Tommy and Antonio followed the map until they reached a particular spot called The Arching Caves. When they got inside, they found the attendance room empty. Was the place closed for the day? If so, why didn’t they lock it up? Antonio pointed at the entrance door and noticed that it was still open. The boys looked at one another with worry before heading through.

They walked down some human-made paths while looking around at some forms the cavern took. The blue stalactites hung from the ceiling like crystal chandeliers. The yellow stalagmites formed variations of small and big cities, towns, or even people, but neither of them knew what each of them represented.

Tommy and Antonio hugged the brown walls, watched their footing, and traversed lower and lower when they noticed the surrounding areas got darker. As they continued to press on, the Stalactites and Stalagmites got dimmer glows, making it harder to see their footing.

They eventually noticed an off rail path with some lights on the side of the trail and went there. They passed under the tape; the water reflected their visions up to the top of the ceiling and floors.

Eventually, the two stopped at a big metallic door with a speaker system built inside.

“Um, is this the place?” Tommy leaned over and whispered.

“I think so,” Antonio replied. He looked up and saw the ‘DANGER: KEEP OUT’ sign plastered on top of the door. As if anyone would note that and listen, right?

“Maybe this isn’t a good idea after all,” Tommy said, his body fidgeting all over.

“Relax, my uncle’s friendly; there’s nothing to worry about.”

“That wasn’t what I—”

Antonio pressed the intercom and spoke through it. “Hello?”

A robotic monitor soon peeked out and stared at them. “Password?” It spoke to them.

“What? But it’s me...”

“Oh, sorry, Antonio, let me open the doors for you.” The monitor went back inside the door as it slowly opened itself up for the two boys to come in.

“Why is there a place like this inside a cave?” Tommy whispered.

“Beats me.”

If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

.-.-.-.

Antonio and Tommy entered the lab where they’re greeted by an older, tall man who also had short black hair and glasses on.

“Hello, boys.” The man chirped as he walked over and extended his arm for a shake.

“Hey, Sam, long time no see,” Antonio replied, grabbing and shaking his hand.

“I would say the same thing.”

Tommy inspected the two, his eyes widening. “Whoa, you guys look identical!”

“Yeah, we get that a lot...” Sam said, adjusting his white lab coat.

Sam let the two boys in and introduced them to his science partner, Mandy. After some pleasantries, Sam got straight to the point of why he asked for his nephew to come over.

“Hey, would you like to have a look at our latest project?” Sam offered.

“Sure thing!” Antonio replied.

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Mandy leaned in and whispered in his ear.

“Why not?” Sam whispered back. “No harm done, as long as—”

“What are you working on?” Tommy interrupted, leaning towards them to get a better listen on the duo.

“We’re trying to create a portal,” Mandy explained, straightening herself. “One that can take you to another dimension!”

“No way, is that even possible?” The boys asked, barely containing their excitement.

“That’s only the fun of it, though,” Sam told them. He turned and looked at the computer screen in front of them, reminiscing. “He always wanted to see if there were other worlds to explore...”

“Uh, what was that you said?” Antonio titled his head in confusion.

“Oh, sorry, it’s nothing you should worry about...” Sam waved it off and headed for the keyboard processor. “We just need to adjust a few more things before testing it out at last.”

Mandy looked over some notes on the table and scratched her head with the eraser of the pencil. “Shouldn’t we find some test subjects for this?”

“That is something we need to consider for this...”

Tommy's and Antonio's faces lit up as they both rushed over to the scientists, practically jumping up and down. “Can we see it when it’s finished? Please!?”

“Oh, uh, sure thing,” Mandy responded hesitantly.

“When will you guys finish?” Tommy asked, out of curiosity. He placed his hands on the table and examined the papers, but she shuffled and stacked them so he couldn't see.

“We’re not sure about that, unfortunately.” Sam crossed his arms and got lost in thought.

“You guys will just have to be patient on this, sorry,” Mandy added. She took picked up the papers and walked over to Sam.

“Aw, man.” Tommy groaned as he went to slump on the bench across the room with Antonio following soon after.

The two looked from a distance and watched Sam and Mandy continue their work.

“I wonder what kind of dimension they’ll uncover...” Antonio pondered, scratching his chin. “The longer I wait, the more anticipated I feel to see it!”

Tommy, however, crossed his arms and groaned. “Can’t we help make it go faster?”

“Tom, we shouldn’t interfere with them and their hard work. Besides, isn’t it more interesting to watch them work and do this amazing stuff?”

“Not really, no.”

“You know, you weren’t interested in science beforehand, so what piqued your interest in—?”

“Will you shut it, Antonio?!” Tommy retorted while he [Antonio] tried to contain his laughter. Both stopped when they overheard the scientists.

“I’m getting exhausted.” Sam groaned. He wiped the sweat off his forehead.

“Why don’t we take a break?” Mandy suggested.

“Good idea.”

Oh, come on! Tommy threw his hands in the air, having just about given up.