The Wall Maze

Chapter 3 - Childish

As we sat under the big tree at out favorite park, I rested my head on Max's shoulder while he hugged me. I still fell apart every time I thought about her. Max and I's other best friend. She just completed our group. We were like the three muskateers, but she's not here anymore.

As Max played with my hair I tried to stop the tears that were silently streaming down my face.

"Letty, are you okay?"

"Yeah... I just... I just miss Chloe."

"I know. I do, too. But, she wouldn't want you crying."

I nodded my head and wiped my eyes.

"You wanna go swing?"

"No. Not right now."

I grabbed the branch of the tree and started climbing up. I got to the top of the tree and looked out at the city. I could see the walls, the cemetary, my house, and most of the city from here.

I sat there thinking about all that was going on. I was peaceful though. I felt like I was on top of the world. As silly as it sounds, I did. I felt closer to Chloe, and I couldn't help but smile to myself.

"Letty, come on down from there. It's time for me to take you home. I don't want you to get in trouble with your parents."

As I started climbing down from the tree, I stopped. Engraved in the trunk was an arrow. It was pointing to a hole in the tree. The hole was just a little bit bigger than my fist and was about six inches back it, seemed. I looked in the hole but didn't see anything. I shrugged it off and kept climbing down.

"Hey, Max, did you ever notice the arrow carved in that tree?"

"Yeah. Why?"

"It's pointing to the hole in the tree. Do you think someone ever hid something there?"

"Maybe. But there's nothing in there, now, is there?"

"Not that I saw."

"Alright, well, let's get going. We need to get home."

"Fine."

As we were walking, I kept thinking about Chloe, the maze, and the arrow. It seemed like everything was just abnormal, these days.

"Who do you think made the arrow?"

"I don't know. Probably just some kids who wanted to leave stuff for each other."

"I guess. But why would they put the arrow there? That makes it stand out too much."

Max sighed and rolled his eyes.

"Letty, I don't know. Why would I?"

"Sorry. I'm just trying to think this through."

"Why?"

"I'm trying to keep my mind occupied!"

"Oh. I... I'm sorry."

"It's okay."

We walked the rest of the time in silence. After we got to my house, I waved goodbye to Max and walked inside. I was met by the smell of home-made chicken noodle soup and bread.

"Mom, I'm home!"

"Hi, honey! I'm in the kitchen! Hey, do me a favor and get your Dad. He's out back."

"Okay."

I walked back out the front door and into the back yard. I was greeted by my dog Sky and saw my dad lying in the hammock in the back yard. I laughed when he snored really loud. I picked his blue baseball cap off his face and kissed his forehead.

"Wake up, sleeping beauty."

 Dad opened his eyes and yawned.

"Well, hi, baby girl. Dinner time?"

"Yeah."

"Alright. I'm coming."

Dad got up, put his arm around me, and we walked inside. Dad gave Mom a hug from behind and rest his head on her shoulder. I couldn't help but smile. They were still just like two teenagers who newly fell in love. They rarely argued, still flirted with each other to be funny, cuddled, and acted like kids. I really hope that I'll be that way with my future husband, someday.