Resolute Fate

Chapter 7: For you

As the arcade hummed with the noise of game sounds and lively chatter, Zevin and Sera immersed themselves in the vibrant atmosphere. The neon lights flickered overhead, casting a colorful glow over the bustling arcade floor.

As they strolled through the maze of arcade machines, exchanging laughter, Zevin's attention was drawn to a peculiar sight—a group of people huddled around a space at the center of the arcade. Curious, he held Sera and gestured towards the crowd.

"Hey, ma, what's going on over there?" Zevin asked, his curiosity piqued.

Sera followed his gaze and shrugged. "I'm not sure, pa. Let's go check it out."

With eager anticipation, they navigated their way through the crowd until they reached the center. A large screen overhead displayed the words "Bob's World 4th Anniversary Celebration" in bold, flashing letters, accompanied by festive graphics and animations.

As they drew closer, they overheard the announcer's booming voice reverberating through the arcade.

"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls! Welcome to Bob's World, 4th Year Anniversary Celebration!" the announcer exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement. "Today, we have a special treat in store for all of you!"

A ripple of anticipation swept through the crowd, eliciting cheers and applause from the gathered arcade enthusiasts.

Sera turned to Zevin, curiosity gleaming in her eyes. "Hey, pa, have you heard about this event?"

Zevin shook his head. "I'm not sure, ma. We play here often, but this is the first I'm hearing of it. I wonder what the prize will be and what activities they have planned."

Their conversation was interrupted by Don, who interjected with a scoff. "You guys have no idea how generous this arcade can be. I was here last year and nearly snagged the latest console, Power Station 4."

Zevin couldn't help but chuckle at Don's boast. He thought to himself, what's there to brag about when nothing was actually won?

Don, sensing Zevin's amusement, shifted his attention to Sera. "Well, at least I participated and aced most of the puzzle games last year."

Dawn chimed in with praise for Don. "Wow, Don, I had no idea you were so good with puzzles. Not only are you excellent  in class, but you do well in other areas too."

Don smirked as he glanced at Zevin, but Zevin remained unfazed, focusing on the announcer's next announcement.

"This year," the announcer declared, "we're introducing a riddle game!"

The crowd buzzed with excitement at the prospect of the new game.

"Zev, let's give it a shot," Sera suggested eagerly. Zevin hesitated, not wanting to engage further with Don, but before he could decline, he was cut off.

"Sera, Dawn, I'm sure only those who can solve complicated riddles will dare to participate," Don remarked.

Undeterred, Sera and Dawn laughed off Don's comment. Sera, always cheerful and friendly, didn't let his words bother her.

Just as Zevin was about to lead Sera out of the arcade, the announcer explained the game's mechanics.

"To participate, you'll need to form a group of four members," the announcer clarified. "Each group will nominate one representative to present their answer within the given time."

Excitement bubbled within Dawn and Sera as they realized they met the requirements and immediately signed up, leaving Zevin with no choice but to join them.

As the game commenced, the announcer announced that there would be three sets, each consisting of three rounds, increasing in difficulty.

"Get ready, everyone!" the announcer exclaimed. "We'll randomly select riddles from three different boxes, all centered around detective mysteries."

Turning to Don, Dawn asked, "Are you confident about this, Don?"

"Absolutely!" Don replied confidently. "There's nothing in this world that could surprise me. Whatever the prize, we'll claim it for sure!"

Sera glanced at Zevin, acknowledging his skill despite his lack of interest. "Hey, pa, I know you might not be too keen on this, but let's contribute, okay?"

With a resigned sigh, Zevin agreed. "For you, ma."

Don couldn't help but feel a pang of envy at their sweet gestures, but he kept it hidden, not wanting to show it in front of Dawn. 

He assured the girls, "Don't worry, we've got this, with me here!" 

Suddenly, the announcer's voice boomed over the speakers once again, signaling the start of the game.

"Alright, everyone! Let's put our thinking caps on because here's the first riddle!"

The crowd fell silent in anticipation as the announcer presented the puzzling question, his voice echoing throughout the arcade.

"A truck driver is going down a one-way street in the wrong direction. A police car drives past him but doesn't stop him. Why?"

The riddle lingered in the air, challenging the participants to unravel its mystery. In response to the riddle, both Zevin and Don simultaneously offered their answers.

"Walk."

"Emergency."

Don scoffed at Zevin's response, dismissing it as far-fetched. "How could you even consider such an implausible idea? Obviously, only emergencies are exempt, and the man was in a truck!"

Unfazed by Don's mockery, Zevin paid him no heed. Meanwhile, Dawn stepped up to the mic and confidently declared, "it was an emergency!"

The crowd reacted with a mixture of admiration and surprise at the group's swift response.

However, much to their dismay, Dawn's answer was deemed incorrect, eliciting disappointed groans from the audience. Don's confidence faltered, and he directed an accusatory glare at the announcer, demanding an explanation.

"That answer was correct! What's going on?" Don protested, his frustration evident.

The announcer responded politely, "These riddles and answers are prepared in advance. I don't have the ability to deceive you."

"If that's the case, then tell us the correct answer!" Don demanded.

The announcer remained composed. "Dear guest, we'll need to wait for other participants to share their answers before revealing the correct one."

Just then, a voice from the crowd spoke up confidently, "because he was walking."

This answer caught everyone's attention, and murmurs of agreement rippled through the audience. Some even remarked, "I knew it. That mention of the truck was just a red herring."

"That is correct!" exclaimed the announcer.

The person who provided the correct answer turned out to be Zena, a woman from Don's past. Don felt a surge of anger as he realized who it was. Zena had not only rejected him in high school but had also ridiculed his persistent efforts.

While Don was lost in his thoughts, Dawn approached Sera with amazement. "Hey, your boyfriend got it right!"

Sera smiled proudly. "How did you manage to figure it out so quickly, Zev?"

Zevin shrugged modestly, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Just a lucky guess, I suppose," he replied, downplaying his own intuition.

Don, feeling somewhat embarrassed by Zevin's success in front of Sera and Dawn, muttered under his breath, "Luck. It was just luck. And that was just the first one. There are still eight more to go. I'll get them right, just watch."