The hole

I looked down into the hole. I couldn’t see the bottom.

I said, “Hey,” into the hole.

I heard my echo. After an hour of the audio repetition I forgot it originated with me.

I said, “Hello,” back.

With each response from the hole, I responded with a, “Hi,” or, “Hello,” and occasionally a reactive nod.

Eventually I was exhausted and I passed out and fell into the hole.

I woke up in silent darkness.

From above I heard, “Hello?” I looked up and saw an old man looking down into the hole. The greeting echoed.

I wished I’d stayed home.