There was only one rule: don’t open the door. As if we needed to be told. We knew what would happen if we did. No, we’d all agreed. Signed our names on the dotted line. This was our choice.
We’re struggling though. This time feels different. Dammit, it is different. The suffocating silence, the oppressive darkness. Everyone senses it, the jitters sparking from one to another like wildfire.
“Someone’s tapping outside.”
I groan and roll over, burying my head beneath the pillow.
“Tap, tap, tap. They’re trying to get in. It’s why they’ve locked us up.”
“Jesus Tucker. Stop shouting.”
I throw my blanket to one side and wriggle out of bed, stumbling as pain rips down my leg.
“Riley, Riley. Can you hear it, tap, tap, tap,” he says, rapping his knuckles in the air.
“Tucker, there’s nothing there man, it’s impossible…”
“… Hush.”
He lurches forward, his hands gripping my wrists. His hair is wild, black smudges circling his eyes. I shiver when I see my reflection in his pupils. I look the same. Pale faced, ghoulish. All the color leeched out.
“We need to escape. Before they kill us.”
He barrels into the door, scattering uniforms and hurtling into the corridor. I chase after him, cornering him at the bottom of the ladder.
“We haven’t got long,” he whispers, pressing his finger to his lips. “They’re right outside.”
“Tucker, it’s the doc. He’s here to help, man.”
He scowls and throws himself against the submarine’s escape hatch as the doctor appears at my side.
“You betrayed me, Riley. Don’t you understand I’m trying to save us all.”
“No,” I scream as he spins the wheel on the door. For a moment there’s silence then water roars…
About the Creator
Caroline Craven
Scribbler. Dreamer. World class procrastinator.
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Comments (24)
OMG not that Under water Claustrophobia Wow great job!!
This is my story And selected to top story on march,read my article Thank you. https://todaysurvey.life/beat/talking-drums-to-21st-century-parties-the-history-behind-owanbe%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv class="css-w4qknv-Replies">
Great story its very interesting
This is your first piece I've read, microfiction is tricky and you built the suspense wonderfully. Excited to read more from you!
interesting
I was trying to guess where this was going…Did not see submarine coming Great story!
Oh man! A deadly case of the nerves. Very well done.
I admire🥰 your profile and I've just followed you ✨ Looking forward to connecting more with you💐
Hi, Caroline... I just read your comments on Komal's story... Do you wanna be a part of the story? I'd love to see the turning twists in it... I mean you can make a whole mystery out of Lisa... And I'm looking forward to reading your stuff... If you're interested... Let me know... It'd be an honor 😃🤝💖
You have a deep way with words! Nice job!
oh crap! Im hard to scare but choking, suffocation and drowning... yea well done, Caroline! this got me good!
This was worse the second time, with full knowledge. Gah.... Shivers.
Bloody hell that was tense!
Oh!! I door no one else has thought of!! Clever Caroline!! This was captivating and such a thrilling read!! I love it!!
Now that’s horrific! Very bad door to open! Love the direction you went with this! Such a gripping fast paced piece but with so much dramatic detail
i love your story an amazing one👌
I can see myself doing that shit 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Loved your story!
Creative, and suspenseful build up. Well done!
Nice psychological thriller. I find these at least as chilling as “don’t get eaten” stories.
Oo this is scary, great take and great build up and pay off. Not a door I'd like to open.
I loved the build up to this one. You could feel the dread early on.
That's definitely a door you don't open! Very original setting, great job 🙏😁
Crazy Tucker! It would be an awful death.
Oh, this one was different. What a surprise at the 3nd. Brilliant and creative writing. Well done.