The Elevator Game

Episode 3: The Plan

The park was our usual meet up spot. It wasn't too far from where everyone lives, so we could easily meet up there. 

Our first meet up at the park was for Cole's soccer game back when we were all in 6th grade. After the game ended, we all walked to this big tree that provided lots of shade. The tree was right in front of a sidewalk which runners used. In front of the sidewalk was a lake filled with fish and ducks. Ever since that game, we always hung out there. It was our spot. 

I waited underneath the tree, the shade cooling me down. It was a hot day, unusual weather for a September day. 

I looked at the mind map in my hands, my mind racing for possible answers.

"Yo." 

My head snapped up.

"Hey guys."

The rest of the group was here. Julian, Cole, Bri, Gigi, Kenji and I all sat down in a circle. The warm, September breeze making our hairs fly into our faces. 

There was a moment of silence, like everyone was figuring out why I called them here randomly and seriously on a Saturday afternoon.

"What's up?" Gigi asked, her usual smile plastered on her face. 

"Why did you call us here. You're acting way too serious." Kenji laughed.

I drew a deep breath, then exhaled. "So," I began. "I called you all here to discuss something important." I paused, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "I think I found a clue."

Bri frowned. "What clue?"

I placed the mind map in the middle of our circle. "I think I found a clue on why Abby disappeared."

Julian picked it up and unfolded it. His eyes widened. "Woah."

"Where did you get this?" Gigi asked as she scooted closer to Julian. As soon as Gigi looked at the map, her eyes widened. 

"I found in my bedroom. I think Abby left it the last time we hung out, which was the day before she disappeared."

Everyone was surrounding Julian, taking a look at the mind map. "I never knew Abby learned about urban legends or stuff like that." Cole said, looking up at me for a split second before returning his attention back to the paper.

"Do you think she tried this?" Julian handed me the paper. "She wouldn't be that crazy."

Everyone returned back to their original seats. "Well, Abby was a crazy." I said. 

"She blind dated." Gigi added. 

"And online dated." Julian said. 

I shook my head "But that isn't the point." I looked down at the mind map. "This could be why Abby disappeared. The police don't know this, and if they have found this they would never risk their asses to play this game to see if she was in the other dimension." I gave a sigh.

"You don't mean..." Cole whispered, as if he already knows what I'm going to say.

"We have to play this game." I looked up at everyone, their faces expressing concern and fear. "It's our only choice."

Everyone's head lowered. If this game was real, we would be risking our lives, venturing into the unknown. But this is our friend we're talking about, we have to find her sooner or later. Since the police aren't doing anything, we are the ones that have to do something. 

No one spoke a word. This was so sudden, everyone needs a moment to process the information slapped onto their faces. 

I looked down at the mind map. They all think I'm crazy, that I made this up, or maybe they don't want to risk their lives. I gave a sigh as I fiddled with the corners of the paper.