Start of a transcript of The Incredibly Mild Misadventures of Tom Trundle An Adolescent Reminiscence by B F Lindsay Release 1 / Serial number 201024 / Inform 7 build 6M62 (I6/v6.33 lib 6/12N) Identification number: //67982986-3A42-4E20-975E-167E795D7DCB// Interpreter version 1.3.5 / VM 3.1.2 / Library serial number 080126 Standard Rules version 3/120430 by Graham Nelson Epistemology version 9 by Eric Eve Conversation Framework version 12 by Eric Eve Conversation Responses version 7 by Eric Eve >l Sixth Period Study Hall (in a desk) I was sitting amongst other victims of my state's education policies. They were making various noises made by students pretending to be quiet. Students' desks were arranged in a rectangular pattern backed by the north wall, facing south towards the front, and Mr Fendwhistle's desk. On the wall above the desk was the school clock. To the west, past the snack machines, was the exit to the schoolyard and the parking lot; east was the doorway into Middle Hall. On the desktop in front of me was my ripped notebook. Mr Fendwhistle was sitting at the desk up front, looking intently at a stack of papers. The guy behind me cleared his throat, while reading a paperback. >about > Introduction to The Incredibly Mild Misadventures of Tom Trundle Instructions for Play Credits Contacting the author Hints Tom Trundle was about to begin his Spring Break, waiting for the bell in study hall, Friday afternoon. He had no idea how his evening was going to go, but he was about to get a clue. Help him tell his story. Caution: This story is told in the past tense, through the eyes of a seventeen-year-old young man. Profanity and suggestion of sexual situations. Please press SPACE to continue. > Introduction to The Incredibly Mild Misadventures of Tom Trundle Instructions for Play Credits Contacting the author Hints > Introduction to The Incredibly Mild Misadventures of Tom Trundle Instructions for Play Credits Contacting the author Hints Introduction to The Incredibly Mild Misadventures of Tom Trundle > Instructions for Play Credits Contacting the author Hints Introduction to The Incredibly Mild Misadventures of Tom Trundle > Instructions for Play Credits Contacting the author Hints > About Interactive Fiction What to do with > Getting Started Rooms and Travel Objects Controlling the Game How the World is Assembled If You Get Stuck Introduction to The Incredibly Mild Misadventures of Tom Trundle > Instructions for Play Credits Contacting the author Hints Introduction to The Incredibly Mild Misadventures of Tom Trundle Instructions for Play > Credits Contacting the author Hints Introduction to The Incredibly Mild Misadventures of Tom Trundle Instructions for Play > Credits Contacting the author Hints I would like to thank the following for the invaluable work and suggestions that they have done and made in the testing of this game: Mike Spivey, Rogert Durrant, Patrick Brian Mooney, and Daniel Worm. There are also others I would like to thank for their practical advice and tips, including Hanon Ondricek, Andrew Plotkin, Brian Rushton and the many other experts on Intfiction.org. Thanks also go to Emily Short and Eric Eve, for the extensions I continually use in my games. May you all continue to contribute to the world of Interactive Fiction. Please press SPACE to continue. Introduction to The Incredibly Mild Misadventures of Tom Trundle Instructions for Play > Credits Contacting the author Hints Introduction to The Incredibly Mild Misadventures of Tom Trundle Instructions for Play > Credits Contacting the author Hints Introduction to The Incredibly Mild Misadventures of Tom Trundle Instructions for Play Credits > Contacting the author Hints Introduction to The Incredibly Mild Misadventures of Tom Trundle Instructions for Play Credits > Contacting the author Hints If you have any questions about the game, or wish to report a bug, email me at ragtimebill@outlook.com. I will try to get back with you as soon as humanly possible. Please press SPACE to continue. Introduction to The Incredibly Mild Misadventures of Tom Trundle Instructions for Play Credits > Contacting the author Hints Introduction to The Incredibly Mild Misadventures of Tom Trundle Instructions for Play Credits > Contacting the author Hints Introduction to The Incredibly Mild Misadventures of Tom Trundle Instructions for Play Credits Contacting the author > Hints Introduction to The Incredibly Mild Misadventures of Tom Trundle Instructions for Play Credits Contacting the author > Hints I would STRONGLY encourage you to try typing "THINK ABOUT (object, person, etc)", if you want a hint about anything in the game. Not ALL objects will need to be "seen" first, to be able to think about them meaningfully. Often the resulting thought will provide at least a gentle nudge in the right direction. Tom is really quite smarter than he sounds. But if a thought of something that Tom has seen is nothing more than "I couldn't think of anything pertinent about that at the time.", odds are that the object is not important (such as scenery, etc). If worse comes to worse, contact me at my email address, ragtimebill@outlook.com. Please press SPACE to continue. Introduction to The Incredibly Mild Misadventures of Tom Trundle Instructions for Play Credits Contacting the author > Hints Introduction to The Incredibly Mild Misadventures of Tom Trundle Instructions for Play Credits Contacting the author > Hints Sixth Period Study Hall (in a desk) I was sitting amongst other victims of my state's education policies. They were making various noises made by students pretending to be quiet. Students' desks were arranged in a rectangular pattern backed by the north wall, facing south towards the front, and Mr Fendwhistle's desk. On the wall above the desk was the school clock. To the west, past the snack machines, was the exit to the schoolyard and the parking lot; east was the doorway into Middle Hall. On the desktop in front of me was my ripped notebook. Mr Fendwhistle was sitting at the desk up front, looking intently at a stack of papers. >x me I was wearing my Who Cares? tee-shirt, my favorite jeans and sneakers. Who cares?? I had a pocket in which I usually kept my valuables. I heard muffled giggling from girls somewhere in the back. >i I was carrying: my usual threads (being worn) my green pencil In my pocket, I was carrying my keyring. A fly buzzed past me, went around my head, then zoomed away. >x threads My 'Who Cares?' tee-shirt, my jeans and favorite sneakers. As rumpled and scuffed as usual, as befits my swaggering style. >x pencil My favorite color--green. Meaning that it's painted green. The time to go home was approaching, very slowly. >x keyring Just one of those plain keyrings with my locker key and the key to my bungalo. I don't need any of that decorative crap on my stuff. >* Bungalo? That's not a verb I recognize. >l Sixth Period Study Hall (in a desk) I was sitting amongst other victims of my state's education policies. They were making various noises made by students pretending to be quiet. Students' desks were arranged in a rectangular pattern backed by the north wall, facing south towards the front, and Mr Fendwhistle's desk. On the wall above the desk was the school clock. To the west, past the snack machines, was the exit to the schoolyard and the parking lot; east was the doorway into Middle Hall. On the desktop in front of me was my ripped notebook. Mr Fendwhistle was sitting at the desk up front, looking intently at a stack of papers. I heard a bus pull up somewhere in the distance, outside the north door. >x students I looked around and only noticed that they were each doing their own thing--girls gossiping, whispering, giggling; guys reading paperbacks, doodling like me, or sleeping. Few people actually did any homework here. I quickly turned my head back. Staring at others there could get you 'canned'. Or 'trunked'. A fly buzzed past me, went around my head, then zoomed away. >* "trunked"? That's not a verb I recognize. >l Sixth Period Study Hall (in a desk) I was sitting amongst other victims of my state's education policies. They were making various noises made by students pretending to be quiet. Students' desks were arranged in a rectangular pattern backed by the north wall, facing south towards the front, and Mr Fendwhistle's desk. On the wall above the desk was the school clock. To the west, past the snack machines, was the exit to the schoolyard and the parking lot; east was the doorway into Middle Hall. On the desktop in front of me was my ripped notebook. Mr Fendwhistle was sitting at the desk up front, looking intently at a stack of papers. The time to go home was approaching, very slowly. >x desks Like mine, they were in various states of (dis)repair. And they were all occupied. >x desk (the scarred desk) This was just the desk I plopped down in when I came in. Not particularly comfortable--none of them were--a desktop in front of me, hole in the seat part for storage. The scars on the desktop gave it personality. Suddenly the bell went DDRRRRINNGGGG for ten long seconds. Every one of my peers jumped up and crowded the west exit to the parking lot. They were all soon gone, like lemmings over a cliff. Mr Fendwhistle got up and started packing his briefcase. >x fendwhistle He was dressed professionally, but very tightly. He was packing his papers and other shit into his briefcase. As if going home. >talk to him He knew I was there. I had no need to draw further attention from him. I heard another bus outside switch gears as it left the campus. >l Empty Study Hall (in a desk) I was sitting amongst a group of empty desks, the bell having let out school for the day. Students' desks were arranged in a rectangular pattern backed by the north wall, facing south towards the front, and Mr Fendwhistle's desk. On the wall above the desk was the school clock. To the west, past the snack machines, was the exit to the schoolyard and the parking lot; east was the doorway into Middle Hall. On the desktop in front of me was my ripped notebook. On the big desk was a brown briefcase. Mr Fendwhistle was standing at the desk up front, putting papers into his briefcase, looking anxious to go home. >x briefcase Much speculation had been made as to what, other than papers, Ol' Fendy carried in his briefcase. A flask? Porn? A bomb? Drugs? Little voodoo dolls? Must be because of its steel exterior and a complicated lock system, which accentuated its mystique. I heard another bus outside switch gears as it left the campus. >x notebook This was my one notebook that I carry with me to study hall. It laid open to yet another page of my bored doodles and triangles. I told myself that I use it to "free-write", but I would only end up doodling. I carried it for this very purpose. It didn't even have a cover. >take all ripped notebook: Got it. brown briefcase: I would have to get up, first, dude. Mr Fendwhistle snapped the briefcase shut. Before he walked off with it to the west, he gave me a look and said, over his shoulder, "That was the bell. It's time to go home." As he trudged off, I heard him muttering something about being glad not to have to drive a bus today. He stepped out the door and was gone. >exit I lazily stood up. >l Empty Study Hall I was loafing amongst a group of empty desks, the bell having let out school for the day. Students' desks were arranged in a rectangular pattern backed by the north wall, facing south towards the front, and Mr Fendwhistle's desk. On the wall above the desk was the school clock. To the west, past the snack machines, was the exit to the schoolyard and the parking lot; east was the doorway into Middle Hall. >x fendwhistle's I couldn't see any such thing. >x fendwhistle's desk Quite non-descript, like any other desk. >x clock It's time to go home. >e I had no business in Middle Hall, or the faculty area beyond. Though likely there were no exam answer keys anywhere in that area this time of the week, my presence there would still be suspicious. >w Concession Area This was the crappy concession area near the west door to the parking lot. Crappy because it had only one snack machine and one soda machine, and by that time of day they were usually nearly empty. To the west were the double-doors, opened out to the parking lot, and I could return to the study hall area to the east. >x snack (the crappy snack machine) Brown and pretty beat-up. Vance snacks. Chips, crackers and what-not. Of course it has a coin slot and a change slot. It was one of those cheap snack machines--25 cents per snack--where all the snacks were packed onto these springs that, when you push one of the buttons, that spring will twist a little and your snack will--hopefully--fall into the bottom, and you reach under the metal flap and get the snack. Too often your snack gets caught on the spring and sticks there, so then you have to put in another quarter, which really sucks if it's the last snack of its kind. Another quarter, that is, if there is someone looking. It looked like if I wanted a snack, I was in luck--there was a single pack of Vance peanut butter crackers on one of the springs. It was the only snack left. I heard another bus outside switch gears as it left the campus. >hit snack (the crappy snack machine) I gave the snack machine a good pounding, but this did no good. >x soda (the poplicious soda machine) This piece of miracle junk served only one kind of soda--Poplicious, 25 cents--so the one convenience about this machine you could count on is that it would dispense right after you put your 25 cents in--if it dispenses at all. I had heard stories about this piece of crap. How it won't take your quarter sometimes. Or how it takes the quarter, but won't dispense. Or how it drops a can when you hit it just right--whether you put a quarter in it or not. But I'd never been able to figure it out, so I've stayed away from it for two years. Like the other machine, it had a coin slot and a change slot. >* long paragraphs That's not a verb I recognize. >hit soda (the poplicious soda machine) I gave the machine a pound on the side, like I'd seen some other students try, but nothing happened. I heard another bus outside switch gears as it left the campus. >g (the poplicious soda machine) I gave the machine a pound on the side, like I'd seen some other students try, but nothing happened. >x slot Which do you mean, the snack coin slot, the snack change slot, the soda coin slot or the soda change slot? >snack Which do you mean, the snack coin slot or the snack change slot? >x snack coin slot Narrow, to accept coins. >x snack change slot Nothing in there. Damn. >x soda change It's dark in there. I heard another bus outside switch gears as it left the campus. >take soda change I was pretty sure that I couldn't get the soda change slot to let go of the poplicious soda machine. >push soda change slot Nothing obvious happened. >x soda change slot It's dark in there. >i I was carrying: my ripped notebook my usual threads (being worn) my green pencil In my pocket, I was carrying my keyring. I heard another bus outside switch gears as it left the campus. >put pencil in soda change slot That would not get the machine to open. Believe me, I've tried. >l Concession Area This was the crappy concession area near the west door to the parking lot. Crappy because it had only one snack machine and one soda machine, and by that time of day they were usually nearly empty. To the west were the double-doors, opened out to the parking lot, and I could return to the study hall area to the east. >x soda coin slot Narrow, to accept coins. >w Study Hall Entrance Concrete porch in front of my study hall, with brown double doors leading in to the east. Some graffiti, barely noticeable, adorned the edge of one of the doors on this side. The schoolyard extended outward before me, with the main parking to the west, along with the field house; the north part of the building--with all the lockers--across the courtyard to the north. Across the parking lot to the southwest, was the gym and football field. To the northeast, across the courtyard, was the cafeteria. To the south and southeast was the south courtyard. To the northwest--freedom. A gate in the tall fence there opened to the street. I saw a few of my classmates leave through the gate on foot. >x classmates I couldn't see any such thing. >score In 40 turns, you still haven't helped me to advance my story. Let's get going! So you have earned 0 out of a possible 400, in 40 turns. Let's see what more you can do. >l Study Hall Entrance Concrete porch in front of my study hall, with brown double doors leading in to the east. Some graffiti, barely noticeable, adorned the edge of one of the doors on this side. The schoolyard extended outward before me, with the main parking to the west, along with the field house; the north part of the building--with all the lockers--across the courtyard to the north. Across the parking lot to the southwest, was the gym and football field. To the northeast, across the courtyard, was the cafeteria. To the south and southeast was the south courtyard. To the northwest--freedom. A gate in the tall fence there opened to the street. I saw yet another bus go into high gear as it left through the gate. >x graffiti In pencil, the message read-- SANDY WALLS CAN KISS MY ASS I understood completely. Some students in cars sped from the parking lot, eager to start Spring Break. >s Rambling around the school grounds after the bell was not my cup of tea. I saw a few of my classmates leave through the gate on foot. >se Rambling around the school grounds after the bell was not my cup of tea. I saw yet another bus go into high gear as it left through the gate. >l Study Hall Entrance Concrete porch in front of my study hall, with brown double doors leading in to the east. Some graffiti, barely noticeable, adorned the edge of one of the doors on this side. The schoolyard extended outward before me, with the main parking to the west, along with the field house; the north part of the building--with all the lockers--across the courtyard to the north. Across the parking lot to the southwest, was the gym and football field. To the northeast, across the courtyard, was the cafeteria. To the south and southeast was the south courtyard. To the northwest--freedom. A gate in the tall fence there opened to the street. I saw a few of my classmates leave through the gate on foot. >ne That was the cafeteria. I already had my daily ordeal there. Some students in cars sped from the parking lot, eager to start Spring Break. >n I would not normally enter this building at this time, however I suddenly felt some obligation to go to my locker. I crossed the courtyard and entered the building. North Hall, west end The north and south sides of this long hall were lined with many sets of student lockers, alternating with doorways into classrooms, and continued to the east, up to the cafeteria. I was lucky--I picked a locker near the door--locker #9. The only reason why I would voluntarily come into this part of the building. To the south were the glass doors leading outside; they were chocked open. >x doorways I couldn't see any such thing. >e The school was about to lock down at any moment, and I was not interested in going anywhere else in that building. >x locker (the locker #9) Just your regular 18 inch tall, one foot deep locker with one of those cheap built-in locks, with the bottom about chest-height. It has some slots on the front, I guess for air circulation. >open it It seemed to be locked. >unlock it My keys klinked as I snatched them up. I selected the locker key from my keyring. I opened my locker slowly, strangely apprehensive about what I might--or might not--find. Perhaps I was worried about my academic future, worried that someone might have taken my books...? Instead, as I opened the locker door, something like a huge paper football, very thick but neatly folded, fell out, hit my knee before I could catch it, and plopped to the floor. As I bent over to pick it up, I saw that it was addressed to me--Tom--in blue ballpoint ink on the outside--with the message "(Please open outside of school grounds, and guard this with your life!)". Someone must have shoved the thing through the vent, with incredible force, to get it in there...?? Then it dawned on me that this must have come from Will--I recognized that writing easily. I unlocked my locker with the key. I heard another bus outside switch gears as it left the campus. That's exactly what I did! I went to my locker unexpectedly. You earned 10 points for helping me remember! >* The "I unlocked my locker..." bit seems like a redundant report That's not a verb I recognize. >l North Hall, west end The north and south sides of this long hall were lined with many sets of student lockers, alternating with doorways into classrooms, and continued to the east, up to the cafeteria. I was lucky--I picked a locker near the door--locker #9. The only reason why I would voluntarily come into this part of the building. To the south were the glass doors leading outside; they were chocked open. >i I was carrying: a strange note my keyring my locker key my house key my ripped notebook my usual threads (being worn) my green pencil My pocket was empty. I heard another bus outside switch gears as it left the campus. >x note It was so thick and tightly folded--it seemed like a number of pages of notebook paper, folded over each other, like some bad frickin' origami. On the outside of it was written, in Will's urgent script, "TOM", and under that, "(Please open outside of school grounds, and guard this with your life!)". It had to be from Will--only he would have the determination to shove the whole fuckin' thing through the vent on my locker door. And it must have been really fuckin' urgent--he must have done it sometime after lunch, probably just before his study hall, probably rushed in when this hall was nearly empty, did the shit and went. >x locker (the locker #9) Just your regular 18 inch tall, one foot deep locker with one of those cheap built-in locks, with the bottom about chest-height. It has some slots on the front, I guess for air circulation. It was hanging open--inside was my stack of books and notebooks, lying askew. >x books Everything I need to cooperate with the government's educational apparatus was there. >x notebooks Everything I need to cooperate with the government's educational apparatus was there. I heard another bus outside switch gears as it left the campus. >take them I couldn't see 'them' (nothing) at the moment. >take it I had no need of them, having done all my homework and reading for the day. >close locker (the locker #9) I closed the locker and it locked automatically. >s I went through the open door and crossed back to the porch in front of study hall. Study Hall Entrance Concrete porch in front of my study hall, with brown double doors leading in to the east. Some graffiti, barely noticeable, adorned the edge of one of the doors on this side. The schoolyard extended outward before me, with the main parking to the west, along with the field house; the north part of the building--with all the lockers--across the courtyard to the north. Across the parking lot to the southwest, was the gym and football field. To the northeast, across the courtyard, was the cafeteria. To the south and southeast was the south courtyard. To the northwest--freedom. A gate in the tall fence there opened to the street. I saw a few of my classmates leave through the gate on foot. >nw As I left the campus, the last of the busses charged through the gate, and a custodian walked the gate closed and clicked the lock shut. "Happy Spring Break!", he said, sarcastically. No telling what they would be having him do over Spring Break. Probably one of Mr Holbrook's--our principal--cleaning overhauls. No vacation for him. As I watched the back of the bus pull away, I noticed someone had skillfully sharpied a picture of a horse humping a young sheep onto it. That was some good art. Russel Street This tree-lined street went east-west---east to my bungalo, west to nowhere. Take your pick. South was the way back to hell. Fortunately it was barred by the school's main gate. A sports car sped by me, stereo blaring, bound for out of town. >undo Study Hall Entrance [Previous turn undone.] >sw That was the way to the busses. I much prefer to walk home, rather than be cloistered up with the snotty students I'd have to fuckin' ride with. So no. Some students in cars sped from the parking lot, eager to start Spring Break. >w That was the way to the busses. I much prefer to walk home, rather than be cloistered up with the snotty students I'd have to fuckin' ride with. So no. I saw a few of my classmates leave through the gate on foot. >nw As I left the campus, the last of the busses charged through the gate, and a custodian walked the gate closed and clicked the lock shut. "Happy Spring Break!", he said, sarcastically. No telling what they would be having him do over Spring Break. Probably one of Mr Holbrook's--our principal--cleaning overhauls. No vacation for him. As I watched the back of the bus pull away, I noticed someone had skillfully sharpied a picture of a horse humping a young sheep onto it. That was some good art. Russel Street This tree-lined street went east-west---east to my bungalo, west to nowhere. Take your pick. South was the way back to hell. Fortunately it was barred by the school's main gate. I heard some crows gabbing it up somewhere in the distance. >undo Study Hall Entrance [Previous turn undone.] >n I had no reason to enter that building again. Homeward bound. Some students in cars sped from the parking lot, eager to start Spring Break. >ne That was the cafeteria. I already had my daily ordeal there. I saw a few of my classmates leave through the gate on foot. >nw As I left the campus, the last of the busses charged through the gate, and a custodian walked the gate closed and clicked the lock shut. "Happy Spring Break!", he said, sarcastically. No telling what they would be having him do over Spring Break. Probably one of Mr Holbrook's--our principal--cleaning overhauls. No vacation for him. As I watched the back of the bus pull away, I noticed someone had skillfully sharpied a picture of a horse humping a young sheep onto it. That was some good art. Russel Street This tree-lined street went east-west---east to my bungalo, west to nowhere. Take your pick. South was the way back to hell. Fortunately it was barred by the school's main gate. A pickup full of revellers sped by me on the road, raising hell and giving me nasty looks. >x door I couldn't see any such thing. >x gate It was one of those long, tall, re-inforced gates that you can drive two cars through abreast when it's open. They secure it with a huge padlock. It's locked shut. >open it I'd be crazy to want to go back in. A sports car sped by me, stereo blaring, bound for out of town. >climb gate I had no practical reason to break into the campus. >* true That's not a verb I recognize. >x note It was so thick and tightly folded--it seemed like a number of pages of notebook paper, folded over each other, like some bad frickin' origami. On the outside of it was written, in Will's urgent script, "TOM", and under that, "(Please open outside of school grounds, and guard this with your life!)". It had to be from Will--only he would have the determination to shove the whole fuckin' thing through the vent on my locker door. And it must have been really fuckin' urgent--he must have done it sometime after lunch, probably just before his study hall, probably rushed in when this hall was nearly empty, did the shit and went. I heard some crows gabbing it up somewhere in the distance. >open it Though this note was so freakin' tightly folded and in a rather complicated fashion, I managed to make headway with it--and as I got it open, another note popped out! Once I retrieved the other note from the ground, I read what Will wrote. Will wrote, in his urgent script-- Tom-- I really really need this favor from you. It's very important to me. Can you please please deliver this note to Elizabeth Logan--DON'T OPEN IT!--I'll tell you about it later! Can you take it to her today, after school?? It really must be this evening! Please?? Sorry this is so urgent, but it's really important to me! Call me when you get it to her, okay?? I will be so grateful! Thank you so much! Will So--it's Liz Logan?? Hmmm. I won't judge, but I thought he could probably do better. MAYbe. It just seemed to me that she was very straight-laced, more the "dutiful", altruistic kind of girl, straight As, bent on getting a career, and more 'for' the older kind of guy. Or maybe, the buttoned-up blouses and prim, proper look is just a front?? Maybe she's not really the 'good girl' that Will seems to think she is?? I just get the feeling that she likes guys who are about ten years older, and she wouldn't suffer guys our age. And that Will's on yet another collision course with his own heart. I am sure of this because no doubt he has been building up to this all month, and expecting sloppy kisses and hugs and his and her silhouettes watching sunsets together, nothing less. And I'm afraid that this is not her thing and not how it's going to happen. Well, the task seemed simple enough. I thought I'd just take it to Liz's--walk over to her house--it was near my place on Russel Street, just a couple blocks north on Virgil. If she questions me, I'd just shrug my shoulders and say I was just delivering it for him. No commitment necessary. Then I could just go back home, call Will, then strum my guitar or what-not. Not necessarily in that order. Simple. A pickup full of revellers sped by me on the road, raising hell and giving me nasty looks. >l Russel Street This tree-lined street went east-west---east to my bungalo, west to nowhere. Take your pick. South was the way back to hell. Fortunately it was barred by the school's main gate. I heard some crows gabbing it up somewhere in the distance. >w East was the way home. >n East was the way home. >e I walked east along the fence, past the rancid-smelling cafeteria back area, and then the trees, until they ended at a field, where the only feature was a ditch to either side of the road... I stopped when I saw something lying in the ditch on my side... Broad Field Here, the road went through a field of grass, leading east to the residential area which contained my parents' house and my bungalo. West, it led back to the school. To either side of the road was a large ditch. Lying in the ditch was what looked like someone's green backpack. I wondered whether I should pick it up. I heard a dog barking in someone's yard. >x backpack It looked rather brand-new, with two large shoulder straps. It looked cavernous on the inside, like it could hold a ton of shit, and it had a long zipper going over the top of it. There was a tag with writing on it on the front between the straps. It was closed. >read tag It read--If found, please call 555-5250 (ask for Jackie). I'll call him. When I am good and ready. >take it I was pretty sure that I couldn't get the small tag to let go of the green backpack. > I beg your pardon? >take backpack With a strong sense of social responsibility, I went down into the ditch and took up the backpack. I looked inside it, to see if there was some indication of who owned it. A tag inside said, "if found, please call 555-5250 (ask for Jackie)." It felt empty, but then I was determined to return it to its owner. When I was good and ready. Got it. The wind picked up, tossing around my nappy hair. That's exactly what I did! I picked up a stranger's backpack....with the intent of returning it later. You earned 10 points for helping me remember! >open backpack I opened the green backpack. >look in backpack The green backpack was empty. I heard a dog barking in someone's yard. >* huh That's not a verb I recognize. >close it I closed the green backpack. >l Broad Field Here, the road went through a field of grass, leading east to the residential area which contained my parents' house and my bungalo. West, it led back to the school. To either side of the road was a large ditch. >n I couldn't go that way. >s I couldn't go that way. I heard some crows gabbing it up somewhere in the distance. >x ditch Empty. It hasn't rained worth shit the past two weeks. A pickup full of revellers sped by me on the road, raising hell and giving me nasty looks. >e I continued walking several blocks, past the houses of my neighbors. In front of some of them, cars were loading up, people were getting packed up to leave early for Spring Break Vacation. Before long, this area would be deserted. Peace and quiet. Yesss. Finally, I got to my parents' house. My Front Yard Russel Street, from the west, ended just east of here, running into Virgil Road, which runs north-south. The front of my parents' house sported a number of awesome old trees, a large front deck, and an empty gravel driveway. Apparently, Mom and Dad took off early, and took both vehicles. My mom's flower beds occupied the space to either side of the deck. The steps up the deck were to the south; southwest was the trail around the house to my shack out back. Our rickety mailbox stood at the end of the driveway. Some insect flew by my head, then flew off. >x deck It's made of wood planks painted a deep red. The silence was broken briefly by birds chirping in the trees above me. >x trees A bunch of front yard stuff that my Mom likes to plant and arrange. I've come home to it for years. >x driveway I couldn't see any such thing. >x beds A bunch of front yard stuff that my Mom likes to plant and arrange. I've come home to it for years. >x mailbox A rusty old, beat-up tin mailbox on a leaning wooden post. Some jock assholes played baseball with it one night last week and knocked it down. Dad nearly killed them. It has our name and address painted on it-- Trundle 1411 Russel Street. I almost got my own mailbox last year, for 1411 1/2, because of my separate dwelling out back, but my parents didn't want me to get the idea I was going to be there permanently, or something like that. As if. >open it I opened our mailbox, and found nothing. Mom and Dad must have taken the mail with them. Some insect flew by my head, then flew off. >close it Albeit beat-up to the point of being hard to close, believe me, it was closed. >l My Front Yard Russel Street, from the west, ended just east of here, running into Virgil Road, which runs north-south. The front of my parents' house sported a number of awesome old trees, a large front deck, and an empty gravel driveway. Apparently, Mom and Dad took off early, and took both vehicles. My mom's flower beds occupied the space to either side of the deck. The steps up the deck were to the south; southwest was the trail around the house to my shack out back. Our rickety mailbox stood at the end of the driveway. >se I was not interested in wandering into the yards of my neighbors. >e Corner At Virgil This was the gravelly, kind of country road going north-south, intersecting my street, near my parents' house to the west. The entire east side of this road was pure forest. The west side going north was occupied by other middle-class homes like my family's. Well, probably a little 'above' our class. Liz's house is a little further north. >e That's the sticks. Liz isn't a member of the local wildlife. A vehicle sped by on Virgil Road, kicking up dust and gravel. >s Though that was the way to Will's house, I didn't want to go there, as I had not yet delivered his frickin' note. >n I proceded solemnly on my appointed route to Liz's place, passing a few houses on my left. At long last, I arrived. I hesitated a bit, feeling heavy with obligation. Virgil Road, at Liz's House This was in front of Liz's house, which was to the west. A driveway headed up from the road, along a well-appointed yard to a car port beside the house. A white mailbox stood beside this end of the driveway. To the north was the more affluent section of Virgil Road; south the road led back to my house. As I looked, I realized something--the carport was empty--is Liz even home?? The silence was broken briefly by birds chirping in the trees above me. >x driveway I couldn't see any such thing. >x house The key to my bungalo out back. But also my parents' house. Some insect flew by my head, then flew off. >* hrm That's not a verb I recognize. >x box Very neatly painted white, with a brilliant red flag. On the side, it read-- Logan 512 Virgil Road. I heard the racket of people taking off on vacation, down the street. So long, suckers! >open it That's a federal offense! I was too young to go to jail. >* Only if I take something! That's not a verb I recognize. >x port I couldn't see any such thing. >l Virgil Road, at Liz's House This was in front of Liz's house, which was to the west. A driveway headed up from the road, along a well-appointed yard to a car port beside the house. A white mailbox stood beside this end of the driveway. To the north was the more affluent section of Virgil Road; south the road led back to my house. >x car port I couldn't see any such thing. >x car I couldn't see any such thing. >n Liz's place was west. >knock on door I couldn't see any such thing. >w I walked up the driveway along the well-planted flowerbed, intent on delivering the note. I stepped onto the white concrete porch, up to the front door. Liz's Front Porch The white concrete front porch of the Logan house was well-decorated, with the roof over the porch held up by four white columns. There were at least four windows, each one with thick lace curtains. The door in front of me was painted a bright red, and had a spiffy brass knocker. The porch ran north to the car port, and south into a side-yard. The driveway led east back to the road. Everything here seemed too 'clean' to me. I never really trusted these kind of people. >x curtains They were quite large, and filled with thick white lace curtains, which were drawn. >* a little awkward, I think that's the X WINDOW response You seem to want to talk to someone, but I can't see whom. >l Liz's Front Porch The white concrete front porch of the Logan house was well-decorated, with the roof over the porch held up by four white columns. There were at least four windows, each one with thick lace curtains. The door in front of me was painted a bright red, and had a spiffy brass knocker. The porch ran north to the car port, and south into a side-yard. The driveway led east back to the road. Everything here seemed too 'clean' to me. I never really trusted these kind of people. >x door It was painted a bright red, and it had a brass knocker at about eye-level. >x knocker Quite shiny and somewhat pretentious. A vehicle sped by on Virgil Road, kicking up dust and gravel. >x port I couldn't see any such thing. >knock on door Not wanting to be too impolite, I gave the door a couple of gentle raps. If it was only Liz at home, I didn't want to piss her off with the loud knocker. I waited about 20 seconds. No answer. >g Again nixing the knocker, I rapped the door even harder. I just hoped that she was home so I could get this crap over with. No answer. >pull knocker Nothing obvious happened. The silence was broken briefly by birds chirping in the trees above me. >knock on door with knocker (first taking the brass knocker) I was pretty sure that I couldn't get the brass knocker to let go of the red front door. Some insect flew by my head, then flew off. >use knocker Hell with it. This time I did use the knocker. I gave it five loud raps. I was going to do this thing for my friend, then get the rest of my time to myself. I waited another 20 seconds. Still no answer. What could she be doing??? Or maybe she's gone?? If so, she sure didn't waste time. Well I wasn't going to embarass Will by leaving the note at her door--for her parents--or anyone--to see--he embarasses himself enough as it is--so I vowed to figure out SOME way to deliver this note. >l Liz's Front Porch The white concrete front porch of the Logan house was well-decorated, with the roof over the porch held up by four white columns. There were at least four windows, each one with thick lace curtains. The door in front of me was painted a bright red, and had a spiffy brass knocker. The porch ran north to the car port, and south into a side-yard. The driveway led east back to the road. Everything here seemed too 'clean' to me. I never really trusted these kind of people. I heard the racket of people taking off on vacation, down the street. So long, suckers! >n Though I know that there is probably another door in the carport, I'm not going to just walk in or keep knocking. Liz might think I'm some freakin' stalker--which would be more up Will's alley. >s Going around the side of the house, to look in a window, was not my style. But if I was convinced that it would lead to getting this damn note delivered, I'd be game. A vehicle sped by on Virgil Road, kicking up dust and gravel. >s Going around the side of the house, to look in a window, was not my style. But if I was convinced that it would lead to getting this damn note delivered, I'd be game. >l Liz's Front Porch The white concrete front porch of the Logan house was well-decorated, with the roof over the porch held up by four white columns. There were at least four windows, each one with thick lace curtains. The door in front of me was painted a bright red, and had a spiffy brass knocker. The porch ran north to the car port, and south into a side-yard. The driveway led east back to the road. Everything here seemed too 'clean' to me. I never really trusted these kind of people. >knock on window I preferred to just knock on the door. >x porch I couldn't see any such thing. >x columns Well, they looked real. >x roof I couldn't see any such thing. >u I tried flapping my wings, with predictable results. >climb columns They were too slick to try. >s Going around the side of the house, to look in a window, was not my style. But if I was convinced that it would lead to getting this damn note delivered, I'd be game. Some insect flew by my head, then flew off. >e I turned back to the road to go home and mull the matter over. Maybe I could try to call Liz from my parents' phone, or get one of her friends to--NAH--no one else needs to know about this, Will gets enough flack from those idiots. Maybe Liz IS gone for the week?? Or maybe she had to work today, or baby sit??? In that case, I thought I would just come back later on. As I reached the road, I heard something coming from the house. Noises. Like someone was home. Liz? Virgil Road, at Liz's House This was in front of Liz's house, which was to the west. A driveway headed up from the road, along a well-appointed yard to a car port beside the house. A white mailbox stood beside this end of the driveway. To the north was the more affluent section of Virgil Road; south the road led back to my house. >listen I didn't hear anything out of the ordinary. >x house The key to my bungalo out back. But also my parents' house. A vehicle sped by on Virgil Road, kicking up dust and gravel. >w I walked up the driveway along the well-planted flowerbed, intent on delivering the note. I stepped onto the white concrete porch, up to the front door. Liz's Front Porch The white concrete front porch of the Logan house was well-decorated, with the roof over the porch held up by four white columns. There were at least four windows, each one with thick lace curtains. The door in front of me was painted a bright red, and had a spiffy brass knocker. The porch ran north to the car port, and south into a side-yard. The driveway led east back to the road. Everything here seemed too 'clean' to me. I never really trusted these kind of people. >knock on door I rapped on the door again, but I still couldn't get an answer. But I was still not convinced that the house was vacant. >use knocker I rapped on the door again, but I still couldn't get an answer. But I was still not convinced that the house was vacant. >s I stepped quietly over to the south edge of the porch, and peeked around the side of the house. I saw nothing and no one in the fenced-in backyard, and there were a few reasonably low windows in the brick wall. Noting that there were no cars in the carport next door--and likely no nosy neighbor to spot me--I tip-toed over the short grass, to see which one I could look into. Now I feel like such a Peeping Tom...so not my style... Side Yard Here, I saw three large, relatively low windows, like the ones out front. In fact, they all had thick white lace curtains. And all the curtains here were halfway open, probably to let in soft light. I wondered which one, right, left or middle window, I could look into?? >n Liz's Front Porch The white concrete front porch of the Logan house was well-decorated, with the roof over the porch held up by four white columns. There were at least four windows, each one with thick lace curtains. The door in front of me was painted a bright red, and had a spiffy brass knocker. The porch ran north to the car port, and south into a side-yard. The driveway led east back to the road. Everything here seemed too 'clean' to me. I never really trusted these kind of people. I heard the racket of people taking off on vacation, down the street. So long, suckers! >n Though I know that there is probably another door in the carport, I'm not going to just walk in or keep knocking. Liz might think I'm some freakin' stalker--which would be more up Will's alley. >s I went back around again. Side Yard Here, I saw three large, relatively low windows, like the ones out front. In fact, they all had thick white lace curtains. And all the curtains here were halfway open, probably to let in soft light. >x windows I couldn't see any such thing. >x window Which do you mean, the right window, the left window or the middle window? >right Just like the other two. It seemed dark inside, so I would have to get up closer to get a look inside, due to the bright light of the Sun. >x left Just like the other two. It seemed dark inside, so I would have to get up closer to get a look inside, due to the bright light of the Sun. >x middle Just like the other two. It seemed dark inside, so I would have to get up closer to get a look inside, due to the bright light of the Sun. >w I couldn't go that way. >enter left I was already risking getting arrested. >look in left window I moved in closer to get a good look past the curtains. As my eyes adjusted, I got a shock--holy FUCK... Liz was there. And she was IN A BIKINI. She must have just come out of the shower. She was standing in front of a mirror, facing away from me, looking at herself--she seemed to be trying the bikini on, like it was new. I noted a large carrier bag next to the mirror, as if she was getting ready to go to the beach or something. Her black hair was tied up, showing her entire neck. She had on a set of headphones--probably why she didn't hear me. She seemed to be posing in front of the mirror. My jaw literally dropped. I didn't know she was THAT hot! The bikini bottom was practically a thong. And her tits were HUGE. She always wore these blouses buttoned up to where you couldn't tell. And yes she had a little fat here and there. But now I could tell that it was just right. She had her hands on her hips looking in the mirror, at various aspects. And her bottom was tight. I couldn't help but keep looking. Then after a moment, she bent over and reached into the carrier bag. Her rear end was totally in my direction. She took a book out of the bag, and then she moved over to her bed and flopped down on it. She took off her headset and started reading. I had to step away, afraid I might be discovered. But also to bring my fuckin' hard-on under control. Despite my loyalty to my friend, I couldn't help but think that I wouldn't mind getting myself some of that. But maybe now, she'll hear my knock on the door...?? That's exactly what I did! I made sure that Liz, ahem, was home. You earned 5 points for helping me remember! >* eek That's not a verb I recognize. >n Liz's Front Porch The white concrete front porch of the Logan house was well-decorated, with the roof over the porch held up by four white columns. There were at least four windows, each one with thick lace curtains. The door in front of me was painted a bright red, and had a spiffy brass knocker. The porch ran north to the car port, and south into a side-yard. The driveway led east back to the road. Everything here seemed too 'clean' to me. I never really trusted these kind of people. >knock What do you want to knock? >door Knowing that Liz could probably hear me now, I gave the door a number of steady and insistent raps with my knuckles--the knocker would just be too loud and rude. Finally, I heard Liz's voice say, "Just a minute!" Probably getting on a robe or something. Then the door opened. And there she was, in a petite, dark blue terry cloth robe. "Oh, it's you...", she said, looking me over, surprisingly without the slightest hint of disappointment in her voice. "Um....Tom", she said, her eyes coming up to my face, with a blink. I was speechless. I thought I sensed a bit of the "bad girl" in her, and it took me aback. And I noticed that I had forgotten about Anne for a moment. Then I remembered my task. Liz reached up and smoothed back some hair, shaking her head while doing so. >talk to liz I had already said 'hi' to her. Anything more would be seen by her as nervousness. Liz stepped back and looked down at the floor, at some non-existent insect, then looked up. >ask liz about me I didn't want to beat around the bush, or drag this thing out. Might as well give her the note and go. A vehicle sped by on Virgil Road, kicking up dust and gravel. >give note to liz Which do you mean, the secret note or Will's note? >will's Getting myself psyched up, I handed her the note. She looked at it confusedly, then laughed. "Ha ha, this was for you!" When she handed it back to me, I realized I had given her the note he wrote to me. I blushed. Liz reached up and smoothed back some hair, shaking her head while doing so. >give secret note to liz Finally, I got myself psyched up. I said-- "Liz, I need to give this to you. It's from my friend Will Woolridge." I held the note out to her. She stared at it for a moment, as if in disbelief, then took it. Then I nodded my head, said, "Cool. See you later." I started walking back down the driveway. "Tom, wait," she said. I stopped. Oh shit. I walked back up to the porch. "Why don't you come in and we'll talk about this, because I want you to tell Will some things and I don't want him to think the wrong thing." That sounded reasonable enough to me, I wanted to do right by Will and wanted him to have an accurate picture of her response. Plus I could make sure that she read the note. I just hoped that I could get home sometime tonight and strum my guitar. Or give Anne a knock. On her door. I stepped into the house, and Liz closed the door behind me. Then she hopped onto a plush armchair, and invited me to sit on the sofa next to it, as she began to unfold William's note. Mission accomplished--or so it seemed. Logan Living Room (on the red couch) Liz's cavernous living room. It seemed like the walls here were covered with books. The room was lit by sunlight pouring in through the windows to the east and the one window to the south. A huge flat-screen TV stood on a bookcase against the west wall; next to it was a hallway going west--and, no doubt to Liz's room. I was sitting on the red couch across from the TV, and there was a long glass coffee table parallel to the couch. Another hall led north into another room. Liz was sitting in a blue plush armchair, near the couch, carefully reading Will's note. Liz began the first page of the note. She frowned in concentration--then I swear her cheeks turned a little red as she got to the middle of the page. Her eyes rolled a little as she flipped the page over. That's exactly what I did! I fulfilled an obligation to my best friend...although it will result in absolute frickin' disaster. You earned 20 points for helping me remember! >save Ok. >x liz She's 'petite' alright--and compact. With jet-black hair, tied up to reveal a short but delicate neck. Dark eyes, and a face that needed no make-up. And I know that there was a lot more to her inside that little blue robe she was wearing. I could tell that her breasts were just pushing against it. The robe did little to hide the firmness of her bottom. Liz grinned a little shyly when she caught me staring. "Hmmm," she said, "so he does, does he?", whispering to herself, as she finished the back of the first page, moving on to the second notebook page. Must have been where he said he wants to "spend the rest of his life" with her. Ick. >* I didn't read the note so how do I know that? Should I have done? That's not a verb I recognize. >undo Logan Living Room [Previous turn undone.] >undo Logan Living Room [Previous turn undone.] >undo Logan Living Room [Previous turn undone.] >undo Liz's Front Porch [Previous turn undone.] >read secret But I would have to open it, first! Liz folded her arms, and looked at me as if waiting for me to come to the point. >open secret Out of loyalty to my friend Will, I was very reluctant to do so. But if it were to accidentally come open...well, he didn't exactly say not to read it. NO. No way. Though as long as it probably is, it may be more likely to turn her off. But how could I know that? Whatever, I should just deliver it and get on with my day. Liz reached up and smoothed back some hair, shaking her head while doing so. >g Out of loyalty to my friend Will, I was very reluctant to do so. But if it were to accidentally come open...well, he didn't exactly say not to read it. NO. No way. Though as long as it probably is, it may be more likely to turn her off. But how could I know that? Whatever, I should just deliver it and get on with my day. >* huh, OK You seem to want to talk to someone, but I can't see whom. >restore Ok. >ask liz about will She was still reading Will's note. It was best not to interrupt. "Hmmm," she said, "so he does, does he?", whispering to herself, as she finished the back of the first page, moving on to the second notebook page. Must have been where he said he wants to "spend the rest of his life" with her. Ick. >x note (Will's note) It was creased to shit, with my name--Tom--on the back, and a message telling me to guard it with my life--I presumed this included the secret note that was folded inside it. Will's note was unfolded. She frowned again, as she read the second page. Then rolled her eyes, and continued reading, looking a bit bored. Then she looked at me. "I'm sorry," she said, "Would you like something to drink??" I told her no, thanks. She went on reading. She must have reached the 'poem' part of the letter, because she seemed to look a little "touched" or "sentimental"--or maybe "amused" was the right word. >x secret Liz had it unfolded, and was looking at it. It seemed to be about three notebook pages, creased to all hell and I could see "ELIZABETH" written, upside-down, on the back. I could see bunched-up writing through the back of the paper. Liz flipped the second page over and took a breath, as if trying to read patiently. That must be the part where Will fills the page with seemingly incessant rambling crap about this or that. She continued to read. >* am I just assuming there's a poem? That's not a verb I recognize. >l Logan Living Room (on the red couch) Liz's cavernous living room. It seemed like the walls here were covered with books. The room was lit by sunlight pouring in through the windows to the east and the one window to the south. A huge flat-screen TV stood on a bookcase against the west wall; next to it was a hallway going west--and, no doubt to Liz's room. I was sitting on the red couch across from the TV, and there was a long glass coffee table parallel to the couch. Another hall led north into another room. Liz was sitting in a blue plush armchair, near the couch, carefully reading Will's note. Now Liz appeared to be near the end, on the page with her name on the back. A look of concern appeared on her face. She must have reached the part where Will finally suggests that they "go out", or wants her to write back, or whatever it is that she is never going to do. Her eyes rolled a little as she reached the bottom of the page. >undo Logan Living Room [Previous turn undone.] >x bookcase Which do you mean, the bookcases or the flat-screen television? >* I mean... I couldn't see any such thing. >bookcases That's not a verb I recognize. >x bookcases There were tons of books, of many different kinds. Now Liz appeared to be near the end, on the page with her name on the back. A look of concern appeared on her face. She must have reached the part where Will finally suggests that they "go out", or wants her to write back, or whatever it is that she is never going to do. Her eyes rolled a little as she reached the bottom of the page. >x letter It was creased to shit, with my name--Tom--on the back, and a message telling me to guard it with my life--I presumed this included the secret note that was folded inside it. Will's note was unfolded. Finishing the letter, she went back to page one, and re-read the whole note swiftly--I always thought she was a thorough reader. She mumbled, "Let me make sure of what I want to say," as she scanned it. >x secret Liz had it unfolded, and was looking at it. It seemed to be about three notebook pages, creased to all hell and I could see "ELIZABETH" written, upside-down, on the back. I could see bunched-up writing through the back of the paper. When she finished the note again, she folded it in half, with hands stretched out over her knees, nodding her head at me with her eyes closed, and a grimace. And I couldn't help staring at her cleavage as she did this... Opening her eyes again, with a grin, she said, "Tom, I want to tell you some things that I want you to say to Will--and, I want to tell you things I hope you will not say to anyone." I said, "My ears are open." >talk to liz Nervous greetings were not my style. "Great. First, what I want you to say to Will. Tom, tell him that I think he's 'sweet'"--the kiss of death to any guy who's hot for a girl--"but that I'm--ah--seeing someone, and that the guy I'm seeing is quite older than us, and not a student at our school. Tell him that I thought that his note was very thoughtful and I appreciated him being honest with me. That I had no idea he felt that way about me and it surprised me." I nodded dutifully. >* should be "quite a bit" - also aren't we like 16/17, ick You seem to want to talk to someone, but I can't see whom. >nod That's not a verb I recognize. >z Time passed. "And tell him that we can always be friends." That was the other shoe. This line in teen shows always made me gag. She got up from the chair, leaving the letter and the paperback on the coffee table, and pausing as she stepped around the table, she asked me again if I'd like something to drink--again I said, no, thanks. She sat down at the other end of the couch, and turned to me, saying, "Now here's what I want to say to you." She closed her eyes, gathering her thoughts. >x paperback I couldn't read the title, but it looked like a mystery-thriller. The kind that Will and I like. Liz opened her eyes again and said, "Tom, I'm not exactly the kind of girl you and Will seem to think I am--of course that's probably pretty obvious to you now." She looked at me as if searching my face. "You know I get notes like that all the time now. Honestly, I don't know how to respond. I really don't want to hurt Will. He's sweet, and I'm sure one day he will find a girl that is for him." That'll be the day, I thought. >ask liz about will She was still talking to me. It was best not to interrupt. Liz went on. She got 'pensive'. "I knew that this was going to happen. I didn't know he ever felt that way about me, but sometimes in class I would feel like I was being watched. I'd look up and around, and there he would be, staring at me with this sad look on his face. Then he would shake his head and go back to his book. I wasn't sure, but I felt I would be hearing from him, somehow." >z Time passed. "Really, I'm flattered. Tell him that, too." I said, "I've been tryin' to show Will how to loosen up, because I think he'll never get a girl being this serious. He needs to learn confidence, and not to be so scared of his shadow." She smiled at me, saying, "Well, you're the right kind of guy to do it." For a moment I wondered if there was some hidden message there for me, but she went on again. "Tom, I have something that I want to share with you, something I've been wanting to tell someone..." >z Time passed. She looked at me close, straight in the eyes. "The guy I have been seeing. He's about 20 years older. He takes me out. Gives me nice things. My parents don't know. But he's married." I thought, oh shit. "I just love the attention he showers me with. You know what's funny? He's just like Will--underconfident, not a risk-taker, so straight-laced. And he thinks I'm the same nice girl you guys have seen at school." >* Oh eek That's not a verb I recognize. >z Time passed. "I love the things he does for me, with me, things I'd always love to do with a guy." Looking in my eyes, intently, she said, "But you see, Tom, I don't love HIM." Oh crap, this was getting pretty deep. But then I said, "Well, Liz, you know you gotta stop that shit--he's married, you don't love him, you've got to break it off." She looked down, saying, "Oh, I know. I'm only leading him on. But you see, I want those things! And I want a guy to appreciate how--sophisticated--I am. How--mature--I am..." I guess I didn't realize how close she had moved towards me on the couch. >* wot That's not a verb I recognize. >z Time passed. She looked down again. "Tom, I envy you. I see you in school every day, and you are nothing more--and nothing less--than you. People know exactly what they are going to get from you--what you're damn well willing to give them." She grinned, knowing that she was damn right. "Me, I have to appear 'together', I feel so much expectation on me. I have to have straight As, and show purity and commitment and serious shit like that. That's not all that I am, but unfortunately, that's all people see, and even worse, that's what the guys at school, guys like Will, think they're attracted to." >z Time passed. "I HATE it. But I'm caught up in this image. One day I want to break out of it! Tell you what, Tom, over this Spring Break, I resolve to live a new life!" She looked me in the eyes, again, proudly. "And do you know what?" Her tone got lower, as she moved even closer. "Do you know what, Tom?" As I turned my head to speak, she grabbed the back of my head with her right hand and pulled me in to a big, wet kiss on the mouth. Pausing and moving away for a moment, she then threw a leg over my lap and climbed onto me, kissing me on the mouth even more ravenously. I couldn't help but grope her back and waist. >politely say no thank you That's not a verb I recognize. >extricate myself from this situation That's not a verb I recognize. >recall that I left the oven on I couldn't think of anything pertinent about that at the time. Then suddenly she broke away. Sitting back on my knees, she said, almost mournfully, "Tom, I think I've finally realized that you--YOU--are the one I'm in love with." To my stunned look--though I wasn't WHOLLY UNwelcoming of her embraces--she backed off of me, saying, "But you're right, I should be more self-controlled. I....I'm sorry." Though the fact that she was probably almost freakin' nude under that robe wasn't lost on me. I told her, "Liz, just know that I appreciate YOU--the REAL you." She replied, haltingly, "Yes, I know." "Tom," she said, turning to the hall to the west, "can you excuse me for a minute? I need to go take care of something." "Go right ahead," I said, as she picked Will's note, and her paperback, up off the coffee table. She gave me a long sideways glance, and a big wink, as she paced intently down the hall. Great, a chance to bring down my hard-on again. Then came the shame. I felt like I had betrayed Will. And Anne. >* there is that, though unclear how real this anne thing is You seem to want to talk to someone, but I can't see whom. >l Logan Living Room (on the red couch) Liz's cavernous living room. It seemed like the walls here were covered with books. The room was lit by sunlight pouring in through the windows to the east and the one window to the south. A huge flat-screen TV stood on a bookcase against the west wall; next to it was a hallway going west--and, no doubt to Liz's room. I was sitting on the red couch across from the TV, and there was a long glass coffee table parallel to the couch. Near the couch was a blue plush armchair. Another hall led north into another room. >x couch It was a brilliant red, and comfortable as hell. I could just lay back on it and go to sleep. >i I was carrying: a green backpack (closed) Will's note my keyring my locker key my house key my ripped notebook my usual threads (being worn) my green pencil My pocket was empty. >x notebook This was my one notebook that I carry with me to study hall. It laid open to yet another page of my bored doodles and triangles. I told myself that I use it to "free-write", but I would only end up doodling. I carried it for this very purpose. It didn't even have a cover. >x me I was wearing my Who Cares? tee-shirt, my favorite jeans and sneakers. Who cares?? I had a pocket in which I usually kept my valuables. Just as I was about to say "Fuck it," and just go about my ways, I heard a door open down the hall. Liz shuffled back into the living room. Thankfully, still in her robe. She pushed a note--yeh, yet another note--into my reluctant hands. "Can you please give this to Will? He wrote me a note, so I know he's expecting the same in return." I said "Oh, okay. Thanks for inviting me in, but I have to go now," and turned to the door, so as not to encourage any more, like, seriousness from her. Then I felt her clutch at my arm, I turned, and she hopped up and gave me a peck on the cheek. Looking into my eyes--oh shit--she said, "I hope I didn't make you uncomfortable?" I shook my head, though I was bothered as hell. She looked down, and then up again, hopefully. "I guess we can keep being friends, I'm okay with that!" I was, too. She escorted me to the door, relievingly. "You'll call me, won't you? Tell me how Will responds to my note..??" In my own time, I thought, as I nodded. All this dutifulness and promised telephone contact was about to make me keel over. I stepped out onto the porch, when she asked after me, "So Tom, what're you doing tonight?" Oh crap. I made something up. "Got some obligations, gonna do some stuff, catch up on my homework." I fucked up with that one, so I kept on talking hoping she would miss it. "Wha, what are you doing?" I really just wanted to keep walking, so I slowly stepped to the edge of the porch. She said, all downcast again, "Going on a date, with...him. We're going to some beach." Giving her an understanding look, I said, "Well, okay, I hope you have a good time. I'll give your note to Will and let you know how he reacts. You have a good night." I headed into the yard. "Good night to you!" she waved to me, as she closed the door. I could have sworn I heard a sob as I walked to the street. Please press SPACE to continue. It took me a while to get what just happened out of my head, enough to realize that the sky was getting dimmer and I had already turned the corner onto Russel Street, and was back at home. And I almost forgot that I had Liz's response to Will in my hand, and that I had a call to make. But, of course, all in my own friggin' time. I'm Will's friend, not his lackey. Or hers. Though she had some ta-tas that I might do almost anything for. My Front Yard Russel Street, from the west, ended just east of here, running into Virgil Road, which runs north-south. The front of my parents' house sported a number of awesome old trees, a large front deck, and an empty gravel driveway. Apparently, Mom and Dad took off early, and took both vehicles. My mom's flower beds occupied the space to either side of the deck. The steps up the deck were to the south; southwest was the trail around the house to my shack out back. Our rickety mailbox stood at the end of the driveway. >save Ok. >s I stepped up onto the deck of the house. On The Deck I was on my parents' front deck. The wood railing and nearly every spot on the deck was occupied by my Mom's colorful potted plants. Their deck chairs sat here astride the front door to the south, under an awning. A welcome mat lay on the floor at the door, which was closed. >x railing It goes completely around the deck, and is covered by the potted plants. >x plants A bunch of front yard stuff that my Mom likes to plant and arrange. I've come home to it for years. >x chiars I couldn't see any such thing. >oops chairs Mom and Dad's. They relax here every day when it's nice outside. >x mat One of those green turf mats with a little flower at the top corner, and "WELCOME" in large red letters. Nothing fancy. Mom's flower arrangement was elaborate enough. >look under mat This mat had its share of being messed with. Some insect flew by my head, then flew off. >l On The Deck I was on my parents' front deck. The wood railing and nearly every spot on the deck was occupied by my Mom's colorful potted plants. Their deck chairs sat here astride the front door to the south, under an awning. A welcome mat lay on the floor at the door, which was closed. >open door It seemed to be locked. >unlock it I selected the house key from my keyring. I unlocked the front door with my key. >open it I pushed open the door to the house, and my nose was immediately assaulted with whatever cinnamon air freshener crap my mom used. And a strange smell that I could not identify. >s I had a weird thought that maybe I should go ahead and call Will, get this over with? I preferred to use my own phone. Oh, this fuckin' obligation! >s I had a weird thought that maybe I should go ahead and call Will, get this over with? I preferred to use my own phone. Oh, this fuckin' obligation! A vehicle sped by on Virgil Road, kicking up dust and gravel. >close door I pulled the door closed. Some insect flew by my head, then flew off. >lock it >lock door >* oops That's not a verb I recognize. >n Duh, I wasn't about to leave the house with the front door unlocked; I locked the door. I stepped back down into the yard. My Front Yard Russel Street, from the west, ended just east of here, running into Virgil Road, which runs north-south. The front of my parents' house sported a number of awesome old trees, a large front deck, and an empty gravel driveway. Apparently, Mom and Dad took off early, and took both vehicles. My mom's flower beds occupied the space to either side of the deck. The steps up the deck were to the south; southwest was the trail around the house to my shack out back. Our rickety mailbox stood at the end of the driveway. The silence was broken briefly by birds chirping in the trees above me. >sw I took my little trail around the back of the house, to my one special place. Finally, I get some rest from all this obligation. Back Yard My place was this little outbuilding with white aluminum siding that my dad built for me out back, as a 16th birthday present for me, last year. But I think they don't plan on my being out here forever; I've heard them discussing renting it out next year when I 'go to college' or something like that. Or Dad will make it his personal office. Whatever. The door, to the south, had a single cinderblock step going up to it. It gave me a sense of 'getting off the ground', which I sort of liked. To the southeast, behind my shed, was the 'secret' trail through the trees that I often took to Anne's place. Northeast was the way I got here. >se Normally, while Mom and Dad were home, I would prefer climbing out the back window of my shed, and hop onto the trail, but since they weren't there, I could just walk around back of my place. Of course making sure none of my neighbors was fuckin' spyin' on me. I took the trail through the woods, which zig-zagged all the way to Anne's Place. Soon I saw the back of her house, between some trees. Immediately, I stopped; on top of the steps to her back porch I saw her red watering bucket posted rather visibly. That was her sign that she had a guest, and I was not to interrupt or even approach. Half-assed disappointed, I slouched back to my place. >l Back Yard My place was this little outbuilding with white aluminum siding that my dad built for me out back, as a 16th birthday present for me, last year. But I think they don't plan on my being out here forever; I've heard them discussing renting it out next year when I 'go to college' or something like that. Or Dad will make it his personal office. Whatever. The door, to the south, had a single cinderblock step going up to it. It gave me a sense of 'getting off the ground', which I sort of liked. To the southeast, behind my shed, was the 'secret' trail through the trees that I often took to Anne's place. Northeast was the way I got here. >open door It seemed to be locked. >unlock it I selected the house key from my keyring. I unlocked my door with my key. >open it I swung open my door to freedom. >s I stepped into my bungalo. My Place Yep. My digs. Not too cavernous or shit, probably about as big as half a motel room. And everything within reach of the bed. Window on the south wall. My bed took up the east half of the room, my stereo set and closet, with a closed metal door, on the west side. You might have thought I put posters and crap on my walls, well I don't need shit like that. Rather against my wishes, my dad rigged up a telephone in here, fortunately a land line. I hate wireless. Oh, no john in here. I had to use the can in the house. Fuckin' bummer. And no clock. I didn't observe time out here. Mom would call me on my phone to wake me up mornings. All I needed was my guitar, which was leaning against the wall by the window. Lying on the floor near the window was my flashlight. Very handy. >l My Place Yep. My digs. Not too cavernous or shit, probably about as big as half a motel room. And everything within reach of the bed. Window on the south wall. My bed took up the east half of the room, my stereo set and closet, with a closed metal door, on the west side. You might have thought I put posters and crap on my walls, well I don't need shit like that. Rather against my wishes, my dad rigged up a telephone in here, fortunately a land line. I hate wireless. Oh, no john in here. I had to use the can in the house. Fuckin' bummer. And no clock. I didn't observe time out here. Mom would call me on my phone to wake me up mornings. All I needed was my guitar, which was leaning against the wall by the window. Lying on the floor near the window was my flashlight. Very handy. >* maybe shorten this description after the first time? That's not a verb I recognize. >take flahslight I couldn't see any such thing. >oops flashlight Got it. >x it It's the flashlight my dad gave me in case the lights went out. Sometimes we have storms out here, and that was a real frickin' possibility. As was an occasional visit to Anne's some nights. My flashlight was turned off. >l My Place Yep. My digs. Not too cavernous or shit, probably about as big as half a motel room. And everything within reach of the bed. Window on the south wall. My bed took up the east half of the room, my stereo set and closet, with a closed metal door, on the west side. You might have thought I put posters and crap on my walls, well I don't need shit like that. Rather against my wishes, my dad rigged up a telephone in here, fortunately a land line. I hate wireless. Oh, no john in here. I had to use the can in the house. Fuckin' bummer. And no clock. I didn't observe time out here. Mom would call me on my phone to wake me up mornings. All I needed was my guitar, which was leaning against the wall by the window. >x window It looked out into the thick woods behind my trailer, and I could see the path leading south from it. It had a lock on the inside, and is currently closed and locked. >open it It seemed to be locked. >unlock it I unlocked the window. >open it I pulled open my window, letting some nice fresh air into my bungalo. >l My Place Yep. My digs. Not too cavernous or shit, probably about as big as half a motel room. And everything within reach of the bed. Window on the south wall, which is open. My bed took up the east half of the room, my stereo set and closet, with a closed metal door, on the west side. You might have thought I put posters and crap on my walls, well I don't need shit like that. Rather against my wishes, my dad rigged up a telephone in here, fortunately a land line. I hate wireless. Oh, no john in here. I had to use the can in the house. Fuckin' bummer. And no clock. I didn't observe time out here. Mom would call me on my phone to wake me up mornings. All I needed was my guitar, which was leaning against the wall by the window. >x bed It's got a steel frame which is set into the walls of the building. I had it all made up, as I have a certain amount of self-respect. And I don't mess with it until I'm ready to go to sleep. I guess I'm like William, in that way. >look under bed I took a peek under my bed. Yep, my porn was still there. >x porn It was my issue of Hot Jugs. I didn't want to take it out and look at it then, because I was saving myself for Anne, later. Though my earlier experience had stimulated me some. >* eek That's not a verb I recognize. >take porn I didn't want to take it out. I was saving myself for Anne, later. >l My Place Yep. My digs. Not too cavernous or shit, probably about as big as half a motel room. And everything within reach of the bed. Window on the south wall, which is open. My bed took up the east half of the room, my stereo set and closet, with a closed metal door, on the west side. You might have thought I put posters and crap on my walls, well I don't need shit like that. Rather against my wishes, my dad rigged up a telephone in here, fortunately a land line. I hate wireless. Oh, no john in here. I had to use the can in the house. Fuckin' bummer. And no clock. I didn't observe time out here. Mom would call me on my phone to wake me up mornings. All I needed was my guitar, which was leaning against the wall by the window. >x stereo It's just a radio/cassette player/recorder with two medium-sized speakers. I didn't like bein' all loud and shit. I prefer mellow crap like Bob Dylan, Dan Fogelberg, Paul Simon and others. I have literally hundreds of cassettes, and when I want to play one, I don't even bother searching through them, I just pick one at random. I like them all. Or sometimes I just listen to the radio, if there is something good on. The stereo set was switched off. >turn on radio I turned on the radio and there was some stupid football game being broadcast. Likely this would go on for hours. Screw that, I turned it off. >* Dan Fogelberg! That's not a verb I recognize. >l My Place Yep. My digs. Not too cavernous or shit, probably about as big as half a motel room. And everything within reach of the bed. Window on the south wall, which is open. My bed took up the east half of the room, my stereo set and closet, with a closed metal door, on the west side. You might have thought I put posters and crap on my walls, well I don't need shit like that. Rather against my wishes, my dad rigged up a telephone in here, fortunately a land line. I hate wireless. Oh, no john in here. I had to use the can in the house. Fuckin' bummer. And no clock. I didn't observe time out here. Mom would call me on my phone to wake me up mornings. All I needed was my guitar, which was leaning against the wall by the window. >x closet Where I keep all my threads and whatnot. The closet door is closed. >open it There was only clothes in there and I had no intention of changing them. >l My Place Yep. My digs. Not too cavernous or shit, probably about as big as half a motel room. And everything within reach of the bed. Window on the south wall, which is open. My bed took up the east half of the room, my stereo set and closet, with a closed metal door, on the west side. You might have thought I put posters and crap on my walls, well I don't need shit like that. Rather against my wishes, my dad rigged up a telephone in here, fortunately a land line. I hate wireless. Oh, no john in here. I had to use the can in the house. Fuckin' bummer. And no clock. I didn't observe time out here. Mom would call me on my phone to wake me up mornings. All I needed was my guitar, which was leaning against the wall by the window. >call jackie I wasn't going to call him until I was good and ready. The immediate situation seemed to dominate my attention. >x phone It was a white wall telephone. It was set right into the wall, by the door, over the edge of my bed. I didn't want it, but at least it's a land line. They said one day, people will have phones that they can just take and use anywhere. The idea of someone being on my ass all the damn time never appealed to me. No fuckin' way. >call will I picked up the phone and dialed William. He picked up before the first ring was even finished. He must have fuckin' been sitting by the phone all this damn time. "Tom! Did you give her my letter??" Will said, breathing like a frisky dog. "Like, yeah, man. Listen, Will, uhhh..." I paused, because it just hit me that no matter how I fuckin' sliced it, Will was going to get bad news. Which might mean more obligation and fuckin' dutifulness for me. And I wasn't up for that shit, not on a Friday night. Please press SPACE to continue. But I decided to just get it the fuck over with, so I laid it on him flat. "Will, she's seeing someone. I don't fuckin' know what else to tell you," I said. There was a long pause. Please press SPACE to continue. Then, just when I thought I was going to be let off the hook, he said, "Who?", as if he didn't believe me. "I don't fuckin' know, man, she didn't tell me. Listen, Will, you're better off without her, you don't know her." I chose not to tell him about the note that she wrote; he'd want me to give it to him right away, and I wanted to do that on my own time, maybe tomorrow. Please press SPACE to continue. All disappointed and shit, he said, "Well did she have something to tell me??" Oh shit. I started to feel like the more I told him, the more he'd want to know and the harder it would be for him to frickin' let go. The harder it would be for me to start my damn vacation. Please press SPACE to continue. But I didn't want to lie to him, either. So I said, "Yeah, she said you're a sweet guy, and all, and that she just didn't see herself with you, and she's not the right girl for you. But she wishes you success and that you will find the right girl. Soon." Another fuckin' pause. "So she said that?" Please press SPACE to continue. Feeling relief, because he sounded hopeful and I thought that was because he actually felt that he was going to find someone equally desirable to him and therefore he was going to forget about Liz, I said, with a relieved sigh, "Yeah, Will, she said that. And I agree. So I guess I'll see you..." "Maybe I need for her to get to know me better? That's it! She sees me only at school, maybe she needs to know how I really am and what I'm interested in!?" Please press SPACE to continue. Oh fuck. That would make it even worse. He said, "What did you tell her about me?" A thousand fucks! Lying just wasn't my thing, but being honest didn't always put me in a good spot. And I really wasn't into this he said, she said bullshit. So I said, "Look, man, I just gave her your note. She told me that stuff. Then I left. I didn't..." "So you didn't tell her about me? She doesn't really know me yet?" His rising excitement was beginning to really bother me. Please press SPACE to continue. I said, "Well, I guess maybe..." "Maybe if I went over to see her?? If she sees me, maybe she will drop her defenses!" Please press SPACE to continue. I said, "Will, I don't know if I'd..." He broke in, like he did often, when he thought he was frickin' right, "Of course! If I went to see her, maybe she'd change her mind! Maybe my note just wasn't enough!" At least he was damn right about that. Or wrong, it was too fuckin' much. "Listen, Tom, you've got me motivated! My courage is up. I am going to go see her! Then she'll realize that she's with the wrong guy! Thanks, I don't know what I'd do without you!" Click. He hung up. Fuckin' great. Now I had a friend who was setting himself up for an even bigger fall. All he would have to do is take the walk up Virgil Street and he'd be at Liz's. And she's probably not even there, so he'll camp out on her porch until she gets home. And I still had the note that Liz wrote, which I had not delivered. Why the fuck do I get mixed up in this kind of shit? Why do I even give a fuck? Please press SPACE to continue. I realized I had a choice. I could either go back out again and try to intercept Will, talk fuckin' sense to him, and deliver Liz's note. Or I could just say fuck it, and hang out here at home, strum my guitar, go visit Anne, when she's done, and have something resembling a weekend. Will can camp out, embarass himself, and learn the friggin' lesson on his own. But it was fuckin' tempting to be an agent for change in someone's life. Probably because deep down, I felt powerless in my own..?? My Place Yep. My digs. Not too cavernous or shit, probably about as big as half a motel room. And everything within reach of the bed. Window on the south wall, which is open. My bed took up the east half of the room, my stereo set and closet, with a closed metal door, on the west side. You might have thought I put posters and crap on my walls, well I don't need shit like that. Rather against my wishes, my dad rigged up a telephone in here, fortunately a land line. I hate wireless. Oh, no john in here. I had to use the can in the house. Fuckin' bummer. And no clock. I didn't observe time out here. Mom would call me on my phone to wake me up mornings. All I needed was my guitar, which was leaning against the wall by the window. That's exactly what I did! I completed my obligation to my friend....though this led only to more obligation. You earned 10 points for helping me remember! >* very deep That's not a verb I recognize. >n I stepped out the door, and back into friggin' reality. Back Yard My place was this little outbuilding with white aluminum siding that my dad built for me out back, as a 16th birthday present for me, last year. But I think they don't plan on my being out here forever; I've heard them discussing renting it out next year when I 'go to college' or something like that. Or Dad will make it his personal office. Whatever. The door, to the south, had a single cinderblock step going up to it. It gave me a sense of 'getting off the ground', which I sort of liked. To the southeast, behind my shed, was the 'secret' trail through the trees that I often took to Anne's place. Northeast was the way I got here. >close door I shut the door to my place. >n I stepped back out front of the house. My Front Yard Russel Street, from the west, ended just east of here, running into Virgil Road, which runs north-south. The front of my parents' house sported a number of awesome old trees, a large front deck, and an empty gravel driveway. Apparently, Mom and Dad took off early, and took both vehicles. My mom's flower beds occupied the space to either side of the deck. The steps up the deck were to the south; southwest was the trail around the house to my shack out back. Our rickety mailbox stood at the end of the driveway. Some insect flew by my head, then flew off. >n I was not interested in wandering into the yards of my neighbors. The silence was broken briefly by birds chirping in the trees above me. >e Corner At Virgil This was the gravelly, kind of country road going north-south, intersecting my street, near my parents' house to the west. The entire east side of this road was pure forest. The west side going north was occupied by other middle-class homes like my family's. Well, probably a little 'above' our class. Liz's house is a little further north. Suddenly I saw Will's excited ass coming up the road from the south. Will kept coming up the road towards me, a freakin' grin on his face. I felt sorry I had to kill his spirits soon. >give note to will I couldn't see any such thing. >x will I couldn't see any such thing. >l Corner At Virgil This was the gravelly, kind of country road going north-south, intersecting my street, near my parents' house to the west. The entire east side of this road was pure forest. The west side going north was occupied by other middle-class homes like my family's. Well, probably a little 'above' our class. Liz's house is a little further north. Will kept coming up the road towards me, a freakin' grin on his face. >z Time passed. "Hey Tom, are you coming with me?? That'll be great! You can witness the start of a beautiful affair!" Give me a frickin' break. But I had no choice, he just kept walking. Against my character, I followed him, due to my concern. I caught up with him at her door. Liz's Front Porch The white concrete front porch of the Logan house was well-decorated, with the roof over the porch held up by four white columns. There were at least four windows, each one with thick lace curtains. The door in front of me was painted a bright red, and had a spiffy brass knocker. The porch ran north to the car port, and south into a side-yard. The driveway led east back to the road. Everything here seemed too 'clean' to me. I never really trusted these kind of people. Will was there, looking miserable. Will started rapping lightly on her door. At least he didn't use the knocker. I chose to keep fuckin' quiet, in case she was actually home. There was no answer. Will knocked again. And again, and again. No answer. Dejected, he looked at me, slapping his hips with his hands. >give note to will Will pushed his own note away, without even looking at it. Freakin' help-rejecter. >i I was carrying: a flashlight Liz's reply a green backpack (closed) Will's note my keyring my house key my locker key my ripped notebook my usual threads (being worn) my green pencil My pocket was empty. >give reply to will Will started to push the note away, but then he saw what it was--must have been the purple color that caught his attention. He took it and began to read it. He got one of his crestfallen looks on his face, and then muttered "Who is she dating?", but kept reading. He looked up from the note, staring in the distance. He said, "I will treasure this forever," tucking the note into his pocket. Foolishly relieved, I said, "Okay, Will, now let's go ho..." "You know, Tom, maybe she just doesn't realize how much I am in love with her. And if she does, maybe she'll go out with me?" He continued to rap on the door. Rolling my eyes, and not fuckin' believing what I was hearing, I said, "Will, you don't even have a car. You ride the bus to school. And home. She is seeing someone else, someone older. She doesn't date guys like us. She told me. She prefers older guys with cars. Guys that can take her out to fine restaurants, not the Quick Chek Drive Thru, Home of the Slushinator." I stopped when he started looking all offended. "Look, Will, I know you think you 'love' her. But she's no good for you. I know it." He looked put off again, and said, "Who are you to say that she's no good?" "Will, she's no good for you. You two would never get along. She's not really as interested in things as you are. She's looking for some rich guy to latch onto. Believe me, it's the truth." Will looked down at the floor again. Then he said, "Well, maybe that's for me to find out." He continued to rap on the door, as I rolled my eyes again. I had to figure out a way to get him off the porch. Maybe if I was able to see for sure whether she was home? Like, by looking in her bedroom window, like I did last time, or looking around for some kind of note? At least it might end this episode and I can get some peace for the night. A vehicle sped by on Virgil Road, kicking up dust and gravel. >n I told Will, "Hold on a minute, let me look in the carport." I stepped around to the carport, and saw a note on the door, saying "Henriette, Gone to the beach with friends, don't worry, will be back later, XXX Liz". Yeah, friends. I recalled that Henriette was their groundskeeper who worked on their yards Saturday mornings. I'd say it was an awesome garden, but I'm a guy so I wouldn't frickin' know. I stepped back on the porch, saying, "Will, there's a note here saying Liz is gone to the beach with some friends. So she's not here. Maybe we should go home and think this through." I kicked myself for saying we. This wasn't MY problem. Suddenly Will looked up from his spot on the floor and said, "Are we sure that she's not home?" Then I thought about the windows, again. Maybe I should look? >* probably not That's not a verb I recognize. >save Ok. >s I went back around the side of the house, maybe I could look in the windows and see some sign of Liz having left? Side Yard Here, I saw three large, relatively low windows, like the ones out front. In fact, they all had thick white lace curtains. And all the curtains here were halfway open, probably to let in soft light. >look right Just like the other two. It seemed dark inside, so I would have to get up closer to get a look inside, due to the bright light of the Sun. >x right Just like the other two. It seemed dark inside, so I would have to get up closer to get a look inside, due to the bright light of the Sun. >look in right I looked in that window--the living room. No one in there. >look in middle I moved in closer to get a good peek. As my eyes adjusted to the dimmer light in the room, I think I saw something that looked like a drawing board, with an extended lamp attached to it. The walls were covered with bookcases and there were some file cabinets here and there. Maybe this was her dad's office at home, maybe he's an engineer or an architect...?? Anyway, there was no one in there, and no sign of Liz. >look in left I stuck my head to the wall beside the window, and slowly looked into her bedroom. I also listened; no sound. As my eyes adjusted, I saw her blue robe thrown onto the bed, beside her paperback from earlier, and Will's note to her on top of the robe. There was no sign of the bikini, and her closet was open--so she was probably dressed, either in the bikini or other clothes. Ah, and I noticed that the carrier bag that was there next to the mirror was gone. So that confirmed that she was not home. >ne I couldn't go that way. >n I stepped around back onto the porch saying, "Will, I'm sorry man, but I don't see any sign of her and her carrier bag is gone. She is definitely gone, man." Dejected and downcast again, Will tore away from the porch, as if he forgot I was even friggin' there. I followed him off to the street, to make sure he didn't throw himself in front of a car somewhere. Please press SPACE to continue. I caught up with him on the street, where he just continued to walk with that same, slow, stupid feel-sorry-for-me pace he always walked with when he was feeling sorry for himself. He didn't even look up at me. I actually felt sorry for him. I said, "Hey Will, why don't you come home with me, we'll order a pizza." I immediately kicked myself, as that was not my plan for the evening. He looked up at me pathetically, shook his head, and then pressed on, hanging his friggin' sourpuss face again. Ugh I hated that. When we got to the corner, I just let him walk on, and watched him disappear. He didn't even look back. As I stepped into my yard, I noticed that the sky had gotten a bit orange, like evening had begun. Which reminded me of my obligations to myself. Rest of the world, fuck off! My Front Yard Russel Street, from the west, ended just east of here, running into Virgil Road, which runs north-south. The front of my parents' house sported a number of awesome old trees, a large front deck, and an empty gravel driveway. Apparently, Mom and Dad took off early, and took both vehicles. My mom's flower beds occupied the space to either side of the deck. The steps up the deck were to the south; southwest was the trail around the house to my shack out back. Our rickety mailbox stood at the end of the driveway. I had a thought that maybe I should friggin' eat something, before I did anything of grave fuckin' importance. Maybe Mom cooked something up for me? Waiting in the oven, in the house? Suddenly I felt hungry as fuck. All this obligation to others' bullshit, maybe. I had a thought maybe I would throw my frozen pizza into the oven and chow down on it. Then I would see if Anne was available. You know, just play it by ear. That's exactly what I did! I made sure Liz was not home. You earned 5 points for helping me remember! >save Ok. >s I stepped up onto the deck of the house. On The Deck I was on my parents' front deck. The wood railing and nearly every spot on the deck was occupied by my Mom's colorful potted plants. Their deck chairs sat here astride the front door to the south, under an awning. A welcome mat lay on the floor at the door, which was closed. >s (first opening the white front door) It seemed to be locked. >unlock door I selected the house key from my keyring. I unlocked the front door with my key. I was hungry for pizza, and could hardly wait to friggin' eat. >s (first opening the white front door) I pushed open the door to the house, and my nose was immediately assaulted with whatever cinnamon air freshener crap my mom used. And a strange smell that I could not identify. Finally, I stepped into the house. As I did so, I spotted a car drive up and stop next door; the driver got out carrying what looked like a pizza box to the house. Which only made me hungrier. Small Living Room As I said, the place was small. But it was cozy. Definitely good enough for Mom and Dad. It had central heating and air. Before me was all the usual living room stuff--a sofa, Dad's chair, TV set. No windows in here. Dad didn't like the idea of people lookin' in. Our kitchen was to the west; to the east was Mom and Dad's bedroom. The front door, which was hanging open, led back onto the deck to the north. I detected the smell of something burning coming from the kitchen. My stomach was grumbling. >w I went into the kitchen to see what the burning smell was coming from. Mom left the oven on! I turned off the oven, and looked in to see if she had something cooking for me. It was my 16 inch Bobino's Supreme Pizza, my last one, that was in the freezer. She had left it cooking, thinking that I would be home very soon. But it was my fuckin' fault, because I allowed Will's bullshit to occupy my time. Now I'll have to figure something out if I want something to eat. Unless I eat the burnt pizza, which will completely suck. I got the pizza out with an oven glove, and put it on the table, now an icon of this evening's failure. It was then that I noticed yet another note on the table. Good god, another note. Kitchenette All you need in a kitchen was here--fridge, oven, small table, pantry and sink. Unless you want a friggin' microwave. You'd have to go next door; we hate that shit. The one telephone in the trailer was on the north wall near the pantry. Next to that was the window over the sink. West was my Mom's project room (my old room); east was back to the living room. On the small table were a burnt pizza, a credit card, an oven glove and Mom's note. I felt like I was going to pass out and die of starvation. >read note (Will's note) Will wrote, in his urgent script-- Tom-- I really really need this favor from you. It's very important to me. Can you please please deliver this note to Elizabeth Logan--DON'T OPEN IT!