Library:No Way Out

This fable by Trapper is featured in the anthology.

No Way Out
by Trapper

Two wolves ventured into a cave for shelter during a storm. The rain was so heavy it washed the dirt away and caused the rocks from the top of the mountain to slide to the bottom, closing the mouth of the cave. Two days passed and the wolves were exhausted from attempting to dig their way out of the cave. One turned to the other and said, "We must go further into the cave to see if there is another opening."

The other wolf replied, "I do not know if there is another opening, you can go if you wish but I will stay here and continue trying to dig." Reluctantly the first wolf began to walk further into the cave. As he could not see, he could only feel his way along the walls and floor. He traveled for many hours when he came upon the sound of running water. A river! Finally he could have something to drink. He noticed large branches and logs on the side of this underground river. The only way they could be in this cave is if there was an opening large enough to let them in. After determining which way the river was flowing, he began to walk upstream.

Eventually he came to a wall. As he could go no further, the opening was obviously under the water. He sat down, hungry and tired. How far was the opening? Could he make it on one breath? Was there another place to breathe between here and there? Could he make it, or would he drown? He could stay here for awhile, there is no food to speak of but plenty of water. Maybe he could catch a fish or two in the river? Maybe he could live here for a little while, there are worse places to live than a cave.

At that moment, he heard the howl of his fellow wolf echo through the walls of the cave. He had heard it before, the howl of one who knows death is upon him. It had been almost three days and his friend had no water. How could he even find his friend now? He was not sure of the path he had used to get to this place. No, it was too late.

"One thing I know, it is better to die on my feet than to live on my belly," said the wolf as he clenched his jaw. And with that, he took a deep breath and plunged into the river. Darkness still surrounded him, he swam straight ahead and hoped it was the way out. He reached another wall and glanced upward, is that a light? Yes, that must be it! As his face broke through the top of the water he breathed deeply. He made his way to the bank and collapsed. He was exhausted, tired, bruised and weakened, but he was alive.

When there is no way out, the only choice is to go further in.