RIDDLE OF THE CHAPTER: What is a shark's favorite game?
I open the door and gasp in surprise. The room is pitch dark except for a single, blue candle on the table. I walk slowly towards it and with each step, a new candle lights up in every corner of the room with an array of colours. I begin to notice amazing smells too. Coffee, caramel, roses, musk and a bunch of others. The light shines off the windows and mirrors and I feel like like I'm caught in the middle of a rainbow. It's the most beautiful sight I've ever had the pleasure of seeing.
I'm caught up in the light show when I feel two rough but delicate hands close over my eyes. I smile.
"Guess who?" whispers the voice that I've grown so fond of.
"Mickey Mouse," I say taking his hands of my eyes and turning to face him. I don't let go.
"Aw gawsh!" Hanzala blushes and smiles at me. I can't help but return the gift.
"Did you do this?" I ask turning back to the lights. I pull his arms around me as we stand and watch the candles together.
"I always loved the Canbows. But, it's kinda weird for a grown man to walk into a store and ask for coloured, scented candles. Yet another reason I've been waiting for you. I figured I should get you something special for our first date."
"Date?" I turn slightly to look up at him.
"Why, of course love!" He says in a fake British accent and rubs our noses together. "Only the finest for you, the best of our hospitality."
He untangles himself and takes my hand, leading me out of the room. We walk down the passage until we come to a round, spiraled door. It's cinnamon coloured, looks and smells like a cinnabon. Hmm, I wonder if it tastes like one too...
"Alright," he says taking the door handle. "Close the eyes."
I roll my eyes at possibly the most cliche line in this situation but shut them tight anyways. I hear him open the door and I can hear something flutter in the background. I feel myself being sweeped off my feet and the next thing I know, I'm in Hanzala's arms and we're walking through the door. I feel a whoosh of air like we've just stepped outside. I can hear birds chirping merrily in the background, a stream bubbling away and the glorious smells of freshly made food.
"Take off your shoes," he says, stopping to put me down. I take them off slowly, holding on his shoulder for support, eyes still tightly shut. I drop my shoes as I feel my feet sink into what must be a bed of the softest flowers in the world. I stand up straight, simply taking in the feel of the foot spa that my toes have found. Hanzala laughs behind me.
"We're not there yet," he says holding me by the waist from behind. "Keep those eyes closed."
I grunt in irritation but place my hands on his as I enjoy the cool blanket below me. We walk a little more when we come to a stop, the stream sounds like a river now.
"Ok," he says standing next to me, "Open them!"
ANSWER: Swallow the leader!