--I'll tell you about it later! Can you take it to her today, after school?? It really must be this evening! Please?? Sorry this is so urgent, but it's really important to me! Call me when you get it to her, okay?? I will be so grateful! Thank you so much! Will Suddenly I heard what sounded like a car kick up gravel next door, then burn rubber down the street. The delivery guy must not have gotten a tip. >l Kitchenette All you need in a kitchen was here--fridge, oven, small table, pantry and sink. Unless you want a friggin' microwave. You'd have to go next door; we hate that shit. The one telephone in the trailer was on the north wall near the pantry. Next to that was the window over the sink. West was my Mom's project room (my old room); east was back to the living room. On the small table were a burnt pizza, a credit card, an oven glove and Mom's note. >read mom's In my Mom's fine, flowing script, it says-- Tom, I left your last frozen pizza in the oven to cook. I hope you get it in time, I know how you hate cooking. You get distracted and it burns. In case it does, your Dad left you one of his credit cards. Use it for a cab, if you need to go somewhere! Don't over-charge it! We love you, see you next week! At the bottom was the number I could reach them at. Though I won't need it. I was hungry for pizza, and could hardly wait to friggin' eat. >take credit Got it. >order pizza That's not a verb I recognize. >l Kitchenette All you need in a kitchen was here--fridge, oven, small table, pantry and sink. Unless you want a friggin' microwave. You'd have to go next door; we hate that shit. The one telephone in the trailer was on the north wall near the pantry. Next to that was the window over the sink. West was my Mom's project room (my old room); east was back to the living room. On the small table were a burnt pizza, an oven glove and Mom's note. >x burnt Totally black on top. I might have eaten it if it were slightly burnt, but surely all the flavor was cooked out of it. It was still smoking from being in the oven. >save Ok. >eat it I touched it and it was still very hot. I felt like I was going to pass out and die of starvation. >l Kitchenette All you need in a kitchen was here--fridge, oven, small table, pantry and sink. Unless you want a friggin' microwave. You'd have to go next door; we hate that shit. The one telephone in the trailer was on the north wall near the pantry. Next to that was the window over the sink. West was my Mom's project room (my old room); east was back to the living room. On the small table were a burnt pizza, an oven glove and Mom's note. My stomach was grumbling. >take glove Got it. I was hungry for pizza, and could hardly wait to friggin' eat. >wear it I put on the oven mitt. The pizza seemed to have stopped smoking. >eat pizza There was no way I was going to eat that shit. >x phone It's forest green. Mom likes the color. Pretty handy wall phone. >dial phone (the green telephone) I tried, but I just could not summon the green telephone. >l Kitchenette All you need in a kitchen was here--fridge, oven, small table, pantry and sink. Unless you want a friggin' microwave. You'd have to go next door; we hate that shit. The one telephone in the trailer was on the north wall near the pantry. Next to that was the window over the sink. West was my Mom's project room (my old room); east was back to the living room. On the small table were a burnt pizza and Mom's note. >dial pizza I tried, but I just could not summon the burnt pizza. >x fridge Just an average white refrigerator/freezer combo. It had my old doodles stuck to it. I felt like I was going to pass out and die of starvation. >x doodles A bunch of stuff I drew when I was a kid. Can't tell what any of that shit is, any more. I don't know why Mom keeps it. >l Kitchenette All you need in a kitchen was here--fridge, oven, small table, pantry and sink. Unless you want a friggin' microwave. You'd have to go next door; we hate that shit. The one telephone in the trailer was on the north wall near the pantry. Next to that was the window over the sink. West was my Mom's project room (my old room); east was back to the living room. On the small table were a burnt pizza and Mom's note. >x pantry It has lots of cans of stuff I don't want to eat. Plus Mom took all of her pots and pans with her, so I was stuck with what was in the fridge or what I could buy. >open fridge I opened the refrigerator, looked around and saw only a bunch of the stuff that Mom and Dad eat--health and natural foods. They were on this 'eating adventure' kind of thing, where they cook everything from scratch. Looked like they forgot to stock up on stuff I like, like pizza rolls, frozen pizzas, frozen lasagna. Good tasting crap. That's me. How inconsiderate of them. Good thing they left a credit card for me on the table. I was hungry for pizza, and could hardly wait to friggin' eat. >x card Dad's money card. Though I don't plan on spending much of it. >l Kitchenette All you need in a kitchen was here--fridge, oven, small table, pantry and sink. Unless you want a friggin' microwave. You'd have to go next door; we hate that shit. The one telephone in the trailer was on the north wall near the pantry. Next to that was the window over the sink. West was my Mom's project room (my old room); east was back to the living room. On the small table were a burnt pizza and Mom's note. The fridge quietly swung closed. >close fridge That was already closed. I felt like I was going to pass out and die of starvation. >x oven (the oven glove) One of my Mom's oven mitts. Good for handling hot shit. Besides, it was nice, thick and comfortable. >x table Round and seats three. On the small table were a burnt pizza and Mom's note. >l Kitchenette All you need in a kitchen was here--fridge, oven, small table, pantry and sink. Unless you want a friggin' microwave. You'd have to go next door; we hate that shit. The one telephone in the trailer was on the north wall near the pantry. Next to that was the window over the sink. West was my Mom's project room (my old room); east was back to the living room. On the small table were a burnt pizza and Mom's note. >x sink Just your usual sink, with tap and drain. >x pantry It has lots of cans of stuff I don't want to eat. Plus Mom took all of her pots and pans with her, so I was stuck with what was in the fridge or what I could buy. >open it The pantry had nothing of interest for me. My stomach was grumbling. >l Kitchenette All you need in a kitchen was here--fridge, oven, small table, pantry and sink. Unless you want a friggin' microwave. You'd have to go next door; we hate that shit. The one telephone in the trailer was on the north wall near the pantry. Next to that was the window over the sink. West was my Mom's project room (my old room); east was back to the living room. On the small table were a burnt pizza and Mom's note. I felt like I was going to pass out and die of starvation. >e Small Living Room As I said, the place was small. But it was cozy. Definitely good enough for Mom and Dad. It had central heating and air. Before me was all the usual living room stuff--a sofa, Dad's chair, TV set. No windows in here. Dad didn't like the idea of people lookin' in. Our kitchen was to the west; to the east was Mom and Dad's bedroom. The front door, which was hanging open, led back onto the deck to the north. >x sofa Small and cozy, plenty of cushioning, seated two, usually her and occasionally me. Occasionally meaning whenever there was something on TV that interested me which was fuckin' almost never. >x chair Dad's recliner. Specially rigged so that when you sit down on it, the back of it will automatically recline back, and the foot rest will come out. My dad is a genius. >x set It was our old color television. Dad tore out the old channel dial and other controls and rigged it up to work with the controller he made. Of course, I didn't see the controller anywhere around, I wondered where he put it. >turn on tv The TV had no controls on it; I needed the remote in hand to do that. >l Small Living Room As I said, the place was small. But it was cozy. Definitely good enough for Mom and Dad. It had central heating and air. Before me was all the usual living room stuff--a sofa, Dad's chair, TV set. No windows in here. Dad didn't like the idea of people lookin' in. Our kitchen was to the west; to the east was Mom and Dad's bedroom. The front door, which was hanging open, led back onto the deck to the north. I was hungry for pizza, and could hardly wait to friggin' eat. >close door I pushed the door closed. My stomach was grumbling. >e Though Mom and Dad were gone on vacation, I never made it my business to venture into their room. The sanctity of their bond, and all that. At any rate, the necessity had not arisen to do so. >n (first opening the white front door) Ahh, the smells of nature crept in as I pulled open the door. I stepped back out onto the deck. On The Deck I was on my parents' front deck. The wood railing and nearly every spot on the deck was occupied by my Mom's colorful potted plants. Their deck chairs sat here astride the front door to the south, under an awning. A welcome mat lay on the floor at the door, which was hanging open I felt like I was going to pass out and die of starvation. >s I stepped back into the house. Small Living Room As I said, the place was small. But it was cozy. Definitely good enough for Mom and Dad. It had central heating and air. Before me was all the usual living room stuff--a sofa, Dad's chair, TV set. No windows in here. Dad didn't like the idea of people lookin' in. Our kitchen was to the west; to the east was Mom and Dad's bedroom. The front door, which was hanging open, led back onto the deck to the north. >close door I pushed the door closed. >w Kitchenette All you need in a kitchen was here--fridge, oven, small table, pantry and sink. Unless you want a friggin' microwave. You'd have to go next door; we hate that shit. The one telephone in the trailer was on the north wall near the pantry. Next to that was the window over the sink. West was my Mom's project room (my old room); east was back to the living room. On the small table were a burnt pizza and Mom's note. >w Mom's Project Room It used to be my room. This room was now full of various books, materials and whatnot that Mom used for her handcrafts and artwork. The bathroom, the one thing I lost when I moved outside to the shed, was to the west. Its door was closed. The exit to the kitchen, was to the east. >x books Are you going to make me describe all this?? My stomach was grumbling. >x materials Are you going to make me describe all this?? >w (first opening the bathroom door) Our Bathroom Not much here at all, except everything you'd expect in a small bathroom in a double-wide trailer. Looks like both Mom and Dad took everything from the sink and cabinet with them on their vacation. I guess I wouldn't be shaving this week. Not that I was planning on it. The door was to the east. >x sink Toilet, shower/bath, and sink with a cabinet. Nothing more. >xcabinet That's not a verb I recognize. >x cabinet Toilet, shower/bath, and sink with a cabinet. Nothing more. >open it Mom and Dad took everything. I was hungry for pizza, and could hardly wait to friggin' eat. >e Mom's Project Room It used to be my room. This room was now full of various books, materials and whatnot that Mom used for her handcrafts and artwork. The bathroom, the one thing I lost when I moved outside to the shed, was to the west. Its door was closed. The exit to the kitchen, was to the east. >e Kitchenette All you need in a kitchen was here--fridge, oven, small table, pantry and sink. Unless you want a friggin' microwave. You'd have to go next door; we hate that shit. The one telephone in the trailer was on the north wall near the pantry. Next to that was the window over the sink. West was my Mom's project room (my old room); east was back to the living room. On the small table were a burnt pizza and Mom's note. I felt like I was going to pass out and die of starvation. >use phone It wasn't ringing. My stomach was grumbling. >order pizza That's not a verb I recognize. >eat (the burnt pizza) There was no way I was going to eat that shit. >call delivery I couldn't remember a number worth shit, plus I'd prefer to know who I am calling. [Just type CALL (someone known) --no need to type a number.] >call deliverymand I couldn't remember a number worth shit, plus I'd prefer to know who I am calling. [Just type CALL (someone known) --no need to type a number.] I felt like I was going to pass out and die of starvation. >call deliveryman I couldn't remember a number worth shit, plus I'd prefer to know who I am calling. [Just type CALL (someone known) --no need to type a number.] >l Kitchenette All you need in a kitchen was here--fridge, oven, small table, pantry and sink. Unless you want a friggin' microwave. You'd have to go next door; we hate that shit. The one telephone in the trailer was on the north wall near the pantry. Next to that was the window over the sink. West was my Mom's project room (my old room); east was back to the living room. On the small table were a burnt pizza and Mom's note. >call will I had already called William's ass enough. I wanted to get on with my evening. >call anne Oh I never called Anne. She insisted that I never call her, and I didn't even know her number. >call liz I don't even have her number. She's probably not even home, anyway. >call pizzeria I couldn't remember a number worth shit, plus I'd prefer to know who I am calling. [Just type CALL (someone known) --no need to type a number.] >* sigh That's not a verb I recognize. >call delivery I couldn't remember a number worth shit, plus I'd prefer to know who I am calling. [Just type CALL (someone known) --no need to type a number.] >s I couldn't go that way. >n I couldn't go that way. I was hungry for pizza, and could hardly wait to friggin' eat. >e Small Living Room As I said, the place was small. But it was cozy. Definitely good enough for Mom and Dad. It had central heating and air. Before me was all the usual living room stuff--a sofa, Dad's chair, TV set. No windows in here. Dad didn't like the idea of people lookin' in. Our kitchen was to the west; to the east was Mom and Dad's bedroom. The front door led back onto the deck to the north. >e Though Mom and Dad were gone on vacation, I never made it my business to venture into their room. The sanctity of their bond, and all that. At any rate, the necessity had not arisen to do so. I felt like I was going to pass out and die of starvation. >s I couldn't go that way. >w Kitchenette All you need in a kitchen was here--fridge, oven, small table, pantry and sink. Unless you want a friggin' microwave. You'd have to go next door; we hate that shit. The one telephone in the trailer was on the north wall near the pantry. Next to that was the window over the sink. West was my Mom's project room (my old room); east was back to the living room. On the small table were a burnt pizza and Mom's note. >e Small Living Room As I said, the place was small. But it was cozy. Definitely good enough for Mom and Dad. It had central heating and air. Before me was all the usual living room stuff--a sofa, Dad's chair, TV set. No windows in here. Dad didn't like the idea of people lookin' in. Our kitchen was to the west; to the east was Mom and Dad's bedroom. The front door led back onto the deck to the north. >n (first opening the white front door) Ahh, the smells of nature crept in as I pulled open the door. I stepped back out onto the deck. On The Deck I was on my parents' front deck. The wood railing and nearly every spot on the deck was occupied by my Mom's colorful potted plants. Their deck chairs sat here astride the front door to the south, under an awning. A welcome mat lay on the floor at the door, which was hanging open >e I couldn't go that way. Some insect flew by my head, then flew off. >w I couldn't go that way. >close door I pulled the door closed. A gentle wind blew in my face. >n Duh, I wasn't about to leave the house with the front door unlocked; I locked the door. I stepped back down into the yard. My Front Yard Russel Street, from the west, ended just east of here, running into Virgil Road, which runs north-south. The front of my parents' house sported a number of awesome old trees, a large front deck, and an empty gravel driveway. Apparently, Mom and Dad took off early, and took both vehicles. My mom's flower beds occupied the space to either side of the deck. The steps up the deck were to the south; southwest was the trail around the house to my shack out back. Our rickety mailbox stood at the end of the driveway. Blowing slowly across the yard was a small piece of paper; as light as it was, it looked like a receipt. >take receipt Got it. Some insect flew by my head, then flew off. >x it Must have been from the pizza delivery guy-- Snazzio's Pizza 'The 24-Hour Pizza Place' 201 Nicknack Street Bunco Springs (a phone number that I couldn't friggin' remember) 16in Sup $6.00 Tax 0.48 Total $6.48 Delivered to Mr Dinkbinder 1413 Russel Street Have a Happy Day! I got an idea. I thought maybe I could call them and give it a try...?? >* phew That's not a verb I recognize. >sw I took my little trail around the back of the house, to my one special place. Back Yard My place was this little outbuilding with white aluminum siding that my dad built for me out back, as a 16th birthday present for me, last year. But I think they don't plan on my being out here forever; I've heard them discussing renting it out next year when I 'go to college' or something like that. Or Dad will make it his personal office. Whatever. The door, to the south, had a single cinderblock step going up to it. It gave me a sense of 'getting off the ground', which I sort of liked. To the southeast, behind my shed, was the 'secret' trail through the trees that I often took to Anne's place. Northeast was the way I got here. >s (first opening the metal door) I swung open my door to freedom. I stepped into my bungalo. My Place Yep. My digs. Not too cavernous or shit, probably about as big as half a motel room. And everything within reach of the bed. Window on the south wall, which is open. My bed took up the east half of the room, my stereo set and closet, with a closed metal door, on the west side. You might have thought I put posters and crap on my walls, well I don't need shit like that. Rather against my wishes, my dad rigged up a telephone in here, fortunately a land line. I hate wireless. Oh, no john in here. I had to use the can in the house. Fuckin' bummer. And no clock. I didn't observe time out here. Mom would call me on my phone to wake me up mornings. All I needed was my guitar, which was leaning against the wall by the window. >call pizza (the burnt pizza) I tried, but I just could not summon the burnt pizza. >i I was carrying: a receipt an oven glove (being worn) a credit card a flashlight a green backpack (closed) Will's note my keyring my house key my locker key my ripped notebook my usual threads (being worn) my green pencil My pocket was empty. I was hungry for pizza, and could hardly wait to friggin' eat. >x receipt Must have been from the pizza delivery guy-- Snazzio's Pizza 'The 24-Hour Pizza Place' 201 Nicknack Street Bunco Springs (a phone number that I couldn't friggin' remember) 16in Sup $6.00 Tax 0.48 Total $6.48 Delivered to Mr Dinkbinder 1413 Russel Street Have a Happy Day! I got an idea. I thought maybe I could call them and give it a try...?? My stomach was grumbling. >call snazzio's I picked up the phone and dialled the number from the receipt. "Snazzio's Pizza, With Toppings Sliced and Diced, You Won't Call Twice, how can we help you? Sorry, no credit card orders over the phone." Crap. I got another idea. Imitating my neighbor's voice as best I friggin' could, I said, "I was just delivered the wrong pizza! I ordered a 16 inch Snazzio's Supreme, and got only a Cheese Pizza! And the delivery boy had a very bad attitude!" I thought of doing my usual fuckin' cussing, but then thought better of it. "I'm very sorry, sir. Fortunately, we usually give our delivery staff an extra 16inch Supreme for busy delivery days like this, and your delivery man is still out and about, we can send him straight back to you, and he will offer our deepest apologies! No charge!" "Fu--er--Great!" I said, almost in my real voice. Then quickly I said, "Hey, can you send him to 1411 Russel, I'm at my neighbor's house!" "Sure, that's 1411 Russel. He'll be there in minutes!" "Thank you so much!" "Thank you, sir, and have a happy day!" Click. Fuckin' magnificent. I'm about to get a free pizza. I felt like I was going to pass out and die of starvation. That's exactly what I did! I got a pizza for free. You earned 10 points for helping me remember! >n I stepped out the door, and back into friggin' reality. Back Yard My place was this little outbuilding with white aluminum siding that my dad built for me out back, as a 16th birthday present for me, last year. But I think they don't plan on my being out here forever; I've heard them discussing renting it out next year when I 'go to college' or something like that. Or Dad will make it his personal office. Whatever. The door, to the south, had a single cinderblock step going up to it. It gave me a sense of 'getting off the ground', which I sort of liked. To the southeast, behind my shed, was the 'secret' trail through the trees that I often took to Anne's place. Northeast was the way I got here. >n I stepped back out front of the house. My Front Yard Russel Street, from the west, ended just east of here, running into Virgil Road, which runs north-south. The front of my parents' house sported a number of awesome old trees, a large front deck, and an empty gravel driveway. Apparently, Mom and Dad took off early, and took both vehicles. My mom's flower beds occupied the space to either side of the deck. The steps up the deck were to the south; southwest was the trail around the house to my shack out back. Our rickety mailbox stood at the end of the driveway. >s I stepped up onto the deck of the house. On The Deck I was on my parents' front deck. The wood railing and nearly every spot on the deck was occupied by my Mom's colorful potted plants. Their deck chairs sat here astride the front door to the south, under an awning. A welcome mat lay on the floor at the door, which was closed. The silence was broken briefly by birds chirping in the trees above me. >s (first opening the white front door) It seemed to be locked. >x arning I couldn't see any such thing. >x awning It's green and casts a shade over most of the porch. My stomach was grumbling. A car came around the corner and stopped in front of our trailer. It was the Snazzio's dude. "Hey, Buddy!" says the delivery guy. "Here's your Snazzio's Supreme!" He hopped out of his car, flung the pizza box at the trailer. I ducked, as it just about friggin' hit me, and hit the side of the trailer, landing on the deck. The driver sped away--"Tip-ripper, kiss my ass!" He was gone. That's what I call fast service. >take pizza I bent over and gathered up all of the pieces. I could hardly wait to eat. >sw I couldn't go that way. >s (first opening the white front door) It seemed to be locked. >n I stepped back down into the yard. My Front Yard Russel Street, from the west, ended just east of here, running into Virgil Road, which runs north-south. The front of my parents' house sported a number of awesome old trees, a large front deck, and an empty gravel driveway. Apparently, Mom and Dad took off early, and took both vehicles. My mom's flower beds occupied the space to either side of the deck. The steps up the deck were to the south; southwest was the trail around the house to my shack out back. Our rickety mailbox stood at the end of the driveway. Some insect flew by my head, then flew off. >sw I took my little trail around the back of the house, to my one special place. Back Yard My place was this little outbuilding with white aluminum siding that my dad built for me out back, as a 16th birthday present for me, last year. But I think they don't plan on my being out here forever; I've heard them discussing renting it out next year when I 'go to college' or something like that. Or Dad will make it his personal office. Whatever. The door, to the south, had a single cinderblock step going up to it. It gave me a sense of 'getting off the ground', which I sort of liked. To the southeast, behind my shed, was the 'secret' trail through the trees that I often took to Anne's place. Northeast was the way I got here. >s I stepped into my bungalo. My Place Yep. My digs. Not too cavernous or shit, probably about as big as half a motel room. And everything within reach of the bed. Window on the south wall, which is open. My bed took up the east half of the room, my stereo set and closet, with a closed metal door, on the west side. You might have thought I put posters and crap on my walls, well I don't need shit like that. Rather against my wishes, my dad rigged up a telephone in here, fortunately a land line. I hate wireless. Oh, no john in here. I had to use the can in the house. Fuckin' bummer. And no clock. I didn't observe time out here. Mom would call me on my phone to wake me up mornings. All I needed was my guitar, which was leaning against the wall by the window. I felt like I was going to pass out and die of starvation. >eat pizza How about I bring it into the kitchen? I didn't frickin' eat just anywhere. I was hungry for pizza, and could hardly wait to friggin' eat. >n I stepped out the door, and back into friggin' reality. Back Yard My place was this little outbuilding with white aluminum siding that my dad built for me out back, as a 16th birthday present for me, last year. But I think they don't plan on my being out here forever; I've heard them discussing renting it out next year when I 'go to college' or something like that. Or Dad will make it his personal office. Whatever. The door, to the south, had a single cinderblock step going up to it. It gave me a sense of 'getting off the ground', which I sort of liked. To the southeast, behind my shed, was the 'secret' trail through the trees that I often took to Anne's place. Northeast was the way I got here. >ne I stepped back out front of the house. My Front Yard Russel Street, from the west, ended just east of here, running into Virgil Road, which runs north-south. The front of my parents' house sported a number of awesome old trees, a large front deck, and an empty gravel driveway. Apparently, Mom and Dad took off early, and took both vehicles. My mom's flower beds occupied the space to either side of the deck. The steps up the deck were to the south; southwest was the trail around the house to my shack out back. Our rickety mailbox stood at the end of the driveway. >s I stepped up onto the deck of the house. On The Deck I was on my parents' front deck. The wood railing and nearly every spot on the deck was occupied by my Mom's colorful potted plants. Their deck chairs sat here astride the front door to the south, under an awning. A welcome mat lay on the floor at the door, which was closed. Almost at the door was a pizza box, laying open. A bee buzzed by my head; I flinched. Those things freak me out. My stomach was grumbling. >unlock door I selected the house key from my keyring. I unlocked the front door with my key. >s (first opening the white front door) I pushed open the door to the house, and my nose was immediately assaulted with whatever cinnamon air freshener crap my mom used. I stepped back into the house. Small Living Room As I said, the place was small. But it was cozy. Definitely good enough for Mom and Dad. It had central heating and air. Before me was all the usual living room stuff--a sofa, Dad's chair, TV set. No windows in here. Dad didn't like the idea of people lookin' in. Our kitchen was to the west; to the east was Mom and Dad's bedroom. The front door, which was hanging open, led back onto the deck to the north. >close door I pushed the door closed. >w Kitchenette All you need in a kitchen was here--fridge, oven, small table, pantry and sink. Unless you want a friggin' microwave. You'd have to go next door; we hate that shit. The one telephone in the trailer was on the north wall near the pantry. Next to that was the window over the sink. West was my Mom's project room (my old room); east was back to the living room. On the small table were a burnt pizza and Mom's note. >eat pizza (the supreme pizza) I was so friggin' hungry, I scarfed down the entire pizza, right there at the table. I sat there, with a friggin' full stomach, thinking about what I was going to do with my week. And the things I did for Will. And Liz. Strangely, thinking about Liz got me to thinking about Anne. And the inevitable reality that Anne and I could never truly be a couple. Just as I was having those thoughts, the phone rang. I thought maybe it was Will; now that I was fed, I was feeling pretty charitable as I picked up the phone. "Hello," I said. Please press SPACE to continue. "Tom?" Anne's voice. "Tom?" "Anne! Hey, what's up? I was going to see if you were available." I was excited. "Yes, well Tom, that's what I wanted to talk to you about." Her tone got a bit hesitant. Like she had some bad news. Please press SPACE to continue. "Tom, I'm leaving. Moving. Oh gosh, it hurts to tell you this. Believe me, it would have been so hard to tell you in person, so I had to tell you now." I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I honestly didn't know what to fuckin' say, so I let her talk more. She swallowed, then continued. "So I'm leaving tomorrow morning. Early." At a freakin' loss for something to say, I said, "So where are you going? To that new house you were looking at down the street?" "No," she said, "To California." Please press SPACE to continue. I was even more frickin' stunned. I never saw this shit coming. So I just had to ask. "Why?" I said, weakly. "Tom, you have to understand, I need a new beginning in my life. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE you. And I will never stop having feelings for you." All of that was totally lost on me. You don't leave the people you love. Through the sting of what I totally knew was being DUMPED, I asked, "So can I visit you? Can I call you?" Please press SPACE to continue. There was another long pause, which kind of told me that something even more painful was coming. "No, Tom. I cannot let you call me, or visit. Now I'm going to be honest with you. I am very sorry about all this. Tom, it is so painful to tell you this. But I'm getting married." Oh shit. I let slip my next question, "Who? One of your clients?" Another pause. "Now, Tom, don't get that way." "Oh, you're right, what's the fuckin' point, anyway? We were never going to be together. Plus, obviously I wasn't important enough to you to let me know that there was another friggin' guy...? And that you had big plans...?" She was silent. Please press SPACE to continue. "You might as well have not called me. I would have shown up at your place tomorrow, while there would be no one there. That would have been friggin' easier, wouldn't it?" I was so unbelievably pissed. "I would have been better off not knowing." I thought I could hear sobs in the background. Then I started feeling sorry for HER. When the sobs slowed, she continued, hesitantly. "Tom, none of this was easy. And you're right, we would never have been together. Plus, I'm NOT getting any younger. I can't do this, ah, thing, forever. And please don't stay angry, or feel sorry for yourself. It had nothing to do with you. There is nothing 'wrong' with you, and I'm not doing this because of you." Please press SPACE to continue. "Tom, you need a real relationship. You deserve it. Not a weekend thing with an older woman who does what I do--did--for a living. So you're better off without me, at this stage of your life." I just kept listening. Perhaps she was right. But I was still incredibly pissed. "Anne, you know something, you're right. I am better off without you. I'm better off without seeing some WHORE, who only wants me as a stepping stone and object of her young guy fantasies, till she can find some RICH GUY lonely enough to want to MARRY her!" I slammed the phone back up on its cradle. Please press SPACE to continue. The truth hurts. And it went both ways. I was right on all counts, but so was she. And it felt totally like shit. I should have seen it coming, a long way off. Now I'm at the wrong end of a friggin' Breakfast At Tiffany's ripoff re-make. Please press SPACE to continue. And what a fuckin' way to start my Spring Break. My friend gets rejected, by a possibly decent girl whom I rejected. Then I get dumped by someone who wasn't even my girlfriend to begin with. And if you were expecting some hot porn action tonight, I am sorry to disappoint you. Whoops, now you feel rejected. Well, maybe you can watch me when I get out my porn mag later. Please press SPACE to continue. Sike. Yes I did go to my bungalo, spent the night pickin' out tunes on my guitar, listened to my stereo, and watched the night fall outside my window. Laid awake thinking about Anne, the phone call, the times we spent together. The snacks she often made for me, the delicacies she often shared, the stories of travel and parties and hotels. The advice she gave to me--and I often ignored. The many times she actually DID suggest the possibility that I would date, and marry, someone more fit for me. Of course I brushed it off. Please press SPACE to continue. Didn't even touch my mag. I didn't feel like it. I was angry, upset and depressed. But I knew that this moment in my life was coming. I picked myself to sleep that night, my friggin' guitar in my arms. My only true mate. Please press SPACE to continue. Zzzzzzzz.... Please press SPACE to continue. My Place (on the steel bed) Yep. My digs. Not too cavernous or shit, probably about as big as half a motel room. And everything within reach of the bed. Window on the south wall, which is open. My bed took up the east half of the room, my stereo set and closet, with a closed metal door, on the west side. You might have thought I put posters and crap on my walls, well I don't need shit like that. Rather against my wishes, my dad rigged up a telephone in here, fortunately a land line. I hate wireless. Oh, no john in here. I had to use the can in the house. Fuckin' bummer. And no clock. I didn't observe time out here. Mom would call me on my phone to wake me up mornings. Though it was night, light came in through the window, from an outside light set up on the eaves over it. It was handy and never disturbed my sleep. I jolted up awake. Not sure why. But I found that my feelings had settled a bit and thought about how fuckin' hurtful I was to Anne, how she was right and was trying to put things right with her life. And how her leaving was doing me a favor. And how I wanted to see her just one more time. To at least apologize for my friggin' outburst. Of course I couldn't call her. She never gave me her number. I thought maybe I could walk over to her place. She said she would be leaving early in the morning--surely she would be up packing...?? With no time to see clients...? So her door might just be open. [And sorry, no score increase for getting dumped. Bummer.] >* I mena fair That's not a verb I recognize. >save Ok. >i I was carrying: my acoustic guitar a receipt an oven glove (being worn) a credit card a flashlight a green backpack (closed) Will's note my keyring my house key my locker key my ripped notebook my usual threads (being worn) my green pencil My pocket was empty. >play guitar I took up my guitar and slung the strap around my neck. I began slowly picking one of my favorite songs--Ricky Nelson's "Hello MaryLou". Immediately I felt more relaxed. >drop all receipt: Dropped. credit card: Dropped. flashlight: Dropped. green backpack: Dropped. Will's note: Dropped. keyring: Dropped. ripped notebook: Dropped. green pencil: Dropped. >l My Place (on the steel bed) Yep. My digs. Not too cavernous or shit, probably about as big as half a motel room. And everything within reach of the bed. Window on the south wall, which is open. My bed took up the east half of the room, my stereo set and closet, with a closed metal door, on the west side. You might have thought I put posters and crap on my walls, well I don't need shit like that. Rather against my wishes, my dad rigged up a telephone in here, fortunately a land line. I hate wireless. Oh, no john in here. I had to use the can in the house. Fuckin' bummer. And no clock. I didn't observe time out here. Mom would call me on my phone to wake me up mornings. Though it was night, light came in through the window, from an outside light set up on the eaves over it. It was handy and never disturbed my sleep. On the steel bed I could see my green pencil, my ripped notebook, my keyring (on which were my house key and my locker key), Will's note, a green backpack (closed), a flashlight, a credit card and a receipt. >take backpack Got it. >call jackie I wasn't going to call him until I was good and ready. The immediate situation seemed to dominate my attention. >take keyring My keys klinked as I snatched them up. >take flashlight and credit flashlight: Got it. credit card: Got it. >n (first getting off the steel bed) I got up from my bed. (first opening the metal door) It seemed to be locked. >unlock door Which do you mean, the metal door or the bungalo closet door? >metal I turned the knob and the button lock snapped unlocked. >n (first opening the metal door) I pushed open my door. I stepped out the door, and back into friggin' reality. Back Yard In the dim light from a nearby streetlight, I could see my bungalo. Good thing it was painted white. The door, to the south, had a single cinderblock step going up to it. It gave me a sense of 'getting off the ground', which I sort of liked. To the southeast, behind my shed, was the 'secret' trail through the trees that I often took to Anne's place. Northeast was the way I got here. >lock door I pressed in the button lock, and closed the door. >n I stepped back out front of the house. My Front Yard Russel Street, from the west, ended just east of here, running into Virgil Road, which runs north-south. The front of my parents' house sported a number of awesome old trees, a large front deck, and an empty gravel driveway. Apparently, Mom and Dad took off early, and took both vehicles. My mom's flower beds occupied the space to either side of the deck. The steps up the deck were to the south; southwest was the trail around the house to my shack out back. Our rickety mailbox stood at the end of the driveway. Though it was night, I could see around me, given the streetlights that had come on at nightfall. >ne I was not interested in wandering into the yards of my neighbors. >s I stepped up onto the deck of the house. On The Deck I was on my parents' front deck, and it was lit softly by light from streetlights which lined the road out front. The wood railing and nearly every spot on the deck was occupied by my Mom's colorful potted plants. Their deck chairs sat here astride the front door to the south, under an awning. A welcome mat lay on the floor at the door, which was closed. Almost at the door was a pizza box, laying open. >x box It was a box about a foot and a half square. It had grease spots on it, as if a pizza was in there. A picture of a mustachioed chef was on the top, with the red letters of 'Snazzio's' on a wavy ribbon. >* Oh I didn't take the box, just the pizza? Gross You seem to want to talk to someone, but I can't see whom. >s (first opening the white front door) It seemed to be locked. >unlock door I selected the house key from my keyring. I unlocked the front door with my key. >s (first opening the white front door) I pushed open the door to the house, and my nose was immediately assaulted with whatever cinnamon air freshener crap my mom used. I stepped into the house, and flipped on the lights. Small Living Room As I said, the place was small. But it was cozy. Definitely good enough for Mom and Dad. It had central heating and air. Before me was all the usual living room stuff--a sofa, Dad's chair, TV set. No windows in here. Dad didn't like the idea of people lookin' in. Our kitchen was to the west; to the east was Mom and Dad's bedroom. The front door, which was hanging open, led back onto the deck to the north. >n I stepped back out into the night, flipping off the lights in the house. On The Deck I was on my parents' front deck, and it was lit softly by light from streetlights which lined the road out front. The wood railing and nearly every spot on the deck was occupied by my Mom's colorful potted plants. Their deck chairs sat here astride the front door to the south, under an awning. A welcome mat lay on the floor at the door, which was hanging open Almost at the door was a pizza box, laying open. >lock door I pushed the button lock on the door and it clicked locked, then I closed the door. >n I stepped back down into the yard. My Front Yard Russel Street, from the west, ended just east of here, running into Virgil Road, which runs north-south. The front of my parents' house sported a number of awesome old trees, a large front deck, and an empty gravel driveway. Apparently, Mom and Dad took off early, and took both vehicles. My mom's flower beds occupied the space to either side of the deck. The steps up the deck were to the south; southwest was the trail around the house to my shack out back. Our rickety mailbox stood at the end of the driveway. Though it was night, I could see around me, given the streetlights that had come on at nightfall. >sw I took my little trail around the back of the house, to my one special place. Back Yard In the dim light from a nearby streetlight, I could see my bungalo. Good thing it was painted white. The door, to the south, had a single cinderblock step going up to it. It gave me a sense of 'getting off the ground', which I sort of liked. To the southeast, behind my shed, was the 'secret' trail through the trees that I often took to Anne's place. Northeast was the way I got here. >se Probably should turn on my flashlight, first. >turn on flashlight I clicked the flashlight on. >s (first opening the metal door) It seemed to be locked. >se I normally hopped out my back window and hit the trail from there, but now it was dark, no one will see me and my parents are gone for the week. I picked my way along the trail, using my flashlight; it was familiar to me, even at night. It zig-zagged all the way to Anne's place. I saw the back of her house, between some trees. Her red watering bucket, which was normally her signal that she was busy with a client, was not posted on top of her porch steps. For me, that meant, "Come on in!" Did she want me to come see her, one last time? I felt more eager to wish her well, and forget about my anger and depression, at least for the night. I stepped carefully through her back garden and up her porch. Anne's Back Porch Spacious and highly decorated, with hanging plants and bird feeders. Steps led down to a path that went through her garden and ultimately to my place. A couple of chase lounges sat out here, astride her back door. A freakin' spooky feeling came over me as I approached her door. Though her red watering can was nowhere around. >x plants Which do you mean, the back garden or the decorations? >garden Totally cool during the day. But right then it was dark. >x decorations Just the aforementioned bird feeders, hanging plants, and the like. >* should be "chaise" That's not a verb I recognize. >* Or I suppose "chaise longue" if you really want to be totally proper That's not a verb I recognize. >l Anne's Back Porch Spacious and highly decorated, with hanging plants and bird feeders. Steps led down to a path that went through her garden and ultimately to my place. A couple of chase lounges sat out here, astride her back door. >* Which I don't think Tom would be That's not a verb I recognize. >x chase Very comfortable wooden thingamajiggers upholstered with canvas. Anne and I would sit out here sometimes and I would play my guitar. >knock on door I finally got my nerve up to knock on the door. After about the third knock, I heard a click and the door swung partially open. What the...?? >s I hesitated. Anne would be furious with me if I just stepped in and she had a client. But I doubted that the place would be so quiet if she did, plus her watering can was not posted. What if she was asleep? I almost closed the door, but was stopped by a friggin' ominous feeling that something was wrong. Finally, I stepped across the threshold, into her utility area. I called out, "Anne? Anne!" No answer. Laundry Room Anne's washing machine and dryer were here, under a shelving unit that had her cleaning supplies. The lid to the washing machine was standing open. A doorway led into the pantry to the west, another one into the kitchen to the east. The back door, standing open, was to the north. >x lid Just your average washer. The lid was pulled up open. >look in washer Though there was nothing in it, it felt a bit wet, as if it had been used recently. >close lid I looked inside it, there was nothing there, though it was a bit wet. I pushed the lid down. >x supplies Cleaning supplies, detergents, uninteresting shit like that. >x dryer Your average dryer. It has a door on the front, which is closed. >open it I pulled open the door of the machine, and warm air wafted out, hitting me in the face. The door felt pretty warm, too. Inside, there was a load of clothes. Is Anne in the house? >w Pantry There was nothing on the shelves, here; not a single can. Anne wasn't kidding when she said she was moving. The only exit was east, into the laundry room. >e Laundry Room Anne's washing machine and dryer were here, under a shelving unit that had her cleaning supplies. A doorway led into the pantry to the west, another one into the kitchen to the east. The back door, standing open, was to the north. >close dryer I shut the dryer door. >e Anne's Kitchen This was a neat little kitchen with a food prep island in the middle of it. Now it looked so empty. All the utensils gone, no pots or pans anywhere. A refrigerator and oven occupied the south side; to the north was the sink and a window, now dark, looked out on the garden. The dining room was to the east; to the west was the utility room with the back door. >x island It had a food preparation surface on top, and cabinets beneath it. >x fridge A cool piece of technology. Unfortunately it was switched off. It wasn't even making a sound. >open it I pulled both doors open--absolutely nothing in there. Not even a body. I slammed it closed. >x oven (the oven glove) One of my Mom's oven mitts. Good for handling hot shit. Besides, it was nice, thick and comfortable. >x window The window was dark. I couldn't see a thing out there. >e As I stepped out of the kitchen, I called out Anne's name again a couple of times. Still got no answer. Dining Room It was a very elegant, posh dining room, though small. Often we would have an overnight snack in here. But the decorations were gone, as was the table and chairs. It was like Anne had already picked up and left. The only signs of previous occupation were the marks that the furniture left in the carpet. The doorway to her sitting room was to the south. The way back to the kitchen was west. >x carpet I couldn't see any such thing. >s As I walked into Anne's spacious front sitting room, I called her name out again. "Anne! Are you here??" Got no answer. I was beginning to think that something friggin' wrong was going down. Or that I had seriously fucked up and she was asleep upstairs. And if I didn't high-tail it the fuck out of there, I would be an intruder. But something told me to keep looking, so I did.... Sitting Room Anne and I had many talks in this room, where she entertained her clients. She practically psycho-analyzed me in here. But now, all the furniture, the decorations, the bookshelves were gone. She must have hired a fast moving crew. It still had that feeling of class, elegance. But like the dining room, only indentations were left in the carpet remained. A large window looked out the front of the house; it was dark. The front door was in the foyer, to the west. The doorway to the dining room was to the north. >x window The window was huge and the view was picturesque during the day, but now I could see only darkness, the darker shades being the trees across the road. >w Foyer A nice little anteroom with Anne's huge panelled front door to the south; the door was closed. To the east was her sitting room; west was the game room. A stairway led up to the second floor. >s (first opening the huge front door) It seemed to be locked. >w I stepped into the game room; Anne wasn't there, either. Game Room Anne's pool table had been here. A dart board had been on the wall. She also had a pinball machine. But all of that was moved out. Anne was a pool shark and she would sometimes entertain her guests with a game. And relieve them of their extra money. I'd just come in here and play pool with her, just to watch her maneuver around the table and aim. That kept my cue straight; but my balls never dropped. I sucked at pool. Now it was just an empty room. I felt oddly calustrophobic, with the bare walls and unoccupied floor. To the west was the door to the downstairs bathroom; it was closed. The doorway into the foyer was east. >* sigh That's not a verb I recognize. >w (first opening the small door) I opened the door and looked into the bathroom. No one there. Small Bathroom All the usual stuff was here, except a bathtub. Toilet, sink, and mirror. Mainly a primp area for the guests. The door was to the east. >e Game Room Anne's pool table had been here. A dart board had been on the wall. She also had a pinball machine. But all of that was moved out. Anne was a pool shark and she would sometimes entertain her guests with a game. And relieve them of their extra money. I'd just come in here and play pool with her, just to watch her maneuver around the table and aim. That kept my cue straight; but my balls never dropped. I sucked at pool. Now it was just an empty room. I felt oddly calustrophobic, with the bare walls and unoccupied floor. To the west was the door to the downstairs bathroom; it was open. The doorway into the foyer was east. >e Foyer A nice little anteroom with Anne's huge panelled front door to the south; the door was closed. To the east was her sitting room; west was the game room. A stairway led up to the second floor. >u I ran up the stairs, shining my flashlight at the door up ahead, calling her name. "Anne! Anne are you up there?!" Still no answer. Now I was really starting to get worried. Landing This was a hallway that joined three rooms. A small door to the north led into the main bathroom; a narrow door to the east was the door to her private bedroom; and a broad door to the west was the door to what I called her 'client room'. The stairway went down from here. >n (first opening the bathroom door) I opened the door and looked into the bathroom. No one there. Elegant Bathroom Very spacious, and the walls were covered with streaked black marble. A large sink area with a mirror was on the east wall and next to a closed alcove that contained the toilet. An open shower area was on the west wall. Under the window on the north wall was a tub set into the black-tiled floor. It was truly a luxurious bathing area. But all of Anne's stuff had been cleared out of it; there was nothing on the sink top or near the tub. Not even a bar of soap. The door was to the south. >x mirror It almost spanned the wall. >x alcove It had a couple of swinging double-doors into a tiny closet, where there was a luxury commode with a black seat. There was no one in there. >x shower It was a tiled area with a drain and a shower fixture. The area around the drain was dry. >s Landing This was a hallway that joined three rooms. A small door to the north, which was open, led into the main bathroom; a narrow door to the east was the door to her private bedroom; and a broad door to the west was the door to what I called her 'client room'. The stairway went down from here. >w (first opening the broad door) I hesitated before I opened the door. I had never been in this room before. Anne never let me go into this room. It was like she was 'protecting' me from what she did for a living. But I felt like circumstances were frickin' extenuating enough for me to try it. I opened the door into the room. And she wasn't there. Large Bedroom This room was huge. I had no idea what had been in it. Whatever it was, it was moved out already. Anne never let me go into this room, as it was where she 'did her thing'. I imagine there were a few settees, probably a huge double-bed. Maybe an entertainment center. Who the hell knows? There were probably also curtains to cover up the large windows that occupied the north wall. The windows were now exposed, and dark. The door back out was to the east. >e Landing This was a hallway that joined three rooms. A small door to the north, which was open, led into the main bathroom; a narrow door to the east was the door to her private bedroom; and a broad door to the west, open, was the door to what I called her 'client room'. The stairway went down from here. >e (first opening the narrow door) I was very reluctant to try this room at the moment. Probably because it was so special to me, Anne's private bedroom. I felt like I needed to check some other places, first; I wanted to look out front, to see if her car was parked in the driveway. Just to be thorough. >s I couldn't go that way. >d Foyer A nice little anteroom with Anne's huge panelled front door to the south; the door was closed. To the east was her sitting room; west was the game room. A stairway led up to the second floor. >s (first opening the huge front door) It seemed to be locked. >unlock door I twisted the turnbutton and was about to pull the bolt, when I saw that it was already pulled...? Anne always used the bolt; did she forget tonight? The door was fully unlocked. >s (first opening the huge front door) I stepped out the front door. I kept silent because I didn't want to be heard calling her name. As I shined my flashlight around, I immediately noticed that Anne's car, a rather modest-looking sports car, was still in the frickin' driveway! Front Lawn I never ventured far from her front porch; nighttime was no fuckin' exception. Trees were all around, and there were no street lights. This porch was as long and wide as her back porch. A dirt driveway led out to the main road, going south. North was the door leading back in. Anne's sports car sat in the driveway. >x car I thought it was hot-looking, it was well-used, reliable and in otherwise good shape. Though I never rode in it. It was painted black. >look in car I shined my flashlight on and all around it. There was nothing unusual in the car, or on it. And it didn't show any signs of tampering, under it, that I could see. >n Foyer A nice little anteroom with Anne's huge panelled front door to the south; the door was hanging open. To the east was her sitting room; west was the game room. A stairway led up to the second floor. >close door I closed the huge front door. >u Landing This was a hallway that joined three rooms. A small door to the north, which was open, led into the main bathroom; a narrow door to the east was the door to her private bedroom; and a broad door to the west, open, was the door to what I called her 'client room'. The stairway went down from here. >e (first opening the narrow door) I hesitated before I opened the door, both afraid and hopeful that Anne might actually be in there, snoring away. Afraid because this whole intrusion into her house might be my biggest fuck-up; hopeful because at least I would know that she was not in danger. I eased the door open. When I heard nothing, I shined my flashlight into the room, and walked in. Anne wasn't there, either! The room was empty, with only a cot and a chair. Private Bedroom This room had a special place in my heart, for reasons that I won't friggin' go into. Let's just say that it was something very important that every young dude my age never forgets. But needless to say, her bed was gone; so was the vanity table with her mirror and beauty items. Even so, the room was much more cozy and comfortable than that larger bedroom where she ... well.... A cot was placed under a single window on the east wall, where the bed used to be; it was covered with a thick comforter and a large pillow. Next to the cot was the only other piece of furniture: a small chair, on which was placed her pink telephone. Probably the limit of what she could carry in her car. In the east wall was her closet, which was closed. The door to the hallway was to the west. >x cot It was your basic wood-frame cot that you could fold up and take camping. It was now covered with a comforter and a pillow. But it was neatly made-up, as if Anne had not yet slept on it. Though the pillow seemed a bit off-kilter. >x comforter It was very comfortable. I remembered it being on her bed. >x closer I couldn't see any such thing. >l Private Bedroom This room had a special place in my heart, for reasons that I won't friggin' go into. Let's just say that it was something very important that every young dude my age never forgets. But needless to say, her bed was gone; so was the vanity table with her mirror and beauty items. Even so, the room was much more cozy and comfortable than that larger bedroom where she ... well.... A cot was placed under a single window on the east wall, where the bed used to be; it was covered with a thick comforter and a large pillow. Next to the cot was the only other piece of furniture: a small chair, on which was placed her pink telephone. Probably the limit of what she could carry in her car. In the east wall was her closet, which was closed. The door to the hallway was to the west. >x closet It was a couple of folding doors. They were closed at the moment. >open it I pulled open the closet doors, and found Anne's circular hanging rack. It usually held about a hundred dresses--now it was empty. I guess she saw no need for it. Correction: it was empty, except for a single wire hanger. I plucked it off; somehow I felt that I needed it for something. >i I was carrying: a wire hanger a credit card a flashlight (providing light) my keyring my house key my locker key a green backpack (closed) my acoustic guitar (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. >x hanger Just a plain wire hanger. I was surprised that not all of her hangers were wood. >l Private Bedroom This room had a special place in my heart, for reasons that I won't friggin' go into. Let's just say that it was something very important that every young dude my age never forgets. But needless to say, her bed was gone; so was the vanity table with her mirror and beauty items. Even so, the room was much more cozy and comfortable than that larger bedroom where she ... well.... A cot was placed under a single window on the east wall, where the bed used to be; it was covered with a thick comforter and a large pillow. Next to the cot was the only other piece of furniture: a small chair, on which was placed her pink telephone. Probably the limit of what she could carry in her car. In the east wall was her closet, which was open, and I could see the rack on which she once hung hundreds of dresses; it was empty. The door to the hallway was to the west. >x chair Just the folding kind, and it had her pink telephone on it. >x phone It was her pink, touch-tone phone. >x pillow Big and comfortable. I loved putting my head on it. >look under pillow I picked up the pillow, and felt something flat and hard on the underside of it. I reached in, and pulled out a strange looking notebook! I put the pillow back down and straightened it. That's exactly what I did! I found a strange notebook. You earned 10 points for helping me remember! >x strange It was unmarked on the front. And it was thick. Out of respect for Anne, I did not try to read it. But I did flip through it. Lots and lots of writing. I expected to see names and numbers, and I did, near the back! I closed it, preferring to read no more. I've got enough pain to deal with. >read it It was an unmarked notebook that looked like it was a diary. I chose not to read it because I had enough pain to deal with and I still respected her privacy. >call anne Guess where I was. >l Private Bedroom This room had a special place in my heart, for reasons that I won't friggin' go into. Let's just say that it was something very important that every young dude my age never forgets. But needless to say, her bed was gone; so was the vanity table with her mirror and beauty items. Even so, the room was much more cozy and comfortable than that larger bedroom where she ... well.... A cot was placed under a single window on the east wall, where the bed used to be; it was covered with a thick comforter and a large pillow. Next to the cot was the only other piece of furniture: a small chair, on which was placed her pink telephone. Probably the limit of what she could carry in her car. In the east wall was her closet, which was open, and I could see the rack on which she once hung hundreds of dresses; it was empty. The door to the hallway was to the west. >* huh That's not a verb I recognize. >w Landing This was a hallway that joined three rooms. A small door to the north, which was open, led into the main bathroom; a narrow door to the east, which was open, was the door to her private bedroom; and a broad door to the west, open, was the door to what I called her 'client room'. The stairway went down from here. As soon as I had stepped out of the room, I heard the phone in her bedroom ring. I suddenly got a really friggin' creepy feeling about it. I wanted to run, but at the same time I felt like it had something to do with Anne, and I was really concerned about her. So I stood there and thought about it. I heard the phone ring again. >e Private Bedroom This room had a special place in my heart, for reasons that I won't friggin' go into. Let's just say that it was something very important that every young dude my age never forgets. But needless to say, her bed was gone; so was the vanity table with her mirror and beauty items. Even so, the room was much more cozy and comfortable than that larger bedroom where she ... well.... A cot was placed under a single window on the east wall, where the bed used to be; it was covered with a thick comforter and a large pillow. Next to the cot was the only other piece of furniture: a small chair, on which was placed her pink telephone. Probably the limit of what she could carry in her car. In the east wall was her closet, which was open, and I could see the rack on which she once hung hundreds of dresses; it was empty. The door to the hallway was to the west. There was a dead silence as I considered answering the phone. >answer phone I hesitantly picked up the phone, putting it to my ear. "Hell-o, Tom!" said an unfamiliar raspy voice, followed by a laugh. "I've got your little girlfriend! HA HA!" My fear was soon replaced by anger. "You let her go, you stupid fucking prick! Whoever you are!" The voice took a mockingly soothing tone. "Oooh, Tom, calm down. Cool your little feet. All is not lost. You just have to do me one little favor. Are you, like, 'down with it', like all your little friends like to say?" I didn't say a word, I was so scared and angry. "Okay. I take that as a 'yes'. I've been watching you, Tom. I know where you are." Please press SPACE to continue. He continued his rasping. "Your WHORE has a notebook. A very special one. I WANT IT. And when you find it, I want you to bring it to me. I want you to bring it ... ah ... over to the high school. Yes. Horace Lamb. But I won't be right out fucking front! You're going to have to find me. Somewhere on the campus. If it takes ALL FUCKING NIGHT!" More laughing. "Hope you can get in!" More chortling. I felt like slamming down the phone, but I wasn't going to do it if Anne was in danger. Please press SPACE to continue. "And before you try to figure out who the FUCK I am, remember, thousands of students have been through those halls. I could be one. Or NOT! I could be your best fucking friend, that stupid Will. Yes, I know you. But you don't know ME!" More senseless, crazy mirth. Please press SPACE to continue. He continued his nonsense. "OR, I could be one of her MANY clients, who spotted you sneaking into her WHOREHOUSE one day! You will NEVER KNOW! HA HA!" Please press SPACE to continue. His voice softened again. "What's wrong, Tom? You seem awfully quiet?" I blurted out, "Because I have nothing to FUCKING SAY TO YOU, YOU CREEPY PIECE OF SHIT!" "Oh, Tom, did I hurt your feelings?" he said, in that stupid soft voice. Then his voice hardened again. "Bring me that notebook. Bring it to me before sunrise. If I don't get it, SHE 'gets it'. And you know what I fucking mean. And if you try to involve the police, or anyone else, SAME THING! Do you 'get' ME?!" Please press SPACE to continue. After a pause he said, in a shrill voice, "And, I've got another little surprise for you when you find me! But you'll have to FIND ME, first! HA HA!" Without waiting for an answer, there was a click, and a moment later I heard tires squealing somewhere nearby. I put down the phone and looked out the window. But I couldn't see any smoke or anything. Please press SPACE to continue. I felt that I had no choice. I didn't want to call the police, for fear it might cost Anne her life. I had to bring this notebook to that creep. And I had to figure out how to find him once I got to the school. Please press SPACE to continue. Going back to school during Spring Break was so not in my plans. Private Bedroom This room had a special place in my heart, for reasons that I won't friggin' go into. Let's just say that it was something very important that every young dude my age never forgets. But needless to say, her bed was gone; so was the vanity table with her mirror and beauty items. Even so, the room was much more cozy and comfortable than that larger bedroom where she ... well.... A cot was placed under a single window on the east wall, where the bed used to be; it was covered with a thick comforter and a large pillow. Next to the cot was the only other piece of furniture: a small chair, on which was placed her pink telephone. Probably the limit of what she could carry in her car. In the east wall was her closet, which was open, and I could see the rack on which she once hung hundreds of dresses; it was empty. The door to the hallway was to the west. >* What's happening? That's not a verb I recognize. >save Ok. >w Landing This was a hallway that joined three rooms. A small door to the north, which was open, led into the main bathroom; a narrow door to the east, which was open, was the door to her private bedroom; and a broad door to the west, open, was the door to what I called her 'client room'. The stairway went down from here. >s I couldn't go that way. >d Foyer A nice little anteroom with Anne's huge panelled front door to the south; the door was closed. To the east was her sitting room; west was the game room. A stairway led up to the second floor. >s (first opening the huge front door) Front Lawn I never ventured far from her front porch; nighttime was no fuckin' exception. Trees were all around, and there were no street lights. This porch was as long and wide as her back porch. A dirt driveway led out to the main road, going south. North was the door leading back in. Anne's sports car sat in the driveway. >s No way. I didn't want to be seen leaving her house, going out to the main road. >drive car That's not a verb I recognize. >* ah well That's not a verb I recognize. >n Foyer A nice little anteroom with Anne's huge panelled front door to the south; the door was hanging open. To the east was her sitting room; west was the game room. A stairway led up to the second floor. >close door I closed the huge front door. >lock it I twisted the turnbutton and pushed the bolt into its socket. The door was locked. >w Game Room Anne's pool table had been here. A dart board had been on the wall. She also had a pinball machine. But all of that was moved out. Anne was a pool shark and she would sometimes entertain her guests with a game. And relieve them of their extra money. I'd just come in here and play pool with her, just to watch her maneuver around the table and aim. That kept my cue straight; but my balls never dropped. I sucked at pool. Now it was just an empty room. I felt oddly calustrophobic, with the bare walls and unoccupied floor. To the west was the door to the downstairs bathroom; it was open. The doorway into the foyer was east. >n I couldn't go that way. >e Foyer A nice little anteroom with Anne's huge panelled front door to the south; the door was closed. To the east was her sitting room; west was the game room. A stairway led up to the second floor. >n Landing This was a hallway that joined three rooms. A small door to the north, which was open, led into the main bathroom; a narrow door to the east, which was open, was the door to her private bedroom; and a broad door to the west, open, was the door to what I called her 'client room'. The stairway went down from here. >d Foyer A nice little anteroom with Anne's huge panelled front door to the south; the door was closed. To the east was her sitting room; west was the game room. A stairway led up to the second floor. >e Sitting Room Anne and I had many talks in this room, where she entertained her clients. She practically psycho-analyzed me in here. But now, all the furniture, the decorations, the bookshelves were gone. She must have hired a fast moving crew. It still had that feeling of class, elegance. But like the dining room, only indentations were left in the carpet remained. A large window looked out the front of the house; it was dark. The front door was in the foyer, to the west. The doorway to the dining room was to the north. >n Dining Room It was a very elegant, posh dining room, though small. Often we would have an overnight snack in here. But the decorations were gone, as was the table and chairs. It was like Anne had already picked up and left. The only signs of previous occupation were the marks that the furniture left in the carpet. The doorway to her sitting room was to the south. The way back to the kitchen was west. >w Anne's Kitchen This was a neat little kitchen with a food prep island in the middle of it. Now it looked so empty. All the utensils gone, no pots or pans anywhere. A refrigerator and oven occupied the south side; to the north was the sink and a window, now dark, looked out on the garden. The dining room was to the east; to the west was the utility room with the back door. >w Laundry Room Anne's washing machine and dryer were here, under a shelving unit that had her cleaning supplies. A doorway led into the pantry to the west, another one into the kitchen to the east. The back door, standing open, was to the north. >n Anne's Back Porch Spacious and highly decorated, with hanging plants and bird feeders. Steps led down to a path that went through her garden and ultimately to my place. A couple of chase lounges sat out here, astride her back door. >close door I closed the back door. >n I traced my way, through the woods, back to my back window. Behind Bungalo One advantage of having my bungalo up against the sticks: no one could see me going out the back window, and I love the woodsy smells. One disadvantage: the trees were thick as hell, and at night sometimes I needed a light source to navigate with. It's fine during the day, but dark at night. A path to the south took me to Anne's place; the window to my digs was to the north. I could see for a short distance out here, because of the outside light set up on the eaves over my window. >n Getting back in was trickier, because the window was higher above the ground than it was above the floor inside. I had to make a running jump, vaulting over the windowsill. The place shook as I hit the floor. I always hoped I didn't make too much damn noise. My Place Yep. My digs. Not too cavernous or shit, probably about as big as half a motel room. And everything within reach of the bed. Window on the south wall, which is open. My bed took up the east half of the room, my stereo set and closet, with a closed metal door, on the west side. You might have thought I put posters and crap on my walls, well I don't need shit like that. Rather against my wishes, my dad rigged up a telephone in here, fortunately a land line. I hate wireless. Oh, no john in here. I had to use the can in the house. Fuckin' bummer. And no clock. I didn't observe time out here. Mom would call me on my phone to wake me up mornings. Though it was night, light came in through the window, from an outside light set up on the eaves over it. It was handy and never disturbed my sleep. On the steel bed were my green pencil, my ripped notebook, Will's note and a receipt. >take all green pencil: Got it. ripped notebook: Got it. Will's note: Got it. receipt: (putting the keyring into the green backpack to make room) The green backpack was closed. >n (first opening the metal door) It seemed to be locked. >unlock door Which do you mean, the metal door or the bungalo closet door? >n I only understood you as far as wanting to unlock north. >n (first opening the metal door) It seemed to be locked. >unlock n You must name something more substantial. >unlock door Which do you mean, the metal door or the bungalo closet door? >metal I turned the knob and the button lock snapped unlocked. >n (first opening the metal door) I pushed open my door. I stepped out the door, and back into friggin' reality. Back Yard In the dim light from a nearby streetlight, I could see my bungalo. Good thing it was painted white. The door, to the south, had a single cinderblock step going up to it. It gave me a sense of 'getting off the ground', which I sort of liked. To the southeast, behind my shed, was the 'secret' trail through the trees that I often took to Anne's place. Northeast was the way I got here. >close door I shut the door to my place. >* feels like an extension to manage locking would make life simpler... That's not a verb I recognize. >n I stepped back out front of the house. My Front Yard Russel Street, from the west, ended just east of here, running into Virgil Road, which runs north-south. The front of my parents' house sported a number of awesome old trees, a large front deck, and an empty gravel driveway. Apparently, Mom and Dad took off early, and took both vehicles. My mom's flower beds occupied the space to either side of the deck. The steps up the deck were to the south; southwest was the trail around the house to my shack out back. Our rickety mailbox stood at the end of the driveway. Though it was night, I could see around me, given the streetlights that had come on at nightfall. >turn off flashlight I clicked the flashlight off. >e I saw no need to go out on Virgil Street at that time of night. >* I mean backup might be nice That's not a verb I recognize. >w Broad Field Here, the road went through a field of grass, leading east to the residential area which contained my parents' house and my bungalo. West, it led back to the school. To either side of the road was a large ditch. Streetlights guided me either way. >w I approached the school, still without a clue how to get back on the campus, much less find that jerk. Russel Street Lamb High sure looked different at night from during the day; the streetlights seemed to highlight the front fence and the gate, which did not blend in so well with the background school pavement as it had during the day. I could see the padlocked gate to the south--no hope of getting in through there. The fence stretched further west, along the road. East was the way back home. As I walked up, a torn piece of paper, which was stuck to the gate, blew off and landed at my feet. >x torn Hoping that this might be some clue about where the hell this creep was keeping Anne, I gave it a look. In blue ballpoint pen ink, and tall, child-like letters, it said-- PIZZA MAN MEET ME AT THE NEXT GATE--->(pointing, I guessed, to the west.) Was this a friggin' code, or was this really just an instruction to the pizza man? I DID want to see how I could get onto the campus. >take it (putting the keyring into the green backpack to make room) The green backpack was closed. >open backpack I opened the green backpack. >take note (the torn note) (putting the keyring into the green backpack to make room) Okay, I know that this wasn't MY backpack. But it was in my possession, so I took a liberty. I put the keyring into the backpack. Don't worry, I was going to take good care of it, and return it to its owner, at the soonest opportunity. Got it. >l Russel Street Lamb High sure looked different at night from during the day; the streetlights seemed to highlight the front fence and the gate, which did not blend in so well with the background school pavement as it had during the day. I could see the padlocked gate to the south--no hope of getting in through there. The fence stretched further west, along the road. East was the way back home. >x fence It completely surrounded the campus. All it needed was razor-wire along the top and the impression would be complete. >w Interesting the things you notice at night. Like how friggin' different your own school looks. As I walked along the fence I noticed another gate leading onto the campus. >x gate Like the main gate, this gate had an enormous padlock on it, on the other side. So no such luck picking it. >open gate It seemed to be locked. >climb it After the gate, I'd have about ten more feet of fence to climb. And I didn't want a police car to see me doing it. >w My current business was at the school; besides, I didn't see anyone further down the road waiting for me. >s (first opening the single gate) It seemed to be locked. >e Russel Street Lamb High sure looked different at night from during the day; the streetlights seemed to highlight the front fence and the gate, which did not blend in so well with the background school pavement as it had during the day. I could see the padlocked gate to the south--no hope of getting in through there. The fence stretched further west, along the road. East was the way back home. >s The gate was locked. >unlock gate It needed a key that I surely didn't have. >w Interesting the things you notice at night. Like how friggin' different your own school looks. As I walked along the fence I noticed another gate leading onto the campus. >knock on gate I wasn't going to draw attention to my presence. There has got to be a way to get in. >x gate Like the main gate, this gate had an enormous padlock on it, on the other side. So no such luck picking it. >x padlock Like the main gate, this gate had an enormous padlock on it, on the other side. So no such luck picking it. >open padlock It seemed to be locked. >s (first opening the single gate) It seemed to be locked. >w My current business was at the school; besides, I didn't see anyone further down the road waiting for me. >u I tried flapping my wings, with predictable results. >jump I jumped on the spot. >slip through gate That's not a verb I recognize. >l Lonely Gate A single gate, about as tall as me, was set into the fence to the south here. I noticed that this part of the fence was behind the two-story field house of my school's military training program, and outdoor equipment courses. Even in the streetlight, however, the building was entirely in shadow. The tree-lined road continued west, past the rollup door to the Auto Shop garage; the main gate to the school was east from here. >* Oh OK -- probably should print out this description! That's not a verb I recognize. >x door I couldn't see any such thing. >x garage I couldn't see any such thing. >w My current business was at the school; besides, I didn't see anyone further down the road waiting for me. >s (first opening the single gate) It seemed to be locked. