Michael and I found ourselves engrossed in the game of Jenga. The sun cast a warm glow across the room as we huddled around the wooden tower, carefully selecting and removing blocks with a mix of concentration and determination. Micheal, with his strategic mind, eyed the precarious structure, contemplating the best block to extract without toppling the tower. Meanwhile, I carefully navigated the delicate balance, each move accompanied by playful banter and good-natured ribbing. As the Jenga tower teetered on the brink of collapse, beads of sweat formed on Michael's forehead, mirroring the intensity of the moment. With a palpable sense of impending defeat, he carefully assessed the dwindling options, realizing that the next move might be the tipping point. Michael's eyes widened as he envisioned the consequences of the impending loss – perhaps a playful yet embarrassing consequence agreed upon before the game began. The weight of the potential outcome hung in the air, adding an extra layer of suspense to the room. Despite the looming defeat, Michael maintained a sense of humor, his grin transforming into a resigned smile, ready to face the consequences of his Jenga misfortune with good sportsmanship.
"Why are you smiling? If you lose.. you'll--" I paused. "I know. That's why I'm losing on purpose." Micheal told me. "What are you--" I paused again. In a surprising twist, Michael decided to embrace the inevitable, a mischievous glint in his eye as he strategically nudged a key Jenga block. The tower quivered and then, with a deliberate yet dramatic flourish, he sent it toppling to the table. I watched in disbelief as the wooden blocks clattered and scattered, realizing that Michael had orchestrated his own defeat. Laughter erupted in the room as Michael, with a sheepish grin, revealed his sly strategy. The consequences of losing were momentarily forgotten, replaced by the shared amusement of Michael's unexpected move. It turned out that, in this round of Jenga, the true victory lay in the joy of creating a memorable and amusing moment, rather than in the strategic prowess of keeping the tower standing.
"But why?" I asked him. "I had fun. Now, go. Get us out of here. This is the end of the Masterminds games." he told me. "Listen to me, Leo. Trust Xavion." he whispered in my ear. "He was in the right all along. He's truly capable of getting us all out of here no matter what it takes. Trust him. Now, get out of here." he said his almost final words before walking backwards and waving goodbye.
"And to the vast unknown that awaits beyond this fading horizon, I step into the cosmic embrace with gratitude. Life, with all its fragility and beauty, has been my greatest teacher. I welcome the gentle embrace of eternity with open arms." The room fell silent, the weight of those parting words settling among the gathered mourners. In that quiet moment, Micheal took his final breath, departing from the realm of the living, leaving behind a legacy woven with the threads of love, redemption, and the poignant beauty of a well-lived life. May he rest in peace.
The host led us into the final trial room where the whole truth will unfold and we leave this hell.
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Process of Elimination
HorrorSomewhere. Unbeknownst of danger. A 15 year old boy, named Leo, suddenly gets abducted by an unknown entity. He wakes up with 23 other people with about half of them actually being around his age. Leo is forced to vote, play, and watch the horrific...
