The Keys to freedom

Unwanted guests

The cramped attic was dimly lit, with dust particles dancing in the thin shafts of sunlight streaming through the small window announcing the morning. Papers, books, and a few old trinkets were scattered across the wooden floor. The group sat in various states of frustration, the newest clue written on a scrap of parchment in the center of their circle:

"Where the wind blows and the sun is bright, the next piece is hidden from sight. Where the sand is untouched by the tide, beneath the shadows where time cannot hide."

Oz sat cross-legged with her head resting in her hands, staring at the words for what felt like the hundredth time.

"Sand untouched by the tide," Jessper muttered, lying on her back and staring at the slanted attic ceiling. "Could be a desert, right? Or maybe a dune higher up the beach?"

"Maybe," Grayson said, rubbing his temples. "But 'where time cannot hide'? What the hell is that even suppose to mean?"

James leaned against an old trunk, flipping a pencil in his hand. "It's gotta be a place where the sun and shadows meet. Somewhere protected... like a cave or something."

Eric groaned, throwing his notebook down. "We've been at this all night, and we're not getting anywhere. This clue's a riddle wrapped in a metaphor buried in my ass."

Jessper sat up suddenly, brushing her messy hair out of her face. "Okay, timeout. My brain is fried. We need a break."

"Agreed," Grayson said, stretching. "Maybe some food will help."

Oz stood, stretching her stiff legs. "Good luck with that. The fridge is basically empty, unless you count the questionable leftover fish."

"Guess we'll have to gather some eggs from out back,"

He said, pushing himself up with a sigh.

The group collectively groaned as they trudged down the stairs toward the kitchen.

"Come on, come help me get the eggs." Grayson said nudging, Eric.

Eric groaned, dragging his feet but following anyway. "You're just scared of that rooster."

"Because he has it out for me!" Grayson shot back, pointing a finger. "That bird is pure evil."

As the two disappeared out the back door, Jessper leaned against the wall with a lazy grin. "Well, while they play farmer. I'll go and raid my parents' kitchen. Maybe snag a loaf of bread or something."

"Our noble thief," Oz teased from the corner.

Jessper gave a dramatic bow. "I'll be back in a flash," she said, darting out the front door.

Oz laughed settling onto the old couch in the living room with a sigh. She picked up her book from the coffee table and began reading, trying to distract herself from that frustrating clue still lingering in the back of her mind.

James plopped down on the opposite side of the couch, pulling out his phone. The glow lit up his face as he typed something quickly, then smiled to himself.

"What's got you so happy?" she asked, glancing up.

"Evie texted," he said casually, still looking at his phone.

Her brows furrowed. "And?"

"She wanted to know if I wanted to hang out." He paused, then grinned. "I told her she could swing by."

Her book slapped closed in her lap. "You invited her? Again?"

His grin faltered slightly. "What's the big deal? She's cool, and it's not like we're working on anything right now."