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >shout What do you want to shout? >i I was carrying: a torn note Will's note my ripped notebook my green pencil Anne's diary a wire hanger a credit card a flashlight a green backpack (open) my keyring my house key my locker key my acoustic guitar (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. >hello There was no one there but me. >shout hello There was no one there but me. >play guitar I began slowly picking one of my favorite songs--Ricky Nelson's "Hello MaryLou". Immediately I felt more relaxed. >* with the oven glove no less That's not a verb I recognize. >l Lonely Gate A single gate, about as tall as me, was set into the fence to the south here. I noticed that this part of the fence was behind the two-story field house of my school's military training program, and outdoor equipment courses. Even in the streetlight, however, the building was entirely in shadow. The tree-lined road continued west, past the rollup door to the Auto Shop garage; the main gate to the school was east from here. >turn on flashlight I clicked the flashlight on. >l Lonely Gate A single gate, about as tall as me, was set into the fence to the south here. I noticed that this part of the fence was behind the two-story field house of my school's military training program, and outdoor equipment courses. Even in the streetlight, however, the building was entirely in shadow. The tree-lined road continued west, past the rollup door to the Auto Shop garage; the main gate to the school was east from here. >i I was carrying: a torn note Will's note my ripped notebook my green pencil Anne's diary a wire hanger a credit card a flashlight (providing light) a green backpack (open) my keyring my house key my locker key my acoustic guitar (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. >pick lock I couldn't see any such thing. >pick padlock What do you want to pick the single gate with? >hangar I couldn't see any such thing. >pick padlock with hanger But the lock was on the other side of the gate; there was no way I could jimmy it. >e Russel Street Lamb High sure looked different at night from during the day; the streetlights seemed to highlight the front fence and the gate, which did not blend in so well with the background school pavement as it had during the day. I could see the padlocked gate to the south--no hope of getting in through there. The fence stretched further west, along the road. East was the way back home. >pick padlock with hanger I certainly didn't have the key. >w I walked back along the fence to the other gate. >turn lock I couldn't see any such thing. >take padlock There was no frickin' way to carry that. >turn it It was fixed in place. >i I was carrying: a torn note Will's note my ripped notebook my green pencil Anne's diary a wire hanger a credit card a flashlight (providing light) a green backpack (open) my keyring my house key my locker key my acoustic guitar (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. >unbend hanger I untwisted the wire hanger, turning it into a long piece of wire. It might come in handy like that. >pick padlock with hanger But the lock was on the other side of the gate; there was no way I could jimmy it. >x gate Like the main gate, this gate had an enormous padlock on it, on the other side. So no such luck picking it. >l Lonely Gate A single gate, about as tall as me, was set into the fence to the south here. I noticed that this part of the fence was behind the two-story field house of my school's military training program, and outdoor equipment courses. Even in the streetlight, however, the building was entirely in shadow. The tree-lined road continued west, past the rollup door to the Auto Shop garage; the main gate to the school was east from here. >e Russel Street Lamb High sure looked different at night from during the day; the streetlights seemed to highlight the front fence and the gate, which did not blend in so well with the background school pavement as it had during the day. I could see the padlocked gate to the south--no hope of getting in through there. The fence stretched further west, along the road. East was the way back home. >x lock It was one of those long, tall, re-inforced gates that you can drive two cars through abreast when it's open. They secure it with a huge padlock. It's locked shut. >pick padlock with hanger I certainly didn't have the key. >* right that's why it's "picking" That's not a verb I recognize. >l Russel Street Lamb High sure looked different at night from during the day; the streetlights seemed to highlight the front fence and the gate, which did not blend in so well with the background school pavement as it had during the day. I could see the padlocked gate to the south--no hope of getting in through there. The fence stretched further west, along the road. East was the way back home. >u I tried flapping my wings, with predictable results. >e I walked east along the fence, past the rancid-smelling cafeteria back area, and then the trees, until they ended at a field, where the only feature was a ditch to either side of the road... Broad Field Here, the road went through a field of grass, leading east to the residential area which contained my parents' house and my bungalo. West, it led back to the school. To either side of the road was a large ditch. Streetlights guided me either way. >s I couldn't go that way. >u I tried flapping my wings, with predictable results. >n I couldn't go that way. >sw I couldn't go that way. >w I approached the school. Russel Street Lamb High sure looked different at night from during the day; the streetlights seemed to highlight the front fence and the gate, which did not blend in so well with the background school pavement as it had during the day. I could see the padlocked gate to the south--no hope of getting in through there. The fence stretched further west, along the road. East was the way back home. >n East was the way home; the locked gate of the school is to the south. >nw East was the way home; the locked gate of the school is to the south. >s The gate was locked. >w I walked back along the fence to the other gate. >n Only trees across the road. >nw Only trees across the road. >ne Only trees across the road. >sw Walking into the fence was hardly a way to get in. >w My current business was at the school; besides, I didn't see anyone further down the road waiting for me. >w My current business was at the school; besides, I didn't see anyone further down the road waiting for me. >se Walking into the fence was hardly a way to get in. >x fene I couldn't see any such thing. >x fence It completely surrounded the campus. All it needed was razor-wire along the top and the impression would be complete. >* is it like solid or chain-link or what? That's not a verb I recognize. >l Lonely Gate A single gate, about as tall as me, was set into the fence to the south here. I noticed that this part of the fence was behind the two-story field house of my school's military training program, and outdoor equipment courses. Even in the streetlight, however, the building was entirely in shadow. The tree-lined road continued west, past the rollup door to the Auto Shop garage; the main gate to the school was east from here. >x padlock Like the main gate, this gate had an enormous padlock on it, on the other side. So no such luck picking it. >x field house I couldn't see any such thing. >climb fence I had thought of that, but I didn't want to risk being seen by a police car. >climb gate After the gate, I'd have about ten more feet of fence to climb. And I didn't want a police car to see me doing it. >* I mean That's not a verb I recognize. >l Lonely Gate A single gate, about as tall as me, was set into the fence to the south here. I noticed that this part of the fence was behind the two-story field house of my school's military training program, and outdoor equipment courses. Even in the streetlight, however, the building was entirely in shadow. The tree-lined road continued west, past the rollup door to the Auto Shop garage; the main gate to the school was east from here. >x streetlight I couldn't see any such thing. >* Should be here? That's not a verb I recognize. >jump fence I only understood you as far as wanting to jump. >x rollup I couldn't see any such thing. >jump over fence I only understood you as far as wanting to jump. >l Lonely Gate A single gate, about as tall as me, was set into the fence to the south here. I noticed that this part of the fence was behind the two-story field house of my school's military training program, and outdoor equipment courses. Even in the streetlight, however, the building was entirely in shadow. The tree-lined road continued west, past the rollup door to the Auto Shop garage; the main gate to the school was east from here. >s (first opening the single gate) It seemed to be locked. >x trees I couldn't see any such thing. >e Russel Street Lamb High sure looked different at night from during the day; the streetlights seemed to highlight the front fence and the gate, which did not blend in so well with the background school pavement as it had during the day. I could see the padlocked gate to the south--no hope of getting in through there. The fence stretched further west, along the road. East was the way back home. >x trees Not interested in them as they were not in my way. >se East was the way home; the locked gate of the school is to the south. >e I walked east along the fence, past the rancid-smelling cafeteria back area, and then the trees, until they ended at a field, where the only feature was a ditch to either side of the road... Broad Field Here, the road went through a field of grass, leading east to the residential area which contained my parents' house and my bungalo. West, it led back to the school. To either side of the road was a large ditch. Streetlights guided me either way. >x ditch Empty. It hasn't rained worth shit the past two weeks. >s I couldn't go that way. >n I couldn't go that way. >ne I couldn't go that way. >e I walked east back home. Again. My Front Yard Russel Street, from the west, ended just east of here, running into Virgil Road, which runs north-south. The front of my parents' house sported a number of awesome old trees, a large front deck, and an empty gravel driveway. Apparently, Mom and Dad took off early, and took both vehicles. My mom's flower beds occupied the space to either side of the deck. The steps up the deck were to the south; southwest was the trail around the house to my shack out back. Our rickety mailbox stood at the end of the driveway. Though it was night, I could see around me, given the streetlights that had come on at nightfall. >n I was not interested in wandering into the yards of my neighbors. >e I saw no need to go out on Virgil Street at that time of night. >ne I was not interested in wandering into the yards of my neighbors. >nw I was not interested in wandering into the yards of my neighbors. >w Broad Field Here, the road went through a field of grass, leading east to the residential area which contained my parents' house and my bungalo. West, it led back to the school. To either side of the road was a large ditch. Streetlights guided me either way. >w I approached the school. Russel Street Lamb High sure looked different at night from during the day; the streetlights seemed to highlight the front fence and the gate, which did not blend in so well with the background school pavement as it had during the day. I could see the padlocked gate to the south--no hope of getting in through there. The fence stretched further west, along the road. East was the way back home. >s The gate was locked. >i I was carrying: a torn note Will's note my ripped notebook my green pencil Anne's diary a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a credit card a flashlight (providing light) a green backpack (open) my keyring my house key my locker key my acoustic guitar (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. >x wire It was once one of Anne's wire hangers. Now it's a handy tool for doing something. Maybe. >x diary It was an unmarked notebook that looked like it was a diary. I chose not to read it because I had enough pain to deal with and I still respected her privacy. >read it It was an unmarked notebook that looked like it was a diary. I chose not to read it because I had enough pain to deal with and I still respected her privacy. >w I walked back along the fence to the other gate. >s (first opening the single gate) It seemed to be locked. >x torn In blue ballpoint pen ink, and tall, child-like letters, it said-- PIZZA MAN MEET ME AT THE NEXT GATE--->(pointing, I guessed, to the west.) >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >shout What do you want to shout? >hell (to myself) Talking to myself was likely to prove unrewarding. >shout What do you want to shout? >hello There was no one there but me. >e Russel Street Lamb High sure looked different at night from during the day; the streetlights seemed to highlight the front fence and the gate, which did not blend in so well with the background school pavement as it had during the day. I could see the padlocked gate to the south--no hope of getting in through there. The fence stretched further west, along the road. East was the way back home. >e I walked east along the fence, past the rancid-smelling cafeteria back area, and then the trees, until they ended at a field, where the only feature was a ditch to either side of the road... Broad Field Here, the road went through a field of grass, leading east to the residential area which contained my parents' house and my bungalo. West, it led back to the school. To either side of the road was a large ditch. Streetlights guided me either way. >e I walked east back home. Again. My Front Yard Russel Street, from the west, ended just east of here, running into Virgil Road, which runs north-south. The front of my parents' house sported a number of awesome old trees, a large front deck, and an empty gravel driveway. Apparently, Mom and Dad took off early, and took both vehicles. My mom's flower beds occupied the space to either side of the deck. The steps up the deck were to the south; southwest was the trail around the house to my shack out back. Our rickety mailbox stood at the end of the driveway. Though it was night, I could see around me, given the streetlights that had come on at nightfall. >s I stepped up onto the deck of the house. On The Deck I was on my parents' front deck, and it was lit softly by light from streetlights which lined the road out front. The wood railing and nearly every spot on the deck was occupied by my Mom's colorful potted plants. Their deck chairs sat here astride the front door to the south, under an awning. A welcome mat lay on the floor at the door, which was closed. Almost at the door was a pizza box, laying open. >s (first opening the white front door) It seemed to be locked. >unlock door I was already carrying too much in my hands. I selected the house key from my keyring. I unlocked the front door with my key. >s (first opening the white front door) I pushed open the door to the house, and my nose was immediately assaulted with whatever cinnamon air freshener crap my mom used. Small Living Room As I said, the place was small. But it was cozy. Definitely good enough for Mom and Dad. It had central heating and air. Before me was all the usual living room stuff--a sofa, Dad's chair, TV set. No windows in here. Dad didn't like the idea of people lookin' in. Our kitchen was to the west; to the east was Mom and Dad's bedroom. The front door, which was hanging open, led back onto the deck to the north. >w Kitchenette All you need in a kitchen was here--fridge, oven, small table, pantry and sink. Unless you want a friggin' microwave. You'd have to go next door; we hate that shit. The one telephone in the trailer was on the north wall near the pantry. Next to that was the window over the sink. West was my Mom's project room (my old room); east was back to the living room. On the small table were a burnt pizza and Mom's note. >call snazzio's I couldn't get away with that again in a million years. >e Small Living Room As I said, the place was small. But it was cozy. Definitely good enough for Mom and Dad. It had central heating and air. Before me was all the usual living room stuff--a sofa, Dad's chair, TV set. No windows in here. Dad didn't like the idea of people lookin' in. Our kitchen was to the west; to the east was Mom and Dad's bedroom. The front door, which was hanging open, led back onto the deck to the north. >n On The Deck I was on my parents' front deck, and it was lit softly by light from streetlights which lined the road out front. The wood railing and nearly every spot on the deck was occupied by my Mom's colorful potted plants. Their deck chairs sat here astride the front door to the south, under an awning. A welcome mat lay on the floor at the door, which was hanging open Almost at the door was a pizza box, laying open. >s Small Living Room As I said, the place was small. But it was cozy. Definitely good enough for Mom and Dad. It had central heating and air. Before me was all the usual living room stuff--a sofa, Dad's chair, TV set. No windows in here. Dad didn't like the idea of people lookin' in. Our kitchen was to the west; to the east was Mom and Dad's bedroom. The front door, which was hanging open, led back onto the deck to the north. >w Kitchenette All you need in a kitchen was here--fridge, oven, small table, pantry and sink. Unless you want a friggin' microwave. You'd have to go next door; we hate that shit. The one telephone in the trailer was on the north wall near the pantry. Next to that was the window over the sink. West was my Mom's project room (my old room); east was back to the living room. On the small table were a burnt pizza and Mom's note. >call will I probably shouldn't involve anyone else in this. Plus, Anne needs me more than Will does. Let him get his own shit together tonight. >call jacky I couldn't remember a number worth shit, plus I'd prefer to know who I am calling. [Just type CALL (someone known) --no need to type a number.] >call jackie I wasn't going to call him until I was good and ready. The immediate situation seemed to dominate my attention. >call anne Anne is in the clutches of that creepy piece of shit. She's certainly not at home. >e Small Living Room As I said, the place was small. But it was cozy. Definitely good enough for Mom and Dad. It had central heating and air. Before me was all the usual living room stuff--a sofa, Dad's chair, TV set. No windows in here. Dad didn't like the idea of people lookin' in. Our kitchen was to the west; to the east was Mom and Dad's bedroom. The front door, which was hanging open, led back onto the deck to the north. >n On The Deck I was on my parents' front deck, and it was lit softly by light from streetlights which lined the road out front. The wood railing and nearly every spot on the deck was occupied by my Mom's colorful potted plants. Their deck chairs sat here astride the front door to the south, under an awning. A welcome mat lay on the floor at the door, which was hanging open Almost at the door was a pizza box, laying open. >w I couldn't go that way. >w I couldn't go that way. >n Duh, I wasn't about to leave the house with the front door open; I closed and locked the door. I stepped back down into the yard. My Front Yard Russel Street, from the west, ended just east of here, running into Virgil Road, which runs north-south. The front of my parents' house sported a number of awesome old trees, a large front deck, and an empty gravel driveway. Apparently, Mom and Dad took off early, and took both vehicles. My mom's flower beds occupied the space to either side of the deck. The steps up the deck were to the south; southwest was the trail around the house to my shack out back. Our rickety mailbox stood at the end of the driveway. Though it was night, I could see around me, given the streetlights that had come on at nightfall. >w Broad Field Here, the road went through a field of grass, leading east to the residential area which contained my parents' house and my bungalo. West, it led back to the school. To either side of the road was a large ditch. Streetlights guided me either way. >w I approached the school. Russel Street Lamb High sure looked different at night from during the day; the streetlights seemed to highlight the front fence and the gate, which did not blend in so well with the background school pavement as it had during the day. I could see the padlocked gate to the south--no hope of getting in through there. The fence stretched further west, along the road. East was the way back home. >x school I couldn't see any such thing. >s The gate was locked. >se East was the way home; the locked gate of the school is to the south. >x gate It was one of those long, tall, re-inforced gates that you can drive two cars through abreast when it's open. They secure it with a huge padlock. It's locked shut. >x fence It completely surrounded the campus. All it needed was razor-wire along the top and the impression would be complete. >x padlock It was one of those long, tall, re-inforced gates that you can drive two cars through abreast when it's open. They secure it with a huge padlock. It's locked shut. >i I was carrying: a torn note Will's note my ripped notebook my green pencil Anne's diary a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a credit card a flashlight (providing light) a green backpack (open) my keyring my house key my locker key my acoustic guitar (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. >write in notebook I added in notebook to my doodles. Though I was so careless and bored, it was unrecognizable and I soon forgot it was there. >l Russel Street Lamb High sure looked different at night from during the day; the streetlights seemed to highlight the front fence and the gate, which did not blend in so well with the background school pavement as it had during the day. I could see the padlocked gate to the south--no hope of getting in through there. The fence stretched further west, along the road. East was the way back home. >write on torn I added on torn to my doodles. Though I was so careless and bored, it was unrecognizable and I soon forgot it was there. >w I walked back along the fence to the other gate. >* hu That's not a verb I recognize. >l Lonely Gate A single gate, about as tall as me, was set into the fence to the south here. I noticed that this part of the fence was behind the two-story field house of my school's military training program, and outdoor equipment courses. Even in the streetlight, however, the building was entirely in shadow. The tree-lined road continued west, past the rollup door to the Auto Shop garage; the main gate to the school was east from here. >x garage I couldn't see any such thing. >x road I couldn't see any such thing. >w My current business was at the school; besides, I didn't see anyone further down the road waiting for me. >z Time passed. >x building I couldn't see any such thing. >l Lonely Gate A single gate, about as tall as me, was set into the fence to the south here. I noticed that this part of the fence was behind the two-story field house of my school's military training program, and outdoor equipment courses. Even in the streetlight, however, the building was entirely in shadow. The tree-lined road continued west, past the rollup door to the Auto Shop garage; the main gate to the school was east from here. >take all There were none at all available! >x padlock Like the main gate, this gate had an enormous padlock on it, on the other side. So no such luck picking it. >turn padlock It was fixed in place. >unlock padlock >* oops That's not a verb I recognize. >e Russel Street Lamb High sure looked different at night from during the day; the streetlights seemed to highlight the front fence and the gate, which did not blend in so well with the background school pavement as it had during the day. I could see the padlocked gate to the south--no hope of getting in through there. The fence stretched further west, along the road. East was the way back home. >unlock padlock It needed a key that I surely didn't have. >w I walked back along the fence to the other gate. >unlock padlock with wire But the lock was on the other side of the gate; there was no way I could jimmy it. >break gate I much prefer to make verbal attacks. >climb gate After the gate, I'd have about ten more feet of fence to climb. And I didn't want a police car to see me doing it. >i I was carrying: a torn note Will's note my ripped notebook my green pencil Anne's diary a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a credit card a flashlight (providing light) a green backpack (open) my keyring my house key my locker key my acoustic guitar (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. >lift gate with wire That's not a verb I recognize. >e Russel Street Lamb High sure looked different at night from during the day; the streetlights seemed to highlight the front fence and the gate, which did not blend in so well with the background school pavement as it had during the day. I could see the padlocked gate to the south--no hope of getting in through there. The fence stretched further west, along the road. East was the way back home. >* think I need a hint here That's not a verb I recognize. >hint > Introduction to The Incredibly Mild Misadventures of Tom Trundle Instructions for Play Credits Contacting the author Hints Introduction to The Incredibly Mild Misadventures of Tom Trundle > Instructions for Play Credits Contacting the author Hints Introduction to The Incredibly Mild Misadventures of Tom Trundle > Instructions for Play Credits Contacting the author Hints Introduction to The Incredibly Mild Misadventures of Tom Trundle Instructions for Play > Credits Contacting the author Hints Introduction to The Incredibly Mild Misadventures of Tom Trundle Instructions for Play > Credits Contacting the author Hints Introduction to The Incredibly Mild Misadventures of Tom Trundle Instructions for Play Credits > Contacting the author Hints Introduction to The Incredibly Mild Misadventures of Tom Trundle Instructions for Play Credits > Contacting the author Hints Introduction to The Incredibly Mild Misadventures of Tom Trundle Instructions for Play Credits Contacting the author > Hints Introduction to The Incredibly Mild Misadventures of Tom Trundle Instructions for Play Credits Contacting the author > Hints I would STRONGLY encourage you to try typing "THINK ABOUT (object, person, etc)", if you want a hint about anything in the game. Not ALL objects will need to be "seen" first, to be able to think about them meaningfully. Often the resulting thought will provide at least a gentle nudge in the right direction. Tom is really quite smarter than he sounds. But if a thought of something that Tom has seen is nothing more than "I couldn't think of anything pertinent about that at the time.", odds are that the object is not important (such as scenery, etc). If worse comes to worse, contact me at my email address, ragtimebill@outlook.com. Please press SPACE to continue. Introduction to The Incredibly Mild Misadventures of Tom Trundle Instructions for Play Credits Contacting the author > Hints Introduction to The Incredibly Mild Misadventures of Tom Trundle Instructions for Play Credits Contacting the author > Hints I would STRONGLY encourage you to try typing "THINK ABOUT (object, person, etc)", if you want a hint about anything in the game. Not ALL objects will need to be "seen" first, to be able to think about them meaningfully. Often the resulting thought will provide at least a gentle nudge in the right direction. Tom is really quite smarter than he sounds. But if a thought of something that Tom has seen is nothing more than "I couldn't think of anything pertinent about that at the time.", odds are that the object is not important (such as scenery, etc). If worse comes to worse, contact me at my email address, ragtimebill@outlook.com. Please press SPACE to continue. Introduction to The Incredibly Mild Misadventures of Tom Trundle Instructions for Play Credits Contacting the author > Hints Introduction to The Incredibly Mild Misadventures of Tom Trundle Instructions for Play Credits Contacting the author > Hints Russel Street Lamb High sure looked different at night from during the day; the streetlights seemed to highlight the front fence and the gate, which did not blend in so well with the background school pavement as it had during the day. I could see the padlocked gate to the south--no hope of getting in through there. The fence stretched further west, along the road. East was the way back home. >think about wire Now I might use it to pick particularly lame locks. But probably not padlocks. >think about padlock (the front gate) >think about front gate >w I walked back along the fence to the other gate. >think about other gate (the single gate) I wondered how the hell I was going to get in. I was not a master at picking padlocks. >think about other gate (the single gate) I wondered how the hell I was going to get in. I was not a master at picking padlocks. >think about fence I couldn't think of anything pertinent about that at the time. >think about key Which do you mean, the locker key or the house key? >house I couldn't think of anything pertinent about that at the time. >i I was carrying: a torn note Will's note my ripped notebook my green pencil Anne's diary a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a credit card a flashlight (providing light) a green backpack (open) my keyring my house key my locker key my acoustic guitar (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. >think about wire Now I might use it to pick particularly lame locks. But probably not padlocks. >think about glove It seemed to have some soundproofing qualities. In case I wanted to cover an ear. No telling what crap I might hear over the Break. >* umm OK That's not a verb I recognize. >think about credit card Well, I couldn't use it to order a pizza. >l Lonely Gate A single gate, about as tall as me, was set into the fence to the south here. I noticed that this part of the fence was behind the two-story field house of my school's military training program, and outdoor equipment courses. Even in the streetlight, however, the building was entirely in shadow. The tree-lined road continued west, past the rollup door to the Auto Shop garage; the main gate to the school was east from here. >think about fence I couldn't think of anything pertinent about that at the time. >think about gate (the single gate) I wondered how the hell I was going to get in. I was not a master at picking padlocks. >think about padlock (the single gate) I wondered how the hell I was going to get in. I was not a master at picking padlocks. >think about gate (the single gate) I wondered how the hell I was going to get in. I was not a master at picking padlocks. >think about school (Horace B Lamb High School) Horace High is 'okay'--which means probably no better or worse than other schools in this nation. We have a shitty cafeteria--like other schools--shitty busses, pervasive disrepair and what-not. You can do well or bad, according to your nature, and you can't blame it on the school--though there are many other things that the schools can do better at. Me, I'm just not cut out for compulsory education by a schedule. I ace every class I take, don't get me wrong, I just don't go in for reading and studying all the time. I'm here only because I have to be, otherwise I'd be occupying myself with other more worthy activities. Like playing my guitar, or listening to my stereo. Or getting a little female attention every now and then. Respectfully, of course. >think about anne Anne must be in danger! This creep has freakin' kidnapped her, and is holding her on campus...?? Or somewhere?? I could not think of what he must be planning to do to her. I thought I must comply and bring this notebook to him, and find him somehow. All my thoughts and feelings of anger towards Anne were forgotten. Now what I felt was FEAR, for her and FUCKING ANGER towards her assailant. >think about liz Gee, I didn't know that Liz was THAT much of a hottie! I guess I was kind of fooled by her school facade--the prim blouses buttoned up to her neck, the long skirts, the straight As and shit like that. Though I did sense a "bad girl" somewhere in there. But after this experience at her house, I'll never think the same of her again. But never mind that, now. I wondered how this thing with Will was going to play out..?? I kind of knew already. He had let this build up for about a month, now, and I thought it was going to crash big time. >think about will William Woolridge. He was my height, about six feet. Not a single ounce of fat, but also no damn muscle--although I can't talk. That was where the similarity ended. He had straight hair, about as straight as the rest of his body, which couldn't have been more than a hundred fuckin' twenty. But no freakin' confidence. Always nervous as hell. I'd been trying to teach him how to get out, and be comfortable in his own skin, be himself and not so stiff and uptight. He was stubborn as hell. Only this year did he start wearing his shirts loosely and stop wearing those stupid "clean-cut" western/country-assed shirts he always wore. But he still rides the bus home, when he could always walk with me, rather than ride with those dumb shits. And anxious. I hated how people always picked on him, talked shit about him that wasn't true, looked down on him and tripped him up. He was always wondering when he was going to get punked again. But at the same time, I wanted to encourage him to stand up for himself. He was just too damn nice. I can't kick ass worth shit, but I can raise hell, and no dumb fuck's gonna mess with Will when I'm around, but Will's got to have some kind of solid identity, some kind of backbone if he's going to get what he wants in life--and this includes women. I can't keep being his watchdog all his life. On the plus side, we grew up together and are interested in the same shit. And his sister is frickin' hot, and so is his mom, though she's a tight-assed bitch. >* this is nice That's not a verb I recognize. >* I mean I hadn't gotten to the last line when I wrote that That's not a verb I recognize. >think about unlocking I couldn't think of anything pertinent about that at the time. >think about entering school I couldn't think of anything pertinent about that at the time. >l Lonely Gate A single gate, about as tall as me, was set into the fence to the south here. I noticed that this part of the fence was behind the two-story field house of my school's military training program, and outdoor equipment courses. Even in the streetlight, however, the building was entirely in shadow. The tree-lined road continued west, past the rollup door to the Auto Shop garage; the main gate to the school was east from here. >hint > Introduction to The Incredibly Mild Misadventures of Tom Trundle Instructions for Play Credits Contacting the author Hints Introduction to The Incredibly Mild Misadventures of Tom Trundle > Instructions for Play Credits Contacting the author Hints Introduction to The Incredibly Mild Misadventures of Tom Trundle > Instructions for Play Credits Contacting the author Hints Introduction to The Incredibly Mild Misadventures of Tom Trundle Instructions for Play > Credits Contacting the author Hints Introduction to The Incredibly Mild Misadventures of Tom Trundle Instructions for Play > Credits Contacting the author Hints Introduction to The Incredibly Mild Misadventures of Tom Trundle Instructions for Play Credits > Contacting the author Hints Introduction to The Incredibly Mild Misadventures of Tom Trundle Instructions for Play Credits > Contacting the author Hints Introduction to The Incredibly Mild Misadventures of Tom Trundle Instructions for Play Credits Contacting the author > Hints Introduction to The Incredibly Mild Misadventures of Tom Trundle Instructions for Play Credits Contacting the author > Hints I would STRONGLY encourage you to try typing "THINK ABOUT (object, person, etc)", if you want a hint about anything in the game. Not ALL objects will need to be "seen" first, to be able to think about them meaningfully. Often the resulting thought will provide at least a gentle nudge in the right direction. Tom is really quite smarter than he sounds. But if a thought of something that Tom has seen is nothing more than "I couldn't think of anything pertinent about that at the time.", odds are that the object is not important (such as scenery, etc). If worse comes to worse, contact me at my email address, ragtimebill@outlook.com. Please press SPACE to continue. Introduction to The Incredibly Mild Misadventures of Tom Trundle Instructions for Play Credits Contacting the author > Hints Introduction to The Incredibly Mild Misadventures of Tom Trundle Instructions for Play Credits Contacting the author > Hints Lonely Gate A single gate, about as tall as me, was set into the fence to the south here. I noticed that this part of the fence was behind the two-story field house of my school's military training program, and outdoor equipment courses. Even in the streetlight, however, the building was entirely in shadow. The tree-lined road continued west, past the rollup door to the Auto Shop garage; the main gate to the school was east from here. >think about padlock (the single gate) I wondered how the hell I was going to get in. I was not a master at picking padlocks. >e Russel Street Lamb High sure looked different at night from during the day; the streetlights seemed to highlight the front fence and the gate, which did not blend in so well with the background school pavement as it had during the day. I could see the padlocked gate to the south--no hope of getting in through there. The fence stretched further west, along the road. East was the way back home. >think about padlock (the front gate) >think about fence I couldn't think of anything pertinent about that at the time. >i I was carrying: a torn note Will's note my ripped notebook my green pencil Anne's diary a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a credit card a flashlight (providing light) a green backpack (open) my keyring my house key my locker key my acoustic guitar (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. >think about diary That creep wants this notebook. I friggin' wondered why? It does have some important information, names and numbers...?? >think guitar I only understood you as far as wanting to think. >think about guitar People often think that they need to absolutely know how to play an instrument, and know all the written music to a song, to be able to play a guitar. Bullshit. I have all the music knowledge I need in my head. I just find the notes on the frets and strings. Before long I get to memorizing where they are, and now I can play any song I like. Except the school anthem. >think about pizza (the burnt pizza) I got some good, hot pizza. Now my burnt pizza could practically be used as a frisbee. >l Russel Street Lamb High sure looked different at night from during the day; the streetlights seemed to highlight the front fence and the gate, which did not blend in so well with the background school pavement as it had during the day. I could see the padlocked gate to the south--no hope of getting in through there. The fence stretched further west, along the road. East was the way back home. >t What do you want to t? >e There was no one there to talk to. >e I walked east along the fence, past the rancid-smelling cafeteria back area, and then the trees, until they ended at a field, where the only feature was a ditch to either side of the road... Broad Field Here, the road went through a field of grass, leading east to the residential area which contained my parents' house and my bungalo. West, it led back to the school. To either side of the road was a large ditch. Streetlights guided me either way. >e I walked east back home. Again. My Front Yard Russel Street, from the west, ended just east of here, running into Virgil Road, which runs north-south. The front of my parents' house sported a number of awesome old trees, a large front deck, and an empty gravel driveway. Apparently, Mom and Dad took off early, and took both vehicles. My mom's flower beds occupied the space to either side of the deck. The steps up the deck were to the south; southwest was the trail around the house to my shack out back. Our rickety mailbox stood at the end of the driveway. Though it was night, I could see around me, given the streetlights that had come on at nightfall. >s I stepped up onto the deck of the house. On The Deck I was on my parents' front deck, and it was lit softly by light from streetlights which lined the road out front. The wood railing and nearly every spot on the deck was occupied by my Mom's colorful potted plants. Their deck chairs sat here astride the front door to the south, under an awning. A welcome mat lay on the floor at the door, which was closed. Almost at the door was a pizza box, laying open. >s (first opening the white front door) It seemed to be locked. >take box (putting the credit card into the green backpack to make room) I tossed the credit card into the backpack. Got it. >unlock door I was already carrying too much in my hands. I selected the house key from my keyring. I unlocked the front door with my key. >s (first opening the white front door) I pushed open the door to the house, and my nose was immediately assaulted with whatever cinnamon air freshener crap my mom used. Small Living Room As I said, the place was small. But it was cozy. Definitely good enough for Mom and Dad. It had central heating and air. Before me was all the usual living room stuff--a sofa, Dad's chair, TV set. No windows in here. Dad didn't like the idea of people lookin' in. Our kitchen was to the west; to the east was Mom and Dad's bedroom. The front door, which was hanging open, led back onto the deck to the north. >e Though Mom and Dad were gone on vacation, I never made it my business to venture into their room. The sanctity of their bond, and all that. At any rate, the necessity had not arisen to do so. >w Kitchenette All you need in a kitchen was here--fridge, oven, small table, pantry and sink. Unless you want a friggin' microwave. You'd have to go next door; we hate that shit. The one telephone in the trailer was on the north wall near the pantry. Next to that was the window over the sink. West was my Mom's project room (my old room); east was back to the living room. On the small table were a burnt pizza and Mom's note. >take pizza (putting the wire hanger into the green backpack to make room) I tossed the wire hanger into the backpack. Got it. >e Small Living Room As I said, the place was small. But it was cozy. Definitely good enough for Mom and Dad. It had central heating and air. Before me was all the usual living room stuff--a sofa, Dad's chair, TV set. No windows in here. Dad didn't like the idea of people lookin' in. Our kitchen was to the west; to the east was Mom and Dad's bedroom. The front door, which was hanging open, led back onto the deck to the north. >n On The Deck I was on my parents' front deck, and it was lit softly by light from streetlights which lined the road out front. The wood railing and nearly every spot on the deck was occupied by my Mom's colorful potted plants. Their deck chairs sat here astride the front door to the south, under an awning. A welcome mat lay on the floor at the door, which was hanging open >w I couldn't go that way. >wn That's not a verb I recognize. >w I couldn't go that way. >n Duh, I wasn't about to leave the house with the front door open; I closed and locked the door. I stepped back down into the yard. My Front Yard Russel Street, from the west, ended just east of here, running into Virgil Road, which runs north-south. The front of my parents' house sported a number of awesome old trees, a large front deck, and an empty gravel driveway. Apparently, Mom and Dad took off early, and took both vehicles. My mom's flower beds occupied the space to either side of the deck. The steps up the deck were to the south; southwest was the trail around the house to my shack out back. Our rickety mailbox stood at the end of the driveway. Though it was night, I could see around me, given the streetlights that had come on at nightfall. >w Broad Field Here, the road went through a field of grass, leading east to the residential area which contained my parents' house and my bungalo. West, it led back to the school. To either side of the road was a large ditch. Streetlights guided me either way. >w I approached the school. Russel Street Lamb High sure looked different at night from during the day; the streetlights seemed to highlight the front fence and the gate, which did not blend in so well with the background school pavement as it had during the day. I could see the padlocked gate to the south--no hope of getting in through there. The fence stretched further west, along the road. East was the way back home. >s The gate was locked. >throw pizza Dropped. >take pizza Got it. >take box I was already carrying that. >i I was carrying: a burnt pizza a pizza box (open but empty) a torn note Will's note my ripped notebook my green pencil Anne's diary a flashlight (providing light) a green backpack (open) a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a credit card my keyring my house key my locker key my acoustic guitar (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. >think box I only understood you as far as wanting to think. >think about box (the pizza box) I couldn't think of anything pertinent about that at the time. >think about pizza (the burnt pizza) I got some good, hot pizza. Now my burnt pizza could practically be used as a frisbee. >l Russel Street Lamb High sure looked different at night from during the day; the streetlights seemed to highlight the front fence and the gate, which did not blend in so well with the background school pavement as it had during the day. I could see the padlocked gate to the south--no hope of getting in through there. The fence stretched further west, along the road. East was the way back home. >throw burnt Dropped. >l Russel Street Lamb High sure looked different at night from during the day; the streetlights seemed to highlight the front fence and the gate, which did not blend in so well with the background school pavement as it had during the day. I could see the padlocked gate to the south--no hope of getting in through there. The fence stretched further west, along the road. East was the way back home. I could see a burnt pizza here. >x pavement I couldn't see any such thing. >climb gate I had thought of that, but then I didn't want to risk being spotted by a police car. >w I walked back along the fence to the other gate. As I went up to the gate, I was startled by a short, stocky man on the other side. Was this the kidnapper?? I noticed he was in a school custodian uniform. "That was quick service!" he said, unlocking the gate. "Got my supreme pizza?" He had a high voice, nothing like what I heard on the phone. Seeing my opportunity, I closed the pizza box. "Yes, sir," I said. "That'll be six forty-eight," I told him, remembering the receipt from earlier. "You guys DID cook it the way I requested, didn't you?" he said, taking the box from me. He hefted the box a bit. "FUN-ny! It's the old empty pizza box trick. Won't work on me." He gave me the box back. "Come back when you have my pizza!" He turned around, relocked the gate and disappeared. Crap. Lonely Gate A single gate, about as tall as me, was set into the fence to the south here. I noticed that this part of the fence was behind the two-story field house of my school's military training program, and outdoor equipment courses. Even in the streetlight, however, the building was entirely in shadow. The tree-lined road continued west, past the rollup door to the Auto Shop garage; the main gate to the school was east from here. >* ah ha! That's not a verb I recognize. >e Russel Street Lamb High sure looked different at night from during the day; the streetlights seemed to highlight the front fence and the gate, which did not blend in so well with the background school pavement as it had during the day. I could see the padlocked gate to the south--no hope of getting in through there. The fence stretched further west, along the road. East was the way back home. I could see a burnt pizza here. >* I think that was reasonably clued but maybe a bit more of a nudge'd be good That's not a verb I recognize. >put pizza in box (first taking the burnt pizza) The pizza box was closed. >open box I opened the pizza box. >put pizza in box The burnt pizza seemed to fit the box just perfectly. Duh. >close box I closed the pizza box. >w I walked back along the fence to the other gate. As I went up to the gate, the short man reappeared. "Got my pizza this time?" he said, gravely. I almost felt like I had to start looking for another job. "Yes, sir," I said. "That'll be six forty-eight," I told him, remembering the receipt from earlier. "You guys DID cook it the way I requested, didn't you?" he said, taking the box from me. He hefted the box a bit, then opened it, sniffing at my burnt pizza. I was so hoping he would not open the box. "Ahhhh!" he muttered. "Nothing like a burnt supreme pizza, left somewhere to cool off! And uncut! How much do I owe ya? Oh yeah, six forty-eight as always. Here's a ten for ya, for getting it just perfect!" He handed me a ten dollar bill. "Get yourself a raise!" He patted me on the shoulder. "By the way, my name's Eddie! You'll probably be serving me a lot." Not me. "And thank ya very much!" he said, as he turned around, handling the box with both hands. He slammed the gate behind him with his foot. I guess, because he didn't have a free hand, he forgot to lock the padlock. I saw my chance. I waited a minute for his footsteps to disappear. Lonely Gate A single gate, about as tall as me, was set into the fence to the south here. I noticed that this part of the fence was behind the two-story field house of my school's military training program, and outdoor equipment courses. Even in the streetlight, however, the building was entirely in shadow. The tree-lined road continued west, past the rollup door to the Auto Shop garage; the main gate to the school was east from here. The padlock on the gate was unlocked. Just about anyone can friggin' go in, now. That's exactly what I did! I got someone else to take my burnt pizza. You earned 15 points for helping me remember! >* lucky break! That's not a verb I recognize. >s (first opening the single gate) I opened the gate slowly, trying not to make a sound. I stepped into the gate, and into the shadows. I let my eyes adjust to the new lighting situation. And to collect my freakin' thoughts. I was on the campus now. But where the hell do I need to go? I felt that I needed to be sure that that custodian who took my burnt pizza was not the kidnapper. Maybe that guy is working on this building, upstairs, and is holding Anne somewhere else? Outdoor Storage This was a carport-like area at the field house, the part of the building where my school held its classes on handling and fixing outdoor equipment. Now at night, all the stuff was locked away in a large storage unit, whose door was to the east; this low-roofed area, where I was, was now empty. To the south was the seemingly-infinite parking lot. To the west was the blank wall of the auto shop building. >take padlock There was no frickin' way to carry that. >l Outdoor Storage This was a carport-like area at the field house, the part of the building where my school held its classes on handling and fixing outdoor equipment. Now at night, all the stuff was locked away in a large storage unit, whose door was to the east; this low-roofed area, where I was, was now empty. To the south was the seemingly-infinite parking lot. To the west was the blank wall of the auto shop building. >x house The key to my bungalo out back. But also my parents' house. >x field house I couldn't see any such thing. >x unit It was a rollup garage-type door. It looked seriously locked. >x door It was a rollup garage-type door. It looked seriously locked. >unlock door It looked like I would need a key for that. >pick lock I couldn't see any such thing. >pick door What do you want to pick the storage door with? >wire (first taking the wire hanger) Got it. I couldn't even get the end of it into the keyhole. They sure don't make locks the way they used to. >l Outdoor Storage This was a carport-like area at the field house, the part of the building where my school held its classes on handling and fixing outdoor equipment. Now at night, all the stuff was locked away in a large storage unit, whose door was to the east; this low-roofed area, where I was, was now empty. To the south was the seemingly-infinite parking lot. To the west was the blank wall of the auto shop building. >w That was the auto shop building; the door was to the south of here. >s As I stepped into the parking lot, I heard a car pull up to the small gate. I hid behind a corner, in the shadows. Looking around it, I saw the same pizza guy from earlier, carrying another pizza box! He stood there for a minute, looking around, getting impatient and fidgeting. He said, "Is there anyone there? Mister, ah," looking at a receipt, "Ed? Mister Ed?" Of course there was no answer. "Well, I'm not going to stand here and wait. What a fucking evening," he muttered as he walked back to his car, screeching his frickin' tires as he pulled away. I'm glad I never went into pizza delivery. Never fuckin' will. >z Time passed. >s Field House Front The parking lot was lit dimly by lights here and there. Only a few cars, probably belonging to the custodians, were there. The tennis court, to one side of the field house, was to the northeast. A metal stairway led to the upper floor of the house. The door to the auto shop building was to the northwest; it was next to the storage area to the north, where I emerged. To the southeast was more parking lot, and beyond that, the gym and football field; the fence around the track was to the west and south. To the east were the main school buildings. >n Outdoor Storage This was a carport-like area at the field house, the part of the building where my school held its classes on handling and fixing outdoor equipment. Now at night, all the stuff was locked away in a large storage unit, whose door was to the east; this low-roofed area, where I was, was now empty. To the south was the seemingly-infinite parking lot. To the west was the blank wall of the auto shop building. >e (first opening the storage door) I bent over and tried to lift it, but the door would not budge. It probably would have made a lot of noise anyways. But I still felt I needed to get in there, somehow. >w That was the auto shop building; the door was to the south of here. >e (first opening the storage door) I bent over and tried to lift it, but the door would not budge. It probably would have made a lot of noise anyways. But I still felt I needed to get in there, somehow. >se The side of a building didn't look appealing. >sw The side of a building didn't look appealing. >nw The fence was unclimbable. >ne The fence was unclimbable. >n Lonely Gate A single gate, about as tall as me, was set into the fence to the south here. I noticed that this part of the fence was behind the two-story field house of my school's military training program, and outdoor equipment courses. Even in the streetlight, however, the building was entirely in shadow. The tree-lined road continued west, past the rollup door to the Auto Shop garage; the main gate to the school was east from here. The padlock on the gate was unlocked. Just about anyone can friggin' go in, now. >w My current business was at the school; besides, I didn't see anyone further down the road waiting for me. >s I stepped into the gate, and into the shadows. I let my eyes adjust to the new lighting situation. Outdoor Storage This was a carport-like area at the field house, the part of the building where my school held its classes on handling and fixing outdoor equipment. Now at night, all the stuff was locked away in a large storage unit, whose door was to the east; this low-roofed area, where I was, was now empty. To the south was the seemingly-infinite parking lot. To the west was the blank wall of the auto shop building. >s Field House Front The parking lot was lit dimly by lights here and there. Only a few cars, probably belonging to the custodians, were there. The tennis court, to one side of the field house, was to the northeast. A metal stairway led to the upper floor of the house. The door to the auto shop building was to the northwest; it was next to the storage area to the north, where I emerged. To the southeast was more parking lot, and beyond that, the gym and football field; the fence around the track was to the west and south. To the east were the main school buildings. >* Big map! That's not a verb I recognize. >* I'm a bit over an hour in, curious how much progress I've made (25% by the score...) You seem to want to talk to someone, but I can't see whom. >s I didn't feel right about wandering off, yet. I wanted to make absolutely sure that ol' Eddie was not the kidnapper. And I wanted to fully search the field house. >ne I stepped between the field house and the tall fence onto the tennis court. Tennis Court Our tennis court was lit by bulbs set along the top of the tall fences on the north and south sides. I guess that was in case someone tried to break into the sports storage door of the building to the west. But I certainly never saw any security cameras anywhere at this school. A short net spanned the court. To the east was the area of the lot in front of the main gate. A break between the fence and the building led out to the southwest whence I came. >x net It was just your usual tennis court net. Sagging there, uselessly. >take net I pulled at it and it sprung back. Yawn. >w (first opening the wide door) It seemed to be locked. >pick lock I couldn't see any such thing. >pick door What do you want to pick the wide door with? >wire I couldn't even get the end of it into the keyhole. They sure don't make locks the way they used to. >pick door What do you want to pick the wide door with? >card (first taking the credit card) I was already carrying too much in my hands. >l Tennis Court Our tennis court was lit by bulbs set along the top of the tall fences on the north and south sides. I guess that was in case someone tried to break into the sports storage door of the building to the west. But I certainly never saw any security cameras anywhere at this school. A short net spanned the court. To the east was the area of the lot in front of the main gate. A break between the fence and the building led out to the southwest whence I came. >i I was carrying: a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a ten-dollar bill a torn note Will's note my ripped notebook my green pencil Anne's diary a flashlight (providing light) a green backpack (open) a credit card my keyring my house key my locker key my acoustic guitar (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. >put all in backpack wire hanger: I tossed the wire hanger into the backpack. ten-dollar bill: I tossed the ten-dollar bill into the backpack. torn note: I tossed the torn note into the backpack. Will's note: I tossed Will's note into the backpack. ripped notebook: I tossed the ripped notebook into the backpack. green pencil: I tossed the green pencil into the backpack. Anne's diary: I tossed Anne's diary into the backpack. flashlight: I tossed the flashlight into the backpack. >take flashlight Got it. >take hanger Got it. >take card Got it. >pick door with card That didn't seem to fit the lock. >l Tennis Court Our tennis court was lit by bulbs set along the top of the tall fences on the north and south sides. I guess that was in case someone tried to break into the sports storage door of the building to the west. But I certainly never saw any security cameras anywhere at this school. A short net spanned the court. To the east was the area of the lot in front of the main gate. A break between the fence and the building led out to the southwest whence I came. >e I was not quite ready to go wandering off. I wanted to finish searching the field house first. >w (first opening the wide door) It seemed to be locked. >sw Field House Front The parking lot was lit dimly by lights here and there. Only a few cars, probably belonging to the custodians, were there. The tennis court, to one side of the field house, was to the northeast. A metal stairway led to the upper floor of the house. The door to the auto shop building was to the northwest; it was next to the storage area to the north, where I emerged. To the southeast was more parking lot, and beyond that, the gym and football field; the fence around the track was to the west and south. To the east were the main school buildings. >nw The auto shop building was closed and locked for the week. I had no idea how I was going to get in and search it. >w I didn't feel right about wandering off, yet. I wanted to make absolutely sure that ol' Eddie was not the kidnapper. And I wanted to fully search the field house. >sw I didn't feel right about wandering off, yet. I wanted to make absolutely sure that ol' Eddie was not the kidnapper. And I wanted to fully search the field house. >s I didn't feel right about wandering off, yet. I wanted to make absolutely sure that ol' Eddie was not the kidnapper. And I wanted to fully search the field house. >se I didn't feel right about wandering off, yet. I wanted to make absolutely sure that ol' Eddie was not the kidnapper. And I wanted to fully search the field house. >e I didn't feel right about wandering off, yet. I wanted to make absolutely sure that ol' Eddie was not the kidnapper. And I wanted to fully search the field house. >u I grabbed the rail and began my slow, silent ascent upwards. This was the military area; my association with anything so regulated was tense to begin with. Will almost took this route, and for the wrong reason--he wanted to "prove himself" to his dad. I told him he should screw it, and just become what he needed to be. Probably saved his life. The door was open and I stepped in. Strangely, all the lights were on. Eddie was probably still at work. JROTC Hall Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps, as it is known in many high schools. I called this Just ROTten to the Core Hall. But that was just my thing--I knew that we needed the military in our present world. I just didn't agree with how it was being used at the time. The east and west walls were covered with pictures of cadets, officers, plaques, and awards of all kinds. Open doorways led east and west. A blue pannelled door, closed, was to the northwest. To the north was a closed red door. The stairway led down back to the parking lot. I heard the sound of a television set coming from the door to the north. At the same time, I could hear a phone ring from the direction of the blue door. >* surprisingly political That's not a verb I recognize. >x picutres I couldn't see any such thing. >nw (first opening the blue panelled door) Surprisingly, the door was unlocked. A black telephone, on the desk inside, was ringing. I stepped quietly into the office. CO Office Apparently this was the office of the Commanding Officer of my school's JROTC unit. He had a funny name, like Colonel Penobscot or something like that, I don't know. The room had a stiff officiousness about it that I found hard to take. His desk was in the center of the room, with some flags behind it. His black telephone was on the desk. The door back out to the hall was encouragingly to the southeast. The phone on the desk rang. >answer phone For a moment, I really, crazily thought that this was the kidnapper trying to get through to me. Which gave me every reason to answer the phone. I picked it up. In a weak voice, I said, "Hello?" The voice on the other end said, "This is Snazzio's Pizza, is this Ed? Ed....Esselbach?" In my best high voice, I said, "Yeah, this is Ed!" "Yes, Ed, ah, our delivery guy says he tried to deliver your pizza, but you weren't at the location when he went by." Getting an idea, I said, "Yeah, well I waited there for ten minutes, and he didn't show." The other voice hesitated for a moment, and then said, "Well, he DID have other deliveries to make before that, and this HAS been a busy night for all of us. We're very sorry, sir. He's still pretty much in the area. We'll have him re-deliver the pizza, and don't worry, this will be on the house. No charge!" "Frick..." I almost said, in my real voice, "Awesome!" returning to the high voice, "You guys are excellent! Thank you!" "Not a problem. You have a wonderful weekend!" When I hung up, I realized that I would just be getting back another burnt pizza. But it might be useful for something. >* This is a surprisngly pizza-centric game That's not a verb I recognize. > I beg your pardon? > I beg your pardon? >; That's not a verb I recognize. >; That's not a verb I recognize. >l CO Office Apparently this was the office of the Commanding Officer of my school's JROTC unit. He had a funny name, like Colonel Penobscot or something like that, I don't know. The room had a stiff officiousness about it that I found hard to take. His desk was in the center of the room, with some flags behind it. His black telephone was on the desk. The door back out to the hall was encouragingly to the southeast. >x desk It was made of steel and full of drawers. >x flags One was a US flag; another the flag of the US Army; the third was the school's flag, which was just basically our colors--brown and white. Like a horse and a lamb. >x drawers I couldn't see any such thing. >open des I couldn't see any such thing. >open desk All the drawers were locked, and I was sure that there was nothing on or in the desk that interested me, unless Colonel Penwhoever had something to do with Anne's disappearance. >l CO Office Apparently this was the office of the Commanding Officer of my school's JROTC unit. He had a funny name, like Colonel Penobscot or something like that, I don't know. The room had a stiff officiousness about it that I found hard to take. His desk was in the center of the room, with some flags behind it. His black telephone was on the desk. The door back out to the hall was encouragingly to the southeast. I heard a muffled sound, like something hitting a fence, and the screeching of car tires. >se JROTC Hall Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps, as it is known in many high schools. I called this Just ROTten to the Core Hall. But that was just my thing--I knew that we needed the military in our present world. I just didn't agree with how it was being used at the time. The east and west walls were covered with pictures of cadets, officers, plaques, and awards of all kinds. Open doorways led east and west. A blue pannelled door was to the northwest. To the north was a closed red door. The stairway led down back to the parking lot. I heard the sound of a television set coming from the door to the north. >x awards Pictures of top cadets, past and present; group pictures of the rifle team, orienteering, drill team; chain of command portraits going from the battalion commander all the way up to President Reagan; plaques for this, awards for that; a bulletin board about activities. I heard the sound of a television set coming from the door to the north. >w Military Classroom Just like any other classroom I had been in. Except the motif was a military one, which I won't go into, here. Nothing here was interesting to me, except the doorway, which was to the east. >e JROTC Hall Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps, as it is known in many high schools. I called this Just ROTten to the Core Hall. But that was just my thing--I knew that we needed the military in our present world. I just didn't agree with how it was being used at the time. The east and west walls were covered with pictures of cadets, officers, plaques, and awards of all kinds. Open doorways led east and west. A blue pannelled door was to the northwest. To the north was a closed red door. The stairway led down back to the parking lot. I heard the sound of a television set coming from the door to the north. >e Rifle Range If I understood it correctly, this huge room was used for practicing marksmanship, a skill that every cadet had to learn. Targets would be placed at the south end, and pellet rifles would be used by cadets in various positions at the north end of the room. This room was also used to teach drill with fake weapons. I know this because I saw pictures of it in the yearbook. Those cadets would do some fancy shit during our school parades and other events. A large window at the north end of the room looked into another room; I guess this was where students and instructors could watch what was going on on the range. A doorway led west into the hall. Someone left one of those fake rifles, lying in the middle of the floor. I could just barely hear the sound of a television set coming from the north. >x window That window looked into another classroom, where there were student desks; but when I went up to the window for a closer look, I could also see the teacher's desk, where I saw Eddie sitting, with his back to me. He was watching a classroom television set, probably using the VCR under it, and munching on the burnt pizza I had brought him, from the pizza box laying open on the desk. A set of keys was also laying on the desk, beside the box. Though Eddie was super-focused on his TV program, I stepped away before he could see me. Luckily, or not, I could not see Anne anywhere in the room. I could just barely hear the sound of a television set coming from the north. >take rifle Though it was so totally alien to my nature, I took up the weapon. I could just barely hear the sound of a television set coming from the north. >x it White, hard plastic with a piece of fake metal barrel at one end, and a metal cover on the stock, so that it claps the pavement hard when they do those fancy drill moves with it. It had a canvas strap for wearability. I could just barely hear the sound of a television set coming from the north. >n There was no way to open that window. It was too fuckin' big to do that, anyway. I could just barely hear the sound of a television set coming from the north. >w JROTC Hall Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps, as it is known in many high schools. I called this Just ROTten to the Core Hall. But that was just my thing--I knew that we needed the military in our present world. I just didn't agree with how it was being used at the time. The east and west walls were covered with pictures of cadets, officers, plaques, and awards of all kinds. Open doorways led east and west. A blue pannelled door was to the northwest. To the north was a closed red door. The stairway led down back to the parking lot. I heard the sound of a television set coming from the door to the north. >n (first opening the red panelled door) I thought I probably should knock, first...?? I heard the sound of a television set coming from the door to the north. >save Ok. >knock on door Which do you mean, the blue panelled door or the red panelled door? >red Eddie had seen me, delivering his pizza. I thought maybe if I had something in my hands, to trade off for his keys? Maybe he would like another pizza?? I heard the sound of a television set coming from the door to the north. >* umm, maybe You seem to want to talk to someone, but I can't see whom. >s I couldn't go that way. I heard the sound of a television set coming from the door to the north. >d Field House Front The parking lot was lit dimly by lights here and there. Only a few cars, probably belonging to the custodians, were there. The tennis court, to one side of the field house, was to the northeast. A metal stairway led to the upper floor of the house. The door to the auto shop building was to the northwest; it was next to the storage area to the north, where I emerged. To the southeast was more parking lot, and beyond that, the gym and football field; the fence around the track was to the west and south. To the east were the main school buildings. >n Outdoor Storage This was a carport-like area at the field house, the part of the building where my school held its classes on handling and fixing outdoor equipment. Now at night, all the stuff was locked away in a large storage unit, whose door was to the east; this low-roofed area, where I was, was now empty. To the south was the seemingly-infinite parking lot. To the west was the blank wall of the auto shop building. >n Lonely Gate A single gate, about as tall as me, was set into the fence to the south here. I noticed that this part of the fence was behind the two-story field house of my school's military training program, and outdoor equipment courses. Even in the streetlight, however, the building was entirely in shadow. The tree-lined road continued west, past the rollup door to the Auto Shop garage; the main gate to the school was east from here. The padlock on the gate was unlocked. Just about anyone can friggin' go in, now. Lying in the middle of the road was another burnt pizza, much like the one I gave to Eddie. Another pizza box was lying on the ground, open, near the gate. >take box Got it. >take burnt I picked the burnt pizza up off of the road. It was hard as a rock. That's exactly what I did! I got another free pizza....though it was burnt again, which might be useful. You earned 10 points for helping me remember! >put burnt in box The burnt pizza seemed to fit the box just perfectly. Duh. >close box I closed the pizza box. >s I stepped into the gate, and into the shadows. I let my eyes adjust to the new lighting situation. Outdoor Storage This was a carport-like area at the field house, the part of the building where my school held its classes on handling and fixing outdoor equipment. Now at night, all the stuff was locked away in a large storage unit, whose door was to the east; this low-roofed area, where I was, was now empty. To the south was the seemingly-infinite parking lot. To the west was the blank wall of the auto shop building. >u I tried flapping my wings, with predictable results. >s Field House Front The parking lot was lit dimly by lights here and there. Only a few cars, probably belonging to the custodians, were there. The tennis court, to one side of the field house, was to the northeast. A metal stairway led to the upper floor of the house. The door to the auto shop building was to the northwest; it was next to the storage area to the north, where I emerged. To the southeast was more parking lot, and beyond that, the gym and football field; the fence around the track was to the west and south. To the east were the main school buildings. >u I grabbed the rail and began my slow, silent ascent upwards. This was the military area; my association with anything so regulated was tense to begin with. The door was open and I stepped in. JROTC Hall Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps, as it is known in many high schools. I called this Just ROTten to the Core Hall. But that was just my thing--I knew that we needed the military in our present world. I just didn't agree with how it was being used at the time. The east and west walls were covered with pictures of cadets, officers, plaques, and awards of all kinds. Open doorways led east and west. A blue pannelled door was to the northwest. To the north was a closed red door. The stairway led down back to the parking lot. I heard the sound of a television set coming from the door to the north. >n (first opening the red panelled door) I thought I probably should knock, first...?? I heard the sound of a television set coming from the door to the north. >knock on red With the pizza box in hand, and loaded with yet another burnt pizza, I knocked on the door. Immediately, the television was turned way down. As the door came open, I heard Eddie say, "Hey George, I was just taking a break and--". Then his eyes screwed up. "You...??" Then he slapped his head. "I must have forgot to lock that stupid gate." I almost told him that he won a bonus pizza, but that didn't seem like the kind of thing to say when you want to borrow his set of keys for a minute. So I had to think fast. Suddenly, I had an idea. "Um, Mister, Ed, Eddie? I am a student here, and I just remembered that I might have left a very important project in the machine storage room downstairs. If I give you this--well-cooked--pizza, for FREE!, would you be willing to loan me your set of keys for a minute?" Eddie thought for only one second. "Hey dude, I'll go you one better. Two better. I will let you have my spare set of keys, and you can keep the pizza--if you will lock the small gate for me, and not tell my co-workers about it? You can return the keys to me later. Also, I won't tell a soul you're here on campus. I didn't see nothin', you didn't see nothin'! Sound like a deal?" He gave me his spare set from his pocket. I fuckin' lucked out. But probably only for this building. But whatever. I took the keys, and he gave me a wink. He closed the door, it clicked locked, and the TV sound went up again. I heard the sound of a television set coming from the door to the north. That's exactly what I did! I got a spare set of keys for nothing. You earned 5 points for helping me remember! >save Ok. >d Field House Front The parking lot was lit dimly by lights here and there. Only a few cars, probably belonging to the custodians, were there. The tennis court, to one side of the field house, was to the northeast. A metal stairway led to the upper floor of the house. The door to the auto shop building was to the northwest; it was next to the storage area to the north, where I emerged. To the southeast was more parking lot, and beyond that, the gym and football field; the fence around the track was to the west and south. To the east were the main school buildings. >n Outdoor Storage This was a carport-like area at the field house, the part of the building where my school held its classes on handling and fixing outdoor equipment. Now at night, all the stuff was locked away in a large storage unit, whose door was to the east; this low-roofed area, where I was, was now empty. To the south was the seemingly-infinite parking lot. To the west was the blank wall of the auto shop building. >e (first opening the storage door) I bent over and tried to lift it, but the door would not budge. It probably would have made a lot of noise anyways. But I still felt I needed to get in there, somehow. >unlock door It looked like I would need a key for that. >i I was carrying: some spare keys a pizza box (closed) a drill rifle a credit card a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a flashlight (providing light) a green backpack (open) Anne's diary my green pencil my ripped notebook Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill my keyring my house key my locker key my acoustic guitar (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. >x spare There were four keys on this ring. My thought was that I would just try each one on each lock until I got the right one. Or not. >unlock door with spare I tried each key on the ring until I found the one that snapped the little lock at the bottom open. >e (first opening the storage door) I bent over and tried to lift it, but the door would not budge. I thought I had unlocked it. It must be stuck. Fuckin' bummer. Maybe there was another way into that storage space? It probably would have made a lot of noise anyways. >s Field House Front The parking lot was lit dimly by lights here and there. Only a few cars, probably belonging to the custodians, were there. The tennis court, to one side of the field house, was to the northeast. A metal stairway led to the upper floor of the house. The door to the auto shop building was to the northwest; it was next to the storage area to the north, where I emerged. To the southeast was more parking lot, and beyond that, the gym and football field; the fence around the track was to the west and south. To the east were the main school buildings. >ne I stepped between the field house and the tall fence onto the tennis court. Tennis Court Our tennis court was lit by bulbs set along the top of the tall fences on the north and south sides. I guess that was in case someone tried to break into the sports storage door of the building to the west. But I certainly never saw any security cameras anywhere at this school. A short net spanned the court. To the east was the area of the lot in front of the main gate. A break between the fence and the building led out to the southwest whence I came. >unlock door I looked like I'd need a key for that. >unlock door with spare I tried each key until I found the correct one, which clicked the lock open. >* lot of key business That's not a verb I recognize. >w (first opening the wide door) I slowly pulled the door open. The hinges creaked. I stepped anxiously into the storage room. Sports Storage Room I knew from PE that this room must have been full of stuff, but I didn't know that it was such a fuckin' mess. Cans of tennis balls, tennis rackets, baseball bats, gloves, balls, padding, nets were piled everywhere here, against the black tar walls. I was surprised that none of it fell out when I opened the door. An outdoor basketball hoop, set on casters, was against the west wall. East was the way back out to the tennis court. >x stuff Just a bunch of uninteresting sports crap. >search stuff I moved some of the stuff, but it only revealed more of the same. Which I felt I had no need of. >w I couldn't go that way. >n I couldn't go that way. >nw I couldn't go that way. >sw I couldn't go that way. >n I couldn't go that way. >s I couldn't go that way. >l Sports Storage Room I knew from PE that this room must have been full of stuff, but I didn't know that it was such a fuckin' mess. Cans of tennis balls, tennis rackets, baseball bats, gloves, balls, padding, nets were piled everywhere here, against the black tar walls. I was surprised that none of it fell out when I opened the door. An outdoor basketball hoop, set on casters, was against the west wall. East was the way back out to the tennis court. >x walls I couldn't see any such thing. >x hoop I found it curious that this thing was here. Though it WAS an outdoor hoop. I guess because there didn't seem to be any basketballs here. >push hoop e I wasn't just going to push that around. >push hoop As I got closer to the hoop, I noticed a small black door behind it. It was hard to see against the black tar of the walls; I never knew it was there. I wondered what it would lead into? I heaved the hoop aside to unblock the door. That's exactly what I did! I unblocked a hidden door. You earned 5 points for helping me remember! >open hidden I couldn't see any such thing. >l Sports Storage Room I knew from PE that this room must have been full of stuff, but I didn't know that it was such a fuckin' mess. Cans of tennis balls, tennis rackets, baseball bats, gloves, balls, padding, nets were piled everywhere here, against the black tar walls. I was surprised that none of it fell out when I opened the door. An outdoor basketball hoop, set on casters, was next to a small black door in the west wall. East was the way back out to the tennis court. >w (first opening the small black door) The door squeaked a bit as it opened. Machine Storage Lots of lawn care and heavy campus equipment was kept here; as were the many inventions of my fellow students. Sadly, it was totally lost on me. The rollup door leading outside to the small gate was to the west; the door I came in from was to the east. What was not lost on me was the crumpled piece of paper, left on one of the riding mowers. Its large red letters got my attention. >* logical puzzle That's not a verb I recognize. >x equipment Lots of non-descript metal machinery. >x mowers Lots of non-descript metal machinery. >x crumpled In red sharpie, readable only because it was so large, it read-- HELLO TOM OR, SHOULD I SAY, FUMBLE! DID YOU REALLY THINK I WAS STUPID ENOUGH TO HIDE SO CLOSE TO THE GATE? HA HA YOU'RE NOT FRUSTRATED, ARE YOU? WELL TOUGH TITTIES! SPEAKING OF WHICH, I'VE GOT YOUR WHORE ALL TIED UP. SO TO SPEAK! IS SHE WITH ME? MAYBE! I KNOW YOU DISLIKE ANYTHING THAT TAKES EFFORT, SO I'LL HELP YOU OUT A BIT. MEET ME AT THE TOP OF THE BLEACHERS, AND WE'LL DECIDE WHAT TO DO, NEXT. YOUR OLD(?) FRIEND. The bleachers, hunh? Did that mean he was at the gym? Or the football field? And which side? Shit. Well, he said 'fumble'--that must mean the football field!? And he might not have Anne with him? Well, my only way of knowing where she was seemed to be to go ahead and fuckin' face him. At the field. >e Sports Storage Room I knew from PE that this room must have been full of stuff, but I didn't know that it was such a fuckin' mess. Cans of tennis balls, tennis rackets, baseball bats, gloves, balls, padding, nets were piled everywhere here, against the black tar walls. I was surprised that none of it fell out when I opened the door. An outdoor basketball hoop, set on casters, was next to a small black door in the west wall. East was the way back out to the tennis court. >e Tennis Court Our tennis court was lit by bulbs set along the top of the tall fences on the north and south sides. I guess that was in case someone tried to break into the sports storage door of the building to the west. But I certainly never saw any security cameras anywhere at this school. A short net spanned the court. To the east was the area of the lot in front of the main gate. A break between the fence and the building led out to the southwest whence I came. >save Ok. >s I could not walk through the fence. >sw Field House Front The parking lot was lit dimly by lights here and there. Only a few cars, probably belonging to the custodians, were there. The tennis court, to one side of the field house, was to the northeast. A metal stairway led to the upper floor of the house. The door to the auto shop building was to the northwest; it was next to the storage area to the north, where I emerged. To the southeast was more parking lot, and beyond that, the gym and football field; the fence around the track was to the west and south. To the east were the main school buildings. >se I walked out into the parking lot. I made my way towards the football field, across the parking lot. School Parking I stood in the middle of the school parking lot, lit here and there by white street lights. I could see only the outlines of a few cars here, probably belonging to custodians. Or just abandoned. Whatever. To the northwest was the field house, where I first came onto the campus; to the north was the main gate. East was the porch in front of the study hall, in Middle Hall; northeast and southeast were the two courtyards to either side of it. To the south was the back gate, and the entrance to the gym and track. To the west and southwest was the tall fence around the track. >s Gridiron Entrance I was in another lighted part of the lot, with a few cars, working and abandoned, parked here and there. Another huge gate to the south was closed over a driveway--which was the back way off of the campus. To the west, through another small gate, was my school's football field and track. East was the side-door into the gym, which was closed. The way back to the main parking lot was north. Oddly, the small gate onto the field was open. >x gate Which do you mean, the small gate or the huge gate? >small It was much like the one I came in through--human-sized and bordered by the tall fence--except it was one of those that would lock if you closed it--no padlock. But oddly, it was swinging open. Could the kidnapper have left it open for me? I wondered what he may have had in store for me--he probably wanted to fuckin' watch me suffer. >w I stepped into the gate, and onto the track, which runs around the football field. I was startled by a jogger, going around the curve. "Hey, Tom! Having a nice night? I really love zee tlack at night! Don't you?" It was Mr Zimmermann, the German teacher. He took off northward before I could say anything. I saw a bulge in one of his pockets, and it was jingling and jostling around as he ran; a flash of metal told me that it held his keys. Of course, he couldn't be the kidnapper, not with that accent. Or could he?? This kind of fuckin' thinking made me crazy. Track, southeast I stood on the southeast curve of my school's six-lane track, which encircled our football field, and stretched westward, curving to the north from here. The field was bathed in lights, which topped the very tall fence; as they were focused on the field, I could hardly see anything that might be on or in the bleachers. To the southwest was the steps up into the south side bleachers. The north side bleachers were, of course, to the north. The field loomed to the northwest. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann had passed me, making his way around the curve going north. >* more keys That's not a verb I recognize. >sw I climbed the steps up into the bleachers. South Side Bleachers, lower level I was surrounded by bleachers in all directions. I could see the north side bleachers, across the field; they were absolutely blank. Steps went up this center aisle, up to the top, where I saw the announcer's booth. The exit back to the track was northeast from here. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was completing the eastern curve of the track, going northward. >u I climbed the steps up to the top of the bleachers, where I saw absolutely friggin' nothing. I started to stomp back down in absolute rage, when it occurred to me that that creep could be in the announcer's booth, watching me fret and loving it. I had to figure out how to get in. Or I could try the top of the bleachers on the other side, though they looked utterly empty. South Side Bleachers, top level The field lights gleamed off of the hundreds of bleachers that were below me, northwards; an aisle of steps led down to the lower level. The door to the announcer's booth was on the south wall, flanked by broad windows. The door was closed. On the wall next to the door was what looked like an electronic sensor. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was starting on the north stretch of the track, going westward. >x booth The booth door was narrow, but heavy-looking, and painted black. It was closed. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was going westward along the north stretch of the track. > I beg your pardon? >x sensor It looked like a little black plate with a tiny hole near the bottom and a readout over it. The readout said, 'LOCKED'. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was now in the northwest section of the track, going westward. >l South Side Bleachers, top level The field lights gleamed off of the hundreds of bleachers that were below me, northwards; an aisle of steps led down to the lower level. The door to the announcer's booth was on the south wall, flanked by broad windows. The door was closed. On the wall next to the door was what looked like an electronic sensor. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was about to reach the west end of the track, going southward. >put wire in hole I couldn't see any such thing. >put wire in sensor Abstract art was not my bag. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was rounding the west end of the track, going southward. >i I was carrying: some spare keys a pizza box (closed) a drill rifle a credit card a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a flashlight (providing light) a green backpack (open) Anne's diary my green pencil my ripped notebook Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill my keyring my house key my locker key my acoustic guitar (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was completing the west curve of the track, turning eastward. >* fair enough That's not a verb I recognize. >l South Side Bleachers, top level The field lights gleamed off of the hundreds of bleachers that were below me, northwards; an aisle of steps led down to the lower level. The door to the announcer's booth was on the south wall, flanked by broad windows. The door was closed. On the wall next to the door was what looked like an electronic sensor. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was now on the south side of the track, jogging eastward. >x zimmermann Zigmund 'Ziggy' Zimmerman. He was the German teacher at my school. Today he was wearing shorts, sneakers and a blue teeshirt. He was sweating it out, jogging around the track. He needed to, with that paunch. I found it kind of amusing to see his midriff moving side-to-side, hear his keys jingling in tandem as he huffed and watch his lanky legs stride. A large bald head, glasses and thick dark facial hair completed the picture. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was now jogging eastward along the south stretch of the track. >l South Side Bleachers, top level The field lights gleamed off of the hundreds of bleachers that were below me, northwards; an aisle of steps led down to the lower level. The door to the announcer's booth was on the south wall, flanked by broad windows. The door was closed. On the wall next to the door was what looked like an electronic sensor. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was beginning to turn northward, going along the eastern curve of the track. >* I guess we'll need to trip him or something That's not a verb I recognize. >d I skipped down the steps back to the center. South Side Bleachers, lower level I was surrounded by bleachers in all directions. I could see the north side bleachers, across the field; they were absolutely blank. Steps went up this center aisle, up to the top, where I saw the announcer's booth. The exit back to the track was northeast from here. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was now making the turn along the east end of the track, moving northward. >d I skipped down the steps and stepped back down onto the track. Track, southeast I stood on the southeast curve of my school's six-lane track, which encircled our football field, and stretched westward, curving to the north from here. The field was bathed in lights, which topped the very tall fence; as they were focused on the field, I could hardly see anything that might be on or in the bleachers. To the southwest was the steps up into the south side bleachers. The north side bleachers were, of course, to the north. The field loomed to the northwest. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann had passed me, making his way around the curve going north. >w I would have liked to walk the track, but exploring the bleachers seemed to be a priority. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was completing the eastern curve of the track, going northward. >nw There was no way I was going to cross the field diagonally, just to get to the other bleachers; going north seemed a better choice for that. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was starting on the north stretch of the track, going westward. >n I walked along the track towards the other bleachers on the north side. Track, northeast The exact reflection of the other side, except for the announcer's booth, which was at the top of the south side. This side, we had only the bleachers, whose steps were to the northwest. The track came here from the west, and curved around to the south towards the gate I came in from. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was rounding the west end of the track, going southward. >x bleachers Which do you mean, the north side bleachers or the south side bleachers? >north I could really only see the steps up into them and the bleachers nearby. I stepped back and saw only bleachers in the dim light, all the way to the top. There was no announcer's booth on that side, like on the south side. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was completing the west curve of the track, turning eastward. >x south bleachers I stepped back and saw a darkened building set in the center at the top. As this side is the "Home"--my school's--side of the field, that building must be the announcer's booth, where the announcer and reporters watched the game. I noted that the bleachers on the other side did not have a building like that. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was now on the south side of the track, jogging eastward. >n I took a look in the area under the bleachers--just a lot of posts and not much light. I didn't see anything unusual. I stepped back out. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was now jogging eastward along the south stretch of the track. >u I climbed the steps into the bleachers, walking westward towards the other end, searching around and looking upwards. I saw nothing, no kidnapper, no Anne. But I had not yet gotten up to the top. Then I walked the steps up the center aisle, to the exact middle of the bleachers. North Side Bleachers, lower level I was surrounded by bleachers in all directions. I could see the south side bleachers, across the field; the announcer's building there was dark in the glare of the surrounding lights. Steps went up this center aisle, up to the top. The exit back to the track was southeast from here. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was beginning to turn northward, going along the eastern curve of the track. >u I climbed the steps up to the top of the bleachers, where I saw absolutely nothing. Not even another stupid note. I thought maybe I should somehow check the announcer's booth. North Side Bleachers, top level I stood in the center of the top level, above a mountain of metal bleachers, and an aisle of steps leading downward. I could see the dark area at the top of the bleachers on the other side of the field, which was the announcer's booth. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was now making the turn along the east end of the track, moving northward. >d I skipped down the steps back to the center. North Side Bleachers, lower level I was surrounded by bleachers in all directions. I could see the south side bleachers, across the field; the announcer's building there was dark in the glare of the surrounding lights. Steps went up this center aisle, up to the top. The exit back to the track was southeast from here. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was now going around the eastern curve of the track. >d I skipped down the steps and stepped back down onto the track. Track, northeast The exact reflection of the other side, except for the announcer's booth, which was at the top of the south side. This side, we had only the bleachers, whose steps were to the northwest. The track came here from the west, and curved around to the south towards the gate I came in from. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was passing me, going along the curve, turning westward. >talk to zimmermann Ziggy gave me a smiling nod as he passed. Mr Zimmermann had passed me, turning westward along the track. >ask zimmermann for keys (the spare keys) It didn't look like he could offer that to me. Mr Zimmermann was jogging away from me, going westward. >take keys (the keyring) Got it. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was now in the northwest section of the track, going westward. >x zimmermann Zigmund 'Ziggy' Zimmerman. He was the German teacher at my school. Today he was wearing shorts, sneakers and a blue teeshirt. He was sweating it out, jogging around the track. He needed to, with that paunch. I found it kind of amusing to see his midriff moving side-to-side, hear his keys jingling in tandem as he huffed and watch his lanky legs stride. A large bald head, glasses and thick dark facial hair completed the picture. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was about to reach the west end of the track, going southward. >take all There were none at all available! >g There were none at all available! >g There were none at all available! >z Time passed. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was rounding the west end of the track, going southward. >g Time passed. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was completing the west curve of the track, turning eastward. >x track I couldn't see any such thing. >i I was carrying: my keyring my house key my locker key some spare keys a pizza box (closed) a drill rifle a credit card a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a flashlight (providing light) a green backpack (open) Anne's diary my green pencil my ripped notebook Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill my acoustic guitar (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was now on the south side of the track, jogging eastward. >z Time passed. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was now jogging eastward along the south stretch of the track. >z Time passed. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was beginning to turn northward, going along the eastern curve of the track. >trip zimmermann That's not a verb I recognize. >z Time passed. