Waking up from a short slumber, Abraham felt dizzy. A soft sigh came from his mouth. After calming his mind, a little bit, he stood up and returned to the pile of books. “If it’s not in the book the clue must be somewhere in this room.” He sat on the chair while pondering what he missed. “The clue is clearly storm, but what is it?” His thought pondered deeper while tapping the arms of the chair. “The painting!” he suddenly shouts out loud. He walked again to the exquisite painting. Grabbing it from the wall, he held it tightly as he looked at every inch of it, making sure he wouldn’t miss anything.

“Found it!” He quickly walked to the safe box while the painting was still held in his arm. “Let’s see it again. The date is 04-11-25.” He entered the number into the keypad. ‘beep’ but the safe box didn’t open only making a loud beeping sound. “Shit! Let’s try changing up the number. He tried again two more times by changing the order of the numbers. But still, the safe failed to unlock. “Let’s try with the painting in the kitchen.” He ran towards the kitchen, grabbing the painting. With a focused eyed like searching for prey, he stared at the painting for the date. When he found them, he was so excited that he ran back to the study room so fast. Bringing the painting along with him. Afraid that he would forget the date.

“The second painting date is 25-12-97. Let’s enter it again like the last order.” Hoping that this time it will be different. ‘beep-beep’ unfortunately all he got was that mechanical beep again. “Fuck! What did I miss?”. “Wait there is one more in the bedroom” coming to that conclusion he ran to the bedroom finding the car that went downhill in the rainstorm photo. Smashing the frame he took the piece of photo. When he flipped it he found the date 21-04-12.

When he got back in the study room, he didn’t immediately enter the number. “I can’t rush it this time. The last failure made the safe box beep twice. I have to be sure to enter the right combination.” He lined up the three pieces and then examined again the number. “Two paintings and one photo, placed in three different rooms.” He grabbed some random book and pen to write down the number. “Wait some of the numbers… right, then the order if it is based on the date, it will be…” this time when he made sure he was right, he entered the number. ‘click’ when his ear heard that sound, he was so excited that his body can’t keep up with his mind. the only reaction he gave was a wide smile on his face.

He pulled the safe lid. What he found inside was a single key. He believed that this key is the one to use on the locked door in the hallway. “YESSS!” he roared excitedly. “I beat the game! Screw you shithead! Hahaha.” While pointing at the camera at the ceiling. He quickly ran to the door outside. when he arrived, he immediately inserted it and unlocked the door. ‘click’ when he heard that he quickly turned the door handle.

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What he saw outside is nowhere what he imagined. It was a beautiful garden. The lush of variety plants and trees. There’s even a fountain in the middle. He walked slowly to the fountain. “Wow…this is gorgeous.” He felt awed by the sight. The fountain was very beautiful. Especially the three statues at its center. On the left was a statue of a woman holding a baby in her arms. On the right was a robbed figure holding a book and quill in each hand. The most striking figure is the one in the middle of them. Clad with armor with two swords on her hip. Posing as she seems ready to draw it anytime.

While appreciating the statue he felt something. He felt a sensation he had never felt for a while. Rubbing his face and arms he looked up. It was a sight of blue sky. “Ahh… I thought I was deep underground. But it’s not the case.” Inhaling the fresh air, he felt so relaxed like never before. “I should explore this area. There should be an exit somewhere. Suddenly he heard something. He quickly turned his head toward the source.

“Whose there?” he shouted. Wary that it was the people who locked him here he didn’t rush blindly. While sharpening his sense he walked slowly toward the sound. When he was closed enough to the bushes, with his right hand he reached it. “There is no one here. Is it wind? No that’s impossible, there wall surrounding this garden is pretty high. Maybe an animal?” He searched the surroundings cautiously. But he still found nothing. After a few minutes which turned out to be an empty result, the corner of his eyes caught something. A small figure was peeking at the end of the other building. “Hey!” he called them. The figure seems startled and then ran inside. Abraham quickly followed him. When he caught a glimpse of them, he could see that it was small. “a kid? In this place?”. “Hey kid stop! I’m not a bad guy. I’m trapped here too.” When the kid heard what he said, he stopped running. Then the kid turned to Abraham. When Abraham catches up to him. He could see that the kid is no more than twelve years old. A pair of bright brown eyes, a rounded face, and short hair. The kid seems surprised when he saw Abraham. He seems to want to say something but hesitates to say it.

“Uhm, hello there.” Abraham greeted the kid with a smile on his face afraid of scaring the kid.

“Hello” the kid replied softly.

“Are you all alone here?”

“No, there was… mother. But I couldn’t find her.” The kid replied while lowering his head.

“Ah, I see… so you are the same as me.” Abraham tried to say it as softly as he could. Trying hard to reassure him. “You know if you want, we could try to find your mother together.”

“Okay.” The kid raised his head while staring at Abraham.

“Great, so what is your name? my name is Abraham but you can call me brother Abe.” He offered his hand to him.

“My name is Pip.” He stared at the hand that was outstretched, then he shook it gently.