“For right now, it’s time to go talk to Mr. Ren,” I redirect them back the way we’d come. Our group hadn’t gone far; the grocery store was across from the yard we were currently in. Looking both ways out of habit, we cross and see Ren and the other three already waiting, Greyson smiling and waving frantically.
“Hey guys! How’s the game going?” Ren asks us as we approach.
“We’ve found two,” I tell him. “And you guys found one?”
“Yep,” he confirms. “I think we’ll find the next ones faster, now that we know what to look for.”
“What did it look like?” I ask curiously. “Ours were a feather and a band-aid.”
“Oh, they’re not the same?” Ren realizes. “The one we found was a flashlight. Greyson took it, so he’s good.”
“Okay, good start,” I say. “The houses take a long time, have you looked in them yet?” Ren shakes his head, looking a little embarrassed.
“They wanted to, but I felt bad breaking in, so I told them we’d wait,” Ren shuffled his feet as he spoke. That was very much like him; sweet and innocent, too much so for his own good.
“Okay, well make sure you do that next,” I tell him, patting his arm. “I know it’s weird, going through other people’s stuff, but it’s for the kids.” Ren nods at my response.
“It’s for the kids,” he repeats quietly to himself.
“Hey!” Kena shouts. “HEY MR. REN!”
“What?” I ask, trying not to let my irritation show. I hated when they interrupted like that…
“I found one!” she said proudly, pointing to an item on the top shelf. A water bottle, lying on it’s side, bobbing slightly in the air, glowing the same distinct blue.
“Oh, nice,” I say in surprise. “Great job, Kena!”
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
“I don’t want that one, though,” she tells us quickly. “I want something pretty.”
“Ravi, you should take it,” Ren says. I nod in agreement. “That way, each group only has to find two after this.”
The young boy shrugs and Ren grabs him, lifting him up by his armpits. He smacks the water bottle and it vanishes like the others.
*Ding*
*The fourth collectible has been found! Only six collectibles remain!
“That’s good,” I say with relief. “We’re halfway there. Okay, anything else?” I ask Ren, suddenly wanting to go back out and continue the hunt.
“We should meet up when there’s a half hour left,” he tells me. “And if we still need to find any, we can work together.”
“Sounds like a plan,” I reply. “Remember, check the houses. It seems like there aren’t going to be two grouped up close together, but don’t slack off, either.”
“Of course,” Ren replies. “Oh, before you go…” He calls the kids over, herding them back into a group.
“We’re doing really good at this game! You guys are so focused! We’re already halfway to winning!” The kids cheer in response, which is adorable. “Make sure to keep doing an awesome job, keep paying really good attention, and we’ll win in no time!”
*Ding*
*You have received the buff Mental Fortitude.
You will remain focused with unwavering determination for the next thirty minutes.
*You have received the buff Keen Vision
Your eyesight will improve by 25% for the next thirty minutes. Your sensitivity to motion will increase 20% for the next thirty minutes.
The glowing effect surrounds us in a gentle flurry and the kids grab at them as though they were popping bubbles. I chuckle at the sight, smiling at Ren.
“You’re getting better at that,” I tell him and he bashfully looks away.
“I have good motivation,” he replies quietly and I nod, understanding how he feels. It helps me stay focused to remember that the kids need us. Right now, it may feel like a game, but all of this is life or death. One wrong move, and they will fade away, like Caitlyn.
“Thanks, Ren,” I tell him, standing and grouping my kids up. “Theo? Come on, dude, you’ve had enough sugar.” He’s digging through a soggy pile of snacks on the shelf and curls his lips in a pout as he abandons his search.
“Good luck, guys,” I shout as we begin to leave, but my footsteps falter as a new message pops up.
*Ding*
*The fifth collectible has been found! Five collectibles remain!*
My eyes meet Ren’s over the notification, both our expressions mirroring the others. Shock, confusion, and fear.
We aren’t as alone as we thought. And we don’t have the leisure we thought we did.
“Okay! Let’s go,” I say with forced enthusiasm. Ren rushes over, grabbing my arm before we step onto the street.
“Maisy, maybe we should-” he starts, his voice taut with worry, but I don’t let him finish his sentence.
“Ren, there’s no time. We have to split up and find as many as we can,” I tell him. “We’ll be safe. You guys too, okay?” I can feel the anxiety try to wind around my heart, freezing me in fear, so I step off the curb, with the help of Ren’s buff, not letting myself get stuck in the feeling. The notification has put a new urgency in my step and I pick up Benny, hugging him to my chest.
“Ready to run? We’re heading to the house next to the first one we checked,” I tell the other two. Theo and Cassidy smile, nodding, unaware of the lurking danger.