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was now making the turn along the east end of the track, moving northward. >z Time passed. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was approaching me, coming around the curve northward. I could see his pocket, probably full of keys, bouncing up and down as he huffed. >push zimmermann I much prefer to make verbal attacks. Mr Zimmermann was passing me, going along the curve, turning westward. >talk to zimmermann Ziggy gave me a smiling nod as he passed. Mr Zimmermann had passed me, turning westward along the track. >undo Track, northeast [Previous turn undone.] >undo Track, northeast [Previous turn undone.] >i I was carrying: my keyring my house key my locker key some spare keys a pizza box (closed) a drill rifle a credit card a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a flashlight (providing light) a green backpack (open) Anne's diary my green pencil my ripped notebook Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill my acoustic guitar (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. Mr Zimmermann was passing me, going along the curve, turning westward. >shoot rifle What do you want to shoot the drill rifle at? >zimmermann Though I was amused at the thought of pretending to shoot Mr Zimmermann, actually doing so might be freakin' uncool. Mr Zimmermann had passed me, turning westward along the track. >* Just scare him a bit! That's not a verb I recognize. >l Track, northeast The exact reflection of the other side, except for the announcer's booth, which was at the top of the south side. This side, we had only the bleachers, whose steps were to the northwest. The track came here from the west, and curved around to the south towards the gate I came in from. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was jogging away from me, going westward. >i I was carrying: my keyring my house key my locker key some spare keys a pizza box (closed) a drill rifle a credit card a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a flashlight (providing light) a green backpack (open) Anne's diary my green pencil my ripped notebook Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill my acoustic guitar (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was now in the northwest section of the track, going westward. >put rifle on track I couldn't see any such thing. >drop rifle Dropped. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was about to reach the west end of the track, going southward. >z Time passed. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was rounding the west end of the track, going southward. >z Time passed. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was completing the west curve of the track, turning eastward. >z Time passed. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was now on the south side of the track, jogging eastward. >z Time passed. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was now jogging eastward along the south stretch of the track. >z Time passed. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was beginning to turn northward, going along the eastern curve of the track. >z Time passed. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was now making the turn along the east end of the track, moving northward. >z Time passed. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was approaching me, coming around the curve northward. I could see his pocket, probably full of keys, bouncing up and down as he huffed. >take keys (Ziggy's gym keys) I wasn't very good at shit like that. Mr Zimmermann was passing me, going along the curve, turning westward. >x gym keys As they were in his pocket, they were hard to see. Likely, they were not on the same ring as his own personal keys. Mr Zimmermann had passed me, turning westward along the track. >take all drill rifle: Got it. Ziggy's gym keys: I wasn't very good at shit like that. Mr Zimmermann was jogging away from me, going westward. >l Track, northeast The exact reflection of the other side, except for the announcer's booth, which was at the top of the south side. This side, we had only the bleachers, whose steps were to the northwest. The track came here from the west, and curved around to the south towards the gate I came in from. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was now in the northwest section of the track, going westward. > I beg your pardon? >i I was carrying: a drill rifle my keyring my house key my locker key some spare keys a pizza box (closed) a credit card a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a flashlight (providing light) a green backpack (open) Anne's diary my green pencil my ripped notebook Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill my acoustic guitar (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was about to reach the west end of the track, going southward. >think about gym keys I wondered if there was some way to get those keys from Ziggy. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was rounding the west end of the track, going southward. >* sigh That's not a verb I recognize. >think about rifle I guess it could be mistaken for a real weapon, from a distance...?? Also it has a heavy stock. It could probably smack the shit out of things. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was completing the west curve of the track, turning eastward. >hit ziggy with rifle There was no way I was going to catch up with him on the track. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was now on the south side of the track, jogging eastward. >* I mean this seems mean That's not a verb I recognize. >hit ziggy with rifle There was no way I was going to catch up with him on the track. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was now jogging eastward along the south stretch of the track. >hit ziggy with rifle There was no way I was going to catch up with him on the track. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was beginning to turn northward, going along the eastern curve of the track. >hit ziggy with rifle There was no way I was going to catch up with him on the track. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was now making the turn along the east end of the track, moving northward. >hit ziggy with rifle There was no way I was going to catch up with him on the track. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was approaching me, coming around the curve northward. I could see his pocket, probably full of keys, bouncing up and down as he huffed. >hit ziggy with rifle How totally freakin' uncool. I wasn't psychotic. Mr Zimmermann was passing me, going along the curve, turning westward. > I beg your pardon? >* whew That's not a verb I recognize. >i I was carrying: a drill rifle my keyring my house key my locker key some spare keys a pizza box (closed) a credit card a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a flashlight (providing light) a green backpack (open) Anne's diary my green pencil my ripped notebook Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill my acoustic guitar (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. Mr Zimmermann had passed me, turning westward along the track. >play guitar I began slowly picking one of my favorite songs--Ricky Nelson's "Hello MaryLou". Immediately I felt more relaxed. Mr Zimmermann was jogging away from me, going westward. >g I began slowly picking one of my favorite songs--Ricky Nelson's "Hello MaryLou". Immediately I felt more relaxed. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was now in the northwest section of the track, going westward. >g I began slowly picking one of my favorite songs--Ricky Nelson's "Hello MaryLou". Immediately I felt more relaxed. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was about to reach the west end of the track, going southward. >g I began slowly picking one of my favorite songs--Ricky Nelson's "Hello MaryLou". Immediately I felt more relaxed. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was rounding the west end of the track, going southward. >g I began slowly picking one of my favorite songs--Ricky Nelson's "Hello MaryLou". Immediately I felt more relaxed. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was completing the west curve of the track, turning eastward. >g I began slowly picking one of my favorite songs--Ricky Nelson's "Hello MaryLou". Immediately I felt more relaxed. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was now on the south side of the track, jogging eastward. >g I began slowly picking one of my favorite songs--Ricky Nelson's "Hello MaryLou". Immediately I felt more relaxed. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was now jogging eastward along the south stretch of the track. >g I began slowly picking one of my favorite songs--Ricky Nelson's "Hello MaryLou". Immediately I felt more relaxed. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was beginning to turn northward, going along the eastern curve of the track. >g I began slowly picking one of my favorite songs--Ricky Nelson's "Hello MaryLou". Immediately I felt more relaxed. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was now making the turn along the east end of the track, moving northward. >g I began slowly picking one of my favorite songs--Ricky Nelson's "Hello MaryLou". Immediately I felt more relaxed. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was approaching me, coming around the curve northward. I could see his pocket, probably full of keys, bouncing up and down as he huffed. >g I began slowly picking one of my favorite songs--Ricky Nelson's "Hello MaryLou". Immediately I felt more relaxed. Mr Zimmermann was passing me, going along the curve, turning westward. >g I began slowly picking one of my favorite songs--Ricky Nelson's "Hello MaryLou". Immediately I felt more relaxed. Mr Zimmermann had passed me, turning westward along the track. >hint booth I only understood you as far as wanting to hint. >think about booth It looked like it had an electronic locking system, probably connected to the sensor next to it. Mr Zimmermann was jogging away from me, going westward. >think about sensor I wondered what could trip this sensor? Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was now in the northwest section of the track, going westward. >s I walked along the track towards the other bleachers on the south side. Track, southeast I stood on the southeast curve of my school's six-lane track, which encircled our football field, and stretched westward, curving to the north from here. The field was bathed in lights, which topped the very tall fence; as they were focused on the field, I could hardly see anything that might be on or in the bleachers. To the southwest was the steps up into the south side bleachers. The north side bleachers were, of course, to the north. The field loomed to the northwest. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was now on the south side of the track, jogging eastward. >s I took a look in the area under the bleachers--just a lot of posts and not much light. I didn't see anything unusual. I stepped back towards the gate. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was approaching me from the west. >u I climbed the steps up into the bleachers. South Side Bleachers, lower level I was surrounded by bleachers in all directions. I could see the north side bleachers, across the field; they were absolutely blank. Steps went up this center aisle, up to the top, where I saw the announcer's booth. The exit back to the track was northeast from here. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was beginning to turn northward, going along the eastern curve of the track. >look under bleachers Which do you mean, the north side bleachers or the south side bleachers? >north I was not in a good position to do that. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was now making the turn along the east end of the track, moving northward. >look under south (the south side bleachers) I was not in a good position to do that. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was now going around the eastern curve of the track. >d I skipped down the steps and stepped back down onto the track. Track, southeast I stood on the southeast curve of my school's six-lane track, which encircled our football field, and stretched westward, curving to the north from here. The field was bathed in lights, which topped the very tall fence; as they were focused on the field, I could hardly see anything that might be on or in the bleachers. To the southwest was the steps up into the south side bleachers. The north side bleachers were, of course, to the north. The field loomed to the northwest. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was completing the eastern curve of the track, going northward. >look under south (the south side bleachers) I took a look in the area under the bleachers--just a lot of posts and not much light. I didn't see anything unusual. I stepped back towards the gate. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was starting on the north stretch of the track, going westward. >n I walked along the track towards the other bleachers on the north side. Track, northeast The exact reflection of the other side, except for the announcer's booth, which was at the top of the south side. This side, we had only the bleachers, whose steps were to the northwest. The track came here from the west, and curved around to the south towards the gate I came in from. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was rounding the west end of the track, going southward. >n I took a look in the area under the bleachers--just a lot of posts and not much light. I didn't see anything unusual. I stepped back out. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was completing the west curve of the track, turning eastward. >look under north (the north side bleachers) I took a look in the area under the bleachers--just a lot of posts and not much light. I didn't see anything unusual. I stepped back out. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was now on the south side of the track, jogging eastward. >s I walked along the track towards the other bleachers on the south side. Mr Zimmermann caught up with me and was passing me as I walked. Track, southeast I stood on the southeast curve of my school's six-lane track, which encircled our football field, and stretched westward, curving to the north from here. The field was bathed in lights, which topped the very tall fence; as they were focused on the field, I could hardly see anything that might be on or in the bleachers. To the southwest was the steps up into the south side bleachers. The north side bleachers were, of course, to the north. The field loomed to the northwest. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann had passed me, making his way around the curve going north. >s I took a look in the area under the bleachers--just a lot of posts and not much light. I didn't see anything unusual. I stepped back towards the gate. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was completing the eastern curve of the track, going northward. >u I climbed the steps up into the bleachers. South Side Bleachers, lower level I was surrounded by bleachers in all directions. I could see the north side bleachers, across the field; they were absolutely blank. Steps went up this center aisle, up to the top, where I saw the announcer's booth. The exit back to the track was northeast from here. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was starting on the north stretch of the track, going westward. >u I climbed the steps up to the top of the bleachers, approaching the announcer's booth. South Side Bleachers, top level The field lights gleamed off of the hundreds of bleachers that were below me, northwards; an aisle of steps led down to the lower level. The door to the announcer's booth was on the south wall, flanked by broad windows. The door was closed. On the wall next to the door was what looked like an electronic sensor. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was going westward along the north stretch of the track. >u I couldn't get any higher than this without chemical assistance. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was now in the northwest section of the track, going westward. >u I couldn't get any higher than this without chemical assistance. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was about to reach the west end of the track, going southward. >x sensor It looked like a little black plate with a tiny hole near the bottom and a readout over it. The readout said, 'LOCKED'. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was rounding the west end of the track, going southward. >x hole I couldn't see any such thing. >x plate It looked like a little black plate with a tiny hole near the bottom and a readout over it. The readout said, 'LOCKED'. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was completing the west curve of the track, turning eastward. >open sensor It wasn't something I could open. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was now on the south side of the track, jogging eastward. >pick sensor What do you want to pick the electronic sensor with? >i I was carrying: a drill rifle my keyring my house key my locker key some spare keys a pizza box (closed) a credit card a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a flashlight (providing light) a green backpack (open) Anne's diary my green pencil my ripped notebook Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill my acoustic guitar (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was now jogging eastward along the south stretch of the track. >pick sensor What do you want to pick the electronic sensor with? >wire It was a sensor, not a keyhole. It needed an electronic key. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was beginning to turn northward, going along the eastern curve of the track. >i I was carrying: a drill rifle my keyring my house key my locker key some spare keys a pizza box (closed) a credit card a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a flashlight (providing light) a green backpack (open) Anne's diary my green pencil my ripped notebook Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill my acoustic guitar (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was now making the turn along the east end of the track, moving northward. >* Checked walkthrough, was on wrong track You seem to want to talk to someone, but I can't see whom. >l South Side Bleachers, top level The field lights gleamed off of the hundreds of bleachers that were below me, northwards; an aisle of steps led down to the lower level. The door to the announcer's booth was on the south wall, flanked by broad windows. The door was closed. On the wall next to the door was what looked like an electronic sensor. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was now going around the eastern curve of the track. >x window A couple of huge plate glass windows. In the dim lighting, inside, I could see only a tabletop--under either window--and a few chairbacks. I could also see a dark doorway in back. Could the Creep be in there?? Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was completing the eastern curve of the track, going northward. >x tabletop I couldn't see any such thing. >turn on flashlight That was already on. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was starting on the north stretch of the track, going westward. >look in window A couple of huge plate glass windows. In the dim lighting, inside, I could see only a tabletop--under either window--and a few chairbacks. I could also see a dark doorway in back. Could the Creep be in there?? Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was going westward along the north stretch of the track. >take controller I couldn't see any such thing. >* huh That's not a verb I recognize. >d I skipped down the steps back to the center. South Side Bleachers, lower level I was surrounded by bleachers in all directions. I could see the north side bleachers, across the field; they were absolutely blank. Steps went up this center aisle, up to the top, where I saw the announcer's booth. The exit back to the track was northeast from here. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was now in the northwest section of the track, going westward. >x window I couldn't see any such thing. >d I skipped down the steps and stepped back down onto the track. Track, southeast I stood on the southeast curve of my school's six-lane track, which encircled our football field, and stretched westward, curving to the north from here. The field was bathed in lights, which topped the very tall fence; as they were focused on the field, I could hardly see anything that might be on or in the bleachers. To the southwest was the steps up into the south side bleachers. The north side bleachers were, of course, to the north. The field loomed to the northwest. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was about to reach the west end of the track, going southward. >x window I couldn't see any such thing. >d Digging a hole with my fingers was not an option. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was rounding the west end of the track, going southward. >e I stepped out of the gate, back onto the parking lot pavement. Gridiron Entrance I was in another lighted part of the lot, with a few cars, working and abandoned, parked here and there. Another huge gate to the south was closed over a driveway--which was the back way off of the campus. To the west, through another small gate, was my school's football field and track. East was the side-door into the gym, which was closed. The way back to the main parking lot was north. The small gate onto the field was open. >u I tried flapping my wings, with predictable results. >s Only fence in that direction. >e (first opening the gym door) It seemed to be locked. >n I stepped back out into the parking lot. School Parking I stood in the middle of the school parking lot, lit here and there by white street lights. I could see only the outlines of a few cars here, probably belonging to custodians. Or just abandoned. Whatever. To the northwest was the field house, where I first came onto the campus; to the north was the main gate. East was the porch in front of the study hall, in Middle Hall; northeast and southeast were the two courtyards to either side of it. To the south was the back gate, and the entrance to the gym and track. To the west and southwest was the tall fence around the track. >n That was not the way to the football field and gym. >n That was not the way to the football field and gym. >nw I made my way back to the field house. Field House Front The parking lot was lit dimly by lights here and there. Only a few cars, probably belonging to the custodians, were there. The tennis court, to one side of the field house, was to the northeast. A metal stairway led to the upper floor of the house. The door to the auto shop building was to the northwest; it was next to the storage area to the north, where I emerged. To the southeast was more parking lot, and beyond that, the gym and football field; the fence around the track was to the west and south. To the east were the main school buildings. >ne I stepped between the field house and the tall fence onto the tennis court. Tennis Court Our tennis court was lit by bulbs set along the top of the tall fences on the north and south sides. I guess that was in case someone tried to break into the sports storage door of the building to the west. But I certainly never saw any security cameras anywhere at this school. A short net spanned the court. To the east was the area of the lot in front of the main gate. A break between the fence and the building led out to the southwest whence I came. >sw Field House Front The parking lot was lit dimly by lights here and there. Only a few cars, probably belonging to the custodians, were there. The tennis court, to one side of the field house, was to the northeast. A metal stairway led to the upper floor of the house. The door to the auto shop building was to the northwest; it was next to the storage area to the north, where I emerged. To the southeast was more parking lot, and beyond that, the gym and football field; the fence around the track was to the west and south. To the east were the main school buildings. >se I walked out into the parking lot. I made my way towards the football field, across the parking lot. School Parking I stood in the middle of the school parking lot, lit here and there by white street lights. I could see only the outlines of a few cars here, probably belonging to custodians. Or just abandoned. Whatever. To the northwest was the field house, where I first came onto the campus; to the north was the main gate. East was the porch in front of the study hall, in Middle Hall; northeast and southeast were the two courtyards to either side of it. To the south was the back gate, and the entrance to the gym and track. To the west and southwest was the tall fence around the track. >s Gridiron Entrance I was in another lighted part of the lot, with a few cars, working and abandoned, parked here and there. Another huge gate to the south was closed over a driveway--which was the back way off of the campus. To the west, through another small gate, was my school's football field and track. East was the side-door into the gym, which was closed. The way back to the main parking lot was north. The small gate onto the field was open. >w I stepped into the gate, and onto the track, which runs around the football field. Track, southeast I stood on the southeast curve of my school's six-lane track, which encircled our football field, and stretched westward, curving to the north from here. The field was bathed in lights, which topped the very tall fence; as they were focused on the field, I could hardly see anything that might be on or in the bleachers. To the southwest was the steps up into the south side bleachers. The north side bleachers were, of course, to the north. The field loomed to the northwest. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was completing the west curve of the track, turning eastward. >n I walked along the track towards the other bleachers on the north side. Mr Zimmermann caught up with me and was passing me as I walked. Track, northeast The exact reflection of the other side, except for the announcer's booth, which was at the top of the south side. This side, we had only the bleachers, whose steps were to the northwest. The track came here from the west, and curved around to the south towards the gate I came in from. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was now making the turn along the east end of the track, moving northward. >nw I climbed the steps into the bleachers, walking westward towards the other end. Then I walked the steps up the center aisle, to the exact middle of the bleachers. North Side Bleachers, lower level I was surrounded by bleachers in all directions. I could see the south side bleachers, across the field; the announcer's building there was dark in the glare of the surrounding lights. Steps went up this center aisle, up to the top. The exit back to the track was southeast from here. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was now going around the eastern curve of the track. >n I climbed the steps up to the top of the bleachers. I thought maybe I should somehow check the announcer's booth. North Side Bleachers, top level I stood in the center of the top level, above a mountain of metal bleachers, and an aisle of steps leading downward. I could see the dark area at the top of the bleachers on the other side of the field, which was the announcer's booth. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was completing the eastern curve of the track, going northward. >s I skipped down the steps back to the center. North Side Bleachers, lower level I was surrounded by bleachers in all directions. I could see the south side bleachers, across the field; the announcer's building there was dark in the glare of the surrounding lights. Steps went up this center aisle, up to the top. The exit back to the track was southeast from here. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was starting on the north stretch of the track, going westward. >se I skipped down the steps and stepped back down onto the track. Track, northeast The exact reflection of the other side, except for the announcer's booth, which was at the top of the south side. This side, we had only the bleachers, whose steps were to the northwest. The track came here from the west, and curved around to the south towards the gate I came in from. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was jogging away from me, going westward. >s I walked along the track towards the other bleachers on the south side. Track, southeast I stood on the southeast curve of my school's six-lane track, which encircled our football field, and stretched westward, curving to the north from here. The field was bathed in lights, which topped the very tall fence; as they were focused on the field, I could hardly see anything that might be on or in the bleachers. To the southwest was the steps up into the south side bleachers. The north side bleachers were, of course, to the north. The field loomed to the northwest. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was completing the west curve of the track, turning eastward. >sw I climbed the steps up into the bleachers. South Side Bleachers, lower level I was surrounded by bleachers in all directions. I could see the north side bleachers, across the field; they were absolutely blank. Steps went up this center aisle, up to the top, where I saw the announcer's booth. The exit back to the track was northeast from here. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was now on the south side of the track, jogging eastward. >u I climbed the steps up to the top of the bleachers, approaching the announcer's booth. South Side Bleachers, top level The field lights gleamed off of the hundreds of bleachers that were below me, northwards; an aisle of steps led down to the lower level. The door to the announcer's booth was on the south wall, flanked by broad windows. The door was closed. On the wall next to the door was what looked like an electronic sensor. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was now jogging eastward along the south stretch of the track. >look in window A couple of huge plate glass windows. In the dim lighting, inside, I could see only a tabletop--under either window--and a few chairbacks. I could also see a dark doorway in back. Could the Creep be in there?? Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was beginning to turn northward, going along the eastern curve of the track. >* hmm, walkthrough seems to think there should be something here... You seem to want to talk to someone, but I can't see whom. >l South Side Bleachers, top level The field lights gleamed off of the hundreds of bleachers that were below me, northwards; an aisle of steps led down to the lower level. The door to the announcer's booth was on the south wall, flanked by broad windows. The door was closed. On the wall next to the door was what looked like an electronic sensor. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was now making the turn along the east end of the track, moving northward. >think about sensor I wondered what could trip this sensor? Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was now going around the eastern curve of the track. >think about booth It looked like it had an electronic locking system, probably connected to the sensor next to it. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was completing the eastern curve of the track, going northward. >think about windows (the broad windows) I couldn't think of anything pertinent about that at the time. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was starting on the north stretch of the track, going westward. >l South Side Bleachers, top level The field lights gleamed off of the hundreds of bleachers that were below me, northwards; an aisle of steps led down to the lower level. The door to the announcer's booth was on the south wall, flanked by broad windows. The door was closed. On the wall next to the door was what looked like an electronic sensor. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was going westward along the north stretch of the track. >x door The booth door was narrow, but heavy-looking, and painted black. It was closed. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was now in the northwest section of the track, going westward. >think about zimmermann I wondered what he was doing here, jogging around at night. He must have some keys, not only to the gate, but maybe other keys? Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was about to reach the west end of the track, going southward. >push power button I couldn't see any such thing. >s (first opening the booth door) It seemed to be locked. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was rounding the west end of the track, going southward. >u I couldn't get any higher than this without chemical assistance. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was completing the west curve of the track, turning eastward. >s (first opening the booth door) It seemed to be locked. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was now on the south side of the track, jogging eastward. >look in window A couple of huge plate glass windows. In the dim lighting, inside, I could see only a tabletop--under either window--and a few chairbacks. I could also see a dark doorway in back. Could the Creep be in there?? Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was now jogging eastward along the south stretch of the track. >x tabletop I couldn't see any such thing. >open window I could see no way to open them. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was beginning to turn northward, going along the eastern curve of the track. >break window I much prefer to make verbal attacks. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was now making the turn along the east end of the track, moving northward. >l South Side Bleachers, top level The field lights gleamed off of the hundreds of bleachers that were below me, northwards; an aisle of steps led down to the lower level. The door to the announcer's booth was on the south wall, flanked by broad windows. The door was closed. On the wall next to the door was what looked like an electronic sensor. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was now going around the eastern curve of the track. >d I skipped down the steps back to the center. South Side Bleachers, lower level I was surrounded by bleachers in all directions. I could see the north side bleachers, across the field; they were absolutely blank. Steps went up this center aisle, up to the top, where I saw the announcer's booth. The exit back to the track was northeast from here. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was completing the eastern curve of the track, going northward. >w I had already searched in that direction. Nothing was there. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was starting on the north stretch of the track, going westward. >ne I skipped down the steps and stepped back down onto the track. Track, southeast I stood on the southeast curve of my school's six-lane track, which encircled our football field, and stretched westward, curving to the north from here. The field was bathed in lights, which topped the very tall fence; as they were focused on the field, I could hardly see anything that might be on or in the bleachers. To the southwest was the steps up into the south side bleachers. The north side bleachers were, of course, to the north. The field loomed to the northwest. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was going westward along the north stretch of the track. >e I stepped out of the gate, back onto the parking lot pavement. Gridiron Entrance I was in another lighted part of the lot, with a few cars, working and abandoned, parked here and there. Another huge gate to the south was closed over a driveway--which was the back way off of the campus. To the west, through another small gate, was my school's football field and track. East was the side-door into the gym, which was closed. The way back to the main parking lot was north. The small gate onto the field was open. >e (first opening the gym door) It seemed to be locked. >ne But I wanted to meet that creep as soon as possible, not go wandering off. >w I stepped into the gate, and onto the track, which runs around the football field. Track, southeast I stood on the southeast curve of my school's six-lane track, which encircled our football field, and stretched westward, curving to the north from here. The field was bathed in lights, which topped the very tall fence; as they were focused on the field, I could hardly see anything that might be on or in the bleachers. To the southwest was the steps up into the south side bleachers. The north side bleachers were, of course, to the north. The field loomed to the northwest. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was now in the northwest section of the track, going westward. >n I walked along the track towards the other bleachers on the north side. Track, northeast The exact reflection of the other side, except for the announcer's booth, which was at the top of the south side. This side, we had only the bleachers, whose steps were to the northwest. The track came here from the west, and curved around to the south towards the gate I came in from. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was now on the south side of the track, jogging eastward. >nw I climbed the steps into the bleachers, walking westward towards the other end. Then I walked the steps up the center aisle, to the exact middle of the bleachers. North Side Bleachers, lower level I was surrounded by bleachers in all directions. I could see the south side bleachers, across the field; the announcer's building there was dark in the glare of the surrounding lights. Steps went up this center aisle, up to the top. The exit back to the track was southeast from here. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was now jogging eastward along the south stretch of the track. >u I climbed the steps up to the top of the bleachers. I thought maybe I should somehow check the announcer's booth. North Side Bleachers, top level I stood in the center of the top level, above a mountain of metal bleachers, and an aisle of steps leading downward. I could see the dark area at the top of the bleachers on the other side of the field, which was the announcer's booth. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was beginning to turn northward, going along the eastern curve of the track. >x window I couldn't see any such thing. >x booth I couldn't see any such thing. >d I skipped down the steps back to the center. North Side Bleachers, lower level I was surrounded by bleachers in all directions. I could see the south side bleachers, across the field; the announcer's building there was dark in the glare of the surrounding lights. Steps went up this center aisle, up to the top. The exit back to the track was southeast from here. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was now making the turn along the east end of the track, moving northward. >x glare I couldn't see any such thing. >x booth I couldn't see any such thing. >s I skipped down the steps and stepped back down onto the track. Track, northeast The exact reflection of the other side, except for the announcer's booth, which was at the top of the south side. This side, we had only the bleachers, whose steps were to the northwest. The track came here from the west, and curved around to the south towards the gate I came in from. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was approaching me, coming around the curve northward. I could see his pocket, probably full of keys, bouncing up and down as he huffed. >s I walked along the track towards the other bleachers on the south side. Track, southeast I stood on the southeast curve of my school's six-lane track, which encircled our football field, and stretched westward, curving to the north from here. The field was bathed in lights, which topped the very tall fence; as they were focused on the field, I could hardly see anything that might be on or in the bleachers. To the southwest was the steps up into the south side bleachers. The north side bleachers were, of course, to the north. The field loomed to the northwest. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was now in the northwest section of the track, going westward. >x fence It completely surrounded the track. It was about 15 feet high. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was about to reach the west end of the track, going southward. >x bleachers Which do you mean, the north side bleachers or the south side bleachers? >south I could really only see the steps up into them and the bleachers nearby. I stepped back and saw a darkened building set in the center at the top. As this side is the "Home"--my school's--side of the field, that building must be the announcer's booth, where the announcer and reporters watched the game. I noted that the bleachers on the other side did not have a building like that. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was rounding the west end of the track, going southward. >u I climbed the steps up into the bleachers. South Side Bleachers, lower level I was surrounded by bleachers in all directions. I could see the north side bleachers, across the field; they were absolutely blank. Steps went up this center aisle, up to the top, where I saw the announcer's booth. The exit back to the track was northeast from here. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was completing the west curve of the track, turning eastward. >x bleachers Which do you mean, the north side bleachers or the south side bleachers? >south I stepped back and saw a darkened building set in the center at the top. As this side is the "Home"--my school's--side of the field, that building must be the announcer's booth, where the announcer and reporters watched the game. I noted that the bleachers on the other side did not have a building like that. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was now on the south side of the track, jogging eastward. >take all There were none at all available! >l South Side Bleachers, lower level I was surrounded by bleachers in all directions. I could see the north side bleachers, across the field; they were absolutely blank. Steps went up this center aisle, up to the top, where I saw the announcer's booth. The exit back to the track was northeast from here. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was now jogging eastward along the south stretch of the track. >s I climbed the steps up to the top of the bleachers, approaching the announcer's booth. South Side Bleachers, top level The field lights gleamed off of the hundreds of bleachers that were below me, northwards; an aisle of steps led down to the lower level. The door to the announcer's booth was on the south wall, flanked by broad windows. The door was closed. On the wall next to the door was what looked like an electronic sensor. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was beginning to turn northward, going along the eastern curve of the track. >take all There were none at all available! >x bleachers Which do you mean, the north side bleachers or the south side bleachers? >south I stepped back and saw a darkened building set in the center at the top. As this side is the "Home"--my school's--side of the field, that building must be the announcer's booth, where the announcer and reporters watched the game. I noted that the bleachers on the other side did not have a building like that. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was now making the turn along the east end of the track, moving northward. >climb booth Little was to be achieved by that. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was now going around the eastern curve of the track. >climb windows Breaking and entering was not my specialty. Besides, these were plate glass. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was completing the eastern curve of the track, going northward. >x tronller I couldn't see any such thing. >x controller I couldn't see any such thing. >i I was carrying: a drill rifle my keyring my house key my locker key some spare keys a pizza box (closed) a credit card a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a flashlight (providing light) a green backpack (open) Anne's diary my green pencil my ripped notebook Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill my acoustic guitar (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was starting on the north stretch of the track, going westward. >look in window A couple of huge plate glass windows. In the dim lighting, inside, I could see only a tabletop--under either window--and a few chairbacks. I could also see a dark doorway in back. Could the Creep be in there?? Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was going westward along the north stretch of the track. >turn on lights I couldn't see any such thing. >look in window with flashlight I only understood you as far as wanting to look in the broad windows. >think about deep secret There's a high-priced hooker near where I live--Anne--that I visit occasionally, she's a good friend of mine, she is in her 30s. She gives it to me for free. I could never afford her prices. I guess in a way, I'm a son to her, but also a brother--I think she has me mainly because I make her feel attractive to young guys, which is silly, because most guys would come in their pants just by seeing her. I know her only as Anne, and I go to her house--only through the back door--on Saturday mornings when my parents think I'm just 'out' somewhere, playing my guitar. No one will ever know I see her. Even William, who spends his Saturday mornings studying his French. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was now in the northwest section of the track, going westward. >* OK, guess that was possible You seem to want to talk to someone, but I can't see whom. >n I skipped down the steps back to the center. South Side Bleachers, lower level I was surrounded by bleachers in all directions. I could see the north side bleachers, across the field; they were absolutely blank. Steps went up this center aisle, up to the top, where I saw the announcer's booth. The exit back to the track was northeast from here. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was about to reach the west end of the track, going southward. >* Oh, I think I get it You seem to want to talk to someone, but I can't see whom. >d I skipped down the steps and stepped back down onto the track. Track, southeast I stood on the southeast curve of my school's six-lane track, which encircled our football field, and stretched westward, curving to the north from here. The field was bathed in lights, which topped the very tall fence; as they were focused on the field, I could hardly see anything that might be on or in the bleachers. To the southwest was the steps up into the south side bleachers. The north side bleachers were, of course, to the north. The field loomed to the northwest. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was rounding the west end of the track, going southward. >d Digging a hole with my fingers was not an option. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was completing the west curve of the track, turning eastward. >d Digging a hole with my fingers was not an option. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was now on the south side of the track, jogging eastward. >e I stepped out of the gate, back onto the parking lot pavement. Gridiron Entrance I was in another lighted part of the lot, with a few cars, working and abandoned, parked here and there. Another huge gate to the south was closed over a driveway--which was the back way off of the campus. To the west, through another small gate, was my school's football field and track. East was the side-door into the gym, which was closed. The way back to the main parking lot was north. The small gate onto the field was open. >n I stepped back out into the parking lot. School Parking I stood in the middle of the school parking lot, lit here and there by white street lights. I could see only the outlines of a few cars here, probably belonging to custodians. Or just abandoned. Whatever. To the northwest was the field house, where I first came onto the campus; to the north was the main gate. East was the porch in front of the study hall, in Middle Hall; northeast and southeast were the two courtyards to either side of it. To the south was the back gate, and the entrance to the gym and track. To the west and southwest was the tall fence around the track. >n That was not the way to the football field and gym. >nw I made my way back to the field house. Field House Front The parking lot was lit dimly by lights here and there. Only a few cars, probably belonging to the custodians, were there. The tennis court, to one side of the field house, was to the northeast. A metal stairway led to the upper floor of the house. The door to the auto shop building was to the northwest; it was next to the storage area to the north, where I emerged. To the southeast was more parking lot, and beyond that, the gym and football field; the fence around the track was to the west and south. To the east were the main school buildings. >u I grabbed the rail and began my slow, silent ascent upwards. This was the military area; my association with anything so regulated was tense to begin with. The door was open and I stepped in. JROTC Hall Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps, as it is known in many high schools. I called this Just ROTten to the Core Hall. But that was just my thing--I knew that we needed the military in our present world. I just didn't agree with how it was being used at the time. The east and west walls were covered with pictures of cadets, officers, plaques, and awards of all kinds. Open doorways led east and west. A blue pannelled door was to the northwest. To the north was a closed red door. The stairway led down back to the parking lot. I heard the sound of a television set coming from the door to the north. >n (first opening the red panelled door) I thought I probably should knock, first...?? I heard the sound of a television set coming from the door to the north. >knock on door Which do you mean, the blue panelled door or the red panelled door? >red I had no need to bother Eddie again, and besides, I might need the keys again later. I heard the sound of a television set coming from the door to the north. >nw I stepped quietly into the office. CO Office Apparently this was the office of the Commanding Officer of my school's JROTC unit. He had a funny name, like Colonel Penobscot or something like that, I don't know. The room had a stiff officiousness about it that I found hard to take. His desk was in the center of the room, with some flags behind it. His black telephone was on the desk. The door back out to the hall was encouragingly to the southeast. >s I couldn't go that way. >s I couldn't go that way. >se JROTC Hall Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps, as it is known in many high schools. I called this Just ROTten to the Core Hall. But that was just my thing--I knew that we needed the military in our present world. I just didn't agree with how it was being used at the time. The east and west walls were covered with pictures of cadets, officers, plaques, and awards of all kinds. Open doorways led east and west. A blue pannelled door was to the northwest. To the north was a closed red door. The stairway led down back to the parking lot. I heard the sound of a television set coming from the door to the north. >d Field House Front The parking lot was lit dimly by lights here and there. Only a few cars, probably belonging to the custodians, were there. The tennis court, to one side of the field house, was to the northeast. A metal stairway led to the upper floor of the house. The door to the auto shop building was to the northwest; it was next to the storage area to the north, where I emerged. To the southeast was more parking lot, and beyond that, the gym and football field; the fence around the track was to the west and south. To the east were the main school buildings. >n Outdoor Storage This was a carport-like area at the field house, the part of the building where my school held its classes on handling and fixing outdoor equipment. Now at night, all the stuff was locked away in a large storage unit, whose door was to the east; this low-roofed area, where I was, was now empty. To the south was the seemingly-infinite parking lot. To the west was the blank wall of the auto shop building. >n Lonely Gate A single gate, about as tall as me, was set into the fence to the south here. I noticed that this part of the fence was behind the two-story field house of my school's military training program, and outdoor equipment courses. Even in the streetlight, however, the building was entirely in shadow. The tree-lined road continued west, past the rollup door to the Auto Shop garage; the main gate to the school was east from here. The padlock on the gate was unlocked. Just about anyone can friggin' go in, now. >e Russel Street Lamb High sure looked different at night from during the day; the streetlights seemed to highlight the front fence and the gate, which did not blend in so well with the background school pavement as it had during the day. I could see the padlocked gate to the south--no hope of getting in through there. The fence stretched further west, along the road. East was the way back home. >e I walked east along the fence, past the rancid-smelling cafeteria back area, and then the trees, until they ended at a field, where the only feature was a ditch to either side of the road... Broad Field Here, the road went through a field of grass, leading east to the residential area which contained my parents' house and my bungalo. West, it led back to the school. To either side of the road was a large ditch. Streetlights guided me either way. >e I walked east back home. Again. My Front Yard Russel Street, from the west, ended just east of here, running into Virgil Road, which runs north-south. The front of my parents' house sported a number of awesome old trees, a large front deck, and an empty gravel driveway. Apparently, Mom and Dad took off early, and took both vehicles. My mom's flower beds occupied the space to either side of the deck. The steps up the deck were to the south; southwest was the trail around the house to my shack out back. Our rickety mailbox stood at the end of the driveway. Though it was night, I could see around me, given the streetlights that had come on at nightfall. >s I stepped up onto the deck of the house. On The Deck I was on my parents' front deck, and it was lit softly by light from streetlights which lined the road out front. The wood railing and nearly every spot on the deck was occupied by my Mom's colorful potted plants. Their deck chairs sat here astride the front door to the south, under an awning. A welcome mat lay on the floor at the door, which was closed. >s (first opening the white front door) It seemed to be locked. >unlock door I selected the house key from my keyring. I unlocked the front door with my key. >s (first opening the white front door) I pushed open the door to the house, and my nose was immediately assaulted with whatever cinnamon air freshener crap my mom used. Small Living Room As I said, the place was small. But it was cozy. Definitely good enough for Mom and Dad. It had central heating and air. Before me was all the usual living room stuff--a sofa, Dad's chair, TV set. No windows in here. Dad didn't like the idea of people lookin' in. Our kitchen was to the west; to the east was Mom and Dad's bedroom. The front door, which was hanging open, led back onto the deck to the north. >w Kitchenette All you need in a kitchen was here--fridge, oven, small table, pantry and sink. Unless you want a friggin' microwave. You'd have to go next door; we hate that shit. The one telephone in the trailer was on the north wall near the pantry. Next to that was the window over the sink. West was my Mom's project room (my old room); east was back to the living room. On the small table was Mom's note. >e Small Living Room As I said, the place was small. But it was cozy. Definitely good enough for Mom and Dad. It had central heating and air. Before me was all the usual living room stuff--a sofa, Dad's chair, TV set. No windows in here. Dad didn't like the idea of people lookin' in. Our kitchen was to the west; to the east was Mom and Dad's bedroom. The front door, which was hanging open, led back onto the deck to the north. >e Though Mom and Dad were gone on vacation, I never made it my business to venture into their room. The sanctity of their bond, and all that. At any rate, the necessity had not arisen to do so. >sit on chair Though I had no plans of turning on the TV, I rested my haunches in Dad's chair. Predictably, the chair automatically reclined, and the foot rest popped up. I rarely ever sat in that chair, so I almost forgot it would do this. As it did that, I heard something clack to the floor. It was the remote controller for the TV. >take controller I'd have to get off my lazy ass to do that. >stand I got my ass up off Dad's chair. Sometimes he didn't like it when I had sat there. >take controller Got it. >x it A thing with some makeshift buttons that my dad rigged up to control the TV set. He didn't like having to get up to change the channel, so instead of just buying a remote controlled set, he set our old one up to respond to this controller, and made the controller himself. It has only one button to turn the thing on or off; one volume rocker switch to turn the volume up or down; and channel rocker switch to change the channel. The funny thing about this controller is that, though it works all the time on our set, I always wondered whether it would trip other devices....?? [To use the remote controller, type PUSH POWER BUTTON to turn on the TV, or turn it off; VOLUME UP/DOWN to adjust the volume; and CHANNEL UP/DOWN to change the channel.] >* there's the clue I guess -- kind of unmotivated.. That's not a verb I recognize. >w Kitchenette All you need in a kitchen was here--fridge, oven, small table, pantry and sink. Unless you want a friggin' microwave. You'd have to go next door; we hate that shit. The one telephone in the trailer was on the north wall near the pantry. Next to that was the window over the sink. West was my Mom's project room (my old room); east was back to the living room. On the small table was Mom's note. >e Small Living Room As I said, the place was small. But it was cozy. Definitely good enough for Mom and Dad. It had central heating and air. Before me was all the usual living room stuff--a sofa, Dad's chair, TV set. No windows in here. Dad didn't like the idea of people lookin' in. Our kitchen was to the west; to the east was Mom and Dad's bedroom. The front door, which was hanging open, led back onto the deck to the north. >s I couldn't go that way. >n On The Deck I was on my parents' front deck, and it was lit softly by light from streetlights which lined the road out front. The wood railing and nearly every spot on the deck was occupied by my Mom's colorful potted plants. Their deck chairs sat here astride the front door to the south, under an awning. A welcome mat lay on the floor at the door, which was hanging open >n Duh, I wasn't about to leave the house with the front door open; I closed and locked the door. I stepped back down into the yard. My Front Yard Russel Street, from the west, ended just east of here, running into Virgil Road, which runs north-south. The front of my parents' house sported a number of awesome old trees, a large front deck, and an empty gravel driveway. Apparently, Mom and Dad took off early, and took both vehicles. My mom's flower beds occupied the space to either side of the deck. The steps up the deck were to the south; southwest was the trail around the house to my shack out back. Our rickety mailbox stood at the end of the driveway. Though it was night, I could see around me, given the streetlights that had come on at nightfall. >w Broad Field Here, the road went through a field of grass, leading east to the residential area which contained my parents' house and my bungalo. West, it led back to the school. To either side of the road was a large ditch. Streetlights guided me either way. >w I approached the school. Russel Street Lamb High sure looked different at night from during the day; the streetlights seemed to highlight the front fence and the gate, which did not blend in so well with the background school pavement as it had during the day. I could see the padlocked gate to the south--no hope of getting in through there. The fence stretched further west, along the road. East was the way back home. >w Lonely Gate A single gate, about as tall as me, was set into the fence to the south here. I noticed that this part of the fence was behind the two-story field house of my school's military training program, and outdoor equipment courses. Even in the streetlight, however, the building was entirely in shadow. The tree-lined road continued west, past the rollup door to the Auto Shop garage; the main gate to the school was east from here. The padlock on the gate was unlocked. Just about anyone can friggin' go in, now. >s I stepped into the gate, and into the shadows. I let my eyes adjust to the new lighting situation. Outdoor Storage This was a carport-like area at the field house, the part of the building where my school held its classes on handling and fixing outdoor equipment. Now at night, all the stuff was locked away in a large storage unit, whose door was to the east; this low-roofed area, where I was, was now empty. To the south was the seemingly-infinite parking lot. To the west was the blank wall of the auto shop building. >u I tried flapping my wings, with predictable results. >s Field House Front The parking lot was lit dimly by lights here and there. Only a few cars, probably belonging to the custodians, were there. The tennis court, to one side of the field house, was to the northeast. A metal stairway led to the upper floor of the house. The door to the auto shop building was to the northwest; it was next to the storage area to the north, where I emerged. To the southeast was more parking lot, and beyond that, the gym and football field; the fence around the track was to the west and south. To the east were the main school buildings. >u I grabbed the rail and began my slow, silent ascent upwards. This was the military area; my association with anything so regulated was tense to begin with. The door was open and I stepped in. JROTC Hall Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps, as it is known in many high schools. I called this Just ROTten to the Core Hall. But that was just my thing--I knew that we needed the military in our present world. I just didn't agree with how it was being used at the time. The east and west walls were covered with pictures of cadets, officers, plaques, and awards of all kinds. Open doorways led east and west. A blue pannelled door was to the northwest. To the north was a closed red door. The stairway led down back to the parking lot. I heard the sound of a television set coming from the door to the north. >n (first opening the red panelled door) I thought I probably should knock, first...?? I heard the sound of a television set coming from the door to the north. >push power I pushed the power button; no telling what it might trip. But nothing happened. I heard the sound of a television set coming from the door to the north. >s I couldn't go that way. I heard the sound of a television set coming from the door to the north. >d Field House Front The parking lot was lit dimly by lights here and there. Only a few cars, probably belonging to the custodians, were there. The tennis court, to one side of the field house, was to the northeast. A metal stairway led to the upper floor of the house. The door to the auto shop building was to the northwest; it was next to the storage area to the north, where I emerged. To the southeast was more parking lot, and beyond that, the gym and football field; the fence around the track was to the west and south. To the east were the main school buildings. >s That was not the way to the football field and gym. >s That was not the way to the football field and gym. >se I walked out into the parking lot. I made my way towards the football field, across the parking lot. School Parking I stood in the middle of the school parking lot, lit here and there by white street lights. I could see only the outlines of a few cars here, probably belonging to custodians. Or just abandoned. Whatever. To the northwest was the field house, where I first came onto the campus; to the north was the main gate. East was the porch in front of the study hall, in Middle Hall; northeast and southeast were the two courtyards to either side of it. To the south was the back gate, and the entrance to the gym and track. To the west and southwest was the tall fence around the track. >sw There was only the fence in that direction. >se That was not the way to the football field and gym. >sw There was only the fence in that direction. >w There was only the fence in that direction. >se That was not the way to the football field and gym. >e That was not the way to the football field and gym. >w There was only the fence in that direction. >nw I made my way back to the field house. Field House Front The parking lot was lit dimly by lights here and there. Only a few cars, probably belonging to the custodians, were there. The tennis court, to one side of the field house, was to the northeast. A metal stairway led to the upper floor of the house. The door to the auto shop building was to the northwest; it was next to the storage area to the north, where I emerged. To the southeast was more parking lot, and beyond that, the gym and football field; the fence around the track was to the west and south. To the east were the main school buildings. >s That was not the way to the football field and gym. >se I walked out into the parking lot. I made my way towards the football field, across the parking lot. School Parking I stood in the middle of the school parking lot, lit here and there by white street lights. I could see only the outlines of a few cars here, probably belonging to custodians. Or just abandoned. Whatever. To the northwest was the field house, where I first came onto the campus; to the north was the main gate. East was the porch in front of the study hall, in Middle Hall; northeast and southeast were the two courtyards to either side of it. To the south was the back gate, and the entrance to the gym and track. To the west and southwest was the tall fence around the track. >s Gridiron Entrance I was in another lighted part of the lot, with a few cars, working and abandoned, parked here and there. Another huge gate to the south was closed over a driveway--which was the back way off of the campus. To the west, through another small gate, was my school's football field and track. East was the side-door into the gym, which was closed. The way back to the main parking lot was north. The small gate onto the field was open. >w I stepped into the gate, and onto the track, which runs around the football field. Track, southeast I stood on the southeast curve of my school's six-lane track, which encircled our football field, and stretched westward, curving to the north from here. The field was bathed in lights, which topped the very tall fence; as they were focused on the field, I could hardly see anything that might be on or in the bleachers. To the southwest was the steps up into the south side bleachers. The north side bleachers were, of course, to the north. The field loomed to the northwest. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was approaching me from the west. >u I climbed the steps up into the bleachers. South Side Bleachers, lower level I was surrounded by bleachers in all directions. I could see the north side bleachers, across the field; they were absolutely blank. Steps went up this center aisle, up to the top, where I saw the announcer's booth. The exit back to the track was northeast from here. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was beginning to turn northward, going along the eastern curve of the track. >u I climbed the steps up to the top of the bleachers, approaching the announcer's booth. South Side Bleachers, top level The field lights gleamed off of the hundreds of bleachers that were below me, northwards; an aisle of steps led down to the lower level. The door to the announcer's booth was on the south wall, flanked by broad windows. The door was closed. On the wall next to the door was what looked like an electronic sensor. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was now making the turn along the east end of the track, moving northward. >u I couldn't get any higher than this without chemical assistance. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was now going around the eastern curve of the track. >u I couldn't get any higher than this without chemical assistance. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was completing the eastern curve of the track, going northward. >push power Just to see if it would work, I pushed the power button on Dad's remote. I heard a 'click' come from the door, and the readout on the sensor changed! Damn! What were the odds? Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was starting on the north stretch of the track, going westward. That's exactly what I did! I found another use for the TV remote. You earned 5 points for helping me remember! >* umm, come one You seem to want to talk to someone, but I can't see whom. >open door I pushed the door open. It immediately started swinging back slowly. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was going westward along the north stretch of the track. >s Before I went in, I looked down at Mr Zimmermann, to make sure he didn't see me go in. When I stepped into the booth, immediately I noticed something out of place. Just under one of the tabletops, out of view from the windows, was one of those hurdles that they use on the track, for runners to jump over. Propped up against it was another stupid piece of paper, with writing on it. Please press SPACE to continue. I picked up the paper, and read it--it was in large red letters-- WHOOPSIE! I SHOULD HAVE TOLD YOU TO MEET ME AT THE TOP OF THE GYM BLEACHERS!! WELL, THIS IS JUST ONE MORE HURDLE YOU'LL HAVE TO GET OVER! HA HA HA I was so fuckin' pissed, I was beginning to think that this was all some sort of joke. Well, it was, for that idiot. For me, this was a nightmare. Now, I had to figure out how to get into the gym, which was probably locked. Announcer's Booth This was just a surprisingly plain room, with two windows looking out over the field and track, dim light coming through them. Each window had a table under it, and two chairs. The sound system equipment was probably stashed somewhere under the tables or locked away--not that I was really interested in using it. To the south was a dark doorway. Standing on the floor between two of the chairs was a runner's hurdle. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was now in the northwest section of the track, going westward. >x hurdle It was just a plain runner's hurdle--two wooden supports joined by two wooden bars, and it had feet so you could stand it up on a track. It was just over three feet tall. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was about to reach the west end of the track, going southward. I heard another click from the door, as the door swung closed. >take it (putting the wire hanger into the green backpack to make room) I tossed the wire hanger into the backpack. My hands were already friggin' full. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was rounding the west end of the track, going southward. >l Announcer's Booth This was just a surprisingly plain room, with two windows looking out over the field and track, dim light coming through them. Each window had a table under it, and two chairs. The sound system equipment was probably stashed somewhere under the tables or locked away--not that I was really interested in using it. To the south was a dark doorway. Standing on the floor between two of the chairs was a runner's hurdle. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was completing the west curve of the track, turning eastward. >put all in backpack second note: I tossed the second note into the backpack. remote controller: I tossed the remote controller into the backpack. drill rifle: The drill rifle was too big to fit into the backpack. keyring: I tossed the keyring into the backpack. spare keys: I tossed the spare keys into the backpack. pizza box: The pizza box was too big to fit into the backpack. credit card: I tossed the credit card into the backpack. flashlight: I tossed the flashlight into the backpack. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was now on the south side of the track, jogging eastward. >take flashlight Got it. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was now jogging eastward along the south stretch of the track. >l Announcer's Booth This was just a surprisingly plain room, with two windows looking out over the field and track, dim light coming through them. Each window had a table under it, and two chairs. The sound system equipment was probably stashed somewhere under the tables or locked away--not that I was really interested in using it. To the south was a dark doorway. Standing on the floor between two of the chairs was a runner's hurdle. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was beginning to turn northward, going along the eastern curve of the track. >x table Just plain tables. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was now making the turn along the east end of the track, moving northward. >look under table There was nothing interesting under them. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was now going around the eastern curve of the track. >l Announcer's Booth This was just a surprisingly plain room, with two windows looking out over the field and track, dim light coming through them. Each window had a table under it, and two chairs. The sound system equipment was probably stashed somewhere under the tables or locked away--not that I was really interested in using it. To the south was a dark doorway. Standing on the floor between two of the chairs was a runner's hurdle. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was completing the eastern curve of the track, going northward. >take all runner's hurdle: I grabbed the hurdle by the top bar. It was light, but bulky. I probably wasn't going to carry it around a lot. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was starting on the north stretch of the track, going westward. >d Digging a hole with my fingers was not an option. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was going westward along the north stretch of the track. >n (first opening the booth door) It seemed to be locked. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was now in the northwest section of the track, going westward. >s Though I had seen the note, I stepped into the darkness with some anxiety. I thought I might be in for a surprise. Sportsmen's Can Only to find out that it was just the announcer's john. What a friggin' false alarm. It had all of the usual fixtures here. Nothing more. The door, to the north, was open. >n Announcer's Booth This was just a surprisingly plain room, with two windows looking out over the field and track, dim light coming through them. Each window had a table under it, and two chairs. The sound system equipment was probably stashed somewhere under the tables or locked away--not that I was really interested in using it. To the south was a dark doorway. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was about to reach the west end of the track, going southward. >n (first opening the booth door) It seemed to be locked. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was rounding the west end of the track, going southward. >push power I pushed the power button again, and heard another click from the door. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was completing the west curve of the track, turning eastward. >n (first opening the booth door) I pulled the door open. It immediately started swinging back slowly. South Side Bleachers, top level The field lights gleamed off of the hundreds of bleachers that were below me, northwards; an aisle of steps led down to the lower level. The door to the announcer's booth was on the south wall, flanked by broad windows. The door was open, and slowly swinging closed. On the wall next to the door was what looked like an electronic sensor. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was now on the south side of the track, jogging eastward. >d I skipped down the steps back to the center. South Side Bleachers, lower level I was surrounded by bleachers in all directions. I could see the north side bleachers, across the field; they were absolutely blank. Steps went up this center aisle, up to the top, where I saw the announcer's booth. The exit back to the track was northeast from here. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track, below. Mr Zimmermann was now jogging eastward along the south stretch of the track. >d I skipped down the steps and stepped back down onto the track. Track, southeast I stood on the southeast curve of my school's six-lane track, which encircled our football field, and stretched westward, curving to the north from here. The field was bathed in lights, which topped the very tall fence; as they were focused on the field, I could hardly see anything that might be on or in the bleachers. To the southwest was the steps up into the south side bleachers. The north side bleachers were, of course, to the north. The field loomed to the northwest. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was jogging closer to me; I could see his pocket full of keys bouncing up and down. >d Digging a hole with my fingers was not an option. Mr Zimmermann was passing me, turning northward along the curve. He gave me a cordial nod. >drop hurdle I positioned the hurdle over one of the middle lanes, the one that I thought Mr Zimmermann was using. Mr Zimmermann had passed me, making his way around the curve going north. >z Time passed. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was completing the eastern curve of the track, going northward. >z Time passed. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was starting on the north stretch of the track, going westward. >z Time passed. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was going westward along the north stretch of the track. >z Time passed. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was now in the northwest section of the track, going westward. >z Time passed. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was about to reach the west end of the track, going southward. >z Time passed. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was rounding the west end of the track, going southward. >z Time passed. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was completing the west curve of the track, turning eastward. >z Time passed. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was now on the south side of the track, jogging eastward. >z Time passed. