I wasn't entirely sure my answer was correct, but it was the best guess I had. In any case, I didn't have time to think of the alternatives... the clock was ticking, and my family was in danger! Dashing down to the kitchen, I grabbed my cellphone and bolted to the garage. I untangled my bike from some clutter and peddled like a madman down our the street. Unfortunately, the rink was on the other side of town, and even going as fast as I could would be cutting it close. I could only pray that my answer was correct.
It was an exhausting ride, even fueled by my desperate adrenaline, but eventually I made it. The rink was nestled in a rundown corner of an industrial park. The building had been closed for some time, and was probably on its last legs. An ideal spot for a kidnapper, I supposed.
My tires squealed as I pulled on my hand-brakes, decelerating from my frantic ride. Not missing a beat, I leapt from my bike and dashed up to the front entrance of the rink. I took a quick moment to look at my watch, panting hoarsely. 5 minutes to go. It was going to be close!
Fortunately, the rusted doors were unlocked, and they creaked and groaned as I forced them open. Inside was the thick smell of musty sports equipment. Nearly gagging, I ventured into the darkened structure.
"Sis?!" I shouted through the ancient stink. "Are you here?!"
Only silence greeted me. I walked deeper into the ruined rink, careful to dodge any fallen debris. The skating area was covered a thin layer of grim, and a collapsed beam had fallen into the middle of it. Smashed concession stands and broken booths lined both sides of the building, but there was no sign of life.
A horrible feeling began to swell in my gut. Was it possible I was wrong? Did the riddle mean another location? The dull realization that I had been so stupid was blunted by the horror that I had failed my sister.
And as if confirming my worst fears, my cellphone began to vibrate.
I answered it, fearing what would be said...
"Where oh where did you go, my little man?" laughed the sinister voice, still distorted by the static. "Judging from my GPS tracker, you're on the far side of the town. Are you trying to run? Or did you fail the challenge?"
"I guess I lost," I said sadly, shaking my head. "But please, don't hurt my family."
The voice seemed oddly supportive. "That is very noble of you. But unfortunately, rules are rules. And now, the penalty must be paid by your family. However, the game is not over. When the time comes, a new riddle will be given and you will have a second chance. Pray that you do better next time."
And with that, the phone clicked dead. My guilt was excruciating, but I understood that I needed to let it go. Wallowing in pity would only make me lose sight of the true goal: rescuing my family.
However, my phone began to buzz again...
View Portfolio
Visit Notebook
Send Gift Points
Awards
Badges
Send Email
Community Newsfeed
General Discussion
Sponsored Items
Book of Trinkets
Static Items
Books
Groups
Interactive Stories
Audio
Campfire Creatives
Community Notes
Crossword Puzzles
Documents
Folders
Images
In & Outs
Madlibs
Photo Albums
Polls
Product Reviews
Quizzes
Survey Forms
Web Pages
Word Searches
