A Book of Beau, Griffin Stagg

07 - Treasure Hunters

North Denver, 1978

Saturdays aren't usually bad, but it was incredibly hot today. I was getting ready to go out and walk around with Griffin today, when I heard a knock on my front door. I had just finished getting ready and opened it to find Griffin with a small dandelion in his hand.

     "Hey N/n. It's really hot today. Oh! While I was walking, I saw this flower and it reminded me of you because it's pretty."

     My eyes widened as a wave of blush rushed over my face. It's crazy how such a simple act can make you feel such big emotions.

     "Thank you so much Griff. It is really pretty. I'm going to go put this in a glass."

     I ran into the kitchen and grabbed a small glass to keep it in. I filled it up with tap water and carefully placed the dandelion inside.

     Griffin was sitting outside looking at a bird house across the street.

     "Ready to go?" I exclaimed. He nodded back. 

     Not many interesting things happen in North Denver, but when they do it's really something. Sometimes, just walking around is a really nice activity. I would look over at Griffin and he would already be looking at me. We would blush and turn away.

     A boy on a bike with his dog passed by and waved at Griffin. He waved back and had a small smile on his face.

     "Who was that Griff?"
     "Oh that's just Billy. He's in my science class. We had to sit next to each other and he's kinda cool."
     "Griff! You've made another friend! I'm so proud of you!"

     He blushed and gave me a bashful smile, "Thank you N/n."

     We rounded a corner and overheard some weird yelling coming from down the street. Griffin and I continued walking and saw two adults who looked like they haven't slept in weeks.

     "Gettin' our garage sale on! Hey, hey! We're gonna make a fortune," I heard the odd lady yell.

      "Oh god no." I heard Griffin whisper.
     "What? Who are these adult children?"
     "They're the leaders of this "mentorship" program my mom put me in. It's literal hell and I hated every second of it."
     "Oh. It doesn't seem that great if it's lead by them."
     "Yea. Last month, she made us do her community service at the church. We were mowing the lawn for hours."
     "Yeesh."

     Griffin and I were curious though and continued in with much caution. We didn't find much except for some old cat statues and a random box. "Kelly" kept going on about who knows what.

     "These were my best friends growin' up, so gonna make some kid really happy. Don't touch that! Put it down! Okay, everyone under seven, out!"

     A whole swarm of kids left, leaving just Griffin and I. We walked up to the other adult child, "Shrub", and held out the box.

     "Hey, how much is this?" Griffin asked, while Shrub eyed us down.

     "Oh, you have very good taste, my friends," He replied, not answering our questions.

     I was started to get annoyed at their childish behavior. "Okay, but how much is it?"

     Griffin pulled out a piece of paper and started reading it, "Yar lies Colonel Flatch's treasure of gold," Griffin paused, looking starstruck, "I-is this real?"

     "Hell yeah," Shrub answered, while clearing his throat.
     "Did you ever dig up the treasure?"
     "No, Griffin, I-I'm a very busy guy."
     "Can I buy the map? I'll give you $5. It's my whole allowance."
     "Friggin' sold, my man! Happy hunting!"