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was jogging around the track. Mr Zimmermann was approaching me from the west. >z Time passed. Mr Zimmermann was jogging closer to me; I could see his pocket full of keys bouncing up and down. >z Time passed. Mr Zimmermann looked at me with a smile, as if welcoming the challenge. And without missing a beat, Ziggy took a running jump over the hurdle! I looked on in amazement as his right foot went over the hurdle, and his gut bounced down, and then up as he peaked, his bulging pocket doing the same. I saw something come out of his pocket, flashing in the light, clinking as it hit the ground. But then I heard a sound as his left foot struck the top bar, knocking the hurdle over and carrying it with him. He kept running as the hurdle spun around his ankle, his other leg beating it around, until it disintegrated into a dozen friggin' pieces, which went everywhere! But he just kept on friggin' running, as if nothing had happened. "Zey don't call me 'Zippy Ziggy' for nuzing!" he shouted, as he continued on. Then I turned my attention to what he dropped. >take keys (Ziggy's gym keys) Got it. Mr Zimmermann had passed me, making his way around the curve going north. >e I stepped out of the gate, back onto the parking lot pavement. Gridiron Entrance I was in another lighted part of the lot, with a few cars, working and abandoned, parked here and there. Another huge gate to the south was closed over a driveway--which was the back way off of the campus. To the west, through another small gate, was my school's football field and track. East was the side-door into the gym, which was closed. The way back to the main parking lot was north. The small gate onto the field was open. >unlock gym (Ziggy's gym keys) It didn't look like Ziggy's gym keys could be unlocked by any normal means... >e (first opening the gym door) It seemed to be locked. >* need a Does the Player Mean here That's not a verb I recognize. >unlock gym door I needed a key for this side. >unlock gym door with gym keys I unlocked the gym door with the key, pulling it open by the handle. It immediately started swinging closed. The gym door was swinging silently closed. >e I stepped into the gym, and was immediately assaulted by the aroma of floor wax. I saw Mr Gronwald, our chief custodian, out on the gym floor, with a mop bucket and mop. He was wearing some really heavy-duty rubber boots. He turned towards me and said "Tom, you might want to stay off the gym floor tonight, I am giving it a thorough re-waxing." Then he looked down at my feet. "Especially with those shoes." Then he went back to his work. I looked upwards into the bleachers, and of course, there was no one friggin' there. But I wondered if this creep might have left another note for me. Or, was George the creep?? No way. Didn't even sound like him. But I did kind of have some doubt. Gymnasium Compared to other schools, Lamb High had a really crappy gym. It was small, with bleachers on only one side of the basketball court. Not that I was really into sports, but when we had a basketball game, all of the spectators had to sit on that one side, so often fights would break out between fans of rival teams. Steps led up into the bleachers from here. A small hallway led south to the locker rooms. Across the gym floor to the east was the set of steel doors leading out to the hall; they were closed. West was the side-door going outside; this door was open, but swinging closed. George, the chief custodian, was on the gym floor with a mop and bucket, appearing busy. The gym door was swinging silently closed. >save Ok. >* This is about the two hour mark That's not a verb I recognize. >u I climbed the steps up into the gym bleachers, reaching the top, looking all around for any sign of anyone, or any other stupid note. And of course, no one was there. But there was another freakin' note! Gym Bleachers I was in another sea of sections of long seats, except these were polished wood and smelled of pine cleaner. Steps, to the northwest and northeast, led back down to the gym floor. Propped up against the back of one of the bleachers was another one of those stupid notes in red letters. The gym door clanged shut. >x note (the third note) It said, in red sharpie-- HOW MANY CUSTODIANS DOES IT TAKE TO SCREW IN A FUCKING LIGHT BULB? TOO MANY! TOM YOU ARE JUST GOING TO HAVE TO FIND ME! OH NO. I JUST MADE YOU, THE TOM TRUNDLE, MAD. I GUESS I'LL HAVE TO GIVE YOU ANOTHER CLUE. I AM SOMEWHERE. . . . . . . IN THIS BUILDING! HA HA HA! I'LL SAY HI TO YOUR WHORE FOR YOU! AT SOME POINT! HA HA HA! Well, he was frickin' right. I was mad. Mad as hell. This school was only one big building. Three long east-west halls, intersected on their east ends by one north-south hall. One big backwards E. The gym was at the end of the south-most hall, which went east from here. There were probably a lot of locked doors; each hall had doors like this gym. No guarantee that they would be open. I was going to have to use my ingenuity. Provided I could find it. >* lordy That's not a verb I recognize. >save Ok. >l Gym Bleachers I was in another sea of sections of long seats, except these were polished wood and smelled of pine cleaner. Steps, to the northwest and northeast, led back down to the gym floor. Propped up against the back of one of the bleachers was another one of those stupid notes in red letters. >take note (the third note) Got it. >l Gym Bleachers I was in another sea of sections of long seats, except these were polished wood and smelled of pine cleaner. Steps, to the northwest and northeast, led back down to the gym floor. >x wood I couldn't see any such thing. >nw I trudged back down to the gym floor. I had to use the steps back towards the west door, because George had the other exit closed off, and I didn't want to piss him off. Gymnasium Compared to other schools, Lamb High had a really crappy gym. It was small, with bleachers on only one side of the basketball court. Not that I was really into sports, but when we had a basketball game, all of the spectators had to sit on that one side, so often fights would break out between fans of rival teams. Steps led up into the bleachers from here. A small hallway led south to the locker rooms. Across the gym floor to the east was the set of steel doors leading out to the hall; they were closed. West was the side-door going outside; this door was closed. George, the chief custodian, was on the gym floor with a mop and bucket, appearing busy. >x george George Gronwald, the head of the cleaning staff at Lamb High, was in full uniform, with some heavy-duty work boots. He appeared to be spreading some water on the floor with a mop--it looked like a whitish substance. George was cool, but assertive. He didn't seem to mind that I was here, but then some students and teachers are allowed to use the gym at nights. Part of the school's weight-loss/fitness program. >x mop It was saturated with the waxy water. George was using it to spread wax on the floor. >talk to george He knew I was there. >take mop I was incredibly uninterested in mops, especially when wet. >l Gymnasium Compared to other schools, Lamb High had a really crappy gym. It was small, with bleachers on only one side of the basketball court. Not that I was really into sports, but when we had a basketball game, all of the spectators had to sit on that one side, so often fights would break out between fans of rival teams. Steps led up into the bleachers from here. A small hallway led south to the locker rooms. Across the gym floor to the east was the set of steel doors leading out to the hall; they were closed. West was the side-door going outside; this door was closed. George, the chief custodian, was on the gym floor with a mop and bucket, appearing busy. >open doors I pushed the crash bar and the door opened. The gym door was swinging silently closed. >l Gymnasium Compared to other schools, Lamb High had a really crappy gym. It was small, with bleachers on only one side of the basketball court. Not that I was really into sports, but when we had a basketball game, all of the spectators had to sit on that one side, so often fights would break out between fans of rival teams. Steps led up into the bleachers from here. A small hallway led south to the locker rooms. Across the gym floor to the east was the set of steel doors leading out to the hall; they were closed. West was the side-door going outside; this door was open, but swinging closed. George, the chief custodian, was on the gym floor with a mop and bucket, appearing busy. The gym door was swinging silently closed. >s Gym Hallway This short hall ended at the custodian's office door, which is closed, to the south. To the east was the door to the guys' locker room, which was closed; next to it to the southeast was the door to the girls' locker room, which was closed. To the north was the gym. Standing in the middle of the hall was a small saw horse. The gym door clanged shut. >x horse It was just a plain wooden saw horse. Kind of like the hurdle I had earlier, except it had four legs, like a horse. And it was quite bigger. >take it I hefted up the saw horse. It immediately became clear that I would not be hauling this thing around very far. Too bulky. >n Gymnasium Compared to other schools, Lamb High had a really crappy gym. It was small, with bleachers on only one side of the basketball court. Not that I was really into sports, but when we had a basketball game, all of the spectators had to sit on that one side, so often fights would break out between fans of rival teams. Steps led up into the bleachers from here. A small hallway led south to the locker rooms. Across the gym floor to the east was the set of steel doors leading out to the hall; they were closed. West was the side-door going outside; this door was closed. George, the chief custodian, was on the gym floor with a mop and bucket, appearing busy. >e George noticed me starting towards the double-doors, and said, matter-of-freakin'-factly, "Hey, Tom, you do NOT want to cross the floor with all that wax on it! You'll mess it up, plus I don't want to have to call an ambulance when you bust your ass on it!" Chagrined, I stepped back, and he returned to his waxing. >drop horse I set the saw horse down. >push horse It was better to just pick it up and move it. >s Gym Hallway This short hall ended at the custodian's office door, which is closed, to the south. To the east was the door to the guys' locker room, which was closed; next to it to the southeast was the door to the girls' locker room, which was closed. To the north was the gym. >s (first opening the custodian's office door) I tried the door, and surprisingly, it was not locked. I pushed the door open. George's Office This office was dim, cramped and dingy; next to a floor sink was a crappy desk and chair, lit by a desk lamp, which revealed a small TV set and a typed sheet. On the wall next to the desk was a schedule and a map of the school. To the north was the door back out; this door was open. On the crappy desk was a typed sheet. Leaning against the wall next to the door was a metal ladder. >x desk Which do you mean, the crappy desk or the desk lamp? >crappy Probably some really old teacher's desk, wooden with a bunch of nicks in it. A couple of small drawers were near the top. The chair was just as crappy. On the desk were a lamp, TV set and a typed sheet of paper. >x lamp Just an old desk lamp, casting light on the sheet of paper under it. >x tv One of those six-inch models that I've seen mom and dad travel with. >turn on tv I didn't want to attract attention to my presence in here. >x typed It had the school's letterhead on it. The typed message on it said-- to: George Gronwald, Chief Custodian re: SPRING CLEANING PROGRAM George, This week, remember to schedule one member of the staff for each hall in the main building, for one overnight shift, and another staff member for one shift in the daytime. The Field House area gets one staff member at night, one for the daytime (but don't worry about the Auto Shop--mechanics student volunteers will be cleaning that up during the day). We want to get this place really clean, so they are to focus on one or two rooms per shift. Spare no effort or expense. No pressure, we have ten days. One good cleaning deserves another; let them do it again if they want. I leave it to your discretion. (signed) Hugh Holbrook (our principal) Great, I had some custodians to dodge. And possibly investigate. Wasn't too terribly frickin' sure how I was going to do that. >* Geez this is a lot of staffing That's not a verb I recognize. >* what state are we in? If in CA, the Prop 13 cuts should be well in effect You seem to want to talk to someone, but I can't see whom. >l George's Office This office was dim, cramped and dingy; next to a floor sink was a crappy desk and chair, lit by a desk lamp, which revealed a small TV set and a typed sheet. On the wall next to the desk was a schedule and a map of the school. To the north was the door back out; this door was open. On the crappy desk was a typed sheet. Leaning against the wall next to the door was a metal ladder. >take typed I wasn't going to mess with anything on George's desk. >take ladder I grabbed the ladder by the middle rung and frame, and hoisted it up under one of my arms. I was probably not going to go far with it. >x schedule Sure enough, George had scheduled each staff member--there were ten--to work five days each. And five of them were here this night, including George, for the same shift. They will all be here till about seven or eight in the morning. Eddie gets the field house and shop; George gets South Hall; Ulmer U. in Middle Hall; Scottie S. got East Hall; and Victor V. was scheduled to do North Hall this night. No details about what rooms they would be doing, so I guessed that they were starting on one end of each hall, moving towards the other. >x map It showed the campus, mostly as I already know it--the main building was a long, backwards E; a North Hall which contained most of the lockers, including mine; a Middle Hall, which included the study hall, library; and a South Hall, which had the gym at the end of it. It showed the field house aligned with, and to the west of, North Hall; the football field aligned with South Hall and gym. Each of these halls was connected by an East Hall, on the east side of the building, dah. East Hall held the faculty lounge and offices. Each of the halls had a number of classrooms. This map really didn't show me anything I didn't already know. >n Gym Hallway This short hall ended at the custodian's office door, which is open, to the south. To the east was the door to the guys' locker room, which was closed; next to it to the southeast was the door to the girls' locker room, which was closed. To the north was the gym. >e (first opening the men's locker room door) This door was not locked. Probably because it had the men's facilities in it. It immediately started swinging closed. Men's Locker Room And I meant 'men' in the most general freakin' sense. Because the place looked like crap, and smelled like it, too. The north wall was lined with many lockers, all beat-up and covered with graffiti; down the center of the room parallel with them was a long bench. The south wall was shower stalls with curtains. To the east were the toilet stalls. I could escape back to the hall through the door to the west. On the south wall over the shower stalls was an air vent. Thankfully. The locker room door was swinging quietly shut. >x lockers They were all open and some of the doors were missing. They were covered with graffiti. The locker room door was swinging quietly shut. >x graffiti It wasn't good art, so not worth my attention. Just sloppy junior-high stuff. The locker room door was swinging quietly shut. The locker room door clicked shut. >x bench Long and crusty. I'd hate to even touch it. >x vento I couldn't see any such thing. >x vent It was a somewhat wide square, colored brown and about a foot above the center stall, on the wall. It had hinges on top and I could see a tiny screw on the bottom of it. >open vent I couldn't reach the vent from the floor--it was too high up. >put ladder under vent I couldn't even reach the vent. >drop ladder I laid the ladder down on the floor. >open vent I couldn't reach the vent from the floor--it was too high up. >u I tried flapping my wings, with predictable results. >climb ladder It wasn't propped up against anything. >prop ladder against vent I couldn't see any such thing. >prop ladder against wall I couldn't see any such thing. >put ladder on wall I couldn't see any such thing. >take ladder I grabbed the ladder by the middle rung and frame, and hoisted it up under one of my arms. >put ladder on vent Wouldn't it be best to put it against a wall or something? >put ladder against wall I couldn't see any such thing. >* ...buddy That's not a verb I recognize. >l Men's Locker Room And I meant 'men' in the most general freakin' sense. Because the place looked like crap, and smelled like it, too. The north wall was lined with many lockers, all beat-up and covered with graffiti; down the center of the room parallel with them was a long bench. The south wall was shower stalls with curtains. To the east were the toilet stalls. I could escape back to the hall through the door to the west. On the south wall over the shower stalls was an air vent. Thankfully. >put ladder on south I leaned the ladder against the south wall. >* whew! That's not a verb I recognize. >climb ladder I climbed several steps up the ladder. >open vent I tried to lift the vent, but it seemed that the screw was keeping it closed. >* OK, that's a task You seem to want to talk to someone, but I can't see whom. >x bench Long and crusty. I'd hate to even touch it. >x showers There were about eleven of them, each with a blue curtain. I was surprised that none of the curtains were missing or torn. The stall in the center had a tick mark sharpied on the wall over it, and just under the air vent. I wondered what that meant. >x tick I couldn't see any such thing. >x mark There were about eleven of them, each with a blue curtain. I was surprised that none of the curtains were missing or torn. The stall in the center had a tick mark sharpied on the wall over it, and just under the air vent. I wondered what that meant. >e There was no way I was going to go into those toilets. Good frickin' thing I didn't need to. >n As I was on the ladder, I didn't feel safe doing that. >d I got off the metal ladder. Men's Locker Room And I meant 'men' in the most general freakin' sense. Because the place looked like crap, and smelled like it, too. The north wall was lined with many lockers, all beat-up and covered with graffiti; down the center of the room parallel with them was a long bench. The south wall was shower stalls with curtains. To the east were the toilet stalls. I could escape back to the hall through the door to the west. On the south wall over the shower stalls was an air vent. Thankfully. Leaning against the south wall was the metal ladder that I got from George's office. >n The lockers were all too narrow to hold me, not that I would friggin' want to get into one of those crap traps. >w (first opening the men's locker room door) I opened the locker room door. It immediately started swinging closed. Gym Hallway This short hall ended at the custodian's office door, which is open, to the south. To the east was the door to the guys' locker room, which was open; next to it to the southeast was the door to the girls' locker room, which was closed. To the north was the gym. The locker room door was swinging quietly shut. >se (first opening the women's locker room door) It seemed to be locked. The locker room door was swinging quietly shut. >n Gymnasium Compared to other schools, Lamb High had a really crappy gym. It was small, with bleachers on only one side of the basketball court. Not that I was really into sports, but when we had a basketball game, all of the spectators had to sit on that one side, so often fights would break out between fans of rival teams. Steps led up into the bleachers from here. A small hallway led south to the locker rooms. Across the gym floor to the east was the set of steel doors leading out to the hall; they were closed. West was the side-door going outside; this door was closed. George, the chief custodian, was on the gym floor with a mop and bucket, appearing busy. I could also see a saw horse here. >se I climbed the steps up into the gym bleachers. Gym Bleachers I was in another sea of sections of long seats, except these were polished wood and smelled of pine cleaner. Steps, to the northwest and northeast, led back down to the gym floor. >nw I trudged back down to the gym floor. I had to use the steps back towards the west door, because George had the other exit closed off, and I didn't want to piss him off. Gymnasium Compared to other schools, Lamb High had a really crappy gym. It was small, with bleachers on only one side of the basketball court. Not that I was really into sports, but when we had a basketball game, all of the spectators had to sit on that one side, so often fights would break out between fans of rival teams. Steps led up into the bleachers from here. A small hallway led south to the locker rooms. Across the gym floor to the east was the set of steel doors leading out to the hall; they were closed. West was the side-door going outside; this door was closed. George, the chief custodian, was on the gym floor with a mop and bucket, appearing busy. I could also see a saw horse here. >u I climbed the steps up into the gym bleachers. Gym Bleachers I was in another sea of sections of long seats, except these were polished wood and smelled of pine cleaner. Steps, to the northwest and northeast, led back down to the gym floor. >d I trudged back down to the gym floor. I had to use the steps back towards the west door, because George had the other exit closed off, and I didn't want to piss him off. Gymnasium Compared to other schools, Lamb High had a really crappy gym. It was small, with bleachers on only one side of the basketball court. Not that I was really into sports, but when we had a basketball game, all of the spectators had to sit on that one side, so often fights would break out between fans of rival teams. Steps led up into the bleachers from here. A small hallway led south to the locker rooms. Across the gym floor to the east was the set of steel doors leading out to the hall; they were closed. West was the side-door going outside; this door was closed. George, the chief custodian, was on the gym floor with a mop and bucket, appearing busy. I could also see a saw horse here. >e I didn't feel like pissing George off, and breaking my rear-end at the same time. >save Ok. >get on horse Playing "Gitty-up horsey" was not on my agenda. >push horse It was better to just pick it up and move it. >x floor I couldn't see any such thing. >e I didn't feel like pissing George off, and breaking my rear-end at the same time. >l Gymnasium Compared to other schools, Lamb High had a really crappy gym. It was small, with bleachers on only one side of the basketball court. Not that I was really into sports, but when we had a basketball game, all of the spectators had to sit on that one side, so often fights would break out between fans of rival teams. Steps led up into the bleachers from here. A small hallway led south to the locker rooms. Across the gym floor to the east was the set of steel doors leading out to the hall; they were closed. West was the side-door going outside; this door was closed. George, the chief custodian, was on the gym floor with a mop and bucket, appearing busy. I could also see a saw horse here. >kick bucket It was full of wax, and some distance away. I had no use for it, anyway. >i I was carrying: a third note Ziggy's gym keys a flashlight (providing light) a drill rifle a pizza box (closed) a green backpack (open) a credit card some spare keys my keyring my house key my locker key a remote controller a second note a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire Anne's diary my green pencil my ripped notebook Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill my acoustic guitar (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. >s Gym Hallway This short hall ended at the custodian's office door, which is open, to the south. To the east was the door to the guys' locker room, which was closed; next to it to the southeast was the door to the girls' locker room, which was closed. To the north was the gym. >e (first opening the men's locker room door) I opened the locker room door. It immediately started swinging closed. Men's Locker Room And I meant 'men' in the most general freakin' sense. Because the place looked like crap, and smelled like it, too. The north wall was lined with many lockers, all beat-up and covered with graffiti; down the center of the room parallel with them was a long bench. The south wall was shower stalls with curtains. To the east were the toilet stalls. I could escape back to the hall through the door to the west. On the south wall over the shower stalls was an air vent. Thankfully. Leaning against the south wall was the metal ladder that I got from George's office. The locker room door was swinging quietly shut. >climb What do you want to climb? >ladder I climbed several steps up the ladder. The locker room door was swinging quietly shut. >unscrew screw Let's see--righty tighty, lefty loosey--I turned the screw with my fingers. It must have been really small; it popped off unexpectedly and hit the floor under me. I could hear it bounce and skip across the floor, until I heard a 'ping' under one of the toilet stalls. The locker room door was swinging quietly shut. The locker room door clicked shut. >* oh, thought I might need that You seem to want to talk to someone, but I can't see whom. >open vent The vent opened upwards, but I had to hold it to keep it open. Though if I wanted to, I could just climb in. >enter vent I pulled the vent open just enough to get my head under it, and then hoisted myself into the frickin' duct, which I could barely fit into. Feeling the aluminum sheets of the duct give slightly under my hands and knees as I crawled, I immediately knew that I wouldn't be able to go far. Thankfully, the other vent was very close. I heard a clatter, the closing of the vent I went in through. Ductwork I was on my hands and knees in this metallic tunnel. I didn't even have room to frickin' turn around. Or do anything. It was dark, except for some light coming in through the two vents ahead (south) and behind (north) me. I could feel air moving in through tunnels to either side of me, probably from the air conditioning system of this building. Just seconds after the vent slammed, I heard someone enter the locker room behind me, muttering "What the hell..." It was George. "How the hell did that get there...?" Then there was a rattling, like he was grabbing the ladder, and more racket. I figured he must have frickin' taken the ladder with him, out of the room. Then things fell silent. >l Ductwork I was on my hands and knees in this metallic tunnel. I didn't even have room to frickin' turn around. Or do anything. It was dark, except for some light coming in through the two vents ahead (south) and behind (north) me. I could feel air moving in through tunnels to either side of me, probably from the air conditioning system of this building. >s I crawled over to the south vent and gave it a push--there was only slight resistance, as I heard a sound similar to the tiny screw that hit the floor when I opened the other vent. The south vent opened out, and I saw that I was perched over the girls' locker room, just over the shower stalls. Before giving it much thought, I crawled a little further out, reached down as far as I could and grabbed the shower curtain, pulled it up and wrapped my arms around it. Then I launched myself out of the shaft, flipped over and landed on the floor, as the vent slammed behind me. I was a natural fuckin' Indiana Jones. It was then that I realized that I might not be able to get back up into the shaft, and the door was probably locked. As clean as this room probably was, George would have no reason to come in here. I probably had to find another way out. Women's Locker Room Never been in here in my life. Probably never will again. The only thing it had in common with the men's area was that the toilet stalls were all on the east wall. The shower stalls were along the north wall, with the air vent above them. And the lockers--all clean and closed--were all on the south side. Even the long bench in the center looked clean. The door out to the hall was to the northwest. Looking around, I noticed one more difference. A velvet red rug covered the floor under the bench. That's exactly what I did! I rappelled out of a vent with a shower curtain. You earned 10 points for helping me remember! >* kind of unmotivated... That's not a verb I recognize. >save Ok. >x rug Soft and pure red velvet. I guessed that the girls got tired of feeling the cold floor under their bare feet. I noticed a slight bump on the rug, under the bench. >move rub I couldn't see any such thing. >move rug I carefully pulled the rug aside, and under it I found a trap door! Was there some secret passage under the school that I didn't know about?? There was a handle on this side of the door. >* huh That's not a verb I recognize. >pull handle But it was already closed. >open it I took the handle of the trap door, and finding a trigger on it, I squeezed it, and the door dropped down into the darkness, revealing a set of steps down. >x locker (the women's lockers) There were many of them. Nice, neat and clean. They were all closed, and I guessed, locked. >open (the third note) That piece of shit note was not worth that kind of care and attention. >open lockers I tried them all; they were all locked, requiring a combination that I did not have. >l Women's Locker Room Never been in here in my life. Probably never will again. The only thing it had in common with the men's area was that the toilet stalls were all on the east wall. The shower stalls were along the north wall, with the air vent above them. And the lockers--all clean and closed--were all on the south side. Even the long bench in the center looked clean. The door out to the hall was to the northwest. There was one more difference. A velvet red rug covered the floor under the bench, that is, until I moved it aside, revealing a trap door in the floor which was hanging down open into a secret passage. >e I didn't want to disturb the pristine beauty of the ladies" toilets. >n I stepped into the middle shower stall, noticing that there was a black tick mark on the wall right over it. I wondered what it meant. Ladies' Shower Stall I could see nothing unusual about this stall. It had the usual fixtures, shower bar and taps, and a curtain leading out to the south. But on the north wall, somewhere in the center about waist height, a couple of tiles were loose. >* double quote should be single That's not a verb I recognize. >x tiles There was a dark, neat crack going completely around them, and the pair of tiles were slightly raised off the wall. >push tiles They were already in the wall. >pull them I pulled the tiles out of the wall; they came out easily, along with the drywall piece that they were stuck to, and another drywall piece and pair of tiles--the two pairs of tiles were connected by a wood block cemented between them. I ducked down and looked into the opening, seeing another hole punched out of the other side of the wall, exactly the same size. Through that hole, I realized I was looking at a light blue colored shower curtain--in a boys' shower stall! It hit me that even the girls have a naughty side. >take wood I couldn't see any such thing. >l Ladies' Shower Stall I could see nothing unusual about this stall. It had the usual fixtures, shower bar and taps, and a curtain leading out to the south. On the north wall, somewhere in the center about waist height, a couple of tiles were loose. >take all There were none at all available! >take tiles I had no need to do that again. >n I couldn't go that way. >d Digging a hole with my fingers was not an option. >n I couldn't go that way. >d Digging a hole with my fingers was not an option. >s Women's Locker Room Never been in here in my life. Probably never will again. The only thing it had in common with the men's area was that the toilet stalls were all on the east wall. The shower stalls were along the north wall, with the air vent above them. And the lockers--all clean and closed--were all on the south side. Even the long bench in the center looked clean. The door out to the hall was to the northwest. There was one more difference. A velvet red rug covered the floor under the bench, that is, until I moved it aside, revealing a trap door in the floor which was hanging down open into a secret passage. >nw (first opening the women's locker room door) It seemed to be locked. >d I crouched under the bench and into the opening, and took the steps down. Small Basement This was just a small room under the ladies' locker room, lit dimly by light coming in from above, through the trap door I opened. Steps led up to it. A dark passage led east from here. >e I took a deep breath, and advanced further into the darkness. Plumbing Instead of being just a passage, this was actually a large area full of pipes going up, coming down, crossing the ceiling, and every which friggin' way. The only clear ways out were west, back to the small room, and east, up a flight of steps. They sure didn't care much for cleanliness down here. About a third of the floor was covered with old rags and dirty towels. >x pipes They were everywhere here. Big pipes, little pipes, twisty pipes and straight pipes. Many of them old and rusted. There's no way I'm going to describe them all. >x rags Well, they looked like a bunch of dirty towels and rags, but I could see that there might be other kinds of stuff mixed into it. >take all There were none at all available! >search rages I couldn't see any such thing. >search rags While it wasn't like me to go rifling through someone's crappy laundry, I took a look here and there through the 69,105-odd pieces of crap, and spotted some khaki slacks, and then a similarly colored shirt. It looked like a custodian's uniform! It was old, rumpled and about two sizes too big for me, but I thought it might be of some friggin' use. I pulled it out of the mess. >wear it (first taking the cloth pile) I utterly had no use for any of that other shit. >take uniform I was already carrying that. >wear uniform I dropped all my stuff and tried on the pants. They easily went on over my sneakers, and I realized that with my jeans on, the pants fit frickin' snugly. Then I put on the shirt. The guy must have had a paunch; the shirt was baggy as hell. The pants fit even better after I tucked the shirt into them. Now I felt like a real custodian trainee. I picked my stuff back up. That's exactly what I did! I became a custodian overnight. You earned 10 points for helping me remember! >* progress! That's not a verb I recognize. >l Plumbing Instead of being just a passage, this was actually a large area full of pipes going up, coming down, crossing the ceiling, and every which friggin' way. The only clear ways out were west, back to the small room, and east, up a flight of steps. They sure didn't care much for cleanliness down here. About a third of the floor was covered with old rags and dirty towels. >e I trudged up the steps, which were kind of steep and narrow. Some Janitor's Closet This looked like George's office, without the amenities. In other words, only a concrete floor sink. George must have taken the mop bucket and mop from here. Narrow steps led down to the west. The door to the northeast was closed. A pair of rubber boots sat in the corner. >wear boots (first taking the rubber boots) As I picked the boots up, I heard the sound of something metal scraping the floor. A steel key had been dropped on the floor between the boots! The things were so frickin' big that they fit neatly over my sneakers. >x steel Large, and made of steel. >take it Got it. >x it Large, and made of steel. >l Some Janitor's Closet This looked like George's office, without the amenities. In other words, only a concrete floor sink. George must have taken the mop bucket and mop from here. Narrow steps led down to the west. The door to the northeast was closed. >x sink It was one of those concrete sinks that custodians use to fill and empty mop buckets. A dingy concrete square set into the floor, with a drain in the center and a spigot on the wall. >turn on spigot I turned the spigot on and water came gushing out; I turned it off before I got seriously wet. >ne (first opening the closet door) As I opened the door, light streamed into the room from the hall. When I looked out, I immediately recognized the lobby just outside the gym. I emerged from the closet into the school's South Hall. Gym Entrance Now I was on the other side of the main gym doors, a set of steel double-doors to the west, which were closed. To the southwest was the janitor's closet; the door to this nook was open. To the north were glass double-doors that led outside--they had a chain with a padlock threaded through the handles. No frickin' going outside for me. This hall, the South Hall of the school with the junior-high classes, continued to the east. >* Whew That's not a verb I recognize. >save Ok. >open doors You can't use multiple objects with that verb. >open door Which do you mean, the south janitor's door or the glass double-doors? >glass I pushed tentatively at the glass doors, but they were tightly locked. >l Gym Entrance Now I was on the other side of the main gym doors, a set of steel double-doors to the west, which were closed. To the southwest was the janitor's closet; the door to this nook was open. To the north were glass double-doors that led outside--they had a chain with a padlock threaded through the handles. No frickin' going outside for me. This hall, the South Hall of the school with the junior-high classes, continued to the east. >x padlock They were the main exit of this hall to the bus-yard outside. At this time, there was a chain with a padlock keeping them closed. >w (first opening the steel double doors) They seemed to be locked. >unlock steel (the steel key) It didn't look like the steel key could be unlocked by any normal means... >unlock steel door That required a key. >unlock steel door with steel key I unlocked the steel double doors. >* whew That's not a verb I recognize. >w (first opening the steel double doors) I pulled the gym doors open by the handles, with frickin' apprehension. I was relieved to see the George was nowhere in the gym. Among the Fans I was on the east side of the gym floor, near the steel doors, which were to the east. Those doors were open. To the southwest were some steps leading up into the bleachers. Some industrial fans had been set up here and there around the floor, to help dry the wax. To the west was the rest of the gym, and the door to the outside. As I looked, I noticed that one of the fans, an old one next to the doors, was not running. Must be dead? The sound of the fans filled the gym; gusts of air blew in every direction. >save Ok. >x fans They were heavy, round and set on rollers, blowing up a frickin' storm. Except for one that looked quite old. The sound of the fans filled the gym; gusts of air blew in every direction. >x old George must have rolled this one out last, and in a hurry. He forgot to turn it on. Maybe he didn't want to miss his favorite late night tv show? Anyway, it was identical to the others in every respect, except it was old and dusty. In the bottom of the grill I could see a pile of dead flies. >x flies There were about a handful of them, just lying there at the bottom of the grill. Probably collected over years of the fan's use and never cleaned out. The flies were pristine and almost alive-looking. >turn on old I flipped the switch on the back--but the fan didn't come on. George probably didn't find out until he brought it out here. I switched the thing back off. The sound of the fans filled the gym; gusts of air blew in every direction. >take flies I tried an old trick--holding one hand, cupped, behind the fan, I blew the flies out of the bottom of the grill. I almost forgot to close my friggin' eyes, as a dust cloud immediately blew into my face. When I opened my eyes again, I noticed that most of the flies made it into my cupped hand. >* Well that was a thing I did That's not a verb I recognize. >eat flies They were not in my diet. >* fiar That's not a verb I recognize. >l Among the Fans I was on the east side of the gym floor, near the steel doors, which were to the east. Those doors were open. To the southwest were some steps leading up into the bleachers. Some industrial fans had been set up here and there around the floor, to help dry the wax. To the west was the rest of the gym, and the door to the outside. One of the fans, an old one next to the doors, wasn't running. >push fan But I didn't want to piss off George by moving it. >push fan east I wasn't just going to push that around. The sound of the fans filled the gym; gusts of air blew in every direction. >w I trudged west back to the side-door of the gym, in my rubber boots. Gymnasium Compared to other schools, Lamb High had a really crappy gym. It was small, with bleachers on only one side of the basketball court. Not that I was really into sports, but when we had a basketball game, all of the spectators had to sit on that one side, so often fights would break out between fans of rival teams. Steps led up into the bleachers from here. A small hallway led south to the locker rooms. Across the gym floor to the east was the set of steel doors leading out to the hall; they were open. West was the side-door going outside; this door was closed. A number of huge fans had been placed around the periphery of the gym, blowing powerful gusts everywhere. I could also see a saw horse here. The sound of the fans filled the gym; gusts of air blew in every direction. >x horse It was just a plain wooden saw horse. Kind of like the hurdle I had earlier, except it had four legs, like a horse. And it was quite bigger. The sound of the fans filled the gym; gusts of air blew in every direction. >take it I took up the saw horse again. The sound of the fans filled the gym; gusts of air blew in every direction. >e With the rubber boots on, I stepped carefully across the gym floor, towards the steel doors. Among the Fans I was on the east side of the gym floor, near the steel doors, which were to the east. Those doors were open. To the southwest were some steps leading up into the bleachers. Some industrial fans had been set up here and there around the floor, to help dry the wax. To the west was the rest of the gym, and the door to the outside. One of the fans, an old one next to the doors, wasn't running. The sound of the fans filled the gym; gusts of air blew in every direction. >e Gym Entrance Now I was on the other side of the main gym doors, a set of steel double-doors to the west, which were open. To the southwest was the janitor's closet; the door to this nook was open. To the north were glass double-doors that led outside--they had a chain with a padlock threaded through the handles. No frickin' going outside for me. This hall, the South Hall of the school with the junior-high classes, continued to the east. >drop horse I set the saw horse down. The sound of the fans running inside the gym filled this part of the hallway. >sae That's not a verb I recognize. >save Ok. >l Gym Entrance Now I was on the other side of the main gym doors, a set of steel double-doors to the west, which were open. To the southwest was the janitor's closet; the door to this nook was open. To the north were glass double-doors that led outside--they had a chain with a padlock threaded through the handles. No frickin' going outside for me. This hall, the South Hall of the school with the junior-high classes, continued to the east. I could see a saw horse here. The sound of the fans running inside the gym filled this part of the hallway. >n (first opening the glass double-doors) I pushed tentatively at the glass doors, but they were tightly locked. >se There were no unlocked or open doors in that direction. >nw There were no unlocked or open doors in that direction. The sound of the fans running inside the gym filled this part of the hallway. >sw South Janitor's Closet This looked like George's office, without the amenities. In other words, only a concrete floor sink. George must have taken the mop bucket and mop from here. Narrow steps led down to the west. Light came in through the open door to the northeast. >ne I emerged from the closet into the school's South Hall. Gym Entrance Now I was on the other side of the main gym doors, a set of steel double-doors to the west, which were open. To the southwest was the janitor's closet; the door to this nook was open. To the north were glass double-doors that led outside--they had a chain with a padlock threaded through the handles. No frickin' going outside for me. This hall, the South Hall of the school with the junior-high classes, continued to the east. I could see a saw horse here. The sound of the fans running inside the gym filled this part of the hallway. >ne There were no unlocked or open doors in that direction. >e I closed the steel doors to the gym, instead of just leaving them open. I didn't want George to be suspicious. Those rubber boots, with the metal cleats, made a clacking noise on the floor--I took them off, so as not to alert anyone to my presence. I started going east along South Hall, checking every classroom door. They were all locked, and the little windows in them were dark. I paused about halfway in, at the bulletin board. And an open door. South Hall, at bulletin board Many classroom doors lined both sides of the hall, which went east-west from here. On the south wall was a bulletin board, with sliding glass doors, which was closed. Across from the board, to the north, one classroom door was slightly ajar. It was the art room door. >x board The junior high bulletin board. Full of stuff nobody ever reads, like sports schedules, school play programs, an encouraging letter from the principal. The sliding glass doors were closed; one of them had the metal keyhole attached to it. Far more interesting to me was a folded sticky note, which probably was not stuck to the board very well; it had fallen to the bottom onto one of its sides, turned so that I couldn't read it. Far more interesting, meaning still not very interesting, but much more compared to the other crap. >x note (the third note) It said, in red sharpie-- HOW MANY CUSTODIANS DOES IT TAKE TO SCREW IN A FUCKING LIGHT BULB? TOO MANY! TOM YOU ARE JUST GOING TO HAVE TO FIND ME! OH NO. I JUST MADE YOU, THE TOM TRUNDLE, MAD. I GUESS I'LL HAVE TO GIVE YOU ANOTHER CLUE. I AM SOMEWHERE. . . . . . . IN THIS BUILDING! HA HA HA! I'LL SAY HI TO YOUR WHORE FOR YOU! AT SOME POINT! HA HA HA! >x sticky It was inside the bulletin board, and turned away from me, so I couldn't read it. >open board It seemed to be locked. >break glass I much prefer to make verbal attacks. >l South Hall, at bulletin board Many classroom doors lined both sides of the hall, which went east-west from here. On the south wall was a bulletin board, with sliding glass doors, which was closed. Across from the board, to the north, one classroom door was slightly ajar. It was the art room door. >n Art Room Artwork of various kinds was pinned up everywhere here. Long tables ran parallel to the walls. Mr Pell's desk was in the northeast corner; a line of windows spanned the north wall. A storage unit--several lockers--stood against the west wall; the lockers were closed. To the south was the open doorway out to the hall. My old orange plastic chair was still placed at my spot at the table, where I sat in Art class in eighth grade. >x artwork Though I looked at that crap every day, while taking Art, I don't recall a thing about it. >x desk Mr Pell's desk was always covered with artwork--his and that of his best students. It was cool as hell! >x windows The windows stretched across the north wall of the room. They looked out onto the courtyard between this hall and Middle Hall. Outside I saw darkness, punctuated by glints of the white outdoor lights reflected off of the windows of Middle Hall. >l Art Room Artwork of various kinds was pinned up everywhere here. Long tables ran parallel to the walls. Mr Pell's desk was in the northeast corner; a line of windows spanned the north wall. A storage unit--several lockers--stood against the west wall; the lockers were closed. To the south was the open doorway out to the hall. My old orange plastic chair was still placed at my spot at the table, where I sat in Art class in eighth grade. >x unit They were a few closed lockers full of art supplies, mainly for students who did not have their own, plus other materials that none of us were likely to have, like paints, turpentine, rubber gloves. Mr Pell was generous, sometimes to a fault. Though we always had to return stuff we borrowed. The unit was on rollers, but it was rarely moved from its usual spot. >open lockers It was already quite open. >look in lockers There was nothing in there that I needed at that time. >save Ok. >l Art Room Artwork of various kinds was pinned up everywhere here. Long tables ran parallel to the walls. Mr Pell's desk was in the northeast corner; a line of windows spanned the north wall. A storage unit--several lockers--stood against the west wall; the lockers were closed. To the south was the open doorway out to the hall. My old orange plastic chair was still placed at my spot at the table, where I sat in Art class in eighth grade. >x chair I couldn't see any such thing. >x orange I couldn't see any such thing. >* huh That's not a verb I recognize. >open lockers It was already quite open. >* huh? That's not a verb I recognize. >* description says they're closed That's not a verb I recognize. >x lockers They were a few closed lockers full of art supplies, mainly for students who did not have their own, plus other materials that none of us were likely to have, like paints, turpentine, rubber gloves. Mr Pell was generous, sometimes to a fault. Though we always had to return stuff we borrowed. The unit was on rollers, but it was rarely moved from its usual spot. >x gloves I couldn't see any such thing. >push lockers Though that move seemed vaguely compelling, I saw no reason to do it. I don't usually rearrange furniture. >l Art Room Artwork of various kinds was pinned up everywhere here. Long tables ran parallel to the walls. Mr Pell's desk was in the northeast corner; a line of windows spanned the north wall. A storage unit--several lockers--stood against the west wall; the lockers were closed. To the south was the open doorway out to the hall. My old orange plastic chair was still placed at my spot at the table, where I sat in Art class in eighth grade. >x desk Mr Pell's desk was always covered with artwork--his and that of his best students. It was cool as hell! >x tables Those tables gave me a lot of space to work on, unlike the crappy desks in my other classes. >x windows The windows stretched across the north wall of the room. They looked out onto the courtyard between this hall and Middle Hall. Outside I saw darkness, punctuated by glints of the white outdoor lights reflected off of the windows of Middle Hall. >s South Hall, at bulletin board Many classroom doors lined both sides of the hall, which went east-west from here. On the south wall was a bulletin board, with sliding glass doors, which was closed. Across from the board, to the north, one classroom door was slightly ajar. It was the art room door. >e I continued east along South Hall, checking doors as I went. I stopped when I reached the steel doors at the end of the hall. South Hall, east end I was at the east end of South Hall, where it ended at yet another set of steel double-doors. On the other side of these doors would be East Hall, which ran along the east side of the school. Just before the doors, in the north wall, was an odd door, painted black. It was closed. The way back down the hall towards the gym was to the west. >x door On this side, some faded golden letters spelled out TEACHER'S LOUNGE Employees only, please. I heard a sound like a mop bucket being pushed, coming from the steel doors to the east. >n (first opening the lounge door) It seemed to be locked. >i I was carrying: some dead flies a steel key some rubber boots a dirty uniform (being worn) a third note Ziggy's gym keys a flashlight (providing light) a drill rifle a pizza box (closed) a green backpack (open) a credit card some spare keys my keyring my house key my locker key a remote controller a second note a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire Anne's diary my green pencil my ripped notebook Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill my acoustic guitar (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. >unlock north door I only understood you as far as wanting to unlock north. >i I was carrying: some dead flies a steel key some rubber boots a dirty uniform (being worn) a third note Ziggy's gym keys a flashlight (providing light) a drill rifle a pizza box (closed) a green backpack (open) a credit card some spare keys my keyring my house key my locker key a remote controller a second note a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire Anne's diary my green pencil my ripped notebook Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill my acoustic guitar (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. I could hear some humming, coming from the steel doors to the east. >opend oor That's not a verb I recognize. >open door It seemed to be locked. I could hear some lazy whistling, and something like a mop being pushed, coming from the steel doors to the east. >unlock door It looked like I needed a key to do that. >i I was carrying: some dead flies a steel key some rubber boots a dirty uniform (being worn) a third note Ziggy's gym keys a flashlight (providing light) a drill rifle a pizza box (closed) a green backpack (open) a credit card some spare keys my keyring my house key my locker key a remote controller a second note a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire Anne's diary my green pencil my ripped notebook Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill my acoustic guitar (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. >l South Hall, east end I was at the east end of South Hall, where it ended at yet another set of steel double-doors. On the other side of these doors would be East Hall, which ran along the east side of the school. Just before the doors, in the north wall, was an odd door, painted black. It was closed. The way back down the hall towards the gym was to the west. I heard a sound like a mop bucket being pushed, coming from the steel doors to the east. >x black I couldn't see any such thing. >x odd I couldn't see any such thing. >x north door I only understood you as far as wanting to examine north. >n (first opening the lounge door) It seemed to be locked. >e (first opening the south hall doors) I quietly and carefully pushed against the doors; they would not budge. How was I freaking going to get past them? >l South Hall, east end I was at the east end of South Hall, where it ended at yet another set of steel double-doors. On the other side of these doors would be East Hall, which ran along the east side of the school. Just before the doors, in the north wall, was an odd door, painted black. It was closed. The way back down the hall towards the gym was to the west. >w I retraced my steps to the bulletin board. South Hall, at bulletin board Many classroom doors lined both sides of the hall, which went east-west from here. On the south wall was a bulletin board, with sliding glass doors, which was closed. Across from the board, to the north, one classroom door was slightly ajar. It was the art room door. >n Art Room Artwork of various kinds was pinned up everywhere here. Long tables ran parallel to the walls. Mr Pell's desk was in the northeast corner; a line of windows spanned the north wall. A storage unit--several lockers--stood against the west wall; the lockers were closed. To the south was the open doorway out to the hall. My old orange plastic chair was still placed at my spot at the table, where I sat in Art class in eighth grade. >push lockers south I wasn't just going to push that around. >s South Hall, at bulletin board Many classroom doors lined both sides of the hall, which went east-west from here. On the south wall was a bulletin board, with sliding glass doors, which was closed. Across from the board, to the north, one classroom door was slightly ajar. It was the art room door. >s There were no unlocked or open doors in that direction. >w I went back to the gym, at the west end of the hall. Gym Entrance Now I was on the other side of the main gym doors, a set of steel double-doors to the west, which were closed. To the southwest was the janitor's closet; the door to this nook was open. To the north were glass double-doors that led outside--they had a chain with a padlock threaded through the handles. No frickin' going outside for me. This hall, the South Hall of the school with the junior-high classes, continued to the east. I could see a saw horse here. >n (first opening the glass double-doors) I pushed tentatively at the glass doors, but they were tightly locked. >s There were no unlocked or open doors in that direction. >x horse It was just a plain wooden saw horse. Kind of like the hurdle I had earlier, except it had four legs, like a horse. And it was quite bigger. >push horse e I wasn't just going to push that around. >take horse (putting the pizza box into the green backpack to make room) The pizza box was too big to fit into the backpack. >drop box Dropped. >take horse I took up the saw horse again. >e I went east along the hall. I paused about halfway in, at the bulletin board. And an open door. South Hall, at bulletin board Many classroom doors lined both sides of the hall, which went east-west from here. On the south wall was a bulletin board, with sliding glass doors, which was closed. Across from the board, to the north, one classroom door was slightly ajar. It was the art room door. >e I went back down the hall to the east. South Hall, east end I was at the east end of South Hall, where it ended at yet another set of steel double-doors. On the other side of these doors would be East Hall, which ran along the east side of the school. Just before the doors, in the north wall, was an odd door, painted black. It was closed. The way back down the hall towards the gym was to the west. I could hear some lazy whistling, and something like a mop being pushed, coming from the steel doors to the east. >drop horse I set the saw horse down. >knock on door I knocked softly on the door, but there was no answer. >g Still no answer. >* could we knock loudly? That's not a verb I recognize. >knock on door Still no answer. >g Still no answer. >g Still no answer. >knock loudly I couldn't see any such thing. >l South Hall, east end I was at the east end of South Hall, where it ended at yet another set of steel double-doors. On the other side of these doors would be East Hall, which ran along the east side of the school. Just before the doors, in the north wall, was an odd door, painted black. It was closed. The way back down the hall towards the gym was to the west. I could see a saw horse here. >listen I could vaguely hear the sound of whistling and other racket coming from the door to the east. >w I retraced my steps to the bulletin board. South Hall, at bulletin board Many classroom doors lined both sides of the hall, which went east-west from here. On the south wall was a bulletin board, with sliding glass doors, which was closed. Across from the board, to the north, one classroom door was slightly ajar. It was the art room door. > I beg your pardon? >nn That's not a verb I recognize. >n Art Room Artwork of various kinds was pinned up everywhere here. Long tables ran parallel to the walls. Mr Pell's desk was in the northeast corner; a line of windows spanned the north wall. A storage unit--several lockers--stood against the west wall; the lockers were closed. To the south was the open doorway out to the hall. My old orange plastic chair was still placed at my spot at the table, where I sat in Art class in eighth grade. >x unit They were a few closed lockers full of art supplies, mainly for students who did not have their own, plus other materials that none of us were likely to have, like paints, turpentine, rubber gloves. Mr Pell was generous, sometimes to a fault. Though we always had to return stuff we borrowed. The unit was on rollers, but it was rarely moved from its usual spot. >search unit There was nothing in there that I needed at that time. >l Art Room Artwork of various kinds was pinned up everywhere here. Long tables ran parallel to the walls. Mr Pell's desk was in the northeast corner; a line of windows spanned the north wall. A storage unit--several lockers--stood against the west wall; the lockers were closed. To the south was the open doorway out to the hall. My old orange plastic chair was still placed at my spot at the table, where I sat in Art class in eighth grade. >ne I couldn't go that way. >open windows They were all tightly locked. >s South Hall, at bulletin board Many classroom doors lined both sides of the hall, which went east-west from here. On the south wall was a bulletin board, with sliding glass doors, which was closed. Across from the board, to the north, one classroom door was slightly ajar. It was the art room door. >x board The junior high bulletin board. Full of stuff nobody ever reads, like sports schedules, school play programs, an encouraging letter from the principal. The sliding glass doors were closed; one of them had the metal keyhole attached to it. Far more interesting to me was a folded sticky note, which probably was not stuck to the board very well; it had fallen to the bottom onto one of its sides, turned so that I couldn't read it. Far more interesting, meaning still not very interesting, but much more compared to the other crap. >unlock glass It needed a key to do that. Although the keyhole looks pretty lame... >pick lock What do you want to pick the lame keyhole with? >wire (first taking the wire hanger) Got it. (first taking the lame keyhole) I was pretty sure that I couldn't get the lame keyhole to let go of the glass bulletin board. >* wait, huh You seem to want to talk to someone, but I can't see whom. >pick keyhole with wire (first taking the lame keyhole) I was pretty sure that I couldn't get the lame keyhole to let go of the glass bulletin board. >unlock keyhold with wire I couldn't see any such thing. >unlock keyhole with wire (first taking the lame keyhole) I was pretty sure that I couldn't get the lame keyhole to let go of the glass bulletin board. >* What? That's not a verb I recognize. >* it says it's a lame lock which I think is a prompt for picking... That's not a verb I recognize. >* but something seems wrong with the parser That's not a verb I recognize. >think about glass (the glass bulletin board) A lot of uninteresting stuff was on that board, but I wondered what that folded sticky note in there said. That keyhole looked lame enough... >think about keyhole Looks lame enough... >think about wire Now I might use it to pick particularly lame locks. But probably not padlocks. >* yeah That's not a verb I recognize. >l South Hall, at bulletin board Many classroom doors lined both sides of the hall, which went east-west from here. On the south wall was a bulletin board, with sliding glass doors, which was closed. Across from the board, to the north, one classroom door was slightly ajar. It was the art room door. >pick What do you want to pick up? >unlock What do you want to unlock? >glass It needed a key to do that. Although the keyhole looks pretty lame... >unlock glass wth wire I only understood you as far as wanting to unlock the glass bulletin board. >unlock glass with wire I bent the wire so that I could get both ends into the keyhole, making an X. After inserting them into opposite ends of the keyhole, and doing a little twisting and nudging, I toggled the little lever inside, and was able to slide the glass door to the side. That's exactly what I did! I got something unlocked with a wire hanger. You earned 5 points for helping me remember! >* whew That's not a verb I recognize. >open glass That was already open. >x note (the third note) It said, in red sharpie-- HOW MANY CUSTODIANS DOES IT TAKE TO SCREW IN A FUCKING LIGHT BULB? TOO MANY! TOM YOU ARE JUST GOING TO HAVE TO FIND ME! OH NO. I JUST MADE YOU, THE TOM TRUNDLE, MAD. I GUESS I'LL HAVE TO GIVE YOU ANOTHER CLUE. I AM SOMEWHERE. . . . . . . IN THIS BUILDING! HA HA HA! I'LL SAY HI TO YOUR WHORE FOR YOU! AT SOME POINT! HA HA HA! >l South Hall, at bulletin board Many classroom doors lined both sides of the hall, which went east-west from here. On the south wall was a bulletin board, with sliding glass doors, which was open. Across from the board, to the north, one classroom door was slightly ajar. It was the art room door. >x board The junior high bulletin board. Full of stuff nobody ever reads, like sports schedules, school play programs, an encouraging letter from the principal. The sliding glass doors were slid open; one of them had the metal keyhole attached to it. Far more interesting to me was a folded sticky note, which probably was not stuck to the board very well; it had fallen to the bottom onto one of its sides, turned so that I couldn't read it. Far more interesting, meaning still not very interesting, but much more compared to the other crap. >x sticky It was inside the bulletin board, and turned away from me, so I couldn't read it. >read it It was inside the bulletin board, and turned away from me, so I couldn't read it. >take it (putting the drill rifle into the green backpack to make room) The drill rifle was too big to fit into the backpack. >wear rifle I slung the rifle over my shoulder. >take sticky Got it. >read it It said, in large orange letters-- 8th GRADE SKETCH ART CONTEST RESULTS ARE IN! COME BY THE ART ROOM AFTER CLASSES TODAY! I don't know why, but for some reason, reading that note brought me back to a time four years ago, when I got into a confrontation with another kid. I was in Art class, taking part in that very same contest that year. We were working on our sketches that we would enter into the contest later, putting on the final touches. Class that day just started... Eighth Grade Art (on the orange plastic chair) Artwork of various kinds was pinned up everywhere here. Long tables ran parallel to the walls, with sketch pads lying on them, and being worked on by my fellow students. Mr Pell's desk was in the northeast corner; a line of windows spanned the north wall. A storage unit--several lockers--stood against the west wall; the lockers were standing open. To the south was the open doorway out to the hall. I was sitting in my chair at the table, working on my unfinished sketch. Near it on the table I could see my hairspray bottle. Mr Pell was at his desk, going over a pile of sketches with his student helpers. >* OK now flashbacks, huh? You seem to want to talk to someone, but I can't see whom. >x bottle Final Net. We use hairspray to set our drawings--the sticky substance protects pencil strokes from smudging or smearing. >take it Got it. >x it Final Net. We use hairspray to set our drawings--the sticky substance protects pencil strokes from smudging or smearing. I just happened to be looking towards the doorway when big Keith Krump, who was frequently frickin' late, snuck quietly in. He ducked past Mr Pell, who was in a huddle with his helpers, and stepped over to the lockers. No one else seemed to have noticed Keith, except me, as he stepped to a spot beside the storage lockers. I didn't see all of what he did, but I noticed he had his hand slightly behind them as he looked around the room. When he spotted me, I looked quickly back down at my sketch. A moment later, I felt a poke at my shoulder. It was Keith. He was holding a piece of sketch paper towards me. "Hey, Tom, what do you think of this??", he said. >x sketch (the unfinished sketch) I couldn't remember what it was, but you can take your pick, and we'll say it was that. [Just type DRAW (anything).] Keith seemed to be waiting for me to do something. >draw gandhi I added more defining strokes to my drawing. "Tom, what do you think of my SKETCH???" said Keith, with some frickin' force. >x it It was a drawing of a gandhi. A pretty damn good one, I would say. >x keith He was this fat kid that I went to school with. He was also tall and a frickin' bully. But he had a sensitive side that I sometimes appreciated. People made fun of him or cursed him behind his back. But I avoided doing so, even after his expulsion, because I always thought that it could come back to bite my ass if I did it. Today, he was looking very nervous, his eyes were darting all around the frickin' place. Keith waved his sketch at me, saying, "Well..??" >x keith's sketch I pulled at the edge of it, to get a better look. To me, it looked like a table with some beer mugs on it, each with a frothy head on it. The foam looked like a bunch of squiggles, like a little kid did it. I started laughing, he got a serious look on his face. He said, "Hey, what's so funny??" He pulled back on his drawing. But I did not quite friggin' let go. Before I realized he was pulling it back, the sketch ripped near the corner where my thumb was. When I saw what happened, I said, frantically, "Sorry, sorry, I didn't mean to do that!" "Sorry? I worked on that all day yesterday!", he said. To my contrite look, he said, "What are you, some kind of fairy??" Shaking with rage, he grabbed my hairspray, and sprayed it into my face.... Please press SPACE to continue. I briefly anticipated some kind of fuckin' attack. Keith was just getting known for rash reactions like that. Please press SPACE to continue. I say, 'just getting' because he was summarily expelled for that attack. Meanwhile, I got to spend the afternoon with the school nurse, as she and Mr Pell helped me get the spray out of my eyes and face. Then I got to go home. I never finished my sketch. But I got a consolation prize, a whole pack of my favorite candy, Tootsie Roll Pops. Please press SPACE to continue. None of us kept up with Keith. I had forgotten about him until I read the sticky note from the bulletin board. And I wondered what he might have been doing at the lockers when he came into the room that day.... Please press SPACE to continue. South Hall, at bulletin board Many classroom doors lined both sides of the hall, which went east-west from here. On the south wall was a bulletin board, with sliding glass doors, which was open. Across from the board, to the north, one classroom door was slightly ajar. It was the art room door. >* wasn't that like four years ago? That's not a verb I recognize. >n Art Room Artwork of various kinds was pinned up everywhere here. Long tables ran parallel to the walls. Mr Pell's desk was in the northeast corner; a line of windows spanned the north wall. A storage unit--several lockers--stood against the west wall; the lockers were closed. To the south was the open doorway out to the hall. My old orange plastic chair was still placed at my spot at the table, where I sat in Art class in eighth grade. >x lockers They were a few closed lockers full of art supplies, mainly for students who did not have their own, plus other materials that none of us were likely to have, like paints, turpentine, rubber gloves. Mr Pell was generous, sometimes to a fault. Though we always had to return stuff we borrowed. The unit was on rollers, but it was rarely moved from its usual spot. >search lockers There was nothing in there that I needed at that time. >look behind lockers I couldn't see any such thing. >push lockers Curious to get some clue about what Keith might have done when he was there, I stepped over to the side of the unit. I immediately noticed a dark crack of space behind it, so I wedged a couple of fingers into it, until I was able to swing the unit partially away from the wall. I nearly howled when I saw the hole that was there. It was completely covered by a huge spider web, and there was a giant freakin' spider at the center of it! >x spider She was orange in her midsection, with tiny red eyes, and long, purple legs, each of which was perched gracefully on a thread of her web. >give flies to spider The spider appeared to flinch a bit as I approached. Then I showered one side of the web with the pile of dead flies in my hand. I don't think a single one went through; they all got stuck on the web in various places. I stepped away when I was done. The spider remained motionless for a few seconds. But then she sprang into action! She sped over to the region where I had deposited the flies, and began to work friggin' feverishly on the first fly, wrapping it carefully and efficiently with wax. Then she moved on to the next. She was working fast, but it looked like it would take her a while to finish. >* This is why I always carry around a handful of dead flies That's not a verb I recognize. >x hole It looked like a few cinderblocks had been removed from the wall, leaving a big dark gash. Which was completely covered by a huge spiderweb. Near one edge of it, the big, beautiful spider was occupied with wrapping her gift of dead flies in fresh wax. Which almost distracted me from noticing what was lying on the ledge inside the hole, just beyond the web: some dead flies and a black keyring. This must have been what Keith had put behind the unit. The giant spider continued to wrap my food offering to her. >take keyring Which do you mean, the black keyring, the spare keys, the keyring or Ziggy's gym keys? >black While the spider was busy on the other side of the web, weaving her prey into her web, I quickly reached into the relatively wide gap near the ledge of the hole, and snatched the key, before doing any harm to the web. What frickin' luck! That's exactly what I did! I snatched a key from the lair of a deadly spider....and solved the age-old mystery of what did Keith put behind that unit.. You earned 10 points for helping me remember! >x black It was a small key attached to a black key tag, on which was written in gold sharpie--LOUNGE. The giant spider continued to wrap my food offering to her. >s Before I left the room, I pushed the storage unit back up against the wall. I wanted the lovely spider to be safe from others, who would only frickin' abuse her. South Hall, at bulletin board Many classroom doors lined both sides of the hall, which went east-west from here. On the south wall was a bulletin board, with sliding glass doors, which was open. Across from the board, to the north, one classroom door was slightly ajar. It was the art room door. >e I went back down the hall to the east. South Hall, east end I was at the east end of South Hall, where it ended at yet another set of steel double-doors. On the other side of these doors would be East Hall, which ran along the east side of the school. Just before the doors, in the north wall, was an odd door, painted black. It was closed. The way back down the hall towards the gym was to the west. I could see a saw horse here. I could hear something like someone singing badly, coming from the steel doors to the east. >unlock black with black That didn't seem to be something I could unlock. >n (first opening the lounge door) It seemed to be locked. >unlock lounge with black (the lounge door with the lounge key) I unlocked the lounge door. >n (first opening the lounge door) The door opened smoothly, and then started moving silently back to close. I went into the teacher's lounge for the very first time of my life, and it didn't surprise me that I would be greeted by the stench of thick cigarette smoke. Good friggin' gosh. Even my parents quit smoking years ago. Did we students really drive our teachers to smoke this much?? Teacher's Lounge This lounge was hardly something to brag about. A long couch and a small sofa, each flanking a television set with a VCR underneath. Each looking like they had been donated by the local dump. Between the couch and the sofa was a tiny coffee table, with an ashtray on it. Against the west wall was a small counter with a microwave oven on it, beside which was a mini refrigerator. Another black door led east, I assumed, out into East Hall. The door I came in through was to the south. The south lounge door was swinging quietly shut. >x couch Drab and freakin' threadbare. There were many holes in the upholstery. The south lounge door was swinging quietly shut. >x sofa Just as drab as the couch. I could hear some humming, coming from the east door. The south lounge door was swinging quietly shut. The south lounge door clicked shut. >search sofa I searched all around the sofa, in and under the cushions; I guess I thought I might find another stupid note. I found nothing. I looked under the sofa and just under the front edge was a fresh, unsmoked cigarette. While I don't freakin' smoke, one of these custodians obviously did, and who knows what I could get for it? I took it. >search couch I felt all along the cushions, behind and under them, and under the couch, but found nothing. You'd think someone might have dropped a quarter or dollar bill there, but nope. >l Teacher's Lounge This lounge was hardly something to brag about. A long couch and a small sofa, each flanking a television set with a VCR underneath. Each looking like they had been donated by the local dump. Between the couch and the sofa was a tiny coffee table, with an ashtray on it. Against the west wall was a small counter with a microwave oven on it, beside which was a mini refrigerator. Another black door led east, I assumed, out into East Hall. The door I came in through was to the south. I could hear something like someone singing badly, coming from the east door. >x cigarette (the unsmoked cigarette) It's a Camel. Turkish. I heard a sound like a mop bucket being pushed, coming from the east door. >l Teacher's Lounge This lounge was hardly something to brag about. A long couch and a small sofa, each flanking a television set with a VCR underneath. Each looking like they had been donated by the local dump. Between the couch and the sofa was a tiny coffee table, with an ashtray on it. Against the west wall was a small counter with a microwave oven on it, beside which was a mini refrigerator. Another black door led east, I assumed, out into East Hall. The door I came in through was to the south. >x tv It was one of those audio-visual setups--the tv set on top of a rack, with the VCR on a stage underneath. They were connected--they shared the same power button, and there was a receptacle for tapes on the VCR, with some other buttons; rewind, fast-forward, stop and play. It had rollers to move it around with. But there was no dial for channels. >x vcr It was one of those audio-visual setups--the tv set on top of a rack, with the VCR on a stage underneath. They were connected--they shared the same power button, and there was a receptacle for tapes on the VCR, with some other buttons; rewind, fast-forward, stop and play. It had rollers to move it around with. But there was no dial for channels. I could hear some lazy whistling, and something like a mop being pushed, coming from the east door. >push eject I couldn't see any such thing. >push stop I couldn't see any such thing. >x tapes I couldn't see any such thing. >l Teacher's Lounge This lounge was hardly something to brag about. A long couch and a small sofa, each flanking a television set with a VCR underneath. Each looking like they had been donated by the local dump. Between the couch and the sofa was a tiny coffee table, with an ashtray on it. Against the west wall was a small counter with a microwave oven on it, beside which was a mini refrigerator. Another black door led east, I assumed, out into East Hall. The door I came in through was to the south. I could hear something like someone singing badly, coming from the east door. >x table I could imagine it crowded with the teachers" books and papers during their breaks, but now it was bare, except for an ashtray. On the tiny table was an ashtray. >x ashtray One of those round glass ashtrays. As you might expect, there was a pile of ashes and butts in it, and it was covered with tar and gunk. I could hear some lazy whistling, and something like a mop being pushed, coming from the east door. >take it It was so gunky and full of ashes, I didn't want to touch it. I heard a sound like a mop bucket being pushed, coming from the east door. >l Teacher's Lounge This lounge was hardly something to brag about. A long couch and a small sofa, each flanking a television set with a VCR underneath. Each looking like they had been donated by the local dump. Between the couch and the sofa was a tiny coffee table, with an ashtray on it. Against the west wall was a small counter with a microwave oven on it, beside which was a mini refrigerator. Another black door led east, I assumed, out into East Hall. The door I came in through was to the south. >x counter The entire top of it was taken up by the mini refrigerator and microwave. What seemed to be missing was a coffee-maker, which would probably be on top of the microwave. A single cabinet door was underneath; it was closed. I could hear some humming, coming from the east door. >x oven (the microwave oven) One of those tiny ovens. Only the button to switch the oven on or off looked okay. The number buttons were worn off; the timer on it was permanently set to two minutes. The oven was so dirty I couldn't see into the window; the oven door was closed. I could hear something like someone singing badly, coming from the east door. >open cabinet I opened the cabinet. >x it Just a single door. It was open. I heard a sound like a mop bucket being pushed, coming from the east door. >look in cabinet The cabinet was empty. >i I was carrying: an unsmoked cigarette a lounge key a dirty uniform (being worn) a drill rifle (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my acoustic guitar (being worn) my usual threads (being worn) a steel key a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a flashlight (providing light) a green backpack (open) a credit card some spare keys my keyring my house key my locker key a remote controller a second note Anne's diary my green pencil my ripped notebook Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill Ziggy's gym keys a folded sticky note some rubber boots a third note My pocket was empty. I could hear some lazy whistling, and something like a mop being pushed, coming from the east door. >l Teacher's Lounge This lounge was hardly something to brag about. A long couch and a small sofa, each flanking a television set with a VCR underneath. Each looking like they had been donated by the local dump. Between the couch and the sofa was a tiny coffee table, with an ashtray on it. Against the west wall was a small counter with a microwave oven on it, beside which was a mini refrigerator. Another black door led east, I assumed, out into East Hall. The door I came in through was to the south. I could hear something like someone singing badly, coming from the east door. >x fridge It was one of those dinky things that you find in offices and dorm rooms, shaped like a cube and with a single door on front. It was closed. >open it I pulled the door of the fridge open. I was a bit startled by a bottle of ketchup, which seemed to friggin' jump right out and hit the floor. I thought it was going to break, when it just bounced on the floor and came to rest near one of the couches. I forgot, they made those things out of plastic, now. The fridge had been so jam-packed with crap, not all of it fresh; there wasn't an inch of space left. >take ketchup (the bottle of ketchup) (putting the third note into the green backpack to make room) I tossed the third note into the backpack. My hands were already friggin' full. I could hear some humming, coming from the east door. >i I was carrying: an unsmoked cigarette a lounge key a dirty uniform (being worn) a drill rifle (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my acoustic guitar (being worn) my usual threads (being worn) a steel key a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a flashlight (providing light) a green backpack (open) a third note a credit card some spare keys my keyring my house key my locker key a remote controller a second note Anne's diary my green pencil my ripped notebook Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill Ziggy's gym keys a folded sticky note some rubber boots My pocket was empty. >put all in backpack rubber boots: I tossed the rubber boots into the backpack. unsmoked cigarette: I tossed the unsmoked cigarette into the backpack. lounge key: I tossed the lounge key into the backpack. steel key: I tossed the steel key into the backpack. wire hanger: I tossed the wire hanger into the backpack. flashlight: I tossed the flashlight into the backpack. Ziggy's gym keys: I tossed Ziggy's gym keys into the backpack. folded sticky note: I tossed the folded sticky note into the backpack. >take flashlight Got it. I could hear something like someone singing badly, coming from the east door. >take ketchup (the bottle of ketchup) Got it. I could hear some humming, coming from the east door. >x it Funt's Ketchup, 32oz. Tall plastic bottle, with a narrow neck. It was about half full of ketchup, and closed. >close fridge I closed the mini refrigerator. I could hear something like someone singing badly, coming from the east door. >save Ok. >e (first opening the east lounge door) The door opened smoothly, and then started moving silently back to close. As I stepped out of the lounge, in my new/old uniform, I saw yet another custodian, mopping up some water on the floor. He nearly jumped when he saw me. "Wha...who are you?" he asked. "Ah, I'm Tom. I'm new here. I don't start tonight, but George told me I could tour the building, get a good feel of it, and come in this uniform so you won't think I'm an intruder." "Hi," he said. "I'm Scottie. Scottie Simmons." He reached out a flabby hand; I took it. It was the softest friggin' hand I've ever clasped. He leaned his forehead at me. "You'd think George'd give you a cleaner uniform. Hmm. We'll take care of that soon. I'm the assistant head custodian. You look quite young for this job." I said, "Don't worry, I got experience, you won't need to train me, much." What a lie. "Well, if any of these guys gives you any trouble, or if you see any trouble, or you have any questions, you just come to me." He dipped his mop into his bucket nearby, giving it a thorough squeeze with the wringer. He looked at his watch. "Ah, it's my break time. If you need me, I'll be in the east janitor's closet down this way, just to the left of the fire escape." He gave me a nod, as he pushed his bucket southward. "You'll find that room is so much better than the lounge." He gave me a wink as he walked away, a set of keys swinging and clinking against his belt. I almost asked him for a set of keys, but then I stopped myself; he would wonder why George didn't give me one, and I didn't want to give Scottie any more reason to be suspicious. I breathed a sigh of relief as he ducked into the room he was talking about, closing the door. And though he was a bit overweight and looked rather foppish and 'too clean', he didn't sound anything like the creep on the phone. His voice was too high. But you never know about people like that. So I still felt that I needed to investigate him. East Hall, at teacher's lounge I was near the south end of East Hall, just outside of the teacher's lounge, which was through the black door to the west. The hall led north, past the principal's office, and south, to the emergency exit. The lounge door was swinging quietly shut. >save Ok. >e There were no unlocked or open doors in that direction. The lounge door was swinging quietly shut. >s As I went south down the hall, I took a peek into the classroom doors, checking each; they were all locked and the windows were dark. East Hall, south end This corner of the building had the fire escape to the south, which was these doors that had a handle with a red sign on it. To the east was the janitor's closet of this hall, with its door closed. To the west were the steel doors leading into the South Hall. This hall continued north from here, lined on either side with closed classroom doors. >w (first opening the south hall doors) I quietly and carefully pulled against the doors; they would not budge. >unlock south doors You can't use multiple objects with that verb. >unlock west You must name something more substantial. >unlock south hall doors That required a key. >i I was carrying: a bottle of ketchup (closed) some ketchup a flashlight (providing light) a dirty uniform (being worn) a drill rifle (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my acoustic guitar (being worn) my usual threads (being worn) a green backpack (open) a folded sticky note Ziggy's gym keys a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a steel key a lounge key an unsmoked cigarette some rubber boots a third note a credit card some spare keys my keyring my house key my locker key a remote controller a second note Anne's diary my green pencil my ripped notebook Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill My pocket was empty. >s And alert THE WHOLE BUILDING?? NO FRIGGIN' WAY. Opening that door will set off the fire alarm! Some idiot kid did that once and the consequences were heavy. >e (first opening the east janitor's door) It seemed to be locked. >unlock janitor's door >* oops That's not a verb I recognize. >l East Hall, south end This corner of the building had the fire escape to the south, which was these doors that had a handle with a red sign on it. To the east was the janitor's closet of this hall, with its door closed. To the west were the steel doors leading into the South Hall. This hall continued north from here, lined on either side with closed classroom doors. >e (first opening the east janitor's door) It seemed to be locked. >knock on door I took a peek into the window, first. Through the window, I could see Scottie laid out on a long couch, against the north wall of the room, hands behind his head and just friggin' snoozing away. He had a grin on his face like he was king of the world. Kind of made me wish that the PA system speaker, which was attached to the corner of the ceiling, right over his head, would suddenly fall right on him. I then thought that even if I could get Scottie to wake up, I would not have a good reason to get him to leave the room. Maybe if I made a friggin' mess somewhere that would divert his attention? >s And alert THE WHOLE BUILDING?? NO FRIGGIN' WAY. Opening that door will set off the fire alarm! Some idiot kid did that once and the consequences were heavy. >n I retraced my steps back to the lounge door. East Hall, at teacher's lounge I was near the south end of East Hall, just outside of the teacher's lounge, which was through the black door to the west. The hall led north, past the principal's office, and south, to the emergency exit. >n As I went north up the hall, I took a peek into the classroom doors, checking each; they were all locked and the windows were dark. I stopped at the Middle Hall doors, where the principal's office was. East Hall, at the school office Immediately to the west of me were the steel double-doors that led into Middle Hall. Directly across from them, to the east, were the plate glass doors to the principal's office; for some odd reason, the lights were on in there. The hall went both north and south from here. >look in principal's office I couldn't see any such thing. >look east I saw nothing unexpected in that direction. >look in plate A pair of sturdy-as-hell glass doors that led into the principal's office suite. Through the door I could see the secretary's desk and behind it, the door to the principal's office. To the left of the desk was the door to the detention room. >l East Hall, at the school office Immediately to the west of me were the steel double-doors that led into Middle Hall. Directly across from them, to the east, were the plate glass doors to the principal's office; for some odd reason, the lights were on in there. The hall went both north and south from here. >w (first opening the middle hall doors) They seemed to be locked. >e (first opening the plate glass doors) I was shocked as hell when the doors swung open, without resistance. I thought they would be locked. Office Suite I was in Miss Malone's--the secretary's--office; her desk with her electric typewriter, was here and was in view of the glass door to the west. Behind it to the east was the door to the principal's office, which was closed. A keypad, which was dark, was on the wall next to it. To the north was the door to the detention room, which was closed. The glass doors to the office suite were swinging back quietly. >x desk It was all cluttered up with her typewriter and other stuff non-essential to me. The glass doors to the office suite were swinging back quietly. >x typewriter Just all the what-not you'd find on a secretary's desk. The glass doors to the office suite were swinging back quietly. The glass doors clicked quietly shut. >l Office Suite I was in Miss Malone's--the secretary's--office; her desk with her electric typewriter, was here and was in view of the glass door to the west. Behind it to the east was the door to the principal's office, which was closed. A keypad, which was dark, was on the wall next to it. To the north was the door to the detention room, which was closed. >x keypad It looked brand new, I think it was installed just a month earlier. It had ten buttons on it, 0 through 9. And a little logo near the top that said 'SOUNDFX Security Systems'. The keypad was dark. Now I don't know much about electronic security systems, but that probably meant that the keypad was turned off, and I could not use it to unlock this door. >turn on keypad I couldn't see how to do that. It was probably activated by a timer, and was on at only certain times, probably during the day. >* ugh That's not a verb I recognize. >l Office Suite I was in Miss Malone's--the secretary's--office; her desk with her electric typewriter, was here and was in view of the glass door to the west. Behind it to the east was the door to the principal's office, which was closed. A keypad, which was dark, was on the wall next to it. To the north was the door to the detention room, which was closed. >n (first opening the detention door) Detention Room This was really a meeting room for faculty and staff; but a detention area for bad little boys and girls during lunch break. I knew it well because during junior high I had a history of not watching my mouth. Long formica tables were arranged into a squarish shape with one side missing, with the middle table parallel to a blackboard on the wall. To one side of the blackboard, near the door to the south, was a wooden stool. >x blackboard Blank, and there was no chalk. Which friggin' figures. >x stool Still the same old stool that I often sat on. It had a spinning seat which made it kind of fun. >x tables Just a few of those long, dull tables that you see everywhere in schools. >spin seat I gave the seat a good spin, and was nearly hypnotized by it, turning, turning, turning. >sit on seat I got onto the wooden stool. >spin seaat I couldn't see any such thing. >spin seat I grabbed the edge of the blackboard, like I once did, gave it a shove, and starting spinning in the seat. I used my feet against the wall to just keep going. As I did so, a memory started taking shape. Turning, turning, turning.... Please press SPACE to continue. My mind went back to a day when I was in detention, during lunch break in the seventh grade, in 1982. It was the first week of Junior High for me and Will. We had always hung out together during lunch recess...I mean lunch break... Please press SPACE to continue. We were walking out on the grounds, talking about our favorite music. Then this group of bigger guys came near us, and one of them, Steven Schultz, walked up to Will with a grin and said, "So, are you two, like, the class fags?? We've seen you hang around together a lot." He looked back at his friends who were all cracking up and high-fiving each other. Please press SPACE to continue. Will was turning red, but I had a quick response. I said it aloud, so others could hear, "Yeah, we were hoping you'd let us join in that orgy that you and your buddies got planned for later! You know, 'no girls allowed'? Because you guys really DO stick together, in more ways than one!" The laughing stopped, and I ducked just quick enough to dodge the punch that was thrown at me. Suddenly one of the other guys grabbed Steven and pulled him away, saying, "Cool off, Steve, they are just seventh-graders!" Right then, the damage was done. Please press SPACE to continue. Of frickin' course, they had something ready for us the next day. While Will and I were sitting together having our lunch in the cafeteria, at a table by ourselves, those guys came to our table with their lunches, a couple of them pulling up chairs from other tables. They all sat down concealing chuckles. Steven leaned forward to Will, saying, "Don't mind us, keep talking. You see, we're always curious about what FAGGOTS really talk about." Please press SPACE to continue. They didn't laugh so hard that time, probably because they wanted to see how the tension between me and Steven would play itself out. They would soon find out. Will got red again and started shaking. This time, I picked up my tray and my drink, and said, "Will, let's find another table." Before Will could respond, Steven reached over saying, "Here, let me help you." His hand "accidentally" tipped over Will's glass, dumping the contents on the table and floor. In a knee-jerk reaction, I knocked Steven's food into his own lap. Please press SPACE to continue. To make a long story short, Steven got off with a warning, because he didn't really do harm. I got detention, which would be followed by a discussion later with my parents. So there I was, stewing and spinning. To the music of Miss Malone typing, coming through the door. And they let me bring my tray with me, so I could finish my lunch. Detention Room (on the wooden stool) This was really a meeting room for faculty and staff; but a detention area for bad little boys and girls during lunch break. I knew it well because during junior high I had a history of not watching my mouth. Long formica tables were arranged into a squarish shape with one side missing, with the middle table parallel to a blackboard on the wall; on one of the tables I could see a lunch tray. I was sitting on a wooden stool, in a corner beside the blackboard. Something lying on the floor caught my attention. It looked like a trading card. I could hear some very fast tapping coming through the door. Probably Miss Malone's typewriter. >* More flashbacks! That's not a verb I recognize. >save Ok. >x card It was one of those Star Wars trading cards. It had a picture of Chewbacca, the Wookie, holding up a laser gun, while looking back, his mouth open in a howl. The card was a bit frayed but otherwise looked quite new. It had a perfume-y smell to it. How odd. >* I think you'll find it should be a bowcaster That's not a verb I recognize. >smell card Now I wasn't familiar with perfume smells, but this card sure had one. Must have belonged to a girl. Suddenly I heard the phone ring through the door. Miss Malone's typing stopped. I heard her muffled voice. "Horace Lamb High School, Principal's Office. . . Yes, George. . . right, the old white refrigerator. . .we need it moved into your east closet, to cover the. . .yes, that's right. . . Don't forget to clean it out. . .Thank you so much, goodbye." Click. She continued her typing. >take card Just as I bent down to pick up the card, Miss Malone's typing stopped, and the door opened. She had a book in her hand, saying, "Here's a book you can read, you might find it interesting." She put it on the table, turned around and left the room, closing the door behind her. Then she resumed her typing. >take book Got it. >x it It was big and hard-bound, titled "Mysteries and Miracles". It had a wispy picture of a mansion on the front, at night under the moonlight. It looked quite interesting to me. I nearly jumped when a fury of static came over the PA system speaker up on the wall. At the same time I heard Miss Malone's typing stop as she whispered, "Shit! I hate that." When the static stopped, Mr Holbrook's voice came over the speaker. "Students, I hope you are having a safe lunch break, remember to please. . ." I didn't listen to the rest, as I recall it held nothing of importance for me. Miss Malone continued her typing. >read it I turned through the book, and started reading about strange cheeses and other appetizers haunted by ghosts. I could hear some very fast tapping coming through the door. Probably Miss Malone's typewriter. >s (first getting off the wooden stool) Office Suite I was in Miss Malone's--the secretary's--office; her desk with her electric typewriter, was here and was in view of the glass door to the west. Behind it to the east was the door to the principal's office, which was closed. A keypad, which was dark, was on the wall next to it. To the north was the door to the detention room, which was open. >x desk It was all cluttered up with her typewriter and other stuff non-essential to me. I could hear some very fast tapping coming through the door. Probably Miss Malone's typewriter. >* is she not here? That's not a verb I recognize. >x malone I couldn't see any such thing. >e (first opening the principal's door) It seemed to be locked. I could hear some very fast tapping coming through the door. Probably Miss Malone's typewriter. Suddenly Miss Malone stopped her typing again, and I heard someone walk up to her desk. "Ah, the mail, thank you," she said. "You're very welcome," said the other person, his voice fading away. Then I heard her mutter, "Ah, the new sheet music for the band. . ." Then she continued her typing. >n Detention Room This was really a meeting room for faculty and staff; but a detention area for bad little boys and girls during lunch break. I knew it well because during junior high I had a history of not watching my mouth. Long formica tables were arranged into a squarish shape with one side missing, with the middle table parallel to a blackboard on the wall; on one of the tables I could see a lunch tray. To one side of the blackboard, near the door to the south, was a wooden stool. I could hear some very fast tapping coming through the door. Probably Miss Malone's typewriter. >x tray One of those hard plastic compartment trays. This one was 'bubble gum' colored--a mix of pink with green and gray swirls. On my tray I could see a pizza square and a plastic cup. >x pizza A piece of cafeteria pizza--a square about four inches. Crust about an inch thick, covered with tomato sauce, a mushroom, parmesan cheese and a pepperoni slice or two. I might be able to eat it. >i I was carrying: a large book a trading card my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. I heard the phone ring again. Miss Malone stopped her typing, answering it, "Horace Lamb, Principal's Office. . .yes. . .just one moment." There were a couple of clicks. "Mr Holbrook, the contractor is on the line, with an estimate on the repairs for the . . .yes, the wall behind the vending machines, in the study hall. . .okay here he is. . ." Another two clicks, then she hung up the phone. Her typing continued. I remember, on the first day of school that year, some idiot kid set a bomb to go off behind the snack machine next to the study hall, so that it would go off when someone selected a particular snack. It went off and destroyed the panelling behind the machine, and the power outlets. No one was hurt, but everyone in study hall ran out and the whole school was evacuated. That kid got expelled when he was found out, spent some time in jail. Served his dumbass right. What a frickin' waste of brains and talent. When I least expected it, the bell rang; I put my trading card in the book where I stopped. Miss Malone opened the door, saying, "Okay, Tom, time's up, you can go to your next class." Seeing me with the book, she said, "Sorry, but I need to return the book to the school library." I gave it to her, forgetting my trading card inside. Well, neither the card nor the book was friggin' mine, so I had no right to complain. I went to my Advanced English class. I was so interested in what I was reading, that I went to try to check that book out at my next chance, something I rarely did for a book. I found out it had been lost. Sucks. Now, where was I? Back to my mission. . . Detention Room (on the wooden stool) This was really a meeting room for faculty and staff; but a detention area for bad little boys and girls during lunch break. I knew it well because during junior high I had a history of not watching my mouth. Long formica tables were arranged into a squarish shape with one side missing, with the middle table parallel to a blackboard on the wall. I was sitting on a wooden stool, in a corner beside the blackboard. >stand I got off the wooden stool. Detention Room This was really a meeting room for faculty and staff; but a detention area for bad little boys and girls during lunch break. I knew it well because during junior high I had a history of not watching my mouth. Long formica tables were arranged into a squarish shape with one side missing, with the middle table parallel to a blackboard on the wall. To one side of the blackboard, near the door to the south, was a wooden stool. >s Office Suite I was in Miss Malone's--the secretary's--office; her desk with her electric typewriter, was here and was in view of the glass door to the west. Behind it to the east was the door to the principal's office, which was closed. A keypad, which was dark, was on the wall next to it. To the north was the door to the detention room, which was open. >e (first opening the principal's door) It seemed to be locked. >type That's not a verb I recognize. >w (first opening the plate glass doors) I swung the doors open easily again. East Hall, at the school office Immediately to the west of me were the steel double-doors that led into Middle Hall. Directly across from them, to the east, were the plate glass doors to the principal's office; for some odd reason, the lights were on in there. The hall went both north and south from here. The glass doors to the office suite were swinging back quietly. >n As I walked, I continued to check doors and look in windows. They were all locked and dark. I started wondering if that creep might have left me yet another stupid note somewhere. I stopped about halfway to the