“So what do you say, Robin? Are you going to help us out or not?” Marcus is standing next to me, young and unharmed. I look down at my hands, youthful again. I look back at Marcus’ smiling face. My eyes fill with tears; I throw my arms around him, giving him a big hug.
“Whoa, what’s gotten into you? Are you okay?” I hear genuine concern in his voice. I wish things could go back to when we were kids, a time when we weren’t worried about how much money we had or what our futures held.
“Please don’t open the safe.” I plead. Maybe the curse has been lifted, or maybe not; I don’t want to take a chance.
“What are you talking about?” He pulls away from me. I stare into his eyes, trying to see the innocent boy from my childhood, but instead, I see a young man who’s turned bitter.
“Please don’t open the safe,” I repeat.
“Why not? Do you know what’s in it?” I open my mouth to say something, but nothing comes out. I know he won’t believe my crazy story. I wouldn’t believe it myself if someone told me this safe was cursed.
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I see him becoming exasperated with me.
“So, are you going to help or not?” I shake my head no.
“I’m disappointed in you, Robin. I thought we were better friends and you would help me. I mean, just imagine what could be in this safe. It could be life-changing for both of us. What’s the problem? Why won’t you help?”
“Just trust me on this? You don’t want to open that safe.” But Marcus waves me off.
“I don’t get you. You’ve changed, and I can’t say for the better.” I lower my head. I feel the frustration rising up in me.
“Funny, I could say the same thing about you,” regretting the words as soon as I say them.
“You know, just get out of here. We don’t need your help.” I look over at Tim, who appears shaken by our confrontation.
“Greed makes people do terrible things. Are you prepared to do terrible things, Marcus?” I ask.
He lifts his chin in defiance. “Yes.”
“Then open the safe and enjoy playing God.” I sneer at him. I turn on my heels and start walking away.
“You’ll regret this, Robin.” He yells as I disappear up the stairs.
“No, you’re the one that’s going to regret this,” I say under my breath.