Chapter 196

[Atlas]

It is wet, cold, and dark.

I don't know how long I've been here stuck between two pieces of concrete. I'm not even sure how I got to this dark place.

This must be the basement level. I remember being thrown, a loud booming crack, and the sensation of falling. And then I opened my eyes into complete darkness. At first, I thought my eyes were not working, but then I realized that I could see the bare outline of the pillar holding me down.

I can't see the sun, so I'm not sure if it is night or day above me. Sometimes I hear something that gives me a clue, like distant sparrows and the cawing of crows or the whistling sounds of crickets. There have been footsteps and barks above me, the sounds of searchers trying to find any survivors. When I first became aware of my situation, I tried to get the attention of the searchers. I screamed until my throat grew hoarse and my throat unbelievably dry.

But it has been silent for a long time now. Possibly days.

How long was it again that