north end of the hall, near the door to the audio-visual department. East Hall, at Audio-Visual On the east wall here was the door to the Audio-Visual department; next to it was the media drop box. The hall ran north-south from here. >x drop box It was one of those metal doors in the wall, like a public mailbox, that you pull down, put your video tape in, and then release, and the tape would fall into a cardboard box on the other side, as you closed the door. Etched over the box was a sign saying "AFTER HOURS VIDEO RETURN". >open it I pulled the door down, and it squeaked into the open position. I was surprised that I didn't see a stupid note left in there by that creep. Only darkness, in the room past the media box tray, was revealed. >enter box Though I was thin, I doubted that I could friggin' get into the room through such a small door. >i I was carrying: a dirty uniform (being worn) a drill rifle (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my acoustic guitar (being worn) a bottle of ketchup (closed) some ketchup a flashlight (providing light) a green backpack (open) a folded sticky note Ziggy's gym keys a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a steel key a lounge key an unsmoked cigarette some rubber boots a third note a credit card some spare keys my keyring my house key my locker key a remote controller a second note Anne's diary my green pencil my ripped notebook Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. >l East Hall, at Audio-Visual On the east wall here was the door to the Audio-Visual department; next to it was the media drop box, which was hanging open. The hall ran north-south from here. >n I continued north up East Hall, checking doors and windows, which were locked and dark. Until I got to the north end, where the band room was, across from the entrance to North Hall. Strangely, the door to that room was open and the lights were on inside. East Hall, north end To the west was the steel double-doors leading into North Hall; to the north was another fire escape door. An open door to the east welcomed me into the Band Room. The way back down the hall was south. >s East Hall, at Audio-Visual On the east wall here was the door to the Audio-Visual department; next to it was the media drop box, which was hanging open. The hall ran north-south from here. >w There were no unlocked or open doors in that direction. >e The door didn't budge, even a bit. It felt heavily locked. >n I walked back north to the North Hall doors. East Hall, north end To the west was the steel double-doors leading into North Hall; to the north was another fire escape door. An open door to the east welcomed me into the Band Room. The way back down the hall was south. >w (first opening the north hall doors) They seemed to be locked. >n And alert THE WHOLE BUILDING?? NO FRIGGIN' WAY. Opening that door will set off the fire alarm! Some idiot kid did that once and the consequences were heavy. >e Band Room As you might expect in a school band room, this room was full of chairs with music stands in front of them; a podium was at front, for the band directors. The acoustics must have been friggin' horrendous. In the corner, under the PA speaker, was what looked like a bunch of plastic boxes full of papers. The door out to the hall was to the west. >x stands Each one was this wire metal tripod with a small rack at the top, for holding sheet music at eye level when you sat in the chair. None of them had any sheet music on it. >x podium Whoever led the band stood there, moving hands to the rhythm. >x boxes They were each marked with letters of the alphabet. They must have been where the sheet music was kept. >search boxes I wasn't exactly a fan of the music played by our band, and it would have helped to know what I was searching for and why? >x pa It was like any other PA system speaker I'd ever seen. They seemed to be everywhere at the school, so I rarely took notice of them. >l Band Room As you might expect in a school band room, this room was full of chairs with music stands in front of them; a podium was at front, for the band directors. The acoustics must have been friggin' horrendous. In the corner, under the PA speaker, was what looked like a bunch of plastic boxes full of papers. The door out to the hall was to the west. >e I couldn't go that way. >n I couldn't go that way. >s I couldn't go that way. >x boxes They were each marked with letters of the alphabet. They must have been where the sheet music was kept. >look in boxes I wasn't exactly a fan of the music played by our band, and it would have helped to know what I was searching for and why? >l Band Room As you might expect in a school band room, this room was full of chairs with music stands in front of them; a podium was at front, for the band directors. The acoustics must have been friggin' horrendous. In the corner, under the PA speaker, was what looked like a bunch of plastic boxes full of papers. The door out to the hall was to the west. >n I couldn't go that way. >w East Hall, north end To the west was the steel double-doors leading into North Hall; to the north was another fire escape door. An open door to the east welcomed me into the Band Room. The way back down the hall was south. >n And alert THE WHOLE BUILDING?? NO FRIGGIN' WAY. Opening that door will set off the fire alarm! Some idiot kid did that once and the consequences were heavy. >w (first opening the north hall doors) They seemed to be locked. >s East Hall, at Audio-Visual On the east wall here was the door to the Audio-Visual department; next to it was the media drop box, which was hanging open. The hall ran north-south from here. >w There were no unlocked or open doors in that direction. >e The door didn't budge, even a bit. It felt heavily locked. >s I walked south back down the hall, to the Middle Hall doors and the office. East Hall, at the school office Immediately to the west of me were the steel double-doors that led into Middle Hall. Directly across from them, to the east, were the plate glass doors to the principal's office; for some odd reason, the lights were on in there. The hall went both north and south from here. >w (first opening the middle hall doors) They seemed to be locked. >e (first opening the plate glass doors) I swung the doors open easily again. Office Suite I was in Miss Malone's--the secretary's--office; her desk with her electric typewriter, was here and was in view of the glass door to the west. Behind it to the east was the door to the principal's office, which was closed. A keypad, which was dark, was on the wall next to it. To the north was the door to the detention room, which was open. The glass doors to the office suite were swinging back quietly. >w East Hall, at the school office Immediately to the west of me were the steel double-doors that led into Middle Hall. Directly across from them, to the east, were the plate glass doors to the principal's office; for some odd reason, the lights were on in there. The hall went both north and south from here. The glass doors to the office suite were swinging back quietly. >s East Hall, at teacher's lounge I was near the south end of East Hall, just outside of the teacher's lounge, which was through the black door to the west. The hall led north, past the principal's office, and south, to the emergency exit. >i I was carrying: a dirty uniform (being worn) a drill rifle (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my acoustic guitar (being worn) a bottle of ketchup (closed) some ketchup a flashlight (providing light) a green backpack (open) a folded sticky note Ziggy's gym keys a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a steel key a lounge key an unsmoked cigarette some rubber boots a third note a credit card some spare keys my keyring my house key my locker key a remote controller a second note Anne's diary my green pencil my ripped notebook Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. >n I walked towards the principal's office again, in front of the Middle Hall doors. East Hall, at the school office Immediately to the west of me were the steel double-doors that led into Middle Hall. Directly across from them, to the east, were the plate glass doors to the principal's office; for some odd reason, the lights were on in there. The hall went both north and south from here. >e (first opening the plate glass doors) I swung the doors open easily again. Office Suite I was in Miss Malone's--the secretary's--office; her desk with her electric typewriter, was here and was in view of the glass door to the west. Behind it to the east was the door to the principal's office, which was closed. A keypad, which was dark, was on the wall next to it. To the north was the door to the detention room, which was open. The glass doors to the office suite were swinging back quietly. >e (first opening the principal's door) It seemed to be locked. The glass doors to the office suite were swinging back quietly. >x principal's door It was a heavy-panelled wood door. It was closed. Next to it on the wall was a dark keypad. The glass doors to the office suite were swinging back quietly. The glass doors clicked quietly shut. >n Detention Room This was really a meeting room for faculty and staff; but a detention area for bad little boys and girls during lunch break. I knew it well because during junior high I had a history of not watching my mouth. Long formica tables were arranged into a squarish shape with one side missing, with the middle table parallel to a blackboard on the wall. To one side of the blackboard, near the door to the south, was a wooden stool. >sit on stool I got onto the wooden stool. >spin What do you want to spin? >stool I was dizzy enough already. >w (first getting off the wooden stool) I couldn't go that way. >s Office Suite I was in Miss Malone's--the secretary's--office; her desk with her electric typewriter, was here and was in view of the glass door to the west. Behind it to the east was the door to the principal's office, which was closed. A keypad, which was dark, was on the wall next to it. To the north was the door to the detention room, which was open. >w (first opening the plate glass doors) I swung the doors open easily again. East Hall, at the school office Immediately to the west of me were the steel double-doors that led into Middle Hall. Directly across from them, to the east, were the plate glass doors to the principal's office; for some odd reason, the lights were on in there. The hall went both north and south from here. The glass doors to the office suite were swinging back quietly. >w (first opening the middle hall doors) They seemed to be locked. The glass doors to the office suite were swinging back quietly. >i I was carrying: a dirty uniform (being worn) a drill rifle (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my acoustic guitar (being worn) a bottle of ketchup (closed) some ketchup a flashlight (providing light) a green backpack (open) a folded sticky note Ziggy's gym keys a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a steel key a lounge key an unsmoked cigarette some rubber boots a third note a credit card some spare keys my keyring my house key my locker key a remote controller a second note Anne's diary my green pencil my ripped notebook Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. The glass doors to the office suite were swinging back quietly. The glass doors clicked quietly shut. >* Hmm, so I think I need access to the PA to wake up Scottie You seem to want to talk to someone, but I can't see whom. >n I went back north along the hall. I stopped about halfway to the north end of the hall, near the door to the audio-visual department. East Hall, at Audio-Visual On the east wall here was the door to the Audio-Visual department; next to it was the media drop box, which was hanging open. The hall ran north-south from here. >n I walked back north to the North Hall doors. East Hall, north end To the west was the steel double-doors leading into North Hall; to the north was another fire escape door. An open door to the east welcomed me into the Band Room. The way back down the hall was south. >e Band Room As you might expect in a school band room, this room was full of chairs with music stands in front of them; a podium was at front, for the band directors. The acoustics must have been friggin' horrendous. In the corner, under the PA speaker, was what looked like a bunch of plastic boxes full of papers. The door out to the hall was to the west. >sing That's not a verb I recognize. >look under podium I had no interest in even being at the podium. >push podium I had no interest in even being at the podium. >x boxes They were each marked with letters of the alphabet. They must have been where the sheet music was kept. >search them I wasn't exactly a fan of the music played by our band, and it would have helped to know what I was searching for and why? >w East Hall, north end To the west was the steel double-doors leading into North Hall; to the north was another fire escape door. An open door to the east welcomed me into the Band Room. The way back down the hall was south. >s East Hall, at Audio-Visual On the east wall here was the door to the Audio-Visual department; next to it was the media drop box, which was hanging open. The hall ran north-south from here. >e The door didn't budge, even a bit. It felt heavily locked. >x box It was one of those metal doors in the wall, like a public mailbox, that you pull down, put your video tape in, and then release, and the tape would fall into a cardboard box on the other side, as you closed the door. Etched over the box was a sign saying "AFTER HOURS VIDEO RETURN". It was hanging open, and had nothing on it. >open it That was already open. >i I was carrying: a dirty uniform (being worn) a drill rifle (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my acoustic guitar (being worn) a bottle of ketchup (closed) some ketchup a flashlight (providing light) a green backpack (open) a folded sticky note Ziggy's gym keys a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a steel key a lounge key an unsmoked cigarette some rubber boots a third note a credit card some spare keys my keyring my house key my locker key a remote controller a second note Anne's diary my green pencil my ripped notebook Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. >put ketchup in drop box (the bottle of ketchup in the media dropbox) I put the bottle of ketchup into the media dropbox. >close it That was already closed. >open it I popped open the cap, and some air hissed out. >close box The box squeaked closed as I pushed it up. I heard a bump; the bottle of ketchup must have fallen into the cardboard box below it. >undo East Hall, at Audio-Visual [Previous turn undone.] >undo East Hall, at Audio-Visual [Previous turn undone.] >i I was carrying: a dirty uniform (being worn) a drill rifle (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my acoustic guitar (being worn) a flashlight (providing light) a green backpack (open) a folded sticky note Ziggy's gym keys a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a steel key a lounge key an unsmoked cigarette some rubber boots a third note a credit card some spare keys my keyring my house key my locker key a remote controller a second note Anne's diary my green pencil my ripped notebook Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. >take ketchup (the bottle of ketchup) Got it. >i I was carrying: a bottle of ketchup (closed) some ketchup a dirty uniform (being worn) a drill rifle (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my acoustic guitar (being worn) a flashlight (providing light) a green backpack (open) a folded sticky note Ziggy's gym keys a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a steel key a lounge key an unsmoked cigarette some rubber boots a third note a credit card some spare keys my keyring my house key my locker key a remote controller a second note Anne's diary my green pencil my ripped notebook Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. >* could start a fire if I could light the cigarette That's not a verb I recognize. >n I walked back north to the North Hall doors. East Hall, north end To the west was the steel double-doors leading into North Hall; to the north was another fire escape door. An open door to the east welcomed me into the Band Room. The way back down the hall was south. >e Band Room As you might expect in a school band room, this room was full of chairs with music stands in front of them; a podium was at front, for the band directors. The acoustics must have been friggin' horrendous. In the corner, under the PA speaker, was what looked like a bunch of plastic boxes full of papers. The door out to the hall was to the west. >s I couldn't go that way. >s I couldn't go that way. >s I couldn't go that way. >w East Hall, north end To the west was the steel double-doors leading into North Hall; to the north was another fire escape door. An open door to the east welcomed me into the Band Room. The way back down the hall was south. >s East Hall, at Audio-Visual On the east wall here was the door to the Audio-Visual department; next to it was the media drop box, which was hanging open. The hall ran north-south from here. >s I walked south back down the hall, to the Middle Hall doors and the office. East Hall, at the school office Immediately to the west of me were the steel double-doors that led into Middle Hall. Directly across from them, to the east, were the plate glass doors to the principal's office; for some odd reason, the lights were on in there. The hall went both north and south from here. >e (first opening the plate glass doors) I swung the doors open easily again. Office Suite I was in Miss Malone's--the secretary's--office; her desk with her electric typewriter, was here and was in view of the glass door to the west. Behind it to the east was the door to the principal's office, which was closed. A keypad, which was dark, was on the wall next to it. To the north was the door to the detention room, which was open. The glass doors to the office suite were swinging back quietly. >w East Hall, at the school office Immediately to the west of me were the steel double-doors that led into Middle Hall. Directly across from them, to the east, were the plate glass doors to the principal's office; for some odd reason, the lights were on in there. The hall went both north and south from here. The glass doors to the office suite were swinging back quietly. >s East Hall, at teacher's lounge I was near the south end of East Hall, just outside of the teacher's lounge, which was through the black door to the west. The hall led north, past the principal's office, and south, to the emergency exit. >e There were no unlocked or open doors in that direction. >s I walked towards the southeast corner of the building again. East Hall, south end This corner of the building had the fire escape to the south, which was these doors that had a handle with a red sign on it. To the east was the janitor's closet of this hall, with its door closed. To the west were the steel doors leading into the South Hall. This hall continued north from here, lined on either side with closed classroom doors. >e (first opening the east janitor's door) It seemed to be locked. >knock on door I took a peek into the window, first. Through the window, I could see Scottie laid out on a long couch, against the north wall of the room, hands behind his head and just friggin' snoozing away. He had a grin on his face like he was king of the world. Kind of made me wish that the PA system speaker, which was attached to the corner of the ceiling, right over his head, would suddenly fall right on him. I then thought that even if I could get Scottie to wake up, I would not have a good reason to get him to leave the room. Maybe if I made a friggin' mess somewhere that would divert his attention? >n I retraced my steps back to the lounge door. East Hall, at teacher's lounge I was near the south end of East Hall, just outside of the teacher's lounge, which was through the black door to the west. The hall led north, past the principal's office, and south, to the emergency exit. >n I walked towards the principal's office again, in front of the Middle Hall doors. East Hall, at the school office Immediately to the west of me were the steel double-doors that led into Middle Hall. Directly across from them, to the east, were the plate glass doors to the principal's office; for some odd reason, the lights were on in there. The hall went both north and south from here. >i I was carrying: a bottle of ketchup (closed) some ketchup a dirty uniform (being worn) a drill rifle (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my acoustic guitar (being worn) a flashlight (providing light) a green backpack (open) a folded sticky note Ziggy's gym keys a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a steel key a lounge key an unsmoked cigarette some rubber boots a third note a credit card some spare keys my keyring my house key my locker key a remote controller a second note Anne's diary my green pencil my ripped notebook Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. >put ketchup in vox I couldn't see any such thing. >put ketchup in box I couldn't see any such thing. >i I was carrying: a bottle of ketchup (closed) some ketchup a dirty uniform (being worn) a drill rifle (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my acoustic guitar (being worn) a flashlight (providing light) a green backpack (open) a folded sticky note Ziggy's gym keys a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a steel key a lounge key an unsmoked cigarette some rubber boots a third note a credit card some spare keys my keyring my house key my locker key a remote controller a second note Anne's diary my green pencil my ripped notebook Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. >n I went back north along the hall. I stopped about halfway to the north end of the hall, near the door to the audio-visual department. East Hall, at Audio-Visual On the east wall here was the door to the Audio-Visual department; next to it was the media drop box, which was hanging open. The hall ran north-south from here. >open ketchup (the bottle of ketchup) I popped open the cap, and some air hissed out. >put ketchup in box (the bottle of ketchup in the media dropbox) I put the bottle of ketchup into the media dropbox. >pour ketchup into box Which do you mean, the bottle of ketchup or the ketchup? >ketchup Which do you mean, the bottle of ketchup or the ketchup? >bottle Decorating the bottle of ketchup with ketchup wasn't on my agenda. >* oof That's not a verb I recognize. >pour bottle into box Decorating the bottle of ketchup with ketchup wasn't on my agenda. >* Something seems wrong here That's not a verb I recognize. >i I was carrying: a dirty uniform (being worn) a drill rifle (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my acoustic guitar (being worn) a flashlight (providing light) a green backpack (open) a folded sticky note Ziggy's gym keys a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a steel key a lounge key an unsmoked cigarette some rubber boots a third note a credit card some spare keys my keyring my house key my locker key a remote controller a second note Anne's diary my green pencil my ripped notebook Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. >put ketchup in box (the bottle of ketchup in the media dropbox) (first taking the bottle of ketchup) I put the bottle of ketchup into the media dropbox. >save Ok. >close box The box squeaked closed as I pushed it up. I heard a bump; the bottle of ketchup must have fallen into the cardboard box below it. >open box I pulled the door down, and it squeaked into the open position. Only darkness, in the room past the media box tray, was revealed. >take ketchup I couldn't see any such thing. >s I walked south back down the hall, to the Middle Hall doors and the office. East Hall, at the school office Immediately to the west of me were the steel double-doors that led into Middle Hall. Directly across from them, to the east, were the plate glass doors to the principal's office; for some odd reason, the lights were on in there. The hall went both north and south from here. >s East Hall, at teacher's lounge I was near the south end of East Hall, just outside of the teacher's lounge, which was through the black door to the west. The hall led north, past the principal's office, and south, to the emergency exit. >s I walked towards the southeast corner of the building again. East Hall, south end This corner of the building had the fire escape to the south, which was these doors that had a handle with a red sign on it. To the east was the janitor's closet of this hall, with its door closed. To the west were the steel doors leading into the South Hall. This hall continued north from here, lined on either side with closed classroom doors. >knock on door I took a peek into the window, first. Through the window, I could see Scottie laid out on a long couch, against the north wall of the room, hands behind his head and just friggin' snoozing away. He had a grin on his face like he was king of the world. Kind of made me wish that the PA system speaker, which was attached to the corner of the ceiling, right over his head, would suddenly fall right on him. I then thought that even if I could get Scottie to wake up, I would not have a good reason to get him to leave the room. Maybe if I made a friggin' mess somewhere that would divert his attention? >restore Ok. >n I walked back north to the North Hall doors. East Hall, north end To the west was the steel double-doors leading into North Hall; to the north was another fire escape door. An open door to the east welcomed me into the Band Room. The way back down the hall was south. >e Band Room As you might expect in a school band room, this room was full of chairs with music stands in front of them; a podium was at front, for the band directors. The acoustics must have been friggin' horrendous. In the corner, under the PA speaker, was what looked like a bunch of plastic boxes full of papers. The door out to the hall was to the west. >put ketchup on papers I couldn't see any such thing. >put ketchup on boxes I couldn't see any such thing. >i I was carrying: a dirty uniform (being worn) a drill rifle (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my acoustic guitar (being worn) a flashlight (providing light) a green backpack (open) a folded sticky note Ziggy's gym keys a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a steel key a lounge key an unsmoked cigarette some rubber boots a third note a credit card some spare keys my keyring my house key my locker key a remote controller a second note Anne's diary my green pencil my ripped notebook Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. >s I couldn't go that way. >sw I couldn't go that way. >w East Hall, north end To the west was the steel double-doors leading into North Hall; to the north was another fire escape door. An open door to the east welcomed me into the Band Room. The way back down the hall was south. >s East Hall, at Audio-Visual On the east wall here was the door to the Audio-Visual department; next to it was the media drop box, which was hanging open. The hall ran north-south from here. >take ketchup (the bottle of ketchup) Got it. >n I walked back north to the North Hall doors. East Hall, north end To the west was the steel double-doors leading into North Hall; to the north was another fire escape door. An open door to the east welcomed me into the Band Room. The way back down the hall was south. >n And alert THE WHOLE BUILDING?? NO FRIGGIN' WAY. Opening that door will set off the fire alarm! Some idiot kid did that once and the consequences were heavy. >e Band Room As you might expect in a school band room, this room was full of chairs with music stands in front of them; a podium was at front, for the band directors. The acoustics must have been friggin' horrendous. In the corner, under the PA speaker, was what looked like a bunch of plastic boxes full of papers. The door out to the hall was to the west. >put ketchup on boxes (the bottle of ketchup on the plastic boxes) I couldn't see why I would put anything on the plastic boxes. >l Band Room As you might expect in a school band room, this room was full of chairs with music stands in front of them; a podium was at front, for the band directors. The acoustics must have been friggin' horrendous. In the corner, under the PA speaker, was what looked like a bunch of plastic boxes full of papers. The door out to the hall was to the west. >move boxes If I tried to move one, it might have fallen on the friggin' floor. >s I couldn't go that way. >w East Hall, north end To the west was the steel double-doors leading into North Hall; to the north was another fire escape door. An open door to the east welcomed me into the Band Room. The way back down the hall was south. >s East Hall, at Audio-Visual On the east wall here was the door to the Audio-Visual department; next to it was the media drop box, which was hanging open. The hall ran north-south from here. >w There were no unlocked or open doors in that direction. >n I walked back north to the North Hall doors. East Hall, north end To the west was the steel double-doors leading into North Hall; to the north was another fire escape door. An open door to the east welcomed me into the Band Room. The way back down the hall was south. >w (first opening the north hall doors) They seemed to be locked. >s East Hall, at Audio-Visual On the east wall here was the door to the Audio-Visual department; next to it was the media drop box, which was hanging open. The hall ran north-south from here. >s I walked south back down the hall, to the Middle Hall doors and the office. East Hall, at the school office Immediately to the west of me were the steel double-doors that led into Middle Hall. Directly across from them, to the east, were the plate glass doors to the principal's office; for some odd reason, the lights were on in there. The hall went both north and south from here. >w (first opening the middle hall doors) They seemed to be locked. >i I was carrying: a bottle of ketchup (open) some ketchup a dirty uniform (being worn) a drill rifle (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my acoustic guitar (being worn) a flashlight (providing light) a green backpack (open) a folded sticky note Ziggy's gym keys a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a steel key a lounge key an unsmoked cigarette some rubber boots a third note a credit card some spare keys my keyring my house key my locker key a remote controller a second note Anne's diary my green pencil my ripped notebook Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. > I beg your pardon? >l East Hall, at the school office Immediately to the west of me were the steel double-doors that led into Middle Hall. Directly across from them, to the east, were the plate glass doors to the principal's office; for some odd reason, the lights were on in there. The hall went both north and south from here. >e (first opening the plate glass doors) I swung the doors open easily again. Office Suite I was in Miss Malone's--the secretary's--office; her desk with her electric typewriter, was here and was in view of the glass door to the west. Behind it to the east was the door to the principal's office, which was closed. A keypad, which was dark, was on the wall next to it. To the north was the door to the detention room, which was open. The glass doors to the office suite were swinging back quietly. >take typewriter Miss Malone was very frickin' particular about her desk and things. Thus I had no desire to mess with it in any way. The glass doors to the office suite were swinging back quietly. >n Detention Room This was really a meeting room for faculty and staff; but a detention area for bad little boys and girls during lunch break. I knew it well because during junior high I had a history of not watching my mouth. Long formica tables were arranged into a squarish shape with one side missing, with the middle table parallel to a blackboard on the wall. To one side of the blackboard, near the door to the south, was a wooden stool. >x stool Still the same old stool that I often sat on. It had a spinning seat which made it kind of fun. >s Office Suite I was in Miss Malone's--the secretary's--office; her desk with her electric typewriter, was here and was in view of the glass door to the west. Behind it to the east was the door to the principal's office, which was closed. A keypad, which was dark, was on the wall next to it. To the north was the door to the detention room, which was open. >w (first opening the plate glass doors) I swung the doors open easily again. East Hall, at the school office Immediately to the west of me were the steel double-doors that led into Middle Hall. Directly across from them, to the east, were the plate glass doors to the principal's office; for some odd reason, the lights were on in there. The hall went both north and south from here. The glass doors to the office suite were swinging back quietly. >w (first opening the middle hall doors) They seemed to be locked. The glass doors to the office suite were swinging back quietly. >s East Hall, at teacher's lounge I was near the south end of East Hall, just outside of the teacher's lounge, which was through the black door to the west. The hall led north, past the principal's office, and south, to the emergency exit. >w (first opening the lounge door) The door opened smoothly, and then started moving silently back to close. I stepped back into the lounge, and the aroma of cigarette smoke. Teacher's Lounge This lounge was hardly something to brag about. A long couch and a small sofa, each flanking a television set with a VCR underneath. Each looking like they had been donated by the local dump. Between the couch and the sofa was a tiny coffee table, with an ashtray on it. Against the west wall was a small counter with a microwave oven on it, beside which was a mini refrigerator. Another black door led east out into East Hall. The door I came in through was to the south. The east lounge door was swinging quietly shut. >i I was carrying: a bottle of ketchup (open) some ketchup a dirty uniform (being worn) a drill rifle (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my acoustic guitar (being worn) a flashlight (providing light) a green backpack (open) a folded sticky note Ziggy's gym keys a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a steel key a lounge key an unsmoked cigarette some rubber boots a third note a credit card some spare keys my keyring my house key my locker key a remote controller a second note Anne's diary my green pencil my ripped notebook Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. The east lounge door was swinging quietly shut. >put ketchup in microwave (the bottle of ketchup in the microwave oven) The microwave oven was closed. The east lounge door was swinging quietly shut. The east lounge door clicked shut. >open microwave I was greeted by the smell of old, dried ketchup, flecks of which dotted the entire friggin' inside of the oven. Someone must have tried to heat up a potato with ketchup on it. >* I see That's not a verb I recognize. >put ketchup in microwave (the bottle of ketchup in the microwave oven) The bottle was too tall to stand up on the plate, so I laid it down on its side. >close microwave I pushed the oven door and it weakly clicked closed. Cheap oven. >turn on microwave If I was going to try this, it was probably more effective if I had left the bottle closed. >open microwave I was greeted by the smell of old, dried ketchup, flecks of which dotted the entire friggin' inside of the oven. >close bottle I pressed the cap closed. >close microwave I pushed the oven door and it weakly clicked closed. Cheap oven. >turn on microwave I pushed the button, and the microwave began humming quietly. I heard some sliding around inside, probably from the plate inside spinning under the bottle, which was probably being held stationary by the door of the oven. Just before the two minutes were up, I jumped back startled when the friggin' door blew open! The bottle inside blew up, leaving only a mass of shredded plastic covered in ketchup, which was already dripping down the side of the counter. That's exactly what I did! I did a microwave oven experiment....as part of a plan to get Scottie out of the janitor's closet. You earned 5 points for helping me remember! >e (first opening the east lounge door) The door opened smoothly, and then started moving silently back to close. East Hall, at teacher's lounge I was near the south end of East Hall, just outside of the teacher's lounge, which was through the black door to the west. The hall led north, past the principal's office, and south, to the emergency exit. The lounge door was swinging quietly shut. >s I walked towards the southeast corner of the building again. East Hall, south end This corner of the building had the fire escape to the south, which was these doors that had a handle with a red sign on it. To the east was the janitor's closet of this hall, with its door closed. To the west were the steel doors leading into the South Hall. This hall continued north from here, lined on either side with closed classroom doors. >knock on door I took a peek into the window, first. Through the window, I could see Scottie laid out on a long couch, against the north wall of the room, hands behind his head and just friggin' snoozing away. He had a grin on his face like he was king of the world. Kind of made me wish that the PA system speaker, which was attached to the corner of the ceiling, right over his head, would suddenly fall right on him. I knocked on the door softly but persistently, because I didn't want to make too much noise and attract any other attention, looking through the window to see if Scottie budged. He was still snoozing. >* Need the PA, which I assume is in the principal's office You seem to want to talk to someone, but I can't see whom. >n I retraced my steps back to the lounge door. East Hall, at teacher's lounge I was near the south end of East Hall, just outside of the teacher's lounge, which was through the black door to the west. The hall led north, past the principal's office, and south, to the emergency exit. >n I walked towards the principal's office again, in front of the Middle Hall doors. East Hall, at the school office Immediately to the west of me were the steel double-doors that led into Middle Hall. Directly across from them, to the east, were the plate glass doors to the principal's office; for some odd reason, the lights were on in there. The hall went both north and south from here. >e (first opening the plate glass doors) I swung the doors open easily again. Office Suite I was in Miss Malone's--the secretary's--office; her desk with her electric typewriter, was here and was in view of the glass door to the west. Behind it to the east was the door to the principal's office, which was closed. A keypad, which was dark, was on the wall next to it. To the north was the door to the detention room, which was open. The glass doors to the office suite were swinging back quietly. >x keypad It looked brand new, I think it was installed just a month earlier. It had ten buttons on it, 0 through 9. And a little logo near the top that said 'SOUNDFX Security Systems'. The keypad was dark. Now I don't know much about electronic security systems, but that probably meant that the keypad was turned off, and I could not use it to unlock this door. The glass doors to the office suite were swinging back quietly. >* SOUNDFX eh? That's not a verb I recognize. >w East Hall, at the school office Immediately to the west of me were the steel double-doors that led into Middle Hall. Directly across from them, to the east, were the plate glass doors to the principal's office; for some odd reason, the lights were on in there. The hall went both north and south from here. The glass doors to the office suite were swinging back quietly. The glass doors clicked quietly shut. >i I was carrying: a dirty uniform (being worn) a drill rifle (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my acoustic guitar (being worn) a flashlight (providing light) a green backpack (open) a folded sticky note Ziggy's gym keys a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a steel key a lounge key an unsmoked cigarette some rubber boots a third note a credit card some spare keys my keyring my house key my locker key a remote controller a second note Anne's diary my green pencil my ripped notebook Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. >put all keys on keyring Which do you mean, Ziggy's gym keys, the lounge key, the spare keys or the keyring? >all Sorry, you can only have one item here. Which exactly? >ziggy's There were none at all available! >put gym keys on keyring Which do you mean, Ziggy's gym keys, the lounge key, the spare keys or the keyring? >take keyring Which do you mean, Ziggy's gym keys, the lounge key, the spare keys or the keyring? >i I was carrying: a dirty uniform (being worn) a drill rifle (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my acoustic guitar (being worn) a flashlight (providing light) a green backpack (open) a folded sticky note Ziggy's gym keys a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a steel key a lounge key an unsmoked cigarette some rubber boots a third note a credit card some spare keys my keyring my house key my locker key a remote controller a second note Anne's diary my green pencil my ripped notebook Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. >take all There were none at all available! >take all keys There were none at all available! >take keyring Which do you mean, Ziggy's gym keys, the lounge key, the spare keys or the keyring? >keyring Which do you mean, Ziggy's gym keys, the lounge key, the spare keys or the keyring? >drop gym But I wasn't carrying that. >i I was carrying: a dirty uniform (being worn) a drill rifle (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my acoustic guitar (being worn) a flashlight (providing light) a green backpack (open) a folded sticky note Ziggy's gym keys a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a steel key a lounge key an unsmoked cigarette some rubber boots a third note a credit card some spare keys my keyring my house key my locker key a remote controller a second note Anne's diary my green pencil my ripped notebook Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. >take gym Got it. >drop gym Dropped. >i I was carrying: a dirty uniform (being worn) a drill rifle (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my acoustic guitar (being worn) a flashlight (providing light) a green backpack (open) a folded sticky note a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a steel key a lounge key an unsmoked cigarette some rubber boots a third note a credit card some spare keys my keyring my house key my locker key a remote controller a second note Anne's diary my green pencil my ripped notebook Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. >drop steel But I wasn't carrying that. >take steel Got it. >drop steel Dropped. >i I was carrying: a dirty uniform (being worn) a drill rifle (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my acoustic guitar (being worn) a flashlight (providing light) a green backpack (open) a folded sticky note a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a lounge key an unsmoked cigarette some rubber boots a third note a credit card some spare keys my keyring my house key my locker key a remote controller a second note Anne's diary my green pencil my ripped notebook Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. >take lounge Got it. >drop lounge Dropped. >take keyring Which do you mean, the lounge key, Ziggy's gym keys, the spare keys or the keyring? > drop spare But I wasn't carrying that. >take spare Got it. >drop spare Dropped. >e (first opening the plate glass doors) I swung the doors open easily again. Office Suite I was in Miss Malone's--the secretary's--office; her desk with her electric typewriter, was here and was in view of the glass door to the west. Behind it to the east was the door to the principal's office, which was closed. A keypad, which was dark, was on the wall next to it. To the north was the door to the detention room, which was open. The glass doors to the office suite were swinging back quietly. >take keyring Got it. The glass doors to the office suite were swinging back quietly. >w East Hall, at the school office Immediately to the west of me were the steel double-doors that led into Middle Hall. Directly across from them, to the east, were the plate glass doors to the principal's office; for some odd reason, the lights were on in there. The hall went both north and south from here. Ziggy's keys were lying here. I could also see some spare keys, a lounge key and a steel key here. The glass doors to the office suite were swinging back quietly. The glass doors clicked quietly shut. >put all on keyring (the keyring) flashlight: Only my keys belonged on this keyring. green backpack: Only my keys belonged on this keyring. >put ziggy's on keyring I couldn't see any such thing. >put gym on keyring (the keyring) (first taking Ziggy's gym keys) Only my keys belonged on this keyring. >* Too bad, thought that would be easier You seem to want to talk to someone, but I can't see whom. >x spare There were four keys on this ring. My thought was that I would just try each one on each lock until I got the right one. Or not. >e (first opening the plate glass doors) I swung the doors open easily again. Office Suite I was in Miss Malone's--the secretary's--office; her desk with her electric typewriter, was here and was in view of the glass door to the west. Behind it to the east was the door to the principal's office, which was closed. A keypad, which was dark, was on the wall next to it. To the north was the door to the detention room, which was open. The glass doors to the office suite were swinging back quietly. >w East Hall, at the school office Immediately to the west of me were the steel double-doors that led into Middle Hall. Directly across from them, to the east, were the plate glass doors to the principal's office; for some odd reason, the lights were on in there. The hall went both north and south from here. I could see some spare keys, a lounge key and a steel key here. The glass doors to the office suite were swinging back quietly. >w (first opening the middle hall doors) They seemed to be locked. The glass doors to the office suite were swinging back quietly. The glass doors clicked quietly shut. >unlock middle doors with spare (first taking the spare keys) Those didn't seem to fit the lock. >n I went back north along the hall. I stopped about halfway to the north end of the hall, near the door to the audio-visual department. East Hall, at Audio-Visual On the east wall here was the door to the Audio-Visual department; next to it was the media drop box, which was hanging open. The hall ran north-south from here. >e The door didn't budge, even a bit. It felt heavily locked. >unlock door with spare Those didn't seem to fit the lock. >n I walked back north to the North Hall doors. East Hall, north end To the west was the steel double-doors leading into North Hall; to the north was another fire escape door. An open door to the east welcomed me into the Band Room. The way back down the hall was south. >unlock steel doors with spare Those didn't seem to fit the lock. >s East Hall, at Audio-Visual On the east wall here was the door to the Audio-Visual department; next to it was the media drop box, which was hanging open. The hall ran north-south from here. >s I walked south back down the hall, to the Middle Hall doors and the office. East Hall, at the school office Immediately to the west of me were the steel double-doors that led into Middle Hall. Directly across from them, to the east, were the plate glass doors to the principal's office; for some odd reason, the lights were on in there. The hall went both north and south from here. I could see a lounge key and a steel key here. >s East Hall, at teacher's lounge I was near the south end of East Hall, just outside of the teacher's lounge, which was through the black door to the west. The hall led north, past the principal's office, and south, to the emergency exit. >s I walked towards the southeast corner of the building again. East Hall, south end This corner of the building had the fire escape to the south, which was these doors that had a handle with a red sign on it. To the east was the janitor's closet of this hall, with its door closed. To the west were the steel doors leading into the South Hall. This hall continued north from here, lined on either side with closed classroom doors. >e (first opening the east janitor's door) It seemed to be locked. >n I retraced my steps back to the lounge door. East Hall, at teacher's lounge I was near the south end of East Hall, just outside of the teacher's lounge, which was through the black door to the west. The hall led north, past the principal's office, and south, to the emergency exit. >* there's something behind the snack machines but need to go west... That's not a verb I recognize. >n I walked towards the principal's office again, in front of the Middle Hall doors. East Hall, at the school office Immediately to the west of me were the steel double-doors that led into Middle Hall. Directly across from them, to the east, were the plate glass doors to the principal's office; for some odd reason, the lights were on in there. The hall went both north and south from here. I could see a lounge key and a steel key here. >w (first opening the middle hall doors) They seemed to be locked. >take all lounge key: Got it. steel key: Got it. >s East Hall, at teacher's lounge I was near the south end of East Hall, just outside of the teacher's lounge, which was through the black door to the west. The hall led north, past the principal's office, and south, to the emergency exit. >w (first opening the lounge door) The door opened smoothly, and then started moving silently back to close. I stepped back into the lounge, and the aroma of cigarette smoke. Teacher's Lounge This lounge was hardly something to brag about. A long couch and a small sofa, each flanking a television set with a VCR underneath. Each looking like they had been donated by the local dump. Between the couch and the sofa was a tiny coffee table, with an ashtray on it. Against the west wall was a small counter with a microwave oven on it, beside which was a mini refrigerator. Another black door led east out into East Hall. The door I came in through was to the south. Ketchup was dripping down the front of the cabinet, from the mess I left inside the oven. The east lounge door was swinging quietly shut. >take all plastic mass: I wasn't about to touch it. Besides it's totally friggin' useless to me. ashtray: It was so gunky and full of ashes, I didn't want to touch it. The east lounge door was swinging quietly shut. >e East Hall, at teacher's lounge I was near the south end of East Hall, just outside of the teacher's lounge, which was through the black door to the west. The hall led north, past the principal's office, and south, to the emergency exit. The lounge door was swinging quietly shut. The lounge door clicked shut. >n I walked towards the principal's office again, in front of the Middle Hall doors. East Hall, at the school office Immediately to the west of me were the steel double-doors that led into Middle Hall. Directly across from them, to the east, were the plate glass doors to the principal's office; for some odd reason, the lights were on in there. The hall went both north and south from here. >take all There were none at all available! >w (first opening the middle hall doors) They seemed to be locked. >s East Hall, at teacher's lounge I was near the south end of East Hall, just outside of the teacher's lounge, which was through the black door to the west. The hall led north, past the principal's office, and south, to the emergency exit. >s I walked towards the southeast corner of the building again. East Hall, south end This corner of the building had the fire escape to the south, which was these doors that had a handle with a red sign on it. To the east was the janitor's closet of this hall, with its door closed. To the west were the steel doors leading into the South Hall. This hall continued north from here, lined on either side with closed classroom doors. >s And alert THE WHOLE BUILDING?? NO FRIGGIN' WAY. Opening that door will set off the fire alarm! Some idiot kid did that once and the consequences were heavy. >w (first opening the south hall doors) I quietly and carefully pulled against the doors; they would not budge. >n I retraced my steps back to the lounge door. East Hall, at teacher's lounge I was near the south end of East Hall, just outside of the teacher's lounge, which was through the black door to the west. The hall led north, past the principal's office, and south, to the emergency exit. >w (first opening the lounge door) The door opened smoothly, and then started moving silently back to close. I stepped back into the lounge, and the aroma of cigarette smoke. Teacher's Lounge This lounge was hardly something to brag about. A long couch and a small sofa, each flanking a television set with a VCR underneath. Each looking like they had been donated by the local dump. Between the couch and the sofa was a tiny coffee table, with an ashtray on it. Against the west wall was a small counter with a microwave oven on it, beside which was a mini refrigerator. Another black door led east out into East Hall. The door I came in through was to the south. Ketchup was dripping down the front of the cabinet, from the mess I left inside the oven. The east lounge door was swinging quietly shut. >s (first opening the south lounge door) The door opened smoothly, and then started moving silently back to close. South Hall, east end I was at the east end of South Hall, where it ended at yet another set of steel double-doors. On the other side of these doors would be East Hall, which ran along the east side of the school. Just before the doors, in the north wall, was an odd door, painted black. It was open. The way back down the hall towards the gym was to the west. I could see a saw horse here. The lounge door was swinging quietly shut. >w I retraced my steps to the bulletin board. South Hall, at bulletin board Many classroom doors lined both sides of the hall, which went east-west from here. On the south wall was a bulletin board, with sliding glass doors, which was open. Across from the board, to the north, one classroom door was slightly ajar. It was the art room door. >w I went back to the gym, at the west end of the hall. Gym Entrance Now I was on the other side of the main gym doors, a set of steel double-doors to the west, which were closed. To the southwest was the janitor's closet; the door to this nook was open. To the north were glass double-doors that led outside--they had a chain with a padlock threaded through the handles. No frickin' going outside for me. This hall, the South Hall of the school with the junior-high classes, continued to the east. I could see a pizza box (closed) here. >w I wasn't about to walk onto that waxy floor with my flat sneakers. With no frickin' traction, I'd fall on my butt! >wear boots (first taking the rubber boots) Got it. The things were so frickin' big that they fit neatly over my sneakers. >w (first opening the steel double doors) I pulled the gym doors open by the handles. Among the Fans I was on the east side of the gym floor, near the steel doors, which were to the east. Those doors were open. To the southwest were some steps leading up into the bleachers. Some industrial fans had been set up here and there around the floor, to help dry the wax. To the west was the rest of the gym, and the door to the outside. One of the fans, an old one next to the doors, wasn't running. >w I trudged west back to the side-door of the gym, in my rubber boots. Gymnasium Compared to other schools, Lamb High had a really crappy gym. It was small, with bleachers on only one side of the basketball court. Not that I was really into sports, but when we had a basketball game, all of the spectators had to sit on that one side, so often fights would break out between fans of rival teams. Steps led up into the bleachers from here. A small hallway led south to the locker rooms. Across the gym floor to the east was the set of steel doors leading out to the hall; they were open. West was the side-door going outside; this door was closed. A number of huge fans had been placed around the periphery of the gym, blowing powerful gusts everywhere. >w (first opening the gym door) I pushed the crash bar and the door opened. As I stepped out the door, I was startled by Zigmund, who was staring down at the ground. "Hef you zeen mah gym keys? I tought I hed zem in mah pocket, but ah seemed to hef dropped zem sumvere...?" Weakly, I said, "No I haven't." I was such a liar. Indifferent to my response, Zigmund paced back to the field gate and continued looking down at the ground, kicking and prodding the pavement here and there. "Ah must hef zem back," he muttered. Gridiron Entrance I was in another lighted part of the lot, with a few cars, working and abandoned, parked here and there. Another huge gate to the south was closed over a driveway--which was the back way off of the campus. To the west, through another small gate, was my school's football field and track. East was the side-door into the gym, which was open, but swinging closed. The way back to the main parking lot was north. The small gate onto the field was open. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was looking for something. The gym door was swinging silently closed. Zigmund walked around, and in and out of the gate, staring downwards. >n I stepped back out into the parking lot. School Parking I stood in the middle of the school parking lot, lit here and there by white street lights. I could see only the outlines of a few cars here, probably belonging to custodians. Or just abandoned. Whatever. To the northwest was the field house, where I first came onto the campus; to the north was the main gate. East was the porch in front of the study hall, in Middle Hall; northeast and southeast were the two courtyards to either side of it. To the south was the back gate, and the entrance to the gym and track. To the west and southwest was the tall fence around the track. >e I stepped onto the porch in front of Middle Hall and the doors to my study hall. Study Hall Entrance Concrete porch in front of my study hall, with brown double doors leading in to the east; they were closed. Some graffiti, barely noticeable, adorned the edge of one of the doors on this side. The schoolyard extended outward before me, with the main parking to the west, along with the field house; the north part of the building--with all the lockers--across the courtyard to the north. Across the parking lot to the southwest, was the gym and football field. To the northeast, across the courtyard, was the cafeteria. To the south and southeast was the south courtyard. To the northwest was the main gate, which was now closed. The gym door clanged shut. >* ah, whew You seem to want to talk to someone, but I can't see whom. >x graffiti In pencil, the message read-- SANDY WALLS CAN KISS MY ASS I understood completely. >s I stepped into the south courtyard, to the door to South Hall. South Courtyard, west end This grassy area was a popular hangout for the jocks during lunch break and before classes. Hence I avoided it at all times. They would stand here and gawk at the girls or harrass the nerds and people like me. To the south were the glass doors into South Hall, and the inner entrance to the gym. To the north was the porch in front of my study hall; northwest was the main parking lot. The yard went further in to the east. >e I walked further into the yard. South Courtyard, east Most of the popular people and the upper-classers hung out here. Though I could never see why, except to avoid the undesirables like me. It was completely enclosed by the outer walls of East Hall, South Hall and Middle Hall. The way out was to the west, or I could go back to the study hall porch to the northwest. >nw I cut back across the yard to the porch in front of my study hall. Study Hall Entrance Concrete porch in front of my study hall, with brown double doors leading in to the east; they were closed. Some graffiti, barely noticeable, adorned the edge of one of the doors on this side. The schoolyard extended outward before me, with the main parking to the west, along with the field house; the north part of the building--with all the lockers--across the courtyard to the north. Across the parking lot to the southwest, was the gym and football field. To the northeast, across the courtyard, was the cafeteria. To the south and southeast was the south courtyard. To the northwest was the main gate, which was now closed. >w School Parking I stood in the middle of the school parking lot, lit here and there by white street lights. I could see only the outlines of a few cars here, probably belonging to custodians. Or just abandoned. Whatever. To the northwest was the field house, where I first came onto the campus; to the north was the main gate. East was the porch in front of the study hall, in Middle Hall; northeast and southeast were the two courtyards to either side of it. To the south was the back gate, and the entrance to the gym and track. To the west and southwest was the tall fence around the track. >e I stepped onto the porch in front of Middle Hall and the doors to my study hall. Study Hall Entrance Concrete porch in front of my study hall, with brown double doors leading in to the east; they were closed. Some graffiti, barely noticeable, adorned the edge of one of the doors on this side. The schoolyard extended outward before me, with the main parking to the west, along with the field house; the north part of the building--with all the lockers--across the courtyard to the north. Across the parking lot to the southwest, was the gym and football field. To the northeast, across the courtyard, was the cafeteria. To the south and southeast was the south courtyard. To the northwest was the main gate, which was now closed. >e (first opening the brown doors) I tried, but they were seriously locked. >s I stepped into the south courtyard, to the door to South Hall. South Courtyard, west end This grassy area was a popular hangout for the jocks during lunch break and before classes. Hence I avoided it at all times. They would stand here and gawk at the girls or harrass the nerds and people like me. To the south were the glass doors into South Hall, and the inner entrance to the gym. To the north was the porch in front of my study hall; northwest was the main parking lot. The yard went further in to the east. >n I stepped back up onto the porch in front of my study hall. Study Hall Entrance Concrete porch in front of my study hall, with brown double doors leading in to the east; they were closed. Some graffiti, barely noticeable, adorned the edge of one of the doors on this side. The schoolyard extended outward before me, with the main parking to the west, along with the field house; the north part of the building--with all the lockers--across the courtyard to the north. Across the parking lot to the southwest, was the gym and football field. To the northeast, across the courtyard, was the cafeteria. To the south and southeast was the south courtyard. To the northwest was the main gate, which was now closed. >e (first opening the brown doors) I tried, but they were seriously locked. >n I stepped into the north courtyard, up to the door to the locker area of North Hall. North Courtyard, west end I was in the grassy area between North Hall and Middle Hall. Students often hung out here between or before classes. I avoided it like the fuckin' plague, except when I had to get to my locker. Which was past the glass doors to the north, which were closed. The yard went further in to the east, where I could see the cafeteria doors. To the west, around the corner of North Hall, was the main gate to the campus. South was the porch in front of my study hall; to the southwest was the main parking lot. >n I might have attracted attention out in the halls, with the steel-cleated boots on; so I took them off, first. (first opening the north glass doors) I pulled tentatively at the glass doors, but they were tightly locked. >w I walked around the corner to the main gate of the campus. Main Gateway I was now on the south side of the front gate onto the campus, which was flanked by a tall fence. Soft white light, from the tennis court to the west, and the street lights on Russel Street, to the north, cast an eerie glow over the pavement. To the southeast was the entrance to Middle Hall, and my study hall. Southwest and south was the main parking lot. Around the corner of North Hall, to the east, was the north courtyard of the school. >e I walked around the corner of North Hall, onto the north courtyard. North Courtyard, west end I was in the grassy area between North Hall and Middle Hall. Students often hung out here between or before classes. I avoided it like the fuckin' plague, except when I had to get to my locker. Which was past the glass doors to the north, which were closed. The yard went further in to the east, where I could see the cafeteria doors. To the west, around the corner of North Hall, was the main gate to the campus. South was the porch in front of my study hall; to the southwest was the main parking lot. >e I walked further into the yard. North Courtyard, east A lot of students stood around here, in the grass, during lunch break. But not the 'cool' crowd, who stood in the south yard; most of us lower-class people hung out here. But not me, I actually walked around. Here, we were surrounded by the outer walls of East Hall, Middle Hall and North Hall. The doors to the cafeteria, in North Hall, were to the north; they were closed. The escape was west, though I could cut back to the study hall porch to the southwest. >e I couldn't go that way. >n (first opening the cafeteria doors) I pulled tentatively at the glass doors, but they were tightly locked. >* hmm, ok, not so helpful You seem to want to talk to someone, but I can't see whom. >think pa I only understood you as far as wanting to think. >think about pa I couldn't think of anything pertinent about that at the time. >think about boxes Just some boxes full of useless music. Useless, at least, for now. >think about keypad The thing looked like it was turned off. But the door probably had a sensor connected to it. >* oh, again... You seem to want to talk to someone, but I can't see whom. >w I walked back to the west end of the yard. North Courtyard, west end I was in the grassy area between North Hall and Middle Hall. Students often hung out here between or before classes. I avoided it like the fuckin' plague, except when I had to get to my locker. Which was past the glass doors to the north, which were closed. The yard went further in to the east, where I could see the cafeteria doors. To the west, around the corner of North Hall, was the main gate to the campus. South was the porch in front of my study hall; to the southwest was the main parking lot. >s I stepped back onto the porch in front of my study hall. Study Hall Entrance Concrete porch in front of my study hall, with brown double doors leading in to the east; they were closed. Some graffiti, barely noticeable, adorned the edge of one of the doors on this side. The schoolyard extended outward before me, with the main parking to the west, along with the field house; the north part of the building--with all the lockers--across the courtyard to the north. Across the parking lot to the southwest, was the gym and football field. To the northeast, across the courtyard, was the cafeteria. To the south and southeast was the south courtyard. To the northwest was the main gate, which was now closed. >e (first opening the brown doors) I tried, but they were seriously locked. >w School Parking I stood in the middle of the school parking lot, lit here and there by white street lights. I could see only the outlines of a few cars here, probably belonging to custodians. Or just abandoned. Whatever. To the northwest was the field house, where I first came onto the campus; to the north was the main gate. East was the porch in front of the study hall, in Middle Hall; northeast and southeast were the two courtyards to either side of it. To the south was the back gate, and the entrance to the gym and track. To the west and southwest was the tall fence around the track. >s I found Zigmund near the field gate, still looking for his keys. Gridiron Entrance I was in another lighted part of the lot, with a few cars, working and abandoned, parked here and there. Another huge gate to the south was closed over a driveway--which was the back way off of the campus. To the west, through another small gate, was my school's football field and track. East was the side-door into the gym, which was closed. The way back to the main parking lot was north. The small gate onto the field was open. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was looking for something. Zigmund prodded the pavement with his foot. >e (first opening the gym door) It seemed to be locked. I heard Ziggy utter, "Ah must hef dropped zem zumvere!" >unlock gym door with gym key I unlocked the gym door with the key, pulling it open by the handle. It immediately started swinging closed. The gym door was swinging silently closed. Zigmund walked around, and in and out of the gate, staring downwards. >e I stepped into the gym, and was immediately assaulted by the aroma of floor wax. Gymnasium Compared to other schools, Lamb High had a really crappy gym. It was small, with bleachers on only one side of the basketball court. Not that I was really into sports, but when we had a basketball game, all of the spectators had to sit on that one side, so often fights would break out between fans of rival teams. Steps led up into the bleachers from here. A small hallway led south to the locker rooms. Across the gym floor to the east was the set of steel doors leading out to the hall; they were open. West was the side-door going outside; this door was open, but swinging closed. A number of huge fans had been placed around the periphery of the gym, blowing powerful gusts everywhere. The gym door was swinging silently closed. >e I started walking towards the steel doors. Then I slipped and fell on my butt, making a resounding "boom". My sneakers just did not have any friggin' traction on the wet wax. Good thing the fans were going. I went back to the dry spot by the west door. The sound of the fans filled the gym; gusts of air blew in every direction. The gym door was swinging silently closed. The gym door clanged shut. >wear boot The things were so frickin' big that they fit neatly over my sneakers. >wear boots I was already wearing those! The sound of the fans filled the gym; gusts of air blew in every direction. >e With the rubber boots on, I stepped carefully across the gym floor, towards the steel doors. Among the Fans I was on the east side of the gym floor, near the steel doors, which were to the east. Those doors were open. To the southwest were some steps leading up into the bleachers. Some industrial fans had been set up here and there around the floor, to help dry the wax. To the west was the rest of the gym, and the door to the outside. One of the fans, an old one next to the doors, wasn't running. The sound of the fans filled the gym; gusts of air blew in every direction. >e Gym Entrance Now I was on the other side of the main gym doors, a set of steel double-doors to the west, which were open. To the southwest was the janitor's closet; the door to this nook was open. To the north were glass double-doors that led outside--they had a chain with a padlock threaded through the handles. No frickin' going outside for me. This hall, the South Hall of the school with the junior-high classes, continued to the east. I could see a pizza box (closed) here. >e I closed the steel doors to the gym, instead of just leaving them open. I didn't want George to be suspicious. Those rubber boots, with the metal cleats, made a clacking noise on the floor--I took them off, so as not to alert anyone to my presence. I went east along the hall. I paused about halfway in, at the bulletin board. And an open door. South Hall, at bulletin board Many classroom doors lined both sides of the hall, which went east-west from here. On the south wall was a bulletin board, with sliding glass doors, which was open. Across from the board, to the north, one classroom door was slightly ajar. It was the art room door. >n Art Room Artwork of various kinds was pinned up everywhere here. Long tables ran parallel to the walls. Mr Pell's desk was in the northeast corner; a line of windows spanned the north wall. A storage unit--several lockers--stood against the west wall; the lockers were closed. To the south was the open doorway out to the hall. My old orange plastic chair was still placed at my spot at the table, where I sat in Art class in eighth grade. >n I couldn't go that way. >s South Hall, at bulletin board Many classroom doors lined both sides of the hall, which went east-west from here. On the south wall was a bulletin board, with sliding glass doors, which was open. Across from the board, to the north, one classroom door was slightly ajar. It was the art room door. >e I went back down the hall to the east. South Hall, east end I was at the east end of South Hall, where it ended at yet another set of steel double-doors. On the other side of these doors would be East Hall, which ran along the east side of the school. Just before the doors, in the north wall, was an odd door, painted black. It was closed. The way back down the hall towards the gym was to the west. I could see a saw horse here. >n (first opening the lounge door) The door opened smoothly, and then started moving silently back to close. I dove back into the fuckin' miasma left behind by cigarette smoke. Teacher's Lounge This lounge was hardly something to brag about. A long couch and a small sofa, each flanking a television set with a VCR underneath. Each looking like they had been donated by the local dump. Between the couch and the sofa was a tiny coffee table, with an ashtray on it. Against the west wall was a small counter with a microwave oven on it, beside which was a mini refrigerator. Another black door led east out into East Hall. The door I came in through was to the south. Ketchup was dripping down the front of the cabinet, from the mess I left inside the oven. The south lounge door was swinging quietly shut. >e (first opening the east lounge door) The door opened smoothly, and then started moving silently back to close. East Hall, at teacher's lounge I was near the south end of East Hall, just outside of the teacher's lounge, which was through the black door to the west. The hall led north, past the principal's office, and south, to the emergency exit. The lounge door was swinging quietly shut. >n I walked towards the principal's office again, in front of the Middle Hall doors. East Hall, at the school office Immediately to the west of me were the steel double-doors that led into Middle Hall. Directly across from them, to the east, were the plate glass doors to the principal's office; for some odd reason, the lights were on in there. The hall went both north and south from here. >e (first opening the plate glass doors) I swung the doors open easily again. Office Suite I was in Miss Malone's--the secretary's--office; her desk with her electric typewriter, was here and was in view of the glass door to the west. Behind it to the east was the door to the principal's office, which was closed. A keypad, which was dark, was on the wall next to it. To the north was the door to the detention room, which was open. The glass doors to the office suite were swinging back quietly. >x remote A thing with some makeshift buttons that my dad rigged up to control the TV set. He didn't like having to get up to change the channel, so instead of just buying a remote controlled set, he set our old one up to respond to this controller, and made the controller himself. It has only one button to turn the thing on or off; one volume rocker switch to turn the volume up or down; and channel rocker switch to change the channel. The funny thing about this controller is that, though it works all the time on our set, I always wondered whether it would trip other devices....?? [To use the remote controller, type PUSH POWER BUTTON to turn on the TV, or turn it off; VOLUME UP/DOWN to adjust the volume; and CHANNEL UP/DOWN to change the channel.] The glass doors to the office suite were swinging back quietly. >push power I pushed the power button; no telling what it might trip. But nothing happened. The glass doors to the office suite were swinging back quietly. The glass doors clicked quietly shut. >e (first opening the principal's door) It seemed to be locked. >l Office Suite I was in Miss Malone's--the secretary's--office; her desk with her electric typewriter, was here and was in view of the glass door to the west. Behind it to the east was the door to the principal's office, which was closed. A keypad, which was dark, was on the wall next to it. To the north was the door to the detention room, which was open. >* ah well That's not a verb I recognize. >think about sensor My remote unlocked it. >think about keypad The thing looked like it was turned off. But the door probably had a sensor connected to it. >x door Which do you mean, the plate glass doors, the detention door or the principal's door? >principal's It was a heavy-panelled wood door. It was closed. Next to it on the wall was a dark keypad. >open door Which do you mean, the plate glass doors, the detention door or the principal's door? >principal's It seemed to be locked. >think about scottie Now I had a good reason for him to leave the room, but how do I wake him up? >think about middle hall doors The doors looked seriously locked. I wondered if there might be another way to get into Middle Hall? >think about study hall doors I couldn't think of anything pertinent about that at the time. >w (first opening the plate glass doors) I swung the doors open easily again. East Hall, at the school office Immediately to the west of me were the steel double-doors that led into Middle Hall. Directly across from them, to the east, were the plate glass doors to the principal's office; for some odd reason, the lights were on in there. The hall went both north and south from here. The glass doors to the office suite were swinging back quietly. >w (first opening the middle hall doors) They seemed to be locked. The glass doors to the office suite were swinging back quietly. >s East Hall, at teacher's lounge I was near the south end of East Hall, just outside of the teacher's lounge, which was through the black door to the west. The hall led north, past the principal's office, and south, to the emergency exit. >s I walked towards the southeast corner of the building again. East Hall, south end This corner of the building had the fire escape to the south, which was these doors that had a handle with a red sign on it. To the east was the janitor's closet of this hall, with its door closed. To the west were the steel doors leading into the South Hall. This hall continued north from here, lined on either side with closed classroom doors. >n I retraced my steps back to the lounge door. East Hall, at teacher's lounge I was near the south end of East Hall, just outside of the teacher's lounge, which was through the black door to the west. The hall led north, past the principal's office, and south, to the emergency exit. >w (first opening the lounge door) The door opened smoothly, and then started moving silently back to close. I stepped back into the lounge, and the aroma of cigarette smoke. Teacher's Lounge This lounge was hardly something to brag about. A long couch and a small sofa, each flanking a television set with a VCR underneath. Each looking like they had been donated by the local dump. Between the couch and the sofa was a tiny coffee table, with an ashtray on it. Against the west wall was a small counter with a microwave oven on it, beside which was a mini refrigerator. Another black door led east out into East Hall. The door I came in through was to the south. Ketchup was dripping down the front of the cabinet, from the mess I left inside the oven. The east lounge door was swinging quietly shut. >s (first opening the south lounge door) The door opened smoothly, and then started moving silently back to close. South Hall, east end I was at the east end of South Hall, where it ended at yet another set of steel double-doors. On the other side of these doors would be East Hall, which ran along the east side of the school. Just before the doors, in the north wall, was an odd door, painted black. It was open. The way back down the hall towards the gym was to the west. I could see a saw horse here. The lounge door was swinging quietly shut. >w I retraced my steps to the bulletin board. South Hall, at bulletin board Many classroom doors lined both sides of the hall, which went east-west from here. On the south wall was a bulletin board, with sliding glass doors, which was open. Across from the board, to the north, one classroom door was slightly ajar. It was the art room door. >w I went back to the gym, at the west end of the hall. Gym Entrance Now I was on the other side of the main gym doors, a set of steel double-doors to the west, which were closed. To the southwest was the janitor's closet; the door to this nook was open. To the north were glass double-doors that led outside--they had a chain with a padlock threaded through the handles. No frickin' going outside for me. This hall, the South Hall of the school with the junior-high classes, continued to the east. I could see a pizza box (closed) here. >n (first opening the glass double-doors) I pushed tentatively at the glass doors, but they were tightly locked. >w I wasn't about to walk onto that waxy floor with my flat sneakers. With no frickin' traction, I'd fall on my butt! >w I wasn't about to walk onto that waxy floor with my flat sneakers. With no frickin' traction, I'd fall on my butt! >wear boots The things were so frickin' big that they fit neatly over my sneakers. >w (first opening the steel double doors) I pulled the gym doors open by the handles. Among the Fans I was on the east side of the gym floor, near the steel doors, which were to the east. Those doors were open. To the southwest were some steps leading up into the bleachers. Some industrial fans had been set up here and there around the floor, to help dry the wax. To the west was the rest of the gym, and the door to the outside. One of the fans, an old one next to the doors, wasn't running. The sound of the fans filled the gym; gusts of air blew in every direction. >n Probably not a good idea to go tracking up George's wax floor; I decided to stay along the east-west path between the doors. The sound of the fans filled the gym; gusts of air blew in every direction. >w I trudged west back to the side-door of the gym, in my rubber boots. Gymnasium Compared to other schools, Lamb High had a really crappy gym. It was small, with bleachers on only one side of the basketball court. Not that I was really into sports, but when we had a basketball game, all of the spectators had to sit on that one side, so often fights would break out between fans of rival teams. Steps led up into the bleachers from here. A small hallway led south to the locker rooms. Across the gym floor to the east was the set of steel doors leading out to the hall; they were open. West was the side-door going outside; this door was closed. A number of huge fans had been placed around the periphery of the gym, blowing powerful gusts everywhere. >w (first opening the gym door) I pushed the crash bar and the door opened. I found Zigmund near the field gate, still looking for his keys. Gridiron Entrance I was in another lighted part of the lot, with a few cars, working and abandoned, parked here and there. Another huge gate to the south was closed over a driveway--which was the back way off of the campus. To the west, through another small gate, was my school's football field and track. East was the side-door into the gym, which was open, but swinging closed. The way back to the main parking lot was north. The small gate onto the field was open. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was looking for something. The gym door was swinging silently closed. I heard Ziggy utter, "Ah must hef dropped zem zumvere!" >n I stepped back out into the parking lot. School Parking I stood in the middle of the school parking lot, lit here and there by white street lights. I could see only the outlines of a few cars here, probably belonging to custodians. Or just abandoned. Whatever. To the northwest was the field house, where I first came onto the campus; to the north was the main gate. East was the porch in front of the study hall, in Middle Hall; northeast and southeast were the two courtyards to either side of it. To the south was the back gate, and the entrance to the gym and track. To the west and southwest was the tall fence around the track. >e I stepped onto the porch in front of Middle Hall and the doors to my study hall. Study Hall Entrance Concrete porch in front of my study hall, with brown double doors leading in to the east; they were closed. Some graffiti, barely noticeable, adorned the edge of one of the doors on this side. The schoolyard extended outward before me, with the main parking to the west, along with the field house; the north part of the building--with all the lockers--across the courtyard to the north. Across the parking lot to the southwest, was the gym and football field. To the northeast, across the courtyard, was the cafeteria. To the south and southeast was the south courtyard. To the northwest was the main gate, which was now closed. The gym door clanged shut. >n I stepped into the north courtyard, up to the door to the locker area of North Hall. North Courtyard, west end I was in the grassy area between North Hall and Middle Hall. Students often hung out here between or before classes. I avoided it like the fuckin' plague, except when I had to get to my locker. Which was past the glass doors to the north, which were closed. The yard went further in to the east, where I could see the cafeteria doors. To the west, around the corner of North Hall, was the main gate to the campus. South was the porch in front of my study hall; to the southwest was the main parking lot. >n I might have attracted attention out in the halls, with the steel-cleated boots on; so I took them off, first. (first opening the north glass doors) I pulled tentatively at the glass doors, but they were tightly locked. >s I stepped back onto the porch in front of my study hall. Study Hall Entrance Concrete porch in front of my study hall, with brown double doors leading in to the east; they were closed. Some graffiti, barely noticeable, adorned the edge of one of the doors on this side. The schoolyard extended outward before me, with the main parking to the west, along with the field house; the north part of the building--with all the lockers--across the courtyard to the north. Across the parking lot to the southwest, was the gym and football field. To the northeast, across the courtyard, was the cafeteria. To the south and southeast was the south courtyard. To the northwest was the main gate, which was now closed. >x walls I couldn't see any such thing. > I beg your pardon? >s I stepped into the south courtyard, to the door to South Hall. South Courtyard, west end This grassy area was a popular hangout for the jocks during lunch break and before classes. Hence I avoided it at all times. They would stand here and gawk at the girls or harrass the nerds and people like me. To the south were the glass doors into South Hall, and the inner entrance to the gym. To the north was the porch in front of my study hall; northwest was the main parking lot. The yard went further in to the east. >e I walked further into the yard. South Courtyard, east Most of the popular people and the upper-classers hung out here. Though I could never see why, except to avoid the undesirables like me. It was completely enclosed by the outer walls of East Hall, South Hall and Middle Hall. The way out was to the west, or I could go back to the study hall porch to the northwest. >s I couldn't go that way. >n I couldn't go that way. >e I couldn't go that way. >x wall I couldn't see any such thing. >x walls I couldn't see any such thing. >w I walked back towards the west end of the yard. South Courtyard, west end This grassy area was a popular hangout for the jocks during lunch break and before classes. Hence I avoided it at all times. They would stand here and gawk at the girls or harrass the nerds and people like me. To the south were the glass doors into South Hall, and the inner entrance to the gym. To the north was the porch in front of my study hall; northwest was the main parking lot. The yard went further in to the east. >n I stepped back up onto the porch in front of my study hall. Study Hall Entrance Concrete porch in front of my study hall, with brown double doors leading in to the east; they were closed. Some graffiti, barely noticeable, adorned the edge of one of the doors on this side. The schoolyard extended outward before me, with the main parking to the west, along with the field house; the north part of the building--with all the lockers--across the courtyard to the north. Across the parking lot to the southwest, was the gym and football field. To the northeast, across the courtyard, was the cafeteria. To the south and southeast was the south courtyard. To the northwest was the main gate, which was now closed. >e (first opening the brown doors) I tried, but they were seriously locked. >think about brown (the brown doors) They probably stay locked all night. >sw I found Zigmund near the field gate, still looking for his keys. Gridiron Entrance I was in another lighted part of the lot, with a few cars, working and abandoned, parked here and there. Another huge gate to the south was closed over a driveway--which was the back way off of the campus. To the west, through another small gate, was my school's football field and track. East was the side-door into the gym, which was closed. The way back to the main parking lot was north. The small gate onto the field was open. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was looking for something. Zigmund walked around, and in and out of the gate, staring downwards. >n I stepped back out into the parking lot. School Parking I stood in the middle of the school parking lot, lit here and there by white street lights. I could see only the outlines of a few cars here, probably belonging to custodians. Or just abandoned. Whatever. To the northwest was the field house, where I first came onto the campus; to the north was the main gate. East was the porch in front of the study hall, in Middle Hall; northeast and southeast were the two courtyards to either side of it. To the south was the back gate, and the entrance to the gym and track. To the west and southwest was the tall fence around the track. >save Ok. >s I found Zigmund near the field gate, still looking for his keys. Gridiron Entrance I was in another lighted part of the lot, with a few cars, working and abandoned, parked here and there. Another huge gate to the south was closed over a driveway--which was the back way off of the campus. To the west, through another small gate, was my school's football field and track. East was the side-door into the gym, which was closed. The way back to the main parking lot was north. The small gate onto the field was open. