I’m reading this book right now (the woman in cabin 10 by Ruth Ware) and it’s stressing me out. Hardcore.

It’s very ‘the walls are closing in’ and it’s set in the middle of the ocean so, yikes. Basically this chick thinks someone was murdered but nobody is missing from the ship, anyway, point is, I’m freaking out.

The description (the one I read while looking up spoilers because I was stressed out) called it a “claustrophobic thriller” and well… yeah. That tracks. I’ve recently been made aware that I have a touch of claustrophobia, and in true Ally fashion, I found this out at THE WORST TIME IMAGINABLE.

Picture this: I set up a cute adventurous date for me and Ryan. There’s a jewelry supply store here that’s conncted to a crystal cavern, and I’ve wanted to explore the cavern since like, day one at Lehigh. Naturally, (lol), I decide to surprise him with tickets to a tour of THE SUPER COOL CAVE I AM EXCITED ABOUT.

Mistakes were made.

We arrive early ish and explore a variety of historic guns (?) and collection of taxidermy animals (??) that includes a dinosaur (!). We meet the rest of the small group inside the little holding area (it’s honestly giving Jurassic Park, and I’m excited !) and our tour guide gives a little spiel (don’t touch the rocks plz unless you’re gonna fall and die. Also don’t fall and die.)

Suddenly, I find myself entering the mouth of the cave. After all this time! About 6 steps in, I realize I’ve made a grave mistake.

This is terrifying and I hate it and oop there are too many people behind me to run out so I have to keep going and the rocks are all pointing at me and oh my god this place is so small and why are we going down so much and—

The cave entrance finally opens up into a room called The Chapel (apparently people willingly get married here) and I can breathe a tiny bit. Ryan’s fingers may never recover from my grip, but phew. We are alive.

For now.

Next up is a giant cave room with fluorescent rocks (cool, but I’m mostly happy to be in a more open space. Though, if I think about all the rocks and their potential to crush us all… ANYWAY), and then off to… you guessed it… the Lost River.

Apparently, they’ve tested several methods to see where the cave’s water source comes from, and ~none have returned~ (including one guy who died I think? RIP sir.) Spoooky.

Suddenly, we are back to the beginning, the weird chapel room, wrapping up this tour, and though it was terrifying pretty much the ENTIRE time, I’m glad I did it. If only to learn that cave exploring is not for me. Good lord.

Xoxo, and don’t forget to turn off the lights,
Ally

P.S… a frozen margarita saves the day, every time.