep hearing their screams.”

My vision blurs and I bury my head in my hands.

“Damn it!” Xander slams his phone on the table. “I can’t reach anyone on shore.”

“Could the storm have knocked communications out?” Nathan asks.

“Or the power outage damaged something.” Xander makes a sound in the back of his throat. “Emily?”

I wipe my face and look up. “Yeah?”

Xander crouches down beside me, his red-rimmed eyes searching mine. “Why don’t you and Sophie go to your cabin and get some rest?”

I glance at Sophie, silent tears streaming down her cheeks. “Alright. Call us if anything comes up?”

Xander nods, taking my hand in his and pressing a light kiss to my knuckles. “Text me if I can help in any way.”

I grab Sophie’s arm, and we wander aimlessly to the elevators. The Hangar stands silent and cold as if it too feels the loss of its crewmembers.

It’s quiet on the ride up to Deck Five, save for the soft music playing on the overhead speaker. The walls pulse inward with every beat of my heart and I take deep breaths to hold the panic at bay.

“I don’t know if... continue reading Chapter Ten at Coffee House Writers.