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was looking for something. Zigmund walked towards the nearby cars, looking around, then walked back. >give gym to ziggy (Ziggy's gym keys to Mr Zimmermann) I was reluctant to give the keys back--there was no other way to get back into the gym, and I felt that Anne's life was at stake. Zigmund prodded the pavement with his foot. >n I stepped back out into the parking lot. School Parking I stood in the middle of the school parking lot, lit here and there by white street lights. I could see only the outlines of a few cars here, probably belonging to custodians. Or just abandoned. Whatever. To the northwest was the field house, where I first came onto the campus; to the north was the main gate. East was the porch in front of the study hall, in Middle Hall; northeast and southeast were the two courtyards to either side of it. To the south was the back gate, and the entrance to the gym and track. To the west and southwest was the tall fence around the track. >w There was only the fence in that direction. >n I walked up to the main gate of the campus. Main Gateway I was now on the south side of the front gate onto the campus, which was flanked by a tall fence. Soft white light, from the tennis court to the west, and the street lights on Russel Street, to the north, cast an eerie glow over the pavement. To the southeast was the entrance to Middle Hall, and my study hall. Southwest and south was the main parking lot. Around the corner of North Hall, to the east, was the north courtyard of the school. >e I walked around the corner of North Hall, onto the north courtyard. North Courtyard, west end I was in the grassy area between North Hall and Middle Hall. Students often hung out here between or before classes. I avoided it like the fuckin' plague, except when I had to get to my locker. Which was past the glass doors to the north, which were closed. The yard went further in to the east, where I could see the cafeteria doors. To the west, around the corner of North Hall, was the main gate to the campus. South was the porch in front of my study hall; to the southwest was the main parking lot. >e I walked further into the yard. North Courtyard, east A lot of students stood around here, in the grass, during lunch break. But not the 'cool' crowd, who stood in the south yard; most of us lower-class people hung out here. But not me, I actually walked around. Here, we were surrounded by the outer walls of East Hall, Middle Hall and North Hall. The doors to the cafeteria, in North Hall, were to the north; they were closed. The escape was west, though I could cut back to the study hall porch to the southwest. >n (first opening the cafeteria doors) I pulled tentatively at the glass doors, but they were tightly locked. >x walls I couldn't see any such thing. >s I couldn't go that way. >x walls I couldn't see any such thing. >se I couldn't go that way. >sw I stepped back onto the porch in front of my study hall. Study Hall Entrance Concrete porch in front of my study hall, with brown double doors leading in to the east; they were closed. Some graffiti, barely noticeable, adorned the edge of one of the doors on this side. The schoolyard extended outward before me, with the main parking to the west, along with the field house; the north part of the building--with all the lockers--across the courtyard to the north. Across the parking lot to the southwest, was the gym and football field. To the northeast, across the courtyard, was the cafeteria. To the south and southeast was the south courtyard. To the northwest was the main gate, which was now closed. >x porch I couldn't see any such thing. >x graffiti In pencil, the message read-- SANDY WALLS CAN KISS MY ASS I understood completely. >x walls I couldn't see any such thing. >x wall I couldn't see any such thing. >e (first opening the brown doors) I tried, but they were seriously locked. >l Study Hall Entrance Concrete porch in front of my study hall, with brown double doors leading in to the east; they were closed. Some graffiti, barely noticeable, adorned the edge of one of the doors on this side. The schoolyard extended outward before me, with the main parking to the west, along with the field house; the north part of the building--with all the lockers--across the courtyard to the north. Across the parking lot to the southwest, was the gym and football field. To the northeast, across the courtyard, was the cafeteria. To the south and southeast was the south courtyard. To the northwest was the main gate, which was now closed. >ne I cut across the courtyard to the door to the cafeteria. North Courtyard, east A lot of students stood around here, in the grass, during lunch break. But not the 'cool' crowd, who stood in the south yard; most of us lower-class people hung out here. But not me, I actually walked around. Here, we were surrounded by the outer walls of East Hall, Middle Hall and North Hall. The doors to the cafeteria, in North Hall, were to the north; they were closed. The escape was west, though I could cut back to the study hall porch to the southwest. >e I couldn't go that way. >n (first opening the cafeteria doors) I pulled tentatively at the glass doors, but they were tightly locked. >x grass I couldn't see any such thing. >sw I stepped back onto the porch in front of my study hall. Study Hall Entrance Concrete porch in front of my study hall, with brown double doors leading in to the east; they were closed. Some graffiti, barely noticeable, adorned the edge of one of the doors on this side. The schoolyard extended outward before me, with the main parking to the west, along with the field house; the north part of the building--with all the lockers--across the courtyard to the north. Across the parking lot to the southwest, was the gym and football field. To the northeast, across the courtyard, was the cafeteria. To the south and southeast was the south courtyard. To the northwest was the main gate, which was now closed. >s I stepped into the south courtyard, to the door to South Hall. South Courtyard, west end This grassy area was a popular hangout for the jocks during lunch break and before classes. Hence I avoided it at all times. They would stand here and gawk at the girls or harrass the nerds and people like me. To the south were the glass doors into South Hall, and the inner entrance to the gym. To the north was the porch in front of my study hall; northwest was the main parking lot. The yard went further in to the east. >e I walked further into the yard. South Courtyard, east Most of the popular people and the upper-classers hung out here. Though I could never see why, except to avoid the undesirables like me. It was completely enclosed by the outer walls of East Hall, South Hall and Middle Hall. The way out was to the west, or I could go back to the study hall porch to the northwest. >e I couldn't go that way. >w I walked back towards the west end of the yard. South Courtyard, west end This grassy area was a popular hangout for the jocks during lunch break and before classes. Hence I avoided it at all times. They would stand here and gawk at the girls or harrass the nerds and people like me. To the south were the glass doors into South Hall, and the inner entrance to the gym. To the north was the porch in front of my study hall; northwest was the main parking lot. The yard went further in to the east. >s (first opening the glass double-doors) I pulled tentatively at the glass doors, but they were tightly locked. >sw I couldn't go that way. >w I couldn't go that way. >s (first opening the glass double-doors) I pulled tentatively at the glass doors, but they were tightly locked. >s (first opening the glass double-doors) I pulled tentatively at the glass doors, but they were tightly locked. >w I couldn't go that way. >nw I walked out into the main parking lot. School Parking I stood in the middle of the school parking lot, lit here and there by white street lights. I could see only the outlines of a few cars here, probably belonging to custodians. Or just abandoned. Whatever. To the northwest was the field house, where I first came onto the campus; to the north was the main gate. East was the porch in front of the study hall, in Middle Hall; northeast and southeast were the two courtyards to either side of it. To the south was the back gate, and the entrance to the gym and track. To the west and southwest was the tall fence around the track. >w There was only the fence in that direction. >s I found Zigmund near the field gate, still looking for his keys. Gridiron Entrance I was in another lighted part of the lot, with a few cars, working and abandoned, parked here and there. Another huge gate to the south was closed over a driveway--which was the back way off of the campus. To the west, through another small gate, was my school's football field and track. East was the side-door into the gym, which was closed. The way back to the main parking lot was north. The small gate onto the field was open. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was looking for something. I heard Ziggy utter, "Ah must hef dropped zem zumvere!" >e (first opening the gym door) It seemed to be locked. Zigmund walked towards the nearby cars, looking around, then walked back. >unlock gym door with gym keys I unlocked the gym door with the key, pulling it open by the handle. It immediately started swinging closed. The gym door was swinging silently closed. Zigmund walked around, and in and out of the gate, staring downwards. >e I stepped into the gym, and was immediately assaulted by the aroma of floor wax. Gymnasium Compared to other schools, Lamb High had a really crappy gym. It was small, with bleachers on only one side of the basketball court. Not that I was really into sports, but when we had a basketball game, all of the spectators had to sit on that one side, so often fights would break out between fans of rival teams. Steps led up into the bleachers from here. A small hallway led south to the locker rooms. Across the gym floor to the east was the set of steel doors leading out to the hall; they were open. West was the side-door going outside; this door was open, but swinging closed. A number of huge fans had been placed around the periphery of the gym, blowing powerful gusts everywhere. The sound of the fans filled the gym; gusts of air blew in every direction. The gym door was swinging silently closed. >n I couldn't go that way. The sound of the fans filled the gym; gusts of air blew in every direction. The gym door was swinging silently closed. The gym door clanged shut. >e I started walking towards the steel doors. Then I slipped and fell on my butt, making a resounding "boom". My sneakers just did not have any friggin' traction on the wet wax. Good thing the fans were going. I went back to the dry spot by the west door. >n I couldn't go that way. The sound of the fans filled the gym; gusts of air blew in every direction. >wear boots The things were so frickin' big that they fit neatly over my sneakers. The sound of the fans filled the gym; gusts of air blew in every direction. >n I couldn't go that way. The sound of the fans filled the gym; gusts of air blew in every direction. >e With the rubber boots on, I stepped carefully across the gym floor, towards the steel doors. Among the Fans I was on the east side of the gym floor, near the steel doors, which were to the east. Those doors were open. To the southwest were some steps leading up into the bleachers. Some industrial fans had been set up here and there around the floor, to help dry the wax. To the west was the rest of the gym, and the door to the outside. One of the fans, an old one next to the doors, wasn't running. >n Probably not a good idea to go tracking up George's wax floor; I decided to stay along the east-west path between the doors. >e Gym Entrance Now I was on the other side of the main gym doors, a set of steel double-doors to the west, which were open. To the southwest was the janitor's closet; the door to this nook was open. To the north were glass double-doors that led outside--they had a chain with a padlock threaded through the handles. No frickin' going outside for me. This hall, the South Hall of the school with the junior-high classes, continued to the east. I could see a pizza box (closed) here. >n (first opening the glass double-doors) I pushed tentatively at the glass doors, but they were tightly locked. The sound of the fans running inside the gym filled this part of the hallway. >e I closed the steel doors to the gym, instead of just leaving them open. I didn't want George to be suspicious. Those rubber boots, with the metal cleats, made a clacking noise on the floor--I took them off, so as not to alert anyone to my presence. I went east along the hall. I paused about halfway in, at the bulletin board. And an open door. South Hall, at bulletin board Many classroom doors lined both sides of the hall, which went east-west from here. On the south wall was a bulletin board, with sliding glass doors, which was open. Across from the board, to the north, one classroom door was slightly ajar. It was the art room door. >e I went back down the hall to the east. South Hall, east end I was at the east end of South Hall, where it ended at yet another set of steel double-doors. On the other side of these doors would be East Hall, which ran along the east side of the school. Just before the doors, in the north wall, was an odd door, painted black. It was closed. The way back down the hall towards the gym was to the west. I could see a saw horse here. >e (first opening the south hall doors) I quietly and carefully pushed against the doors; they would not budge. >e (first opening the south hall doors) I quietly and carefully pushed against the doors; they would not budge. >n (first opening the lounge door) The door opened smoothly, and then started moving silently back to close. I dove back into the fuckin' miasma left behind by cigarette smoke. Teacher's Lounge This lounge was hardly something to brag about. A long couch and a small sofa, each flanking a television set with a VCR underneath. Each looking like they had been donated by the local dump. Between the couch and the sofa was a tiny coffee table, with an ashtray on it. Against the west wall was a small counter with a microwave oven on it, beside which was a mini refrigerator. Another black door led east out into East Hall. The door I came in through was to the south. Ketchup was dripping down the front of the cabinet, from the mess I left inside the oven. The south lounge door was swinging quietly shut. >think about podium I had no interest in even being at the podium. The south lounge door was swinging quietly shut. >save Ok. >e (first opening the east lounge door) The door opened smoothly, and then started moving silently back to close. East Hall, at teacher's lounge I was near the south end of East Hall, just outside of the teacher's lounge, which was through the black door to the west. The hall led north, past the principal's office, and south, to the emergency exit. The lounge door was swinging quietly shut. >e There were no unlocked or open doors in that direction. The lounge door was swinging quietly shut. >s I walked towards the southeast corner of the building again. East Hall, south end This corner of the building had the fire escape to the south, which was these doors that had a handle with a red sign on it. To the east was the janitor's closet of this hall, with its door closed. To the west were the steel doors leading into the South Hall. This hall continued north from here, lined on either side with closed classroom doors. >w (first opening the south hall doors) I quietly and carefully pulled against the doors; they would not budge. >w (first opening the south hall doors) I quietly and carefully pulled against the doors; they would not budge. >n I retraced my steps back to the lounge door. East Hall, at teacher's lounge I was near the south end of East Hall, just outside of the teacher's lounge, which was through the black door to the west. The hall led north, past the principal's office, and south, to the emergency exit. >w (first opening the lounge door) The door opened smoothly, and then started moving silently back to close. I stepped back into the lounge, and the aroma of cigarette smoke. Teacher's Lounge This lounge was hardly something to brag about. A long couch and a small sofa, each flanking a television set with a VCR underneath. Each looking like they had been donated by the local dump. Between the couch and the sofa was a tiny coffee table, with an ashtray on it. Against the west wall was a small counter with a microwave oven on it, beside which was a mini refrigerator. Another black door led east out into East Hall. The door I came in through was to the south. Ketchup was dripping down the front of the cabinet, from the mess I left inside the oven. The east lounge door was swinging quietly shut. >w I couldn't go that way. The east lounge door was swinging quietly shut. >s (first opening the south lounge door) The door opened smoothly, and then started moving silently back to close. South Hall, east end I was at the east end of South Hall, where it ended at yet another set of steel double-doors. On the other side of these doors would be East Hall, which ran along the east side of the school. Just before the doors, in the north wall, was an odd door, painted black. It was open. The way back down the hall towards the gym was to the west. I could see a saw horse here. The lounge door was swinging quietly shut. >w I retraced my steps to the bulletin board. South Hall, at bulletin board Many classroom doors lined both sides of the hall, which went east-west from here. On the south wall was a bulletin board, with sliding glass doors, which was open. Across from the board, to the north, one classroom door was slightly ajar. It was the art room door. >e I went back down the hall to the east. South Hall, east end I was at the east end of South Hall, where it ended at yet another set of steel double-doors. On the other side of these doors would be East Hall, which ran along the east side of the school. Just before the doors, in the north wall, was an odd door, painted black. It was open. The way back down the hall towards the gym was to the west. I could see a saw horse here. The lounge door was swinging quietly shut. The lounge door clicked shut. >take saw horse I took up the saw horse again. >w I retraced my steps to the bulletin board. South Hall, at bulletin board Many classroom doors lined both sides of the hall, which went east-west from here. On the south wall was a bulletin board, with sliding glass doors, which was open. Across from the board, to the north, one classroom door was slightly ajar. It was the art room door. >w I went back to the gym, at the west end of the hall. Gym Entrance Now I was on the other side of the main gym doors, a set of steel double-doors to the west, which were closed. To the southwest was the janitor's closet; the door to this nook was open. To the north were glass double-doors that led outside--they had a chain with a padlock threaded through the handles. No frickin' going outside for me. This hall, the South Hall of the school with the junior-high classes, continued to the east. I could see a pizza box (closed) here. >w I wasn't about to walk onto that waxy floor with my flat sneakers. With no frickin' traction, I'd fall on my butt! >wear boots The things were so frickin' big that they fit neatly over my sneakers. >w (first opening the steel double doors) I pulled the gym doors open by the handles. Among the Fans I was on the east side of the gym floor, near the steel doors, which were to the east. Those doors were open. To the southwest were some steps leading up into the bleachers. Some industrial fans had been set up here and there around the floor, to help dry the wax. To the west was the rest of the gym, and the door to the outside. One of the fans, an old one next to the doors, wasn't running. >w I trudged west back to the side-door of the gym, in my rubber boots. Gymnasium Compared to other schools, Lamb High had a really crappy gym. It was small, with bleachers on only one side of the basketball court. Not that I was really into sports, but when we had a basketball game, all of the spectators had to sit on that one side, so often fights would break out between fans of rival teams. Steps led up into the bleachers from here. A small hallway led south to the locker rooms. Across the gym floor to the east was the set of steel doors leading out to the hall; they were open. West was the side-door going outside; this door was closed. A number of huge fans had been placed around the periphery of the gym, blowing powerful gusts everywhere. The sound of the fans filled the gym; gusts of air blew in every direction. >put saw horse in door The door was closed, so there was no way to do that. The sound of the fans filled the gym; gusts of air blew in every direction. >open door I pushed the crash bar and the door opened. The sound of the fans filled the gym; gusts of air blew in every direction. The gym door was swinging silently closed. >put saw horse in door I put the saw horse on the ground inside of the door, in hopes that it would keep the door from closing. The gym door was swinging silently closed. >w I pushed the door further open and stepped around the saw horse as I went. I found Zigmund near the field gate, still looking for his keys. Gridiron Entrance I was in another lighted part of the lot, with a few cars, working and abandoned, parked here and there. Another huge gate to the south was closed over a driveway--which was the back way off of the campus. To the west, through another small gate, was my school's football field and track. East was the side-door into the gym, which was open, but swinging closed; I had put the saw horse in its way. The way back to the main parking lot was north. The small gate onto the field was open. Mr Zimmermann, my school's German teacher, was looking for something. The gym door was swinging silently closed. I heard Ziggy utter, "Ah must hef dropped zem zumvere!" >z Time passed. The gym door was swinging silently closed. Zigmund walked around, and in and out of the gate, staring downwards. >z Time passed. The gym door was swinging silently closed. Zigmund walked towards the nearby cars, looking around, then walked back. I heard a clacking sound as the gym door hit the saw horse, moving it until it stopped against the doorframe. I had successfully blocked the door with the saw horse. I looked over at George--he looked back at me, then turned back to his work. He didn't seem to care. >give ziggy's keys to ziggy I silently put the keys on the pavement. Then I said, "Ah. Mr Zimmermann, are those your keys??" I pointed to them. Ziggy looked over excitedly. Throwing up his hands, he said, "Ach! You hef fand zem! I tought I hed put zem in mah pocket! Oh how can I zank you?!" He picked them up and put them back in his pocket. Then he appeared to get an idea; his eyes widened. "Mah vife makes zese gut pretzels. Let me geef one to you!" He raced to the cars nearby. I heard a car start, and he pulled up momentarily, munching on something. "Here you are!" he said, handing me a big honking pretzel. Then he jumped out of the car, and, unlocking the padlock with one of his keys, he looked back at me. "Eef you vill do me a favor, could you lock zees behand me?" "Sure," I said. Then he jumped back into the car, saying, "Gute nacht!" and he was gone. I locked the gate back. I had no desire to leave the campus while Anne was in danger. That's exactly what I did! I got a pretzel for returning stolen keys. You earned 5 points for helping me remember! >* OK That's not a verb I recognize. >x pretzel It was huge, thick and hard. With large chunks of salt sticking to it. >eat it Pretzels weren't my thing, and I wasn't hungry. But I felt it was a nice fuckin' gesture enough to hold onto it, at least until I could give it to someone who wanted it. >e I pulled the gym door further open, and stepped into the gym, around the saw horse, and was immediately assaulted by the aroma of floor wax. Gymnasium Compared to other schools, Lamb High had a really crappy gym. It was small, with bleachers on only one side of the basketball court. Not that I was really into sports, but when we had a basketball game, all of the spectators had to sit on that one side, so often fights would break out between fans of rival teams. Steps led up into the bleachers from here. A small hallway led south to the locker rooms. Across the gym floor to the east was the set of steel doors leading out to the hall; they were open. West was the side-door going outside; this door was open, but swinging closed, with the saw horse in its way. A number of huge fans had been placed around the periphery of the gym, blowing powerful gusts everywhere. The gym door was swinging silently closed. >w I pushed the door further open and stepped around the saw horse as I went. Gridiron Entrance I was in another lighted part of the lot, with a few cars, working and abandoned, parked here and there. Another huge gate to the south was closed over a driveway--which was the back way off of the campus. To the west, through another small gate, was my school's football field and track. East was the side-door into the gym, which was open, but swinging closed; I had put the saw horse in its way. The way back to the main parking lot was north. The small gate onto the field was open. The gym door was swinging silently closed. >x george I couldn't see any such thing. >w I stepped into the gate, and onto the track, which runs around the football field. Track, southeast I stood on the southeast curve of my school's six-lane track, which encircled our football field, and stretched westward, curving to the north from here. The field was bathed in lights, which topped the very tall fence; as they were focused on the field, I could hardly see anything that might be on or in the bleachers. To the southwest was the steps up into the south side bleachers. The north side bleachers were, of course, to the north. The field loomed to the northwest. >x george I couldn't see any such thing. >e I stepped out of the gate, back onto the parking lot pavement. Gridiron Entrance I was in another lighted part of the lot, with a few cars, working and abandoned, parked here and there. Another huge gate to the south was closed over a driveway--which was the back way off of the campus. To the west, through another small gate, was my school's football field and track. East was the side-door into the gym, which was open, but swinging closed; I had put the saw horse in its way. The way back to the main parking lot was north. The small gate onto the field was open. The gym door was swinging silently closed. I heard a clacking sound as the gym door hit the saw horse, moving it until it stopped against the doorframe. >e I pulled the gym door further open, and stepped into the gym, around the saw horse, and was immediately assaulted by the aroma of floor wax. Gymnasium Compared to other schools, Lamb High had a really crappy gym. It was small, with bleachers on only one side of the basketball court. Not that I was really into sports, but when we had a basketball game, all of the spectators had to sit on that one side, so often fights would break out between fans of rival teams. Steps led up into the bleachers from here. A small hallway led south to the locker rooms. Across the gym floor to the east was the set of steel doors leading out to the hall; they were open. West was the side-door going outside; this door was open, but swinging closed, with the saw horse in its way. A number of huge fans had been placed around the periphery of the gym, blowing powerful gusts everywhere. The sound of the fans filled the gym; gusts of air blew in every direction. The gym door was swinging silently closed. >x george I couldn't see any such thing. >e With the rubber boots on, I stepped carefully across the gym floor, towards the steel doors. Among the Fans I was on the east side of the gym floor, near the steel doors, which were to the east. Those doors were open. To the southwest were some steps leading up into the bleachers. Some industrial fans had been set up here and there around the floor, to help dry the wax. To the west was the rest of the gym, and the door to the outside. One of the fans, an old one next to the doors, wasn't running. >e Gym Entrance Now I was on the other side of the main gym doors, a set of steel double-doors to the west, which were open. To the southwest was the janitor's closet; the door to this nook was open. To the north were glass double-doors that led outside--they had a chain with a padlock threaded through the handles. No frickin' going outside for me. This hall, the South Hall of the school with the junior-high classes, continued to the east. I could see a pizza box (closed) here. The sound of the fans running inside the gym filled this part of the hallway. I heard a clacking sound as the gym door hit something, knocking it against the doorframe. >e I closed the steel doors to the gym, instead of just leaving them open. I didn't want George to be suspicious. Those rubber boots, with the metal cleats, made a clacking noise on the floor--I took them off, so as not to alert anyone to my presence. I went east along the hall. I paused about halfway in, at the bulletin board. And an open door. South Hall, at bulletin board Many classroom doors lined both sides of the hall, which went east-west from here. On the south wall was a bulletin board, with sliding glass doors, which was open. Across from the board, to the north, one classroom door was slightly ajar. It was the art room door. >e I went back down the hall to the east. South Hall, east end I was at the east end of South Hall, where it ended at yet another set of steel double-doors. On the other side of these doors would be East Hall, which ran along the east side of the school. Just before the doors, in the north wall, was an odd door, painted black. It was closed. The way back down the hall towards the gym was to the west. >think about pretzel I figured I would hold onto the pretzel until I found someone who really liked salty pretzels.A lot of salt just wasn't my thing. >e (first opening the south hall doors) I quietly and carefully pushed against the doors; they would not budge. >n (first opening the lounge door) The door opened smoothly, and then started moving silently back to close. I dove back into the fuckin' miasma left behind by cigarette smoke. Teacher's Lounge This lounge was hardly something to brag about. A long couch and a small sofa, each flanking a television set with a VCR underneath. Each looking like they had been donated by the local dump. Between the couch and the sofa was a tiny coffee table, with an ashtray on it. Against the west wall was a small counter with a microwave oven on it, beside which was a mini refrigerator. Another black door led east out into East Hall. The door I came in through was to the south. Ketchup was dripping down the front of the cabinet, from the mess I left inside the oven. The south lounge door was swinging quietly shut. >e (first opening the east lounge door) The door opened smoothly, and then started moving silently back to close. East Hall, at teacher's lounge I was near the south end of East Hall, just outside of the teacher's lounge, which was through the black door to the west. The hall led north, past the principal's office, and south, to the emergency exit. The lounge door was swinging quietly shut. >s I walked towards the southeast corner of the building again. East Hall, south end This corner of the building had the fire escape to the south, which was these doors that had a handle with a red sign on it. To the east was the janitor's closet of this hall, with its door closed. To the west were the steel doors leading into the South Hall. This hall continued north from here, lined on either side with closed classroom doors. >e (first opening the east janitor's door) It seemed to be locked. >n I retraced my steps back to the lounge door. East Hall, at teacher's lounge I was near the south end of East Hall, just outside of the teacher's lounge, which was through the black door to the west. The hall led north, past the principal's office, and south, to the emergency exit. >e There were no unlocked or open doors in that direction. >n I walked towards the principal's office again, in front of the Middle Hall doors. East Hall, at the school office Immediately to the west of me were the steel double-doors that led into Middle Hall. Directly across from them, to the east, were the plate glass doors to the principal's office; for some odd reason, the lights were on in there. The hall went both north and south from here. >n I went back north along the hall. I stopped about halfway to the north end of the hall, near the door to the audio-visual department. East Hall, at Audio-Visual On the east wall here was the door to the Audio-Visual department; next to it was the media drop box, which was hanging open. The hall ran north-south from here. >save Ok. >open box That was already open. >put flashlight in box I put the flashlight into the media dropbox. >close box The box squeaked closed as I pushed it up. I heard a bump; the flashlight must have fallen into the cardboard box below it. >l East Hall, at Audio-Visual On the east wall here was the door to the Audio-Visual department; next to it was the media drop box. The hall ran north-south from here. >x door The door had the words "AUDIO VISUAL DEPARTMENT" on a plate at about eye-level. Under it was a sign saying "ALARM SYSTEM IN USE". >open dropbox I pulled the door down, and it squeaked into the open position. Inside I could see light from my flashlight, against the side of a cardboard box! >look in box (the media dropbox) Following the light from my flashlight against the side of the cardboard box which was just past the media box tray, I moved the tray down a bit to see what else might be in there. In the cardboard box, near my flashlight, I saw a videotape. >* oh man, very hard You seem to want to talk to someone, but I can't see whom. >take all flashlight: I reached into the box, until I could get my elbow past the tray, then reached down beneath the tray, and groped for my flashlight. Got it! I then managed to wrestle my arm free of the dropbox tray. Un-friggin'-fortunately, I could no longer see what was in the box, and where it was, if I wanted to get it. videotape: I reached into the box, until I could get my elbow past the tray, then reached down beneath the tray, and groped for the videotape. I got it! I then managed to wrestle my arm back out of the dropbox. >x tape It was a VHS tape, it looked like it had only about 5 minutes of tape on it, and it was labelled "Spring Break Safety". It was dated only about a few days ago. >s I walked south back down the hall, to the Middle Hall doors and the office. East Hall, at the school office Immediately to the west of me were the steel double-doors that led into Middle Hall. Directly across from them, to the east, were the plate glass doors to the principal's office; for some odd reason, the lights were on in there. The hall went both north and south from here. >w (first opening the middle hall doors) They seemed to be locked. >s East Hall, at teacher's lounge I was near the south end of East Hall, just outside of the teacher's lounge, which was through the black door to the west. The hall led north, past the principal's office, and south, to the emergency exit. >w (first opening the lounge door) The door opened smoothly, and then started moving silently back to close. I stepped back into the lounge, and the aroma of cigarette smoke. Teacher's Lounge This lounge was hardly something to brag about. A long couch and a small sofa, each flanking a television set with a VCR underneath. Each looking like they had been donated by the local dump. Between the couch and the sofa was a tiny coffee table, with an ashtray on it. Against the west wall was a small counter with a microwave oven on it, beside which was a mini refrigerator. Another black door led east out into East Hall. The door I came in through was to the south. Ketchup was dripping down the front of the cabinet, from the mess I left inside the oven. The east lounge door was swinging quietly shut. >put tape in vcr (the videotape in the VCR) I put the tape into the VCR, which came on automatically, pulling the cassette out of my hand. Then the TV came on, and after a cascade of blurry lines and zigzags, I saw the face of our principal, Mr Holbrook. He looked a lot like Dick Clark, the ancient teenager. He also liked to make boring "safety during the holidays" videos. It looked like this was one such video. Please press SPACE to continue. Mr Holbrook made his usual smile, saying, "Hello, students of Horace Lamb High School." Then the camera started panning back, to show him standing beside his secretary's desk, in the school office suite, and in front of his own office door. She had stopped typing and sat back in her chair, also smiling at the camera. Please press SPACE to continue. Mr Holbrook then said, "Spring Break. A week of fun. No homework. But also, no reason to forget about safety...blah blah blah." I immediately zoned out, so everything said in the video was like this. Please press SPACE to continue. I woke back up when he said, "Right, Ms Malone?" Then the camera switched to the secretary, who said, "Right, Mr Holbrook!" Then she smiled and went back to her typing. The camera switched back to a closeup of Mr Holbrook's face. "Students have a happy, fun....and safe...Spring Break!" And as his head turned back to his office door, I heard a series of musical notes, which were the first couple of staffs of our school anthem. He turned back and winked at the camera, showing a toothy smile. His office door opened, and he walked into it. Then the scene faded. Then the TV clicked off, and I heard the VCR rewinding the tape, it stopped, and spat the tape out onto the floor. The east lounge door was swinging quietly shut. >e East Hall, at teacher's lounge I was near the south end of East Hall, just outside of the teacher's lounge, which was through the black door to the west. The hall led north, past the principal's office, and south, to the emergency exit. The lounge door was swinging quietly shut. The lounge door clicked shut. >n I walked towards the principal's office again, in front of the Middle Hall doors. East Hall, at the school office Immediately to the west of me were the steel double-doors that led into Middle Hall. Directly across from them, to the east, were the plate glass doors to the principal's office; for some odd reason, the lights were on in there. The hall went both north and south from here. >n I went back north along the hall. I stopped about halfway to the north end of the hall, near the door to the audio-visual department. East Hall, at Audio-Visual On the east wall here was the door to the Audio-Visual department; next to it was the media drop box, which was hanging open. The hall ran north-south from here. >e The door didn't budge, even a bit. It felt heavily locked. >n I walked back north to the North Hall doors. East Hall, north end To the west was the steel double-doors leading into North Hall; to the north was another fire escape door. An open door to the east welcomed me into the Band Room. The way back down the hall was south. >e Band Room As you might expect in a school band room, this room was full of chairs with music stands in front of them; a podium was at front, for the band directors. The acoustics must have been friggin' horrendous. In the corner, under the PA speaker, was what looked like a bunch of plastic boxes full of papers. The door out to the hall was to the west. >search boxes I flipped through the H section and found our school anthem, "Horace High We Cry". I pulled it out of the box. >x anthem "Horace High We Cry" was our school anthem. The band plays it at every game and pep rally. Of course at the pep rallies, Will and I sang "Horace Lamb We're Damned" to the very same tune. >w East Hall, north end To the west was the steel double-doors leading into North Hall; to the north was another fire escape door. An open door to the east welcomed me into the Band Room. The way back down the hall was south. >s East Hall, at Audio-Visual On the east wall here was the door to the Audio-Visual department; next to it was the media drop box, which was hanging open. The hall ran north-south from here. >e The door didn't budge, even a bit. It felt heavily locked. >s I walked south back down the hall, to the Middle Hall doors and the office. East Hall, at the school office Immediately to the west of me were the steel double-doors that led into Middle Hall. Directly across from them, to the east, were the plate glass doors to the principal's office; for some odd reason, the lights were on in there. The hall went both north and south from here. >e (first opening the plate glass doors) I swung the doors open easily again. Office Suite I was in Miss Malone's--the secretary's--office; her desk with her electric typewriter, was here and was in view of the glass door to the west. Behind it to the east was the door to the principal's office, which was closed. A keypad, which was dark, was on the wall next to it. To the north was the door to the detention room, which was open. The glass doors to the office suite were swinging back quietly. >play guitar I began slowly picking one of my favorite songs--Ricky Nelson's "Hello MaryLou". Immediately I felt more relaxed. The glass doors to the office suite were swinging back quietly. >play anthem With what I heard on the video in mind, I studied the first couple of staffs of "Horace High We Cry" on the sheet music carefully. Before I could forget the notes, I picked them out on my guitar. Then I heard a "click" from the principal's door, and it slowly swung open. Wasn't I a fuckin' genius?! The glass doors to the office suite were swinging back quietly. The glass doors clicked quietly shut. That's exactly what I did! I broke into the principal's office via music. You earned 10 points for helping me remember! >* Oh I thought the sensor was off That's not a verb I recognize. >e As I walked into Mr Holbrook's office, I had the feeling that though this was the so-called "inner sanctum" of the school, I would hardly find anything important to my mission. I was right. No creep. No Anne. And there was nothing of apparent importance there. However, there was something there that might be of some help... Principal's Office Mr Holbrook's office didn't have anything that you wouldn't find in a principal's office. He was notoriously lacking in freakin' personality. However, next to the desk was a curious piece of electronic equipment with a number of buttons on it; above it near the ceiling was a PA system speaker. A window looked out to the east. The door was to the west. >x window Out the plate-glass window, I could see a field of grass, with trees here and there, and the ten-foot high fence encircling it. Lit by starlight from above and street lights to either side. >open it It was plate glass and there was no way to move it. >x buttons At first glance I realized that I was looking at the school's public address system. There were dozens of buttons on top of the console, each with a plastic label with a room name punched into it. I particularly noticed one for each of the rooms that I had been in: the Art room, the Teacher's lounge, and the Band room, plus one for this office. And one for the east janitor's closet. Where I knew Scottie was. At the lower right-hand corner, I saw a button labelled "TALK". >push closet I couldn't see any such thing. >push closet button The east janitor button started glowing, and I heard some very subtle static over the system speaker overhead. And then some loud snoring. I heard the sound of snoring coming over the PA system speaker. >push talk Suddenly a hail of static came over the speaker, as I pressed "TALK". Then I heard someone yell, "WHA! Who's there!" I quickly took my finger off the button. Then I remembered that that was one really annoying thing about this system--we would all be startled out of our seats by the loud static whenever Mr Holbrook was about to speak over the PA. That annoying feature seemed to have worked to my freakin' advantage this time. I must have woke Scottie up. Now I'd better leave this room before he finds out I did that. Over the speaker I heard Scottie muttering, "Was that just a glitch?" >w As I stepped out of the office, I shut the door, noticing that it was locked again. I didn't want to arouse any more suspicion that I had friggin' been in there. Office Suite I was in Miss Malone's--the secretary's--office; her desk with her electric typewriter, was here and was in view of the glass door to the west. Behind it to the east was the door to the principal's office, which was closed. A keypad, which was dark, was on the wall next to it. To the north was the door to the detention room, which was open. >w (first opening the plate glass doors) I swung the doors open easily again. East Hall, at the school office Immediately to the west of me were the steel double-doors that led into Middle Hall. Directly across from them, to the east, were the plate glass doors to the principal's office; for some odd reason, the lights were on in there. The hall went both north and south from here. The glass doors to the office suite were swinging back quietly. >s East Hall, at teacher's lounge I was near the south end of East Hall, just outside of the teacher's lounge, which was through the black door to the west. The hall led north, past the principal's office, and south, to the emergency exit. >s I walked towards the southeast corner of the building again. East Hall, south end This corner of the building had the fire escape to the south, which was these doors that had a handle with a red sign on it. To the east was the janitor's closet of this hall, with its door closed. To the west were the steel doors leading into the South Hall. This hall continued north from here, lined on either side with closed classroom doors. >knock on door I took a peek into the window, first. Through the window, I could see Scottie pacing the floor in front of a long couch, rubbing his head, and looking around. He had a startled look on his face. He glanced up at the PA system speaker on the ceiling a few times. I knocked softly on the door, and through the window I saw Scottie's head jerk in my direction. Suddenly smiling, he stepped up to the door and opened it. "I'm on my break, but is there something I can help you with?" I said, "Yeah, um, I was going to tell you earlier, but I didn't want to disturb your break..." "Well, you could have, and I wouldn't have minded." "Well, yeah, sorry. But it looked like someone had put a ketchup bottle in the microwave, you know, in the teacher's lounge? It looked like it exploded!" Giving me a surprised and then put-off look, he then looked like he was trying to figure out something. I could hear him muttering, "Hmm, the teacher's lounge, eh? Other door in South Hall...that's George's duty area...no wait..." Then he turned to me with a look of sudden intent and dutifulness. "Let's take a look!" he said, as he charged up the hall over to the lounge. I followed him. As he entered the room, he looked back at me, saying, "God, this room reeks of cigarette smoke!" At least we agreed on one thing. Teacher's Lounge This lounge was hardly something to brag about. A long couch and a small sofa, each flanking a television set with a VCR underneath. Each looking like they had been donated by the local dump. Between the couch and the sofa was a tiny coffee table, with an ashtray on it. Against the west wall was a small counter with a microwave oven on it, beside which was a mini refrigerator. Another black door led east out into East Hall. The door I came in through was to the south. Scottie immediately noticed the ketchup mess on the counter. Ketchup was dripping down the front of the cabinet, from the mess I left inside the oven. I could also see a videotape here. Scottie turned to me with a friggin' suspicious look, as if I did it. Yeah, right. Then I pointed out the dry ketchup on the inside, saying, "You know, some of this ketchup is dry. It must have been like this for a while!" Realizing this, Scottie said, "Yeah, hmm. If it's one of my guys..." He sat down on the couch, looking at the counter, studying the mess with friggin' intensity. Then he turned to me with a barely disguised irritated look. "I will find out who did this. You can go." Then he seemed to forget that I was there. Not that I friggin' minded. That's exactly what I did! I distracted Scottie. You earned 15 points for helping me remember! >save Ok. >x keys Which do you mean, the key mass, the spare keys or the keyring? >mass It looked like a huge mass of keys hanging from Scottie's belt. The most prominent were three large steel keys, one marked "north", another marked "south" and the third marked "middle". These must have been the keys to the sets of steel doors leading into the other halls. >take mass (the plastic mass) I wasn't about to touch it. Besides it's totally friggin' useless to me. >take key mass I didn't dare touch them. >l Teacher's Lounge This lounge was hardly something to brag about. A long couch and a small sofa, each flanking a television set with a VCR underneath. Each looking like they had been donated by the local dump. Between the couch and the sofa was a tiny coffee table, with an ashtray on it. Against the west wall was a small counter with a microwave oven on it, beside which was a mini refrigerator. Another black door led east out into East Hall. The door I came in through was to the south. Ketchup was dripping down the front of the cabinet, from the mess I left inside the oven. Scottie was here, sitting on the couch, patiently weighing his options regarding the ketchup mess. I could also see a videotape here. >put videotape in vcr Better not mess with any equipment in front of Scottie. >e (first opening the east lounge door) The door opened smoothly, and then started moving silently back to close. East Hall, at teacher's lounge I was near the south end of East Hall, just outside of the teacher's lounge, which was through the black door to the west. The hall led north, past the principal's office, and south, to the emergency exit. The lounge door was swinging quietly shut. >s I walked towards the southeast corner of the building again. East Hall, south end This corner of the building had the fire escape to the south, which was these doors that had a handle with a red sign on it. To the east was the janitor's closet of this hall, with its door open. To the west were the steel doors leading into the South Hall. This hall continued north from here, lined on either side with closed classroom doors. >e East Janitor's Closet You could tell that this room was once a classroom; it was big with a window set into the door. Now it was a combination janitor's closet and break room for the custodians. They rigged up a floor sink in the corner, next to which was Scottie's mop bucket. A refrigerator stood against the south wall; it had what looked like a schedule posted on its door. On a round table was an old TV set. Along the north wall was the long couch recently napped on by Scottie. The door out to the hall was to the west. Leaning against the wall was a leather briefcase with 'S S' on the side. >x window But the door was open. >x sink It was one of those concrete sinks that custodians use to fill and empty mop buckets. A dingy concrete square set into the floor, with a drain in the center and a spigot on the wall. >x bucket Plastic and yellow, on wheels. Like most mop buckets. It was full of absolutely clean water, with his mop leaning inside it. Not very friggin' busy today was he? >x fridge It looked like an old-time refrigerator, white with heavy curves around the edges, and wheels on the bottom. Oddly, it didn't appear to be running. Maybe it was on defrost? What looked like a schedule was stuck to the door. >open it As I opened the door to the refrigerator, my nostrils were attacked by the most fuckin' putrid smell ever. That crap must have been in there when the thing was still new. The light inside didn't come on, plus there wasn't even a hint of cold air. My curiosity about what was in there suddenly dropped to frickin' zero. I immediately closed the refrigerator back, so I wouldn't spread the smell around. >x schedule Sure enough, George had scheduled each staff member--there were ten--to work five days each. And five of them were here this night, including George, for the same shift. They will all be here till about seven or eight in the morning. Eddie gets the field house and shop; George gets South Hall; Ulmer U. in Middle Hall; Scottie S. got East Hall; and Victor V. was scheduled to do North Hall this night. No details about what rooms they would be doing, so I guessed that they were starting on one end of each hall, moving towards the other. >look behind fridge I couldn't see any such thing. >l East Janitor's Closet You could tell that this room was once a classroom; it was big with a window set into the door. Now it was a combination janitor's closet and break room for the custodians. They rigged up a floor sink in the corner, next to which was Scottie's mop bucket. A refrigerator stood against the south wall; it had what looked like a schedule posted on its door. On a round table was an old TV set. Along the north wall was the long couch recently napped on by Scottie. The door out to the hall was to the west. Leaning against the wall was a leather briefcase with 'S S' on the side. >search fridge No frickin' way. Like if smells could kill. >x tv It was an old TV set. It looked like its dial was pulled off. >turn on tv I turned it on, and got a lot of black and white lines and bars moving up and down the screen, and the sound of static. I switched it off. >x ss I couldn't see any such thing. >x briefcase Must be Scottie's. He must have felt really important, carrying that thing around. It had a zipper under the fancy handle. >open it Scottie was in the lounge. As quiet as those doors are, he could have come back in here, noiselessly, at any time. I didn't want him to catch me with my hands buried in his briefcase. If only there was a way to divert him even further. >think about briefcase (the leather briefcase) I wondered what was in it. A red sharpie? Notepad?? >l East Janitor's Closet You could tell that this room was once a classroom; it was big with a window set into the door. Now it was a combination janitor's closet and break room for the custodians. They rigged up a floor sink in the corner, next to which was Scottie's mop bucket. A refrigerator stood against the south wall; it had what looked like a schedule posted on its door. On a round table was an old TV set. Along the north wall was the long couch recently napped on by Scottie. The door out to the hall was to the west. Leaning against the wall was a leather briefcase with 'S S' on the side. >i I was carrying: a school anthem a flashlight (providing light) a big pretzel some rubber boots a steel key a lounge key some spare keys my keyring my house key my locker key a dirty uniform (being worn) a drill rifle (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my acoustic guitar (being worn) a green backpack (open) a folded sticky note a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire an unsmoked cigarette a third note a credit card a remote controller a second note Anne's diary my green pencil my ripped notebook Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. >w East Hall, south end This corner of the building had the fire escape to the south, which was these doors that had a handle with a red sign on it. To the east was the janitor's closet of this hall, with its door open. To the west were the steel doors leading into the South Hall. This hall continued north from here, lined on either side with closed classroom doors. >n I retraced my steps back to the lounge door. East Hall, at teacher's lounge I was near the south end of East Hall, just outside of the teacher's lounge, which was through the black door to the west. The hall led north, past the principal's office, and south, to the emergency exit. >w (first opening the lounge door) The door opened smoothly, and then started moving silently back to close. I stepped back into the lounge, and the aroma of cigarette smoke. Scottie was just lying down on the couch, and when he noticed me, he sat bolt upright again, and continued studying the ketchup mess, as if he never moved. Teacher's Lounge This lounge was hardly something to brag about. A long couch and a small sofa, each flanking a television set with a VCR underneath. Each looking like they had been donated by the local dump. Between the couch and the sofa was a tiny coffee table, with an ashtray on it. Against the west wall was a small counter with a microwave oven on it, beside which was a mini refrigerator. Another black door led east out into East Hall. The door I came in through was to the south. Ketchup was dripping down the front of the cabinet, from the mess I left inside the oven. Scottie was here, sitting on the couch, patiently weighing his options regarding the ketchup mess. I could also see a videotape here. The east lounge door was swinging quietly shut. >give pretzel to scottie "No, I'm not hungry, thank you," said Scottie. He then turned back to the ketchup mess. Given the size of his gut, I was surprised he wasn't friggin' licking it up. The east lounge door was swinging quietly shut. >i I was carrying: a school anthem a flashlight (providing light) a big pretzel some rubber boots a steel key a lounge key some spare keys my keyring my house key my locker key a dirty uniform (being worn) a drill rifle (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my acoustic guitar (being worn) a green backpack (open) a folded sticky note a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire an unsmoked cigarette a third note a credit card a remote controller a second note Anne's diary my green pencil my ripped notebook Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. The east lounge door was swinging quietly shut. The east lounge door clicked shut. >give cigarette to scottie Which do you mean, the unsmoked cigarette or the ashtray? >unsmoked (first taking the unsmoked cigarette) I was already carrying too much in my hands. >i I was carrying: a school anthem a flashlight (providing light) a big pretzel some rubber boots a steel key a lounge key some spare keys my keyring my house key my locker key a dirty uniform (being worn) a drill rifle (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my acoustic guitar (being worn) a green backpack (open) a folded sticky note a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire an unsmoked cigarette a third note a credit card a remote controller a second note Anne's diary my green pencil my ripped notebook Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. >put all in backpack rubber boots: I tossed the rubber boots into the backpack. school anthem: I tossed the school anthem into the backpack. flashlight: I tossed the flashlight into the backpack. big pretzel: I tossed the big pretzel into the backpack. steel key: I tossed the steel key into the backpack. lounge key: I tossed the lounge key into the backpack. spare keys: I tossed the spare keys into the backpack. keyring: I tossed the keyring into the backpack. >take cigarette Which do you mean, the ashtray or the unsmoked cigarette? >unsmoked Got it. >give unsmoked to scottie I showed him the Camel cigarette. He looked at me and said, "No, thank you, I don't smoke." Then I told him where I found it. He said, "Hmmm. Ulmer smokes Camels. He must have been in here a few hours ago. He's in Middle Hall..." Suddenly Scottie looked quite nervous. Getting up his resolve, he looked at me and said, "This calls for discipline. I'll handle this. Don't you worry a bit. You stay right here." Not that I really freakin' was worried, or was going to stay right there. He got up, pulled open the east door. "I'll be right back!" Not that I'd be freakin' waiting. He charged out, and I heard his steps march up the hall to the north. I heard a clinking sound, and steel doors opening. Closing. Then silence. >e (first opening the east lounge door) The door opened smoothly, and then started moving silently back to close. East Hall, at teacher's lounge I was near the south end of East Hall, just outside of the teacher's lounge, which was through the black door to the west. The hall led north, past the principal's office, and south, to the emergency exit. The lounge door was swinging quietly shut. >s I walked towards the southeast corner of the building again. East Hall, south end This corner of the building had the fire escape to the south, which was these doors that had a handle with a red sign on it. To the east was the janitor's closet of this hall, with its door open. To the west were the steel doors leading into the South Hall. This hall continued north from here, lined on either side with closed classroom doors. >e East Janitor's Closet You could tell that this room was once a classroom; it was big with a window set into the door. Now it was a combination janitor's closet and break room for the custodians. They rigged up a floor sink in the corner, next to which was Scottie's mop bucket. A refrigerator stood against the south wall; it had what looked like a schedule posted on its door. On a round table was an old TV set. Along the north wall was the long couch recently napped on by Scottie. The door out to the hall was to the west. Leaning against the wall was a leather briefcase with 'S S' on the side. >open briefcase Keeping my ear out to any sound of slamming steel doors, I unzipped his briefcase, half expecting to find a friggin' pad of paper or red sharpie. Or any clue. Nope. All I saw were, you guessed it, porn and skin mags, and a ham sandwich. Really important stuff. I zipped the briefcase back up. And as I stood back up, I thought I caught some movement from the refrigerator, and the squeak of the wheels under it, as it moved quickly back against the wall. Then I swear I heard some footsteps behind it. >push fridge My thought was that there must be a freakin' passage behind that refrigerator. And I suspected that it was Scottie that made that noise. Or was it that creep motherfucker? I had to find out. Keeping an eye on the door, and an ear towards the hallway, I shifted the refrigerator, moving it on its squeaky wheels until it had come just far enough for me to slide behind it, and hopefully not enough for Scottie to notice right away once he got back. Behind the refrigerator was a short doorway and some steps leading down. That's exactly what I did! I found Scottie's secret passage. You earned 10 points for helping me remember! >d I slid behind the grill of the refrigerator, and into the doorway in the wall, past which were some narrow steps down. They soon led down into what seemed to be a very dark area. And I saw another note. It almost looked like yet another piece of trash on the floor, which is probably why Scottie missed it when he tried to sneak back into the break room. And I know he did. Dark Passage It looks like I found another way into the basement of the building. Pipes and machinery were everywhere down here--and very little light, only from a tiny bulb somewhere overhead. I could see only two ways out of here: back up the stairway that I originally came down, and an opening leading into darkness northwest. Lying beside the opening like a piece of trash was what looked like another red-letter note from the Creep. >undo East Janitor's Closet [Previous turn undone.] >s I slid behind the grill of the refrigerator, and into the doorway in the wall, past which were some narrow steps down. They soon led down into what seemed to be a very dark area. And I saw another note. It almost looked like yet another piece of trash on the floor, which is probably why Scottie missed it when he tried to sneak back into the break room. And I know he did. Dark Passage It looks like I found another way into the basement of the building. Pipes and machinery were everywhere down here--and very little light, only from a tiny bulb somewhere overhead. I could see only two ways out of here: back up the stairway that I originally came down, and an opening leading into darkness northwest. Lying beside the opening like a piece of trash was what looked like another red-letter note from the Creep. >x note (the fourth note) In more big red stupid letters, it read-- CONGRATUFUCKINGLATIONS! YOU FOUND A WAY PAST THAT NO GOOD SCOTTIE. I ALWAYS LOVE TO SEE ONE SLACKER GOING HEAD TO HEAD AGAINST ANOTHER. NO OFFENSE, OF COURSE. TO SCOTTIE, I MEAN. AT LEAST HE HAS AMBITION. NEEDLESS TO SAY, YOU ARE IN THE WRONG PLACE, WHICH IS THE STORY OF YOUR LIFE. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN IN THE RIGHT PLACE AT ANY TIME?? LET'S SEE HOW MUCH FURTHER YOU CAN GO, TO PROVE YOUR DEVOTION TO YOUR FUCKING BITCH. IF YOU GOT THIS FAR INTO THIS NOTE, YOU MUST LIKE TO READ?? YOUR KIND USUALLY DOESN'T. YOU CAN TAKE THIS AS A CLUE, BUT LET'S JUST SAY I WON'T BE FUCKING WAITING AROUND. More insults, of course. >l Dark Passage It looks like I found another way into the basement of the building. Pipes and machinery were everywhere down here--and very little light, only from a tiny bulb somewhere overhead. I could see only two ways out of here: back up the stairway that I originally came down, and an opening leading into darkness northwest. Lying beside the opening like a piece of trash was what looked like another red-letter note from the Creep. I heard the muffled sound of steel doors closing somewhere in the distance. It seemed to come from the northwest. >take note (the fourth note) Got it. >nw I squeezed my way into the opening, which soon became another narrow stairway leading up. It took me to another low hole, which I had to duck through. Then I found myself in another small closet. Another Janitor's Closet Yep, yet another janitor's closet, with another floor sink. The door, to the north, was closed. A dark passage led through a hole to the southeast. >n (first opening the closet door) As I opened the door, light streamed into the closet from the hall. I immediately recognized the school's Middle Hall, with the library to the west and the steel doors to the east. Middle Hall, at the steel doors Immediately to the east of me were the steel doors leading into East Hall; they were closed. Down the hall to the west I could see the school library, on the right. Past that, I could see the doorway into the Study Hall. The janitor's closet door, through which I came into this hall, was to the south; it was standing open. >e (first opening the middle hall doors) They seemed to be locked. >w As before, I continued to check each of the classroom doors as I went. Of course, they were all closed, locked and dark. I stopped at the school library. Middle Hall, at the library To the north was the huge open area that we call the school library. It was like a big display of books, everywhere. To the east was the end of the hall, at the steel doors; west the hall ended at the doorway into the Study Hall. >x books It's a huge area full of books. I couldn't begin to friggin' describe it completely. >w I proceded down the hallway, checking each door; they were all locked and the windows were dark. Then I entered the very place I tried to get away from much earlier. The one thing different about this place was that there was actually someone here doing work. He was scrubbing down the desks. When he saw me coming, he stopped. Giving me a mild smile, he said, "Hello there. You must be new!" He stepped over to me, with a hand out, which I took. Shaking my hand he said, "I'm Ulmer. Ulmer Underwood." I said, weakly, "I'm Tom. Tom Trundle." I caught myself, but it was too late. Or maybe that didn't make a bit of difference. Ulmer said, "So are you working tonight, or are you just touring the building, like George usually has 'em do?" "Touring," I said. I slouched in friggin' relief. I was afraid he might actually try to train me. "Well," he said, gradually getting back to his work, "I'm working this hall tonight. I've been here 'bout thirteen years. So if you have any questions, and Scottie is on break," he winked, "you just ask me. I'll be right here!" He smiled and went back to his work. If he was the kidnapper, I was a friggin' serial killer. But somehow I needed to make sure, if only to cross all my Ts. Also it just hit me that Scottie may have revealed to Ulmer that I was the one that ratted on him. If so, why wasn't Ulmer upset? Study Hall This place sure didn't change since I was last there. All of the desks, including my usual scarred desk, were still in the same place, facing away from the north wall. And Mr Fendwhistle's desk is still in the same position. On the wall above the desk was the school clock. To the west, past the snack machines, was the exit to the schoolyard and the parking lot; east was the doorway into Middle Hall. A cleaning cart sat next to the big desk up front. Ulmer was here, scrubbing down desks. Ulmer re-aligned a row of desks. >x cart It had everything that a custodian would need. And none of it interesting to me. >x machines I couldn't see any such thing. >x desk (the scarred desk) It had not changed since I left it. Not particularly comfortable--none of them were--a desktop in front of me, hole in the seat part for storage. The scars on the desktop gave it personality. >x hole Right under the seat. Adequate. >look in hole The storage hole was empty. Ulmer rubbed out some markings on top of a desk. >l Study Hall This place sure didn't change since I was last there. All of the desks, including my usual scarred desk, were still in the same place, facing away from the north wall. And Mr Fendwhistle's desk is still in the same position. On the wall above the desk was the school clock. To the west, past the snack machines, was the exit to the schoolyard and the parking lot; east was the doorway into Middle Hall. A cleaning cart sat next to the big desk up front. Ulmer was here, scrubbing down desks. >x fendwhistle I couldn't see any such thing. >x fendwhistles I couldn't see any such thing. >x fendwhistle's desk Quite non-descript, like any other desk. >l Study Hall This place sure didn't change since I was last there. All of the desks, including my usual scarred desk, were still in the same place, facing away from the north wall. And Mr Fendwhistle's desk is still in the same position. On the wall above the desk was the school clock. To the west, past the snack machines, was the exit to the schoolyard and the parking lot; east was the doorway into Middle Hall. A cleaning cart sat next to the big desk up front. Ulmer was here, scrubbing down desks. >x clock It read the very early hours of the morning, I couldn't remember. >talk to ulmer "Hey," he said, looking at me, questioningly, as if I had something more important to say. >l Study Hall This place sure didn't change since I was last there. All of the desks, including my usual scarred desk, were still in the same place, facing away from the north wall. And Mr Fendwhistle's desk is still in the same position. On the wall above the desk was the school clock. To the west, past the snack machines, was the exit to the schoolyard and the parking lot; east was the doorway into Middle Hall. A cleaning cart sat next to the big desk up front. Ulmer was here, scrubbing down desks. >n I couldn't go that way. Ulmer re-aligned a row of desks. >w Suddenly I got frickin' curious about what might be behind the snack machine, once those contractors repaired the damage from the bomb. Could they have left a tool that I could use? Or maybe they didn't do it, and left a hole I could go through? I felt I needed to pull the machine away from the wall. I also didn't want anyone else to see me do it. If only there was some way to get Ulmer to leave study hall for a while...? Concession Area Again, I was back in the concession area, with its crappy snack machine and Poplicious soda machine. The double-doors to the west were closed, with a padlocked chain through the handles. The study hall was to the east, where I could see Ulmer working. Remembering that work had been done behind the snack machine, I was curious to see if there was anything left there. Like another secret passage. >x machines I couldn't see any such thing. >x machine Which do you mean, the crappy snack machine or the poplicious soda machine? >soda This piece of miracle junk served only one kind of soda--Poplicious, 25 cents--so the one convenience about this machine you could count on is that it would dispense right after you put your 25 cents in--if it dispenses at all. I had heard stories about this piece of crap. How it won't take your quarter sometimes. Or how it takes the quarter, but won't dispense. Or how it drops a can when you hit it just right--whether you put a quarter in it or not. But I'd never been able to figure it out, so I've stayed away from it for two years. Like the other machine, it had a coin slot and a change slot. >x slot Which do you mean, the snack coin slot, the snack change slot, the soda coin slot or the soda change slot? >soda change It's dark in there. >look in soda change slot I stuck a finger in there and out came a quarter! >take quarter I was already carrying that. >put quarter in snack coin slot I heard the quarter go in, and then, as the only real convenience of that machine, it began to eject the pack of crackers, the only remaining snack in the display, the spring holding it beginning to turn. But then, just as the pack toppled, and I thought the pack was going to fall into the receptacle, the spring stopped, and the pack was left just hanging there by a tiny corner of its wrapper. I frickin' stomped and anguished in my disgust! >hit snack (the crappy snack machine) Not good manners while I could be seen. >w (first opening the brown doors) They were very seriously locked. >n I couldn't go that way. >look behind machine I couldn't see any such thing. >look behind snack I couldn't see any such thing. >search snack (the crappy snack machine) Just my luck--my pack of crackers was stuck on the spring. I might have had to put in another quarter...?? >move snack (the crappy snack machine) Probably shouldn't do that while Ulmer can see me. >e Study Hall This place sure didn't change since I was last there. All of the desks, including my usual scarred desk, were still in the same place, facing away from the north wall. And Mr Fendwhistle's desk is still in the same position. On the wall above the desk was the school clock. To the west, past the snack machines, was the exit to the schoolyard and the parking lot; east was the doorway into Middle Hall. A cleaning cart sat next to the big desk up front. Ulmer was here, scrubbing down desks. >e I went back through the doorway into the hall, stopping at the library. Middle Hall, at the library To the north was the huge open area that we call the school library. It was like a big display of books, everywhere. To the east was the end of the hall, at the steel doors; west the hall ended at the doorway into the Study Hall. >n I stepped into the library. Library, at the counter This carpeted area had the main counter along the west wall; a plush sofa, a square chair and a round chair made up a small reading area facing out towards the hall, which was to the south. Shelves of books covered the east wall, and more shelves flanked the way further into the library, to the north. The library office was to the west, past the counter. A card catalogue was on the other side of the office doorway. Please press SPACE to continue. And I was immediately reminded of my last visit here, which was last week. Will and I sometimes hung out in the library in the mornings before classes. This time, he brought a strange book with him. It didn't look like your ordinary school library book. Library, at the counter (on the round chair) This carpeted area had the main counter along the west wall; a plush sofa, a square chair and a round chair made up a small reading area facing out towards the hall, which was to the south. Shelves of books covered the east wall, and more shelves flanked the way further into the library, to the north. The library office was to the west, past the counter. A card catalogue was on the other side of the office doorway. The librarian, Miss Goldspine, was not at the counter; she must have been in the office behind it, processing new books. Students were walking in and out of the library. Will was sitting on the sofa, eagerly reading a strange book. Beside him, on the sofa, was his duffle bag. >x strange Will was holding the book up to his face, so I couldn't see what was in it, but I could definitely see the brown leather cover. In gilt letters, it said, "South American Love Rituals". I immediately felt like telling Will that he didn't need such mumbo-jumbo to have love in his life; he just needed to learn how to feel more comfortable in his own skin and learn confidence. No ritual was going to bring that to him. But telling Will anything like that would be like talking to the wall that he usually beat his head against. >x duffle Will carried this beige duffle bag with him all day at school. It contained every notebook, textbook, school book and paper Will possessed; he didn't want to have to go to his locker at all, he preferred to avoid the jeers of our fellow students. I didn't fuckin' blame him. >i I was carrying: my green pencil my ripped notebook my usual threads (being worn) In my pocket, I was carrying my keyring. >talk to will One greeting a day between us was enough. A student stepped up to the counter with a book, and the librarian appeared, checked the book out quickly, and the student left. The librarian disappeared into her office. >x librarian I couldn't see any such thing. >l Library, at the counter (on the round chair) This carpeted area had the main counter along the west wall; a plush sofa, a square chair and a round chair made up a small reading area facing out towards the hall, which was to the south. Shelves of books covered the east wall, and more shelves flanked the way further into the library, to the north. The library office was to the west, past the counter. A card catalogue was on the other side of the office doorway. The librarian, Miss Goldspine, was not at the counter; she must have been in the office behind it, processing new books. Students were walking in and out of the library. Will was sitting on the sofa, eagerly reading a strange book. Beside him, on the sofa, was his duffle bag. A group of girls stepped into the library from the hall. They giggled at me as they went towards the back shelves. >x girls I couldn't see any such thing. >read book (the ripped notebook) There was little of interest to read in my notebook. Suddenly, Will put down the book, unzipped his duffle bag, and took out a pencil and an open notebook. He quickly scribbled down some notes, staring back into the book from time to time, humming some freakin' classical tune. I wasn't curious or interested enough to look at what he was writing. When he was finished, he ripped the page out of his notebook and folded it. Looking back at me with the folded page in his hand, he said, "I've finally found it!" Just then, the bell rang. He got up, hurriedly as he always fuckin' did, so as not to be late, and walked into the hall, going right to his next class. Of course I took my freakin' time, walked to my locker, to get the book to my next class. Though I walked partly in the same direction Will did, I did not see him on the way. And I never asked him what the hell he meant. I had forgotten the incident till now. Please press SPACE to continue. I woke up from my reverie, finding myself sitting in the same chair. I looked around at an empty library. Library, at the counter (on the round chair) This carpeted area had the main counter along the west wall; a plush sofa, a square chair and a round chair made up a small reading area facing out towards the hall, which was to the south. Shelves of books covered the east wall, and more shelves flanked the way further into the library, to the north. The library office was to the west, past the counter. A card catalogue was on the other side of the office doorway. >x counter Just a large, polished wooden counter. On the front was a sign that said "PLEASE BRING YOUR BOOKS HERE TO CHECK IN OR CHECK OUT". There was nothing on the counter. >x sofa Just a piece of dull library furniture. >search sofa I would need to get up off my butt to do that. >l Library, at the counter (on the round chair) This carpeted area had the main counter along the west wall; a plush sofa, a square chair and a round chair made up a small reading area facing out towards the hall, which was to the south. Shelves of books covered the east wall, and more shelves flanked the way further into the library, to the north. The library office was to the west, past the counter. A card catalogue was on the other side of the office doorway. >stand I got off the round chair. Library, at the counter This carpeted area had the main counter along the west wall; a plush sofa, a square chair and a round chair made up a small reading area facing out towards the hall, which was to the south. Shelves of books covered the east wall, and more shelves flanked the way further into the library, to the north. The library office was to the west, past the counter. A card catalogue was on the other side of the office doorway. >search sofa I gave the plush sofa a good feel-up, and even looked under it. Not even a quarter. >x chair Which do you mean, the square chair or the round chair? >chair Which do you mean, the square chair or the round chair? >square Just a piece of dull library furniture. >search square (the unsmoked cigarette) I found nothing of interest. >search square chair I gave the square chair a good feel-up, and even looked under it. Not even a quarter. >search round chair I gave the round chair a good feel-up, and even looked under it. Not even a quarter. >x round Just a piece of dull library furniture. >l Library, at the counter This carpeted area had the main counter along the west wall; a plush sofa, a square chair and a round chair made up a small reading area facing out towards the hall, which was to the south. Shelves of books covered the east wall, and more shelves flanked the way further into the library, to the north. The library office was to the west, past the counter. A card catalogue was on the other side of the office doorway. >x books There were books here on every subject. Except sex, but you know, I got porn for that. >x catalogue A bunch of drawers with alphabet letters on the front of them. You know, the usual thing you find in libraries. >look in catalogue I pulled on one of the drawers, and found they were all locked. Good thing I wasn't expecting to do any research. >e I couldn't go that way. >w I went around the counter into the library office. The floor was so full of book clutter that I had to pick my steps carefully. Library Office This room was full of clutter that defied friggin' description. A large wooden desk filled one wall. At least most of it; the rest of the wall space was taken by a shelf. The doorway to the library was to the east. >x clutter Just lots of books, too many to describe or even count. >x desk It looked pretty ordinary, with drawers and shit, and more clutter on the top. But when I gave it a closer look, I noticed something odd about it--it had legs that were about two inches long, but they were only under three of the corners. One corner on the front seemed like it was suspended above ground. >x corner It looked pretty ordinary, with drawers and shit, and more clutter on the top. One corner on the front seemed like it was suspended above ground; the other corners had wooden legs under them. >move desk I tried to move the desk. It wouldn't budge but it felt kind of funny, like it wasn't sitting on all of its legs. >shake desk I gave the large wooden desk a thorough shake, but nothing happened. >x leg It looked pretty ordinary, with drawers and shit, and more clutter on the top. One corner on the front seemed like it was suspended above ground; the other corners had wooden legs under them. >lift desk That's not a verb I recognize. >x legs It looked pretty ordinary, with drawers and shit, and more clutter on the top. One corner on the front seemed like it was suspended above ground; the other corners had wooden legs under them. >search legs Lots of uninteresting book clutter on the top; I could not open any of the drawers, they were locked, but I suspected they held more of the friggin' same. >take leg I tried to move the desk. It wouldn't budge but it felt kind of funny, like it wasn't sitting on all of its legs. >x ground I couldn't see any such thing. >l Library Office This room was full of clutter that defied friggin' description. A large wooden desk filled one wall. At least most of it; the rest of the wall space was taken by a shelf. The doorway to the library was to the east. >x floor I couldn't see any such thing. >x shelf Just lots of books, too many to describe or even count. >x books Just lots of books, too many to describe or even count. >l Library Office This room was full of clutter that defied friggin' description. A large wooden desk filled one wall. At least most of it; the rest of the wall space was taken by a shelf. The doorway to the library was to the east. >x desk It looked pretty ordinary, with drawers and shit, and more clutter on the top. One corner on the front seemed like it was suspended above ground; the other corners had wooden legs under them. >x front corner I couldn't see any such thing. >push desk I tried to move the desk. It wouldn't budge but it felt kind of funny, like it wasn't sitting on all of its legs. >x legs It looked pretty ordinary, with drawers and shit, and more clutter on the top. One corner on the front seemed like it was suspended above ground; the other corners had wooden legs under them. >x leg It looked pretty ordinary, with drawers and shit, and more clutter on the top. One corner on the front seemed like it was suspended above ground; the other corners had wooden legs under them. >x corner It looked pretty ordinary, with drawers and shit, and more clutter on the top. One corner on the front seemed like it was suspended above ground; the other corners had wooden legs under them. >search corner Lots of uninteresting book clutter on the top; I could not open any of the drawers, they were locked, but I suspected they held more of the friggin' same. >e I stepped over the clutter, back into the library. Library, at the counter This carpeted area had the main counter along the west wall; a plush sofa, a square chair and a round chair made up a small reading area facing out towards the hall, which was to the south. Shelves of books covered the east wall, and more shelves flanked the way further into the library, to the north. The library office was to the west, past the counter. A card catalogue was on the other side of the office doorway. >n Walking between the rows of shelves, I approached the back of the library. Library, back area This was kind of the most private area of the library. A study table with chairs was on the east side; a soft chair was in the north corner on the west. Bookshelves lined the walls, except for the window on the north wall, the space behind the soft chair, and an opening to the south, between the bookcases, which led to the front of the library. >x table Just one of those dull formica tables. It was surrounded by plastic chairs. >x chairs Just one of those dull formica tables. It was surrounded by plastic chairs. >x chair (the corner chair) It was the softest, and probably the heaviest, piece of furniture in this hall. It sat in a corner, the one empty corner in this space. Flat on the bottom with no legs. >search it I gave the chair a good feel, looked between the cushions, and even tried to look under it, but didn't find even a friggin' quarter. >x books There were books here on every subject. Except sex, but you know, I got porn for that. >x window It filled the space between shelves, on the north wall. It looked out into the north courtyard, and I could see the white lights reflecting off the windows of the cafeteria. >open it I couldn't see any way of opening it. >l Library, back area This was kind of the most private area of the library. A study table with chairs was on the east side; a soft chair was in the north corner on the west. Bookshelves lined the walls, except for the window on the north wall, the space behind the soft chair, and an opening to the south, between the bookcases, which led to the front of the library. >x space I couldn't see any such thing. >look behind chair I couldn't see any such thing. >move chair (the corner chair) I wasn't into rearranging the library furniture. >think about desk (the scarred desk) I couldn't think of anything pertinent about that at the time. >s Library, at the counter This carpeted area had the main counter along the west wall; a plush sofa, a square chair and a round chair made up a small reading area facing out towards the hall, which was to the south. Shelves of books covered the east wall, and more shelves flanked the way further into the library, to the north. The library office was to the west, past the counter. A card catalogue was on the other side of the office doorway. >w I went around the counter into the library office. The floor was so full of book clutter that I had to pick my steps carefully. Library Office This room was full of clutter that defied friggin' description. A large wooden desk filled one wall. At least most of it; the rest of the wall space was taken by a shelf. The doorway to the library was to the east. >think about desk (the scarred desk) I couldn't think of anything pertinent about that at the time. >x desk It looked pretty ordinary, with drawers and shit, and more clutter on the top. One corner on the front seemed like it was suspended above ground; the other corners had wooden legs under them. >think about wooden (the large wooden desk) The desk looked a bit off-kilter. I wondered why. >think about legs The desk looked a bit off-kilter. I wondered why. >l Library Office This room was full of clutter that defied friggin' description. A large wooden desk filled one wall. At least most of it; the rest of the wall space was taken by a shelf. The doorway to the library was to the east. >push desk I tried to move the desk. It wouldn't budge but it felt kind of funny, like it wasn't sitting on all of its legs. >tilt desk That's not a verb I recognize. >sit on desk The desk teetered very slightly, when I started to get on it, like it wasn't totally settled on the floor, so I decided not. >l Library Office This room was full of clutter that defied friggin' description. A large wooden desk filled one wall. At least most of it; the rest of the wall space was taken by a shelf. The doorway to the library was to the east. >x floor I couldn't see any such thing. >look under dek I couldn't see any such thing. >look under desk I bent over and took a look under the desk. And what did I friggin' find? One front corner of the desk was being supported by a large book. And I could read the spine--"Mysteries and Miracles"--it was that book that I had read in detention long ago! >* Oh there we goo That's not a verb I recognize. >read mysteries I opened the book, finding the trading card, and started reading about a man who escaped imprisonment using a ceiling fan and a bed slat. But I don't know if it was my attitude, the urgency of my mission, the fact that I was a friggin' adult, or a combination of those factors, that brought me back to the real world. >x card Which do you mean, the trading card or the credit card? >trading It was one of those Star Wars trading cards. It had a picture of Chewbacca, the Wookie, holding up a laser gun, while looking back, his mouth open in a howl. The card was a bit frayed but otherwise looked quite new. It had a perfume-y smell to it. How odd. >smell I detected no unusual odors. >* Wasn't that like many years ago? That's not a verb I recognize. >i I was carrying: a dirty uniform (being worn) a drill rifle (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my acoustic guitar (being worn) an unsmoked cigarette a green backpack (open) my keyring my house key my locker key my green pencil my ripped notebook some spare keys a lounge key a steel key a big pretzel a flashlight (providing light) a school anthem some rubber boots a folded sticky note a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a third note a credit card a remote controller a second note Anne's diary Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill a fourth note my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. >e I stepped over the clutter, back into the library. Library, at the counter This carpeted area had the main counter along the west wall; a plush sofa, a square chair and a round chair made up a small reading area facing out towards the hall, which was to the south. Shelves of books covered the east wall, and more shelves flanked the way further into the library, to the north. The library office was to the west, past the counter. A card catalogue was on the other side of the office doorway. >s I stepped back into the hall. Middle Hall, at the library To the north was the huge open area that we call the school library. It was like a big display of books, everywhere. To the east was the end of the hall, at the steel doors; west the hall ended at the doorway into the Study Hall. >w I went back into the study hall. "Hello there, again, fella!" said Ulmer, as I entered the room. Study Hall This place sure didn't change since I was last there. All of the desks, including my usual scarred desk, were still in the same place, facing away from the north wall. And Mr Fendwhistle's desk is still in the same position. On the wall above the desk was the school clock. To the west, past the snack machines, was the exit to the schoolyard and the parking lot; east was the doorway into Middle Hall. A cleaning cart sat next to the big desk up front. Ulmer was here, scrubbing down desks. >give card to ulmer (first taking the credit card) Got it. Ulmer said, "So you found that somewhere? You can put it in the lost-and-found, which is in a box behind the cafeteria counter." He went back to his work. >* good to know That's not a verb I recognize. >think about ulmer He sure seemed friendly and hardworking. Ulmer rubbed out some markings on top of a desk. >i I was carrying: a credit card a dirty uniform (being worn) a drill rifle (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my acoustic guitar (being worn) an unsmoked cigarette a green backpack (open) my keyring my house key my locker key my green pencil my ripped notebook some spare keys a lounge key a steel key a big pretzel a flashlight (providing light) a school anthem some rubber boots a folded sticky note a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a third note a remote controller a second note Anne's diary Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill a fourth note my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. >x trading I couldn't see any such thing. >n I couldn't go that way. >e I went back through the doorway into the hall, stopping at the library. Middle Hall, at the library To the north was the huge open area that we call the school library. It was like a big display of books, everywhere. To the east was the end of the hall, at the steel doors; west the hall ended at the doorway into the Study Hall. >n I stepped into the library. Library, at the counter This carpeted area had the main counter along the west wall; a plush sofa, a square chair and a round chair made up a small reading area facing out towards the hall, which was to the south. Shelves of books covered the east wall, and more shelves flanked the way further into the library, to the north. The library office was to the west, past the counter. A card catalogue was on the other side of the office doorway. >n Walking between the rows of shelves, I approached the back of the library. Library, back area This was kind of the most private area of the library. A study table with chairs was on the east side; a soft chair was in the north corner on the west. Bookshelves lined the walls, except for the window on the north wall, the space behind the soft chair, and an opening to the south, between the bookcases, which led to the front of the library. >s Library, at the counter This carpeted area had the main counter along the west wall; a plush sofa, a square chair and a round chair made up a small reading area facing out towards the hall, which was to the south. Shelves of books covered the east wall, and more shelves flanked the way further into the library, to the north. The library office was to the west, past the counter. A card catalogue was on the other side of the office doorway. >w I went around the counter into the library office. The floor was so full of book clutter that I had to pick my steps carefully. Library Office This room was full of clutter that defied friggin' description. A large wooden desk filled one wall. At least most of it; the rest of the wall space was taken by a shelf. A large book was holding up one corner of the desk. The doorway to the library was to the east. Holding up one corner of the desk was the large book, "Mysteries and Miracles", that I read once while in detention. >take trading Got it. >take book (the large book) I got on my knees and reached under the desk, clutching the ends of the spine of the book with the fingers of both of my hands, pulling on one end, and then the other. As I wrenched the book out from under the desk, I almost forgot why the book was under there in the first place. The corner of the friggin' desk nearly clobbered me, as the desk teetered slightly. And I almost didn't see the card slip out of the book as I jerked it up. >i I was carrying: a large book a credit card a dirty uniform (being worn) a drill rifle (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my acoustic guitar (being worn) an unsmoked cigarette a green backpack (open) my keyring my house key my locker key my green pencil my ripped notebook some spare keys a lounge key a steel key a big pretzel a flashlight (providing light) a school anthem some rubber boots a folded sticky note a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a third note a remote controller a second note Anne's diary Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill a fourth note my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. >take trading Got it. >x trading It was one of those Star Wars trading cards. It had a picture of Chewbacca, the Wookie, holding up a laser gun, while looking back, his mouth open in a howl. The card was a bit frayed but otherwise looked quite new. It had a perfume-y smell to it. How odd. >l Library Office This room was full of clutter that defied friggin' description. A large wooden desk filled one wall. At least most of it; the rest of the wall space was taken by a shelf. The desk was teetering due to one corner having nothing holding it up. The doorway to the library was to the east. >read book (the large book) I turned through the book, and started reading about strange cheeses and other appetizers haunted by ghosts. But I don't know if it was my attitude, the urgency of my mission, the fact that I was a friggin' adult, or a combination of those factors, that brought me back to the real world. >e I stepped over the clutter, back into the library. Library, at the counter This carpeted area had the main counter along the west wall; a plush sofa, a square chair and a round chair made up a small reading area facing out towards the hall, which was to the south. Shelves of books covered the east wall, and more shelves flanked the way further into the library, to the north. The library office was to the west, past the counter. A card catalogue was on the other side of the office doorway. >s I hesitated for a moment, feeling a pang from my burgeoning conscience. I had a library book on hand that was probably thought missing. I left the book on the counter. I would come back here if I needed to see it again. I stepped back into the hall. Middle Hall, at the library To the north was the huge open area that we call the school library. It was like a big display of books, everywhere. To the east was the end of the hall, at the steel doors; west the hall ended at the doorway into the Study Hall. >w I went back into the study hall. "Hello there, again, fella!" said Ulmer, as I entered the room. Study Hall This place sure didn't change since I was last there. All of the desks, including my usual scarred desk, were still in the same place, facing away from the north wall. And Mr Fendwhistle's desk is still in the same position. On the wall above the desk was the school clock. To the west, past the snack machines, was the exit to the schoolyard and the parking lot; east was the doorway into Middle Hall. A cleaning cart sat next to the big desk up front. Ulmer was here, scrubbing down desks. >give book to ulmer (first taking the ripped notebook) Got it. Ulmer said, "So you found that somewhere? You can put it in the lost-and-found, which is in a box behind the cafeteria counter." He went back to his work. Ulmer wiped down the seat of one of the desks. >give trading to ulmer I held the card out to him. "Oh did you find that in one of the desk..." He looked at it closely, reaching for it slowly. He held it up into the light, staring into it like a photograph. "My daughter so loved Star Wars. She collected the cards, the figures..." Then something seemed to hit him, like a bolt of lightning. "Three years ago, she was so upset. Some stupid jock hit on her at lunch break, and she had to sit in detention for slapping him silly. She said she lost her Chewbacca card. Was it...? Was it this one? Where did you find it?" "It was stuck in a book. A library book." "Ah, that makes sense! My daughter--Allison--loved...I mean, loves, reading, she loves going to libraries!" He gave the card another look. "This must be hers! She loves Chewbacca, says he reminds her of me!" He frowned and smiled with a questioning look, and I did the same, as if I couldn't understand why. "You know," he said, "I have a lot of work to do, but..." Then I saw a tear fall down his face. He quickly raised an arm and turned away, charging into the hall. He yelled back, "I'll be in the library, if you need me." Great. I friggin' made a grown man cry. And he wasn't even my Dad. That's exactly what I did! I made a grown man cry who wasn't even related to me. You earned 10 points for helping me remember! >* kind of random... That's not a verb I recognize. >save Ok. >n I couldn't go that way. >w I still felt frickin' curious to see what was behind the snack machine. Concession Area Again, I was back in the concession area, with its crappy snack machine and Poplicious soda machine. The double-doors to the west were closed, with a padlocked chain through the handles. The study hall was to the east. Remembering that work had been done behind the snack machine, I was curious to see if there was anything left there. Like another secret passage. >hit snack (the crappy snack machine) I gave the snack machine a good pounding, but this did no good. >g (the crappy snack machine) I gave the snack machine a good pounding, but this did no good. >i I was carrying: my ripped notebook a credit card a dirty uniform (being worn) a drill rifle (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my acoustic guitar (being worn) an unsmoked cigarette a green backpack (open) my keyring my house key my locker key my green pencil some spare keys a lounge key a steel key a big pretzel a flashlight (providing light) a school anthem some rubber boots a folded sticky note a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a third note a remote controller a second note Anne's diary Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill a fourth note my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. >move snack (the crappy snack machine) After a good lookaround, I planted both hands on either side of the machine, and gave it the old back-and-forth, side-to-side. I watched the pack swing every which way--then loose! I heard it hit the window down below and then land smack in the receptacle at bottom. That's exactly what I did! I bullied a snack machine into giving me my crackers. You earned 5 points for helping me remember! >* huh That's not a verb I recognize. >take crackers I reached in and took the crackers. Yesss! >move snack (the pack of Vance peanut butter crackers) Nothing obvious happened. >move snack machine Now that I had successfully released the crackers, that was no longer useful. >x snack (the pack of Vance peanut butter crackers) It looked pretty tasty at the moment, especially compared to that crusty cafeteria pizza I ate. I wasn't hungry at the moment, but I thought it might be a good snack for later. >move soda (the poplicious soda machine) I gave the piece of crap a good jostling, though it was heavy as hell. Nothing happened, which figures, as I didn't remember this move ever being effective on it. >push soda (the poplicious soda machine) I gave the piece of crap a good jostling, though it was heavy as hell. Nothing happened, which figures, as I didn't remember this move ever being effective on it. >push snack (the pack of Vance peanut butter crackers) Nothing obvious happened. >push snack machine Now that I had successfully released the crackers, that was no longer useful. >search snack machine The machine was completely empty. >look behind machine I couldn't see any such thing. >l Concession Area Again, I was back in the concession area, with its crappy snack machine and Poplicious soda machine. The double-doors to the west were closed, with a padlocked chain through the handles. The study hall was to the east. Remembering that work had been done behind the snack machine, I was curious to see if there was anything left there. Like another secret passage. >n I couldn't go that way. >x behind I couldn't see any such thing. >move snack machine Now that I had successfully released the crackers, that was no longer useful. >* What about the passage? That's not a verb I recognize. >move snack machine Now that I had successfully released the crackers, that was no longer useful. >push snack machine Now that I had successfully released the crackers, that was no longer useful. >pull snack machine Looking towards the hall to the east, to make sure Ulmer was out of sight, I grabbed both sides of the machine and stepped it back out of the corner. I immediately saw where the workman had replaced the outlets and a good portion of the wall. Then I looked down and noticed a torn scrap of paper, and thinking it might be another stupid note from the Creep, I snatched it up. Seeing that there was nothing else of interest, and wanting to hurry the fuck up, I pushed the machine back into place. >* Oi That's not a verb I recognize. >x scrap It looked like it was a copy, and ripped out of a binder. It was yellow and felt a bit brittle. Under Mr Holbrook's letterhead, it said-- Mr Knickerbocker, Thank you very much in advance, for accepting the job of repairing the wall behind the snack machine in Middle Hall. I would like for you to consider other jobs that we need done due to safety issues for students. We will call you for an estimate on each as we have funds available. These jobs are: South Hall: the floor under the girl's locker room East Hall: south end, hole in the south wall of the east janitor's closet Middle Hall: library floor, northwest corner North Hall: (ripped) The bottom half of the page was ripped off at that point. It looked like a work order, to repair and eliminate openings to the secret passages?? Apparently, he didn't get to them all. Or probably any of them. Is there one in the library? And yet another one in North Hall? >s I couldn't go that way. >e Study Hall This place sure didn't change since I was last there. All of the desks, including my usual scarred desk, were still in the same place, facing away from the north wall. And Mr Fendwhistle's desk is still in the same position. On the wall above the desk was the school clock. To the west, past the snack machines, was the exit to the schoolyard and the parking lot; east was the doorway into Middle Hall. A cleaning cart sat next to the big desk up front. >e I went back through the doorway into the hall, stopping at the library. Middle Hall, at the library To the north was the huge open area that we call the school library. It was like a big display of books, everywhere. To the east was the end of the hall, at the steel doors; west the hall ended at the doorway into the Study Hall. >n I stepped into the library. Library, at the counter This carpeted area had the main counter along the west wall; a plush sofa, a square chair and a round chair made up a small reading area facing out towards the hall, which was to the south. Shelves of books covered the east wall, and more shelves flanked the way further into the library, to the north. The library office was to the west, past the counter. A card catalogue was on the other side of the office doorway. On the large counter was a large book. >x large (the large book) It was big and hard-bound, titled "Mysteries and Miracles". It had a wispy picture of a mansion on the front, at night under the moonlight. It looked quite interesting to me. >read it I turned through the book, and started reading about a woman who seemed to magically vanish and end up in a hotel room. But I don't know if it was my attitude, the urgency of my mission, the fact that I was a friggin' adult, or a combination of those factors, that brought me back to the real world. >n Walking between the rows of shelves, I approached the back of the library. I found Ulmer there, seated in the corner chair, brooding. Library, back area This was kind of the most private area of the library. A study table with chairs was on the east side; a soft chair was in the north corner on the west. Bookshelves lined the walls, except for the window on the north wall, the space behind the soft chair, and an opening to the south, between the bookcases, which led to the front of the library. Ulmer was here, sitting silently in the corner chair, looking at nothing. >nw I couldn't go that way. Ulmer grimaced sadly as I looked. I really wanted to cheer him up, somehow. >x space I couldn't see any such thing. >d Digging a hole with my fingers was not an option. Ulmer took another look at the card, then closed his eyes, shaking his head. He returned to his staring out. >i I was carrying: a yellow scrap a pack of Vance peanut butter crackers my ripped notebook a credit card a dirty uniform (being worn) a drill rifle (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my acoustic guitar (being worn) an unsmoked cigarette a green backpack (open) my keyring my house key my locker key my green pencil some spare keys a lounge key a steel key a big pretzel a flashlight (providing light) a school anthem some rubber boots a folded sticky note a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a third note a remote controller a second note Anne's diary Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill a fourth note my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. >give pretzel to ulmer (first taking the big pretzel) Got it. He didn't seem the least bit interested. >* Aww but he's german That's not a verb I recognize. >give unsmoked to ulmer Ulmer shook his head slightly. >i I was carrying: a big pretzel a yellow scrap a pack of Vance peanut butter crackers my ripped notebook a credit card a dirty uniform (being worn) a drill rifle (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my acoustic guitar (being worn) an unsmoked cigarette a green backpack (open) my keyring my house key my locker key my green pencil some spare keys a lounge key a steel key a flashlight (providing light) a school anthem some rubber boots a folded sticky note a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a third note a remote controller a second note Anne's diary Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill a fourth note my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. Ulmer grimaced sadly as I looked. I really wanted to cheer him up, somehow. >give crackers to ulmer He didn't seem the least bit interested. >i I was carrying: a big pretzel a yellow scrap a pack of Vance peanut butter crackers my ripped notebook a credit card a dirty uniform (being worn) a drill rifle (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my acoustic guitar (being worn) an unsmoked cigarette a green backpack (open) my keyring my house key my locker key my green pencil some spare keys a lounge key a steel key a flashlight (providing light) a school anthem some rubber boots a folded sticky note a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a third note a remote controller a second note Anne's diary Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill a fourth note my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. Ulmer muttered, "Sorry, I'm just....Sorry..." >play guitar I began slowly picking one of my favorite songs--Ricky Nelson's "Hello MaryLou". Immediately I felt more relaxed. Ulmer perked up as I played my guitar. He started smiling. When I paused, he reached out a hand and said, "Give me that thing, boy!" I happily obliged. Whatever would make him happy. Slipping the card into his pocket, he laid the guitar between his knees, and said to me, "You know, pardner, you just about chose the one thing that would make me move." He winked. "I would like to play you a tune I wrote for my daughter, when her mother passed on." He picked a few notes, saying, "Oh, son, you need a tuning on that string." He tightened it up a bit. He then began to play a soft melody. And sing. I don't remember the words, but I recall I was about to bawl my head off. And I saw a tear or two wet his beard, but there was also a smile. When he finished the song, I told him that it was lovely, though I didn't quite know how to say it. He handed my guitar back to me. "Kid, you just gave me a real smile. Now I am sure that somehow, Allison will be alright." He winked at me, and I knew that I had made a lifelong friend. "Maybe we can jam together one of these days, knock back a few beers," he said, getting up from the chair and making his way back to the hall. "Uh, yeah," I said, "that would be great." In about four years. I wasn't even eighteen, much less twenty-one. "Duty calls," he said, "you know where I'll be!" He walked back up the hall, leaving me to my emotional mess. Thank you very friggin' much. That's exactly what I did! I offered healing through music. You earned 5 points for helping me remember! >* OK That's not a verb I recognize. >l Library, back area This was kind of the most private area of the library. A study table with chairs was on the east side; a soft chair was in the north corner on the west. Bookshelves lined the walls, except for the window on the north wall, the space behind the soft chair, and an opening to the south, between the bookcases, which led to the front of the library. >nw I couldn't go that way. >x space I couldn't see any such thing. >x floor I couldn't see any such thing. >s Library, at the counter This carpeted area had the main counter along the west wall; a plush sofa, a square chair and a round chair made up a small reading area facing out towards the hall, which was to the south. Shelves of books covered the east wall, and more shelves flanked the way further into the library, to the north. The library office was to the west, past the counter. A card catalogue was on the other side of the office doorway. On the large counter was a large book. >nw I couldn't go that way. >w I went around the counter into the library office. The floor was so full of book clutter that I had to pick my steps carefully. Library Office This room was full of clutter that defied friggin' description. A large wooden desk filled one wall. At least most of it; the rest of the wall space was taken by a shelf. The desk was teetering due to one corner having nothing holding it up. The doorway to the library was to the east. >n I couldn't go that way. >x floor I couldn't see any such thing. >x scrap It looked like it was a copy, and ripped out of a binder. It was yellow and felt a bit brittle. Under Mr Holbrook's letterhead, it said-- Mr Knickerbocker, Thank you very much in advance, for accepting the job of repairing the wall behind the snack machine in Middle Hall. I would like for you to consider other jobs that we need done due to safety issues for students. We will call you for an estimate on each as we have funds available. These jobs are: South Hall: the floor under the girl's locker room East Hall: south end, hole in the south wall of the east janitor's closet Middle Hall: library floor, northwest corner North Hall: (ripped) The bottom half of the page was ripped off at that point. It looked like a work order, to repair and eliminate openings to the secret passages?? Apparently, he didn't get to them all. Or probably any of them. Is there one in the library? And yet another one in North Hall? >e I stepped over the clutter, back into the library. Library, at the counter This carpeted area had the main counter along the west wall; a plush sofa, a square chair and a round chair made up a small reading area facing out towards the hall, which was to the south. Shelves of books covered the east wall, and more shelves flanked the way further into the library, to the north. The library office was to the west, past the counter. A card catalogue was on the other side of the office doorway. On the large counter was a large book. >x floor I couldn't see any such thing. >n Walking between the rows of shelves, I approached the back of the library. Library, back area This was kind of the most private area of the library. A study table with chairs was on the east side; a soft chair was in the north corner on the west. Bookshelves lined the walls, except for the window on the north wall, the space behind the soft chair, and an opening to the south, between the bookcases, which led to the front of the library. >w I couldn't go that way. >x floor I couldn't see any such thing. >move chair (the corner chair) Grabbing both arms of the chair, I dragged it out of the corner. I noticed nothing at first, except an empty corner with blank walls. But when I looked down, I noticed a patch of the carpeting had been stapled down, as if it had once been cut and then stapled back. >* there we go That's not a verb I recognize. >pull carpet Which do you mean, the carpet patch or the brown carpet? >patch I managed to dig my fingers under one side of the patch, between the staples, and rip that section of carpet from the walls, with the staples still attached to it. Once I folded it back, I could see the tiles of the floor under it, a dark outline around them where they met the wall and exactly at the edge of the carpet. There was a steel handle set into the floor, flush with the tiles. Another trap door? That's exactly what I did! I found the third passage. You earned 10 points for helping me remember! >pull handle I grabbed the trapdoor by the handle, and pulled it up without trouble. Under it, I could see a metal chute leading downwards, going northward under the floor. >d Grabbing the back of the chair, I stepped into the chute. It must have been greased, because there was enough of a gradient to it to get me to start sliding down immediately. I got my butt onto the slide just quick enough to keep from hitting the wall. I slid down. And down. And down. Through darkness. Please press SPACE to continue. And into darkness. I was lucky that I didn't lose anything, as far as I could tell. Boiler Room This must have been a boiler room once. I saw a couple of large drums sitting against the north wall with large pipes coming out of them up top. Beside them some steps went north, up into the wall. The chute that I slid down went up into the south wall. Next to it was a lever sticking out of the wall, in an almost vertical position. The room was dry, dark, warm and stuffy. It was dimly lit by light coming down the metal chute, from the library. >x drums I couldn't see any such thing. >x pipes They are incredibly rusted and looked about to fall apart. Both had doors on the front. Above one of the doors was an inscription. >x inscription In flowery script, the etching read-- HORACE LAMB MENTAL ASYLUM Which figured. I had heard rumors that this school was built on the foundations of an old mental hospital. >* of course That's not a verb I recognize. >open pipes They would surely fall apart if I tried that. >open doors They would surely fall apart if I tried that. >l Boiler Room This must have been a boiler room once. I saw a couple of large drums sitting against the north wall with large pipes coming out of them up top. Beside them some steps went north, up into the wall. The chute that I slid down went up into the south wall. Next to it was a lever sticking out of the wall, in an almost vertical position. The room was dry, dark, warm and stuffy. It was dimly lit by light coming down the metal chute, from the library. >x chute It was just this metal chute, about two feet wide, that went nearly straight up into the south wall. I looked up into it and saw a square of light far above. >x lever It looked like a very old brake-like lever. It seemed to be pushed all the way up. >pull lever I grasped the lever and pulled. It took some real friggin' effort, and I heard some cogs and wheels grinding and squeaking somewhere. Before long, I noticed that the metal chute was changing! Many cracks and slits were forming on it, between metal slats that were going from almost vertical to horizontal. The slats that made up the chute were becoming the steps of a metal stairway! Of course, the movement and noise stopped when I had pulled the lever as far as it would go, into a horizontal position. That's exactly what I did! I finding a way back up to the library. You earned 5 points for helping me remember! >l Boiler Room This must have been a boiler room once. I saw a couple of large drums sitting against the north wall with large pipes coming out of them up top. Beside them some steps went north, up into the wall. The chute that I slid down, which is now a metal stairway, went up into the south wall. Next to it was a lever sticking out of the wall, in a horizontal position. The room was dry, dark, warm and stuffy. It was dimly lit by light coming down the metal stairway, from the library. >n These steps were obviously made for feet much smaller than mine. I had to literally frickin' tiptoe my way up what seemed to be a spiral staircase, but it also seemed to veer and go straight. I wondered whether it would take me somewhere else in the building, or somewhere completely different. And it seemed like a long climb, but that may have been because of the tiny steps. As I went further up, I saw a piece of paper sliding down the steps. I snatched it up. Must have been the red lettering on it that alerted me. I continued my climb. Eventually I came to a banister. And holy crap, another landing in a familiar place. Yet ANOTHER Janitor's Closet And another floor sink. The door, to the north, was closed. A banister to the south marked the top of a spiral stairway leading down. >i I was carrying: a fifth note a big pretzel a yellow scrap a pack of Vance peanut butter crackers my ripped notebook a credit card a dirty uniform (being worn) a drill rifle (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my acoustic guitar (being worn) an unsmoked cigarette a green backpack (open) my keyring my house key my locker key my green pencil some spare keys a lounge key a steel key a flashlight (providing light) a school anthem some rubber boots a folded sticky note a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a third note a remote controller a second note Anne's diary Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill a fourth note my usual threads (being worn) My pocket was empty. >x fifth SO YOU ACTUALLY FOUND ANOTHER PASSAGE! I WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT WAS BEYOND YOUR, AH, WHAT DO YOU ALWAYS SAY? BEYOND YOUR SKILL SET?? DO YOU EVEN HAVE ONE?? GOT BORED WAITING FOR YOU. AREN'T YOU TIRED OF ALWAYS MAKING PEOPLE WAIT FOR YOU?? AND MAKING PEOPLE WAIT ON YOU?? ARE WE GETTING A BIT HUNGRY?? OR DO WE NEED TO MAKE A WITTLE 'PIT STOP'?? ME SOWWY, TOM. IT'S NOT QUITE TIME TO GO HOME, YET. Just more insults. But could they also be clues?? >* Cafeteria, yup You seem to want to talk to someone, but I can't see whom. >e I couldn't go that way. >l Yet ANOTHER Janitor's Closet And another floor sink. The door, to the north, was closed. A banister to the south marked the top of a spiral stairway leading down. >n (first opening the closet door) As I opened the door, light streamed into the closet from the hall. I immediately recognized the school's North Hall, with the cafeteria to the west and the steel doors to the east. As soon as I emerged from the closet, a feeling of utter doom, or sheer evil, overwhelmed me. A feeling that I could not identify. Please press SPACE to continue. But that could have been merely because I was in the area of the cafeteria. Whose food is notorious. North Hall, east end Finally, the north wing of the school. And the worst. On the north wall were the only two restrooms in existence in the building--a boys' room to the northeast, and a girls' room to the northwest, with a few classroom doors beyond them. Classroom doors lined the south wall between the steel doors, which were to the east, and the doorway to the cafeteria area to the west. I could see the tables and chairs of the cafeteria, and the opposite doorway in the distance. Could that be where I finally meet the creep? I couldn't think of a more freakin' appropriate place to face evil than my school's cafeteria. The door to a cleaning closet was to the south; it was open. >* only two bathrooms in the whole school? That's not a verb I recognize. >e (first opening the north hall doors) They seemed to be locked. >n There were no unlocked or open doors in that direction. >ne (first opening the boys' room door) I pushed the door open, and it began to briskly swing back closed. I stepped into the boys' room, bracing myself for the smells. Boys' Restroom Welcome to our crappy boys' room. Tiles missing from the floor. Urinals lined the north wall. All of them cracked. As were the sinks and mirrors. The stalls were on the south wall; all of their locks were busted. Except for the one good stall, the one I always used, the middle one to the south. The door out of this place was to the southwest. The bathroom door was swinging back. >x tiles The tiles were grouty, dirty, broken, missing. I was afraid I would frickin' fall through if I made a wrong step. The bathroom door was swinging back. >x stalls There were about five of them, and each in a different state of disrepair. Most of them had locks that were either broken or missing, and/or had a door just hanging loose. Except the middle one, the good one that I always used. It had a working door and lock. The bathroom door was swinging back. The bathroom door swung quietly closed. >s I pushed in each of the doors and took a peek into the stalls, checking the bad ones, first, just to get them out of the way; they were all putrid, gross and broken in some freakin' way. Then I pushed open the middle stall, the one I always use, and I suddenly remembered an incident that happened early this morning, before class... Please press SPACE to continue. I had just arrived at school, but I really really needed to like, go, so I skipped the library and went to the boys' room. Good thing the one working stall was vacant. As soon as I got there, I closed the door, locked it, and sat on the toilet, putting my feet up against the jambs to either side of the door; I didn't want anyone coming in to recognize my feet, and start talking to me, I didn't like to be bothered or harassed on the toilet. I did my business, and was about to put my feet on the ground, when suddenly I heard the bathroom door come open. I instinctively stayed put, waiting for the guy to do his thing and then leave. I heard him use a urinal, then flush it. Then I heard a sink run. And then.... He didn't leave...! He whistled nervously. I heard him pacing the floor. I tried my best not to breathe too hard, as I hated to draw attention to myself in a public bathroom. And I hoped against hope that he would not look under the stalls. Then I heard the door open again. Boys' Restroom, in the middle stall (on the toilet) I was sitting on the toilet seat, leaning back against the tank, staring at my feet, which were placed solidly to either side of the stall door, which was to the north. My notebook and pencil were in my hands, and I was somewhat ready for my first class. There were gaps under the door and sidewalls of the stall, so I could partially see around the stall in most directions. A toilet roll was in the wall to my side. I heard other, lighter steps. Then a raspy voice. "It's clear," he said. "But still be quiet!" in a half-whisper. Then I heard echoes of whispers reverberating, though I could not make out most of the words. >look under stall I didn't see anything unusual; I couldn't see anyone's feet. I heard some hurried snippets. ". . .two. . .", " . . .red . . .", ". . .dark. . . ", from the raspier one, between unintelligible crap. The gentler one let out a satisfied "hmmm...", then started whispering quietly. >listen One of them was louder--raspier--than the other, which was gentler and much more hushed. The raspier one seemed older...?? And more demanding. From the gentler one, I could hear ". . .book. . .", ". . .together. . .", ". . .watch. . .", ". . .bottle. . .", ". . .liquid. . .", and the words were slurred. I heard a rustling, like someone fumbling inside a pocket. Then the raspier voice said, suddenly, "Here, just in case I need. . ." I didn't hear the other words. "Thanks," whispered the other voice. More fumbling with a pocket. >g One of them was louder--raspier--than the other, which was gentler and much more hushed. The raspier one seemed older...?? And more demanding. "Now remember. . ." said the raspy voice. ". . .pick. . .",". . . nine. . . ". . .know. . .that well. . . .", ". . .forget. . . ". "Of course..." "SHHH!", said the raspier one. Just then the bell rang. The raspier voice whispered loudly, "Wait ten seconds!" and I heard some quick steps, and a wind like the door opening. After what was less than ten seconds, I heard lighter steps, and then the door opening again. Which was followed by a brushing sound, and a sound like something metal skittering on the floor. Then silence, and I heard the subtle sound of the door closing. I got up and zipped up. I didn't want to be too friggin' late for class. Boys' Restroom, in the middle stall I was standing in front of the toilet, ready to leave the stall. The door was closed and locked. There were gaps under the door and sidewalls of the stall, so I could partially see around the stall in most directions. A toilet roll was in the wall to my side. >n I pulled the bolt and unlocked the door. It swung partially open. I stepped back out of the middle stall. Boys' Restroom Welcome to our crappy boys' room. Tiles missing from the floor. Urinals lined the north wall. All of them cracked. As were the sinks and mirrors. The stalls were on the south wall; all of their locks were busted. Except for the one good stall, the one I always used, the middle one to the south. The door out of this place was to the southwest. On the floor near the door was what looked like a metal hook. >x hook A hook with a crosspiece on the straight end. It looked old, about an inch and a half long, but strong and sturdy. >take it I took up the hook, and it felt pretty solid in my hand. I thought, at the time, it might be a fishing hook, and maybe the guys were planning a fishing trip? I went through the cafeteria to my locker beyond, and on the way, I passed the hook to one of the lunch ladies, who was organizing the chairs. I said that I found it in the hall. She said she would put it in the lost-and-found, and dropped it into her lab coat pocket, and went back to her work. Then I went on to my locker, and totally forgot the incident. Please press SPACE to continue. When I woke up from my restroom flashback, I suddenly realized that the older, raspier voice sounded a lot like the creep from the phone call. And that that hook could be an important clue. Where was it? And could the other guy be an accomplice? Boys' Restroom Welcome to our crappy boys' room. Tiles missing from the floor. Urinals lined the north wall. All of them cracked. As were the sinks and mirrors. The stalls were on the south wall; all of their locks were busted. Except for the one good stall, the one I always used, the middle one to the south. The door out of this place was to the southwest. >s I gave the stalls all another look, and found nothing different. >n I couldn't go that way. >sw (first opening the boys' room door) I pulled the door open, and it began to briskly swing back closed. I stepped back into the hall. North Hall, east end On the north wall were the only two restrooms in existence in the building--a boys' room to the northeast, and a girls' room to the northwest, with a few classroom doors beyond them. Classroom doors lined the south wall between the steel doors, which were to the east, and the doorway to the cafeteria area to the west. I could see the tables and chairs of the cafeteria, and the opposite doorway in the distance. The door to a cleaning closet was to the south; it was open. The boys' room door was swinging back. >nw (first opening the girls' room door) I pushed the door open, and it began to briskly swing back closed. Like the Teacher's Lounge, I was going into unfamiliar territory, and literally, where no man has gone before. One would freakin' assume. As I started through the door, I braced myself for the smells, like I usually fuckin' would going into the boys' room. Instead I got a surprise of a different kind. The room was actually fuckin' welcoming! I was greeted by the smell of gentle incense. And shiny tops and surfaces. Burgundy colored stalls. Uncracked porcelain. No missing tiles. I was ready to spend the night there. I stood there for a moment to drink it all in. Then I had to remember my mission. And I could tell in an instant that Anne was not there. But I had to make sure. Girls' Restroom Completely different from the boys' room, as I expected. No urinals, which didn't surprise me. More stalls; they were on both north and south walls. One good, long counter with uncracked sinks and one unbroken mirror. The floor was actually complete. Clean. And the room actually friggin' smelled good. I could actually look forward to using a place like this. Except that I am male. The exit was to the southeast. The bathroom door was swinging back. >x stalls There were about five of them. They were all good as new, with shiny burgundy paint, none of it cracked or flaking. The bathroom door was swinging back. >x counter Each of them were just as reflective as the mirrors over them. The bathroom door was swinging back. The bathroom door swung quietly closed. >x mirror It spanned the south wall from the door to the first stall. One clean, unbroken pane. >se Shouldn't I search the stalls? >search stalls I pushed in each of the doors and took a peek into the stalls. They smelled so good, and looked so fuckin' clean, I felt compelled to give them a long look. Needless to say, I didn't find Anne in any of them. But I actually didn't mind looking in them all. >g I gave each of the stalls another look, not that I freakin' minded. Nope, nothing, no Anne. >se (first opening the girls' room door) I pulled the door open, and it began to briskly swing back closed. I stepped back into the hall. North Hall, east end On the north wall were the only two restrooms in existence in the building--a boys' room to the northeast, and a girls' room to the northwest, with a few classroom doors beyond them. Classroom doors lined the south wall between the steel doors, which were to the east, and the doorway to the cafeteria area to the west. I could see the tables and chairs of the cafeteria, and the opposite doorway in the distance. The door to a cleaning closet was to the south; it was open. The girls' room door was swinging back. >s North Janitor's Closet And another floor sink. The door, to the north, was open, letting in light from the hall. A banister to the south marked the top of a spiral stairway leading down. >n I stepped out of the janitor's closet yet again. North Hall, east end On the north wall were the only two restrooms in existence in the building--a boys' room to the northeast, and a girls' room to the northwest, with a few classroom doors beyond them. Classroom doors lined the south wall between the steel doors, which were to the east, and the doorway to the cafeteria area to the west. I could see the tables and chairs of the cafeteria, and the opposite doorway in the distance. The door to a cleaning closet was to the south; it was open. The girls' room door was swinging back. The girls' room door swung quietly closed. >sw There were no unlocked or open doors in that direction. >n There were no unlocked or open doors in that direction. >w As usual, I checked all the classroom doors on the way west to the cafeteria; they were, of course, all dark and locked. I paused before stepping through the doorway, into the cafeteria area, where I thought I would meet Mr Jerkwad. As I stepped through the door, at first I saw only rows of tables with chairs set on top of them. But then I saw movement. A short guy in janitor's uniform stepped around a table, sweeping under it. Then he saw me, with a look that went from questioning to casual. "You must be new," he said, almost in a whisper. I stepped in closer, saying, "Yeah, I'm Tom," offering my hand. He didn't take it, nor did he look at me. In another almost whisper, he said, "I'm Victor," while sweeping. "They're having us do a big clean-up." He gave me another indifferent look. "Though you're probably just doing the tour." That was not a question. "Feel free to visit the kitchen. Get an idea of what kind of shithole they had me doing. I had to wax the floor in there, though. And they cut the power to the stove and oven, so no cooking. And no water from the sinks. I have to go back to the closet for that." Then he looked up at me suddenly. "And I wouldn't leave any food on the counter." He immediately turned his back to me, as if to indicate that the conversation was over. Well, friggin' hello to you, too. Though I did appreciate his angst. Cafeteria This was a huge, long room, full of formica tables with plastic chairs laid upside-down on them. Windows lined the north wall; a buffet line ran along that wall, to a counter in the northwest corner, behind which I could see the swing-doors going into the kitchen. To the south were the glass double-doors through which students could escape and get fresh air. East and west were doorways back out into the hall. I could hear the sound of fans going, through the kitchen doors. Victor was busy here, sweeping under the tables and chairs. >x victor Victor was short, with a short but messy haircut. Sad, dark eyes, with dark spaces under them. Sometimes he looked at me like he had just lost something. A set of keys hung from his belt. He was sweeping under the tables with a broom, leaving rows of dust, dirt and food particles between the tables. >x chairs All upside-down, on top of the tables. >x victor's Like the other guys, Victor had his own set of keys, attached to his belt. Victor turned his back to me again, not encouraging me to stay. >l Cafeteria This was a huge, long room, full of formica tables with plastic chairs laid upside-down on them. Windows lined the north wall; a buffet line ran along that wall, to a counter in the northwest corner, behind which I could see the swing-doors going into the kitchen. To the south were the glass double-doors through which students could escape and get fresh air. East and west were doorways back out into the hall. I could hear the sound of fans going, through the kitchen doors. Victor was busy here, sweeping under the tables and chairs. >x tables Which do you mean, the lunch tables or the buffet line? >buffet Usually, you'd pick up your tray at the east end, put it on the metal line and slide it along the front of the buffet, picking out the food that you wanted from the tables. Workers would stand behind the tables, keeping them full and helping the students. But now there was nothing on the buffet. Not even a tray. There was a glass sneeze guard to prevent more grossness. Victor swept yet another bunch of crumbs into the row of dirt, and moved on to the next table. >x lunch tables A countless number of them. All white on top, dull, each with at least four chairs placed upside-down on top. >x sneeze I couldn't see any such thing. >x sneeze guard Usually, you'd pick up your tray at the east end, put it on the metal line and slide it along the front of the buffet, picking out the food that you wanted from the tables. Workers would stand behind the tables, keeping them full and helping the students. But now there was nothing on the buffet. Not even a tray. There was a glass sneeze guard to prevent more grossness. A faint whiff of floor wax passed under my nose. >l Cafeteria This was a huge, long room, full of formica tables with plastic chairs laid upside-down on them. Windows lined the north wall; a buffet line ran along that wall, to a counter in the northwest corner, behind which I could see the swing-doors going into the kitchen. To the south were the glass double-doors through which students could escape and get fresh air. East and west were doorways back out into the hall. I could hear the sound of fans going, through the kitchen doors. Victor was busy here, sweeping under the tables and chairs. >x coutner I couldn't see any such thing. >oops counter A blank wooden counter at the end of the buffet line. This was where students would pay for their lunches, if they did not pre-pay. Behind the counter I could see a box, marked "Lost and Found". A gap through the counter, to the northwest, led into the kitchen. >x box It was just a big cardboard box marked "Lost and Found", in black sharpie. In the lost-and-found box was a baby bottle. Victor gave me yet another look, as if inviting me to friggin' leave. >x bottle It was one of those big, transparent baby bottles, marked for just over twelve ounces. It had an attached rubber sucker top screwed on. Victor swept yet another bunch of crumbs into the row of dirt, and moved on to the next table. >take it Hey look! I found a lost baby bottle! I took it from the lost-and-found box. Totally appropriate. >x box It was just a big cardboard box marked "Lost and Found", in black sharpie. >search box That's funny. No hook in the box. The lost-and-found box was empty. >open bottle I twisted the rubber top off, and it hung still attached to the bottle. >l Cafeteria This was a huge, long room, full of formica tables with plastic chairs laid upside-down on them. Windows lined the north wall; a buffet line ran along that wall, to a counter in the northwest corner, behind which I could see the swing-doors going into the kitchen. To the south were the glass double-doors through which students could escape and get fresh air. East and west were doorways back out into the hall. I could hear the sound of fans going, through the kitchen doors. Sitting behind the lunch counter was the lost-and-found box. Victor was busy here, sweeping under the tables and chairs. Victor turned his back to me again, not encouraging me to stay. >s (first opening the cafeteria doors) I pushed tentatively at the glass doors, but they were tightly locked. "We have to keep them locked," said Victor. A faint whiff of floor wax passed under my nose. >l Cafeteria This was a huge, long room, full of formica tables with plastic chairs laid upside-down on them. Windows lined the north wall; a buffet line ran along that wall, to a counter in the northwest corner, behind which I could see the swing-doors going into the kitchen. To the south were the glass double-doors through which students could escape and get fresh air. East and west were doorways back out into the hall. I could hear the sound of fans going, through the kitchen doors. Sitting behind the lunch counter was the lost-and-found box. Victor was busy here, sweeping under the tables and chairs. Victor swept yet another bunch of crumbs into the row of dirt, and moved on to the next table. >w I crossed the cafeteria to the doorway, and was greeted by a hallway full of lockers. North Hall, at the lockers The north wall of this part of the hall was just solid lockers. On the south side were just a few classroom doors, with lockers in between them. I always thought this setup completely sucked, because just about everyone had to come into this area between classes. Whatever. Will's locker was at the very bottom, nearest the doorway to the cafeteria, which was to the east. The lockers continued to the west. There was something curious about Will's locker, but I couldn't put my finger on it. >undo Cafeteria [Previous turn undone.] >nw As I started towards the kitchen doors, Victor cried, "Hey! The floor in there has fresh wax. Get some boots on, first." I saw a frown on his face as he went back to work. I desisted. >wear boots (first taking the rubber boots) Got it. The things were so frickin' big that they fit neatly over my sneakers. >nw As I started for the kitchen, Victor cried, "Hey!" I turned around as he looked down at my feet. "Oh, you got boots on." Then he went back to work. Cordial. (first opening the swing-doors) I pushed open the swing-doors. School Kitchen I really couldn't see what Victor was talking about. The place looked absolutely clean. The food prep counter, the cabinets, the sinks, stoves and ovens; all were pristine and flashed in the light. Even the floor was clean; a couple of powerful fans were blowing on it and making quite a racket. To the west was a large door, probably a cooler door. To the north was a steel door, probably the back door leading out to the dumpster area; it was closed. To the southeast were the swing-doors leading back out to the cafeteria. The kitchen swing-doors were swinging slowly back and forth. I could have sworn I saw an ant cross the food prep counter, then disappear. >x counter Steel, and absolutely pristine and shiny. I couldn't see anything wrong with it. The kitchen swing-doors were swinging slowly back and forth. The swing-doors stopped swinging. >x cabinets Everything here was super-clean. I'd hate to ruin it. >open it It wasn't something I could open. I detected a small movement, on the prep counter, out of the corner of my eye. >l School Kitchen I really couldn't see what Victor was talking about. The place looked absolutely clean. The food prep counter, the cabinets, the sinks, stoves and ovens; all were pristine and flashed in the light. Even the floor was clean; a couple of powerful fans were blowing on it and making quite a racket. To the west was a large door, probably a cooler door. To the north was a steel door, probably the back door leading out to the dumpster area; it was closed. To the southeast were the swing-doors leading back out to the cafeteria. >x prep counter Steel, and absolutely pristine and shiny. I couldn't see anything wrong with it. >x movement I couldn't see any such thing. >x stoves Everything here was super-clean. I'd hate to ruin it. >x fans A couple of small fans blowing a powerful stream of air over the floors. Probably to dry the wax. No use to me; not even a single dead fly. >n (first opening the steel back door) It seemed to be locked. >turn off fans Probably should leave them alone. >unlock steel back door with steel (the steel back door) (first taking the steel back door) There was no frickin' way to carry that. >w (first opening the cooler door) I pulled the door open, and cold air began streaming into the kitchen area. A light inside winked on. Cold Storage This room was cold. And just bare metal walls. They must have emptied it out for the week while school was out. A tiny lightbulb was shining above. The door out to the kitchen was open, to the east. The room wasn't totally empty. A rack of lab coats was here; Victor probably rolled it in to get it off the kitchen floor before waxing. A doorway to the west, with clear plastic curtains, beckoned me further in. >udno That's not a verb I recognize. >unlock steel back door with steel key I only understood you as far as wanting to unlock the steel key. >w I stepped through the plastic curtains, noticing that I was going into the even colder depths of the cooler. Walk-In Freezer This place wasn't much different, except for two things. One was that there were shelves lining the north wall; the opposite wall had a line of fans high up, which were absolutely still. The other was that it was bitter fuckin' cold in there, but it seemed to be getting warmer. Through the plastic curtain to the east was the warmer half of the cooler, and the door back into the kitchen beyond. On the floor under the shelves was a huge patch of ice. >x shelves I would guess that they were used for holding ice cream and frozen desserts, or other frozen goods. >e Cold Storage This room was cold. And just bare metal walls. They must have emptied it out for the week while school was out. A tiny lightbulb was shining above. The door out to the kitchen was open, to the east. The room wasn't totally empty. A rack of lab coats was here; Victor probably rolled it in to get it off the kitchen floor before waxing. A doorway to the west, with clear plastic curtains, beckoned me further in. >e I stepped back through the door into the kitchen. School Kitchen I really couldn't see what Victor was talking about. The place looked absolutely clean. The food prep counter, the cabinets, the sinks, stoves and ovens; all were pristine and flashed in the light. Even the floor was clean; a couple of powerful fans were blowing on it and making quite a racket. To the west was a cooler door; it was open and cold air was streaming out of it. To the north was a steel door, probably the back door leading out to the dumpster area; it was closed. To the southeast were the swing-doors leading back out to the cafeteria. I could have sworn I saw an ant cross the food prep counter, then disappear. >unlock steel back door with steel key (first taking the steel key) Got it. That didn't seem to fit the lock. >w Cold Storage This room was cold. And just bare metal walls. They must have emptied it out for the week while school was out. A tiny lightbulb was shining above. The door out to the kitchen was open, to the east. The room wasn't totally empty. A rack of lab coats was here; Victor probably rolled it in to get it off the kitchen floor before waxing. A doorway to the west, with clear plastic curtains, beckoned me further in. >x bulb It was way above my head and bright as shit. >x coats They were the white coats worn by the lunch ladies when the do their work for us. There were about seven or eight of them. >take it It was way out of my freakin' reach. >x coats They were the white coats worn by the lunch ladies when the do their work for us. There were about seven or eight of them. >take them I didn't think I would need to disguise myself as a lab worker, much less a lunch lady. Besides, Victor or anyone would probably see right through me. >search them I ran my hands down each coat, both sides, mainly around hip pocket level. When I got to the last one, I definitely felt something in a pocket. I reached into the pocket and pulled out the steel hook that I 'found' earlier! >x hook A hook with a crosspiece on the straight end. It looked old, about an inch and a half long, but strong and sturdy. >l Cold Storage This room was cold. And just bare metal walls. They must have emptied it out for the week while school was out. A tiny lightbulb was shining above. The door out to the kitchen was open, to the east. The room wasn't totally empty. A rack of lab coats was here; Victor probably rolled it in to get it off the kitchen floor before waxing. A doorway to the west, with clear plastic curtains, beckoned me further in. >w I stepped back into the freezer. Walk-In Freezer This place wasn't much different, except for two things. One was that there were shelves lining the north wall; the opposite wall had a line of fans high up, which were absolutely still. The other was that it was bitter fuckin' cold in there, but it seemed to be getting warmer. Through the plastic curtain to the east was the warmer half of the cooler, and the door back into the kitchen beyond. On the floor under the shelves was a huge patch of ice. >x shelves I would guess that they were used for holding ice cream and frozen desserts, or other frozen goods. >x ice The ice patch was enormous. A two-foot wide, two-inch thick circle; some of it butted up against the wall. It was thickest at the middle and sloped downward towards the edges; it was totally white. How the hell it got here...?? Maybe someone spilled a huge friggin' amount of water..?? I was careful to avoid it as I looked around. >look in ice I couldn't see through it, it was completely white. Probably from being there and water dripping on it for a very long time. >i I was carrying: a steel hook a steel key some rubber boots (being worn) a baby bottle (open but empty) my ripped notebook a dirty uniform (being worn) a drill rifle (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my acoustic guitar (being worn) my usual threads (being worn) a fifth note an unsmoked cigarette a big pretzel a credit card a green backpack (open) my keyring my house key my locker key my green pencil some spare keys a lounge key a flashlight (providing light) a school anthem a folded sticky note a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a third note a remote controller a second note Anne's diary Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill a yellow scrap a pack of Vance peanut butter crackers a fourth note My pocket was empty. >break ice I much prefer to make verbal attacks. >e Cold Storage This room was cold. And just bare metal walls. They must have emptied it out for the week while school was out. A tiny lightbulb was shining above. The door out to the kitchen was open, to the east. The room wasn't totally empty. A rack of lab coats was here; Victor probably rolled it in to get it off the kitchen floor before waxing. A doorway to the west, with clear plastic curtains, beckoned me further in. >e I stepped back through the door into the kitchen. School Kitchen I really couldn't see what Victor was talking about. The place looked absolutely clean. The food prep counter, the cabinets, the sinks, stoves and ovens; all were pristine and flashed in the light. Even the floor was clean; a couple of powerful fans were blowing on it and making quite a racket. To the west was a cooler door; it was open and cold air was streaming out of it. To the north was a steel door, probably the back door leading out to the dumpster area; it was closed. To the southeast were the swing-doors leading back out to the cafeteria. >se (first opening the swing-doors) I pushed open the swing-doors. Cafeteria This was a huge, long room, full of formica tables with plastic chairs laid upside-down on them. Windows lined the north wall; a buffet line ran along that wall, to a counter in the northwest corner, behind which I could see the swing-doors going into the kitchen. To the south were the glass double-doors through which students could escape and get fresh air. East and west were doorways back out into the hall. I could hear the sound of fans going, through the kitchen doors. Sitting behind the lunch counter was the lost-and-found box. Victor was busy here, sweeping under the tables and chairs. A faint whiff of floor wax passed under my nose. The kitchen swing-doors were swinging slowly back and forth. >w I might have attracted attention out in the halls, with the steel-cleated boots on; so I took them off, first. I crossed the cafeteria to the doorway, and was greeted by a hallway full of lockers. North Hall, at the lockers The north wall of this part of the hall was just solid lockers. On the south side were just a few classroom doors, with lockers in between them. I always thought this setup completely sucked, because just about everyone had to come into this area between classes. Whatever. Will's locker was at the very bottom, nearest the doorway to the cafeteria, which was to the east. The lockers continued to the west. There was something curious about Will's locker, but I couldn't put my finger on it. >x will's (Will's locker) Dead last, #501. He almost never used it; I wondered if he even still had the key. Like mine, it had one of those cheap built-in locks, which locked when you closed it. Then I noticed the corner of a folded piece of paper sticking out of the air vent on the door. Now I was freakin' curious. Claiming to myself extenuating circumstances, I plucked the paper out of the air vent. >x paper Which do you mean, the creased notebook page, the torn note or the yellow scrap? >i I was carrying: a creased notebook page a steel hook a steel key some rubber boots a baby bottle (open but empty) my ripped notebook a dirty uniform (being worn) a drill rifle (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my acoustic guitar (being worn) my usual threads (being worn) a fifth note an unsmoked cigarette a big pretzel a credit card a green backpack (open) my keyring my house key my locker key my green pencil some spare keys a lounge key a flashlight (providing light) a school anthem a folded sticky note a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a third note a remote controller a second note Anne's diary Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill a yellow scrap a pack of Vance peanut butter crackers a fourth note My pocket was empty. >x creased It looked like some notes, in pencil, in Will's scratchy handwriting. For infinite love-- 1 ounce peanut butter handful of rock salt 12 ounces llama urine Must be mixed in exactly this way-- 1 Boil the urine 2 Add the peanut butter and the rock salt 3 Cool it down 4 Serve with an infant's drinking vessel Must be suckled by two virgins of choice in presence of one fully mature woman. Must be administered by a male virgin dressed as an infant. This must have been what Will was writing down in the library last week, from that stupid book...?? How freakin' bizzarre! I just couldn't see Will even getting ONE girl to agree to this, let alone three. Was Will THAT friggin' desperate?? >* eek That's not a verb I recognize. >w As I continued west along the hall, checking classroom doors (which were all locked) and windows (which were all dark), it hit me that I was just about to complete my search of the school's halls. But somehow, I knew that my search for Anne, or the Creep, would not end there. I also realized that I was approaching my locker. North Hall, west end The north and south sides of this long hall were lined with many sets of student lockers, alternating with doorways into classrooms, and continued to the east, up to the cafeteria. I was lucky--I picked a locker near the door--locker #9. The only reason why I would voluntarily come into this part of the building. To the south were the glass doors leading outside; they were chained closed. >s (first opening the north glass doors) I pushed tentatively at the glass doors, but they were tightly locked. >x locker (the locker #9) Just your regular 18 inch tall, one foot deep locker with one of those cheap built-in locks, with the bottom about chest-height. It has some slots on the front, I guess for air circulation. >open it It seemed to be locked. >unlock locker (the locker #9) Got it. I selected the locker key from my keyring. I approached my locker curiously. Maybe there was a surprise waiting for me? If not here, then somewhere? I shook at the thought. Then I pulled myself together, and yanked open the locker. And there it was, yet another red-sharpied note from the Creep. It floated gently to the floor; when it moved, I noticed a bronze key had been left there, in my locker, probably slipped through the vent. I stared at the note for a minute, as I grabbed the key, wondering what kind of schlock it would say this time. I unlocked my locker with the key. >read sixth In red sharpie, it said-- HELLO TOM, DO YOU MISS ME?? YOU ARE SO PREDICTABLE. I KNEW YOU WOULD CHECK YOUR LOCKER AGAIN. BUT AS IT IS TAKING YOU SO FUCKING LONG TO FIND ME, AND YOU DO NOT LIKE ACTUALLY PUTTING IN SOME EFFORT, I THOUGHT I WOULD GIVE YOU SOME HELP. I HAVE LEFT A LITTLE KEY WITH THIS NOTE--IT UNLOCKS THE BACK DOOR TO THE CAFETERIA KITCHEN. YOU'LL HAVE TO GET BY THAT STUPID CUSTODIAN. AND WATCH YOUR STEP! HE'S WAXING THE FLOOR! THAT'LL BE YOUR PROBLEM! I WILL BE WAITING FOR YOU OUTSIDE THAT DOOR. PLEASE HAVE THAT NOTEBOOK, AND MEET ME BEFORE SUNRISE, OR THERE WILL BE MAXIMUM TROUBLE. NO TRICKS, OR YOUR WHORE WILL GET IT, AND YOU KNOW WHAT THAT FUCKING MEANS! I could only imagine. Then it hit me. How did he know where my locker was? But then he did say that he had been observing my behavior. Could he be another student? Nah. He sounded older over the phone. But then it's easy to talk that way. Could he be one of the daytime custodians? A teacher or faculty member? He could be just about anybody. I shrugged my shoulders. Next stop: the cafeteria kitchen. >take bronze I was already carrying that. >x it It's tiny and bronze. With the letters "KBD" etched into it. Must mean "Kitchen Back Door". >e I went back up the hall, towards the cafeteria and the other lockers. North Hall, at the lockers The north wall of this part of the hall was just solid lockers. On the south side were just a few classroom doors, with lockers in between them. I always thought this setup completely sucked, because just about everyone had to come into this area between classes. Whatever. Will's locker was at the very bottom, nearest the doorway to the cafeteria, which was to the east. The lockers continued to the west. >e Cafeteria This was a huge, long room, full of formica tables with plastic chairs laid upside-down on them. Windows lined the north wall; a buffet line ran along that wall, to a counter in the northwest corner, behind which I could see the swing-doors going into the kitchen. To the south were the glass double-doors through which students could escape and get fresh air. East and west were doorways back out into the hall. I could hear the sound of fans going, through the kitchen doors. Sitting behind the lunch counter was the lost-and-found box. Victor was busy here, sweeping under the tables and chairs. >nw As I started towards the kitchen doors, Victor cried, "Hey! The floor in there has fresh wax. Get some boots on, first." I saw a frown on his face as he went back to work. I desisted. >wear boots The things were so frickin' big that they fit neatly over my sneakers. >nw I went behind the counter towards the kitchen doors. (first opening the swing-doors) I pushed open the swing-doors. School Kitchen I really couldn't see what Victor was talking about. The place looked absolutely clean. The food prep counter, the cabinets, the sinks, stoves and ovens; all were pristine and flashed in the light. Even the floor was clean; a couple of powerful fans were blowing on it and making quite a racket. To the west was a cooler door; it was open and cold air was streaming out of it. To the north was a steel door, probably the back door leading out to the dumpster area; it was closed. To the southeast were the swing-doors leading back out to the cafeteria. The kitchen swing-doors were swinging slowly back and forth. >unlock steel Which do you mean, the steel back door, the steel hook or the steel key? >back Given the keyhole, I thought I would need a key. The kitchen swing-doors were swinging slowly back and forth. The swing-doors stopped swinging. >unlock back with bronze I unlocked the back door with the bronze key. >save Ok. >n (first opening the steel back door) I pushed the back door open, inviting the awful smells of the back garbage area into the pristine kitchen. I stepped slowly through the door, onto the gravelly pavement, and into the smells of the back area, wondering what or who I would friggin' meet. I could hear the fans blasting from inside the kitchen, as I started looking around. I didn't have long to wait. Please press SPACE to continue. "SSSsst! SSSSST!" A rasping sound came from the direction of the dumpster. "Close that door! NOW!" said the familiar raspy voice. I complied. I had finally met the Creep. A chill went down my fuckin' spine. "Good. Now do exactly as I say. AND NO TRICKS!" It sounded like the raspy whisper was coming from inside the fuckin' dumpster. "This shouldn't be too hard for you. I want you to put the notebook--you do have it, do you?--into the dumpster. Now was that too hard for you??" That stupid simpering tone again. "Are there any questions? No? Then DO IT! NOW!" Dump Area A gravelly alcove just wide enough to take a garbage truck; a dumpster occupied the center of the school brick wall, on the south side, right next to the kitchen back door. The fence was to the north, stretching tightly between brick walls to the east and west. I could see Russel Street, and the trees beyond, through the sliding, remote controlled gate in the fence; the area was dimly lit by streetlights along Russel. Right next to the back door, on the wall, was what looked like a breaker box. The garbage crew must have taken out the trash; the smell wasn't as rancid as I thought it might be. But it still stank to hell. The kitchen back door was closed. What was freakin' odd was that, though there were wide tire tracks in the gravel, like from a garbage truck, leading up to the dumpster, there wasn't even any evidence that there was a car here. I could hear slow breathing coming from inside the dumpster. >* why is the track thing odd? That's not a verb I recognize. >enter dumpster Not while that piece of shit was in there. He could have been armed. >x box It was one of those circuit breakers that you find behind houses and buildings. This one probably operated the circuits in the kitchen and cafeteria. It was closed. >open it "Hey, I am RIGHT HERE! WHAT ARE YOU DOING??" rasped the voice, as I approached the fence. Something about his tone told me I'd better fuckin' comply. >* fair That's not a verb I recognize. >put notebook in dumpster Which do you mean, the creased notebook page, the ripped notebook or Anne's diary? >diary The Creep snatched Anne's diary from me like it was candy to a fuckin' baby. I saw a little light come on inside the dumpster, probably him turning around to look at it with a penlight. I heard him mumble. "Hmmm...yes..." Then the light clicked off. "Okay, Tom," he whispered. "You did good, in spite of your STUPIDITY and UTTER LAZINESS." He used that stupid droopy voice again to say "I'm pwoud of you. Very pwoud." Then his whispering voice sharpened. "Now I want you to go back into that kitchen, close the fucking door, and if you want to see your STUPID WHORE again, ALIVE, DO NOT COME BACK in the next fifteen minutes. If you do, YOU will be in BIG TROUBLE, and so will SHE! Now GO AWAY!" He seemed to mean that. But I just had to carry things on. "How will I know if she is okay? What about that other surprise you told me about?" His whispering took on that stupid tone again, which made me want to strangle him. "Oh, me sowwy. The other wittle supwise." His whisper got sharper again. "Well, I'd hate to disappoint the Tom Trundle, but I honestly thought you wouldn't give a damn enough to actually follow through with this task, as LAZY and IGNORANT as you are. So let's just say that I was dangling the carrot. And as for HER," his whispering got louder, "that'll just be YOUR....FUCKING...PROBLEM! Now GET OUT OF HERE!" Probably should do as he said. >* I am very confused on this guy's plan That's not a verb I recognize. >s (first opening the steel back door) I pulled open the back door, ready to go back in because it really smelled like shit back there. Remembering the warning to wait fifteen minutes before going back out, I closed the door. I had no way of knowing what would happen to Anne or whether or not she would be safe. I didn't even know whether this Creep was 'for real' or not. And I seriously wanted to know. And how was he going to get out of that dump area? How did he get in? Was I missing something? I really felt like I wanted to go back out there and give things another look. But first I needed to wait the fifteen minutes. Having watched the school clocks so often, I had a good friggin' sense of time. School Kitchen I really couldn't see what Victor was talking about. The place looked absolutely clean. The food prep counter, the cabinets, the sinks, stoves and ovens; all were pristine and flashed in the light. Even the floor was clean; a couple of powerful fans were blowing on it and making quite a racket. To the west was a cooler door; it was open and cold air was streaming out of it. To the north was a steel door, probably the back door leading out to the dumpster area; it was closed. To the southeast were the swing-doors leading back out to the cafeteria. I detected a small movement, on the prep counter, out of the corner of my eye. >x counter Steel, and absolutely pristine and shiny. I couldn't see anything wrong with it. I could have sworn I saw an ant cross the food prep counter, then disappear. >x walls I couldn't see any such thing. >look under coutner I couldn't see any such thing. >look under counter I looked all under and on it, but found nothing interesting. >look behind counter I couldn't see any such thing. >search counter I looked all under and on it, but found nothing interesting. I detected a small movement, on the prep counter, out of the corner of my eye. >x walls I couldn't see any such thing. >search floor I couldn't see any such thing. >search walls I couldn't see any such thing. >x ant I couldn't see any such thing. >z Time passed. >wait Time passed. I could have sworn I saw an ant cross the food prep counter, then disappear. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. I detected a small movement, on the prep counter, out of the corner of my eye. >x ant I couldn't see any such thing. >shine light on counter I only understood you as far as wanting to shine the flashlight. >l School Kitchen I really couldn't see what Victor was talking about. The place looked absolutely clean. The food prep counter, the cabinets, the sinks, stoves and ovens; all were pristine and flashed in the light. Even the floor was clean; a couple of powerful fans were blowing on it and making quite a racket. To the west was a cooler door; it was open and cold air was streaming out of it. To the north was a steel door, probably the back door leading out to the dumpster area; it was closed. To the southeast were the swing-doors leading back out to the cafeteria. >save Ok. >n (first opening the steel back door) But I didn't think the fifteen minutes was quite over. I didn't want to endanger Anne if I could avoid it. >z Time passed. I could have sworn I saw an ant cross the food prep counter, then disappear. >z Time passed. I detected a small movement, on the prep counter, out of the corner of my eye. >se (first opening the swing-doors) I pushed open the swing-doors. Cafeteria This was a huge, long room, full of formica tables with plastic chairs laid upside-down on them. Windows lined the north wall; a buffet line ran along that wall, to a counter in the northwest corner, behind which I could see the swing-doors going into the kitchen. To the south were the glass double-doors through which students could escape and get fresh air. East and west were doorways back out into the hall. I could hear the sound of fans going, through the kitchen doors. Sitting behind the lunch counter was the lost-and-found box. Victor was busy here, sweeping under the tables and chairs. The kitchen swing-doors were swinging slowly back and forth. >e I might have attracted attention out in the halls, with the steel-cleated boots on; so I took them off, first. I went back into the hall. North Hall, east end On the north wall were the only two restrooms in existence in the building--a boys' room to the northeast, and a girls' room to the northwest, with a few classroom doors beyond them. Classroom doors lined the south wall between the steel doors, which were to the east, and the doorway to the cafeteria area to the west. I could see the tables and chairs of the cafeteria, and the opposite doorway in the distance. The door to a cleaning closet was to the south; it was open. I felt like the fifteen minutes were up. Now I could go back and check out the back dump area again. >w I went back up the hall, into the cafeteria. Cafeteria This was a huge, long room, full of formica tables with plastic chairs laid upside-down on them. Windows lined the north wall; a buffet line ran along that wall, to a counter in the northwest corner, behind which I could see the swing-doors going into the kitchen. To the south were the glass double-doors through which students could escape and get fresh air. East and west were doorways back out into the hall. I could hear the sound of fans going, through the kitchen doors. Sitting behind the lunch counter was the lost-and-found box. Victor was busy here, sweeping under the tables and chairs. >nw As I started towards the kitchen doors, Victor cried, "Hey! The floor in there has fresh wax. Get some boots on, first." I saw a frown on his face as he went back to work. I desisted. >n I couldn't go that way. >wear boots The things were so frickin' big that they fit neatly over my sneakers. Victor gave me yet another look, as if inviting me to friggin' leave. >nw I went behind the counter towards the kitchen doors. (first opening the swing-doors) I pushed open the swing-doors. School Kitchen I really couldn't see what Victor was talking about. The place looked absolutely clean. The food prep counter, the cabinets, the sinks, stoves and ovens; all were pristine and flashed in the light. Even the floor was clean; a couple of powerful fans were blowing on it and making quite a racket. To the west was a cooler door; it was open and cold air was streaming out of it. To the north was a steel door, probably the back door leading out to the dumpster area; it was closed. To the southeast were the swing-doors leading back out to the cafeteria. The kitchen swing-doors were swinging slowly back and forth. >n (first opening the steel back door) I pushed the back door open, inviting the awful smells of the back garbage area into the pristine kitchen. I stepped back out the door, into the night. Dump Area A gravelly alcove just wide enough to take a garbage truck; a dumpster occupied the center of the school brick wall, on the south side, right next to the kitchen back door. The fence was to the north, stretching tightly between brick walls to the east and west. I could see Russel Street, and the trees beyond, through the sliding, remote controlled gate in the fence; the area was dimly lit by streetlights along Russel. Right next to the back door, on the wall, was what looked like a breaker box. The garbage crew must have taken out the trash; the smell wasn't as rancid as I thought it might be. But it still stank to hell. The kitchen back door was standing open. What was freakin' odd was that, though there were wide tire tracks in the gravel, like from a garbage truck, leading up to the dumpster, there wasn't even any evidence that there was a car here. >x dumpster It was one of those huge, green metal containers that you see sitting out back of institutions like my school. It had a sliding door that opens and closes, facing the direction of the back door. The dumpster door was open and I could see only darkness inside. The top of the dumpster was closed and out of my reach. >enter it Instead of actually hopping in, and getting crap all over me or catching disease, I shined my flashlight into the dumpster. All I saw were the rusty metal bottom and sides; yes, the trash was taken. Including that piece of crap kidnapper. He left no clue about where he went or even who the fuck he was. Where was he?? >smell Taking a whiff back here was suicide, even if the dumpster was empty. I chose to just breathe evenly. >l Dump Area A gravelly alcove just wide enough to take a garbage truck; a dumpster occupied the center of the school brick wall, on the south side, right next to the kitchen back door. The fence was to the north, stretching tightly between brick walls to the east and west. I could see Russel Street, and the trees beyond, through the sliding, remote controlled gate in the fence; the area was dimly lit by streetlights along Russel. Right next to the back door, on the wall, was what looked like a breaker box. The garbage crew must have taken out the trash; the smell wasn't as rancid as I thought it might be. But it still stank to hell. The kitchen back door was standing open. What was freakin' odd was that, though there were wide tire tracks in the gravel, like from a garbage truck, leading up to the dumpster, there wasn't even any evidence that there was a car here. >x tracks Just lots of random rocks and pebbles. With wide tracks leading up to the dumpster, probably from this morning's garbage pickup. >x fence It completely surrounded the campus. All it needed was razor-wire along the top and the impression would be complete. >x box It was one of those circuit breakers that you find behind houses and buildings. This one probably operated the circuits in the kitchen and cafeteria. It was closed. >open it I pulled the cover of the box open, revealing some rows of switches. One of them was labelled FREEZER. >push switch Which do you mean, the freezer switch, the volume rocker switch or the channel rocker switch? >freezer Noting that the switch was probably 'on', because I was just in the freezer, and the fans were going, I pulled the switch. I noted that the switch was now opposite its original position, which was probably 'off'. >s I stepped back into the kitchen, glad to escape the thick miasma of the dump area. School Kitchen I really couldn't see what Victor was talking about. The place looked absolutely clean. The food prep counter, the cabinets, the sinks, stoves and ovens; all were pristine and flashed in the light. Even the floor was clean; a couple of powerful fans were blowing on it and making quite a racket. To the west was a cooler door; it was open and cold air was streaming out of it. To the north was a steel door, the back door leading out to the dumpster area; it was standing open, letting in putrid smells from the area outside. To the southeast were the swing-doors leading back out to the cafeteria. >w Cold Storage This room was cold. And just bare metal walls. They must have emptied it out for the week while school was out. A tiny lightbulb was shining above. The door out to the kitchen was open, to the east. The room wasn't totally empty. A rack of lab coats was here; Victor probably rolled it in to get it off the kitchen floor before waxing. A doorway to the west, with clear plastic curtains, beckoned me further in. >w I stepped back into the freezer. Walk-In Freezer This place wasn't much different, except for two things. One was that there were shelves lining the north wall; the opposite wall had a line of fans high up, which were absolutely still. The other was that it was bitter fuckin' cold in there, but it seemed to be getting warmer. Through the plastic curtain to the east was the warmer half of the cooler, and the door back into the kitchen beyond. On the floor under the shelves was a huge patch of ice. >x ice The ice patch was enormous. A two-foot wide, two-inch thick circle; some of it butted up against the wall. It was thickest at the middle and sloped downward towards the edges; it was totally white. How the hell it got here...?? Maybe someone spilled a huge friggin' amount of water..?? I was careful to avoid it as I looked around. >e Cold Storage This room was cold. And just bare metal walls. They must have emptied it out for the week while school was out. A tiny lightbulb was shining above. The door out to the kitchen was open, to the east. The room wasn't totally empty. A rack of lab coats was here; Victor probably rolled it in to get it off the kitchen floor before waxing. A doorway to the west, with clear plastic curtains, beckoned me further in. >e I stepped back through the door into the kitchen. School Kitchen I really couldn't see what Victor was talking about. The place looked absolutely clean. The food prep counter, the cabinets, the sinks, stoves and ovens; all were pristine and flashed in the light. Even the floor was clean; a couple of powerful fans were blowing on it and making quite a racket. To the west was a cooler door; it was open and cold air was streaming out of it. To the north was a steel door, the back door leading out to the dumpster area; it was standing open, letting in putrid smells from the area outside. To the southeast were the swing-doors leading back out to the cafeteria. I could have sworn I saw an ant cross the food prep counter, then disappear. >* hmm OK where now? That's not a verb I recognize. >e I couldn't go that way. >think about freezer Which do you mean, the freezer switch or the white refrigerator? >switch (the flashlight) I clicked the flashlight off. >think about ice I wonder how that ice was formed. >x leak I couldn't see any such thing. >l School Kitchen I really couldn't see what Victor was talking about. The place looked absolutely clean. The food prep counter, the cabinets, the sinks, stoves and ovens; all were pristine and flashed in the light. Even the floor was clean; a couple of powerful fans were blowing on it and making quite a racket. To the west was a cooler door; it was open and cold air was streaming out of it. To the north was a steel door, the back door leading out to the dumpster area; it was standing open, letting in putrid smells from the area outside. To the southeast were the swing-doors leading back out to the cafeteria. >w Cold Storage This room was cold. And just bare metal walls. They must have emptied it out for the week while school was out. A tiny lightbulb was shining above. The door out to the kitchen was open, to the east. The room wasn't totally empty. A rack of lab coats was here; Victor probably rolled it in to get it off the kitchen floor before waxing. A doorway to the west, with clear plastic curtains, beckoned me further in. >w I stepped back into the freezer. Walk-In Freezer This place wasn't much different, except for two things. One was that there were shelves lining the north wall; the opposite wall had a line of fans high up, which were absolutely still. The other was that it was bitter fuckin' cold in there, but it seemed to be getting warmer. Through the plastic curtain to the east was the warmer half of the cooler, and the door back into the kitchen beyond. On the floor under the shelves was a huge patch of ice. >x leak I couldn't see any such thing. >x shelves I would guess that they were used for holding ice cream and frozen desserts, or other frozen goods. >lick ice I used to chew on ice as a kid, but I was not that hard up for candy now. >x fans Box fans. The were absolutely still. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >z Time passed. >l Walk-In Freezer This place wasn't much different, except for two things. One was that there were shelves lining the north wall; the opposite wall had a line of fans high up, which were absolutely still. The other was that it was bitter fuckin' cold in there, but it seemed to be getting warmer. Through the plastic curtain to the east was the warmer half of the cooler, and the door back into the kitchen beyond. On the floor under the shelves was a huge patch of ice. >x curtain A bunch of thick, transparent pieces of plastic hanging closely together from the top of the doorway. >x creased It looked like some notes, in pencil, in Will's scratchy handwriting. For infinite love-- 1 ounce peanut butter handful of rock salt 12 ounces llama urine Must be mixed in exactly this way-- 1 Boil the urine 2 Add the peanut butter and the rock salt 3 Cool it down 4 Serve with an infant's drinking vessel Must be suckled by two virgins of choice in presence of one fully mature woman. Must be administered by a male virgin dressed as an infant. This must have been what Will was writing down in the library last week, from that stupid book...?? How freakin' bizzarre! I just couldn't see Will even getting ONE girl to agree to this, let alone three. Was Will THAT friggin' desperate?? >e Cold Storage This room was cold. And just bare metal walls. They must have emptied it out for the week while school was out. A tiny lightbulb was shining above. The door out to the kitchen was open, to the east. The room wasn't totally empty. A rack of lab coats was here; Victor probably rolled it in to get it off the kitchen floor before waxing. A doorway to the west, with clear plastic curtains, beckoned me further in. >e I stepped back through the door into the kitchen. School Kitchen I really couldn't see what Victor was talking about. The place looked absolutely clean. The food prep counter, the cabinets, the sinks, stoves and ovens; all were pristine and flashed in the light. Even the floor was clean; a couple of powerful fans were blowing on it and making quite a racket. To the west was a cooler door; it was open and cold air was streaming out of it. To the north was a steel door, the back door leading out to the dumpster area; it was standing open, letting in putrid smells from the area outside. To the southeast were the swing-doors leading back out to the cafeteria. >se (first opening the swing-doors) I pushed open the swing-doors. Cafeteria This was a huge, long room, full of formica tables with plastic chairs laid upside-down on them. Windows lined the north wall; a buffet line ran along that wall, to a counter in the northwest corner, behind which I could see the swing-doors going into the kitchen. To the south were the glass double-doors through which students could escape and get fresh air. East and west were doorways back out into the hall. I could hear the sound of fans going, through the kitchen doors. Sitting behind the lunch counter was the lost-and-found box. Victor was busy here, sweeping under the tables and chairs. The kitchen swing-doors were swinging slowly back and forth. >e I might have attracted attention out in the halls, with the steel-cleated boots on; so I took them off, first. I went back into the hall. North Hall, east end On the north wall were the only two restrooms in existence in the building--a boys' room to the northeast, and a girls' room to the northwest, with a few classroom doors beyond them. Classroom doors lined the south wall between the steel doors, which were to the east, and the doorway to the cafeteria area to the west. I could see the tables and chairs of the cafeteria, and the opposite doorway in the distance. The door to a cleaning closet was to the south; it was open. >e (first opening the north hall doors) They seemed to be locked. >e (first opening the north hall doors) They seemed to be locked. >s North Janitor's Closet And another floor sink. The door, to the north, was open, letting in light from the hall. A banister to the south marked the top of a spiral stairway leading down. >n I stepped out of the janitor's closet yet again. North Hall, east end On the north wall were the only two restrooms in existence in the building--a boys' room to the northeast, and a girls' room to the northwest, with a few classroom doors beyond them. Classroom doors lined the south wall between the steel doors, which were to the east, and the doorway to the cafeteria area to the west. I could see the tables and chairs of the cafeteria, and the opposite doorway in the distance. The door to a cleaning closet was to the south; it was open. >n There were no unlocked or open doors in that direction. >ne (first opening the boys' room door) I pushed the door open, and it began to briskly swing back closed. I stepped into the boys' room, bracing myself for the smells. Boys' Restroom Welcome to our crappy boys' room. Tiles missing from the floor. Urinals lined the north wall. All of them cracked. As were the sinks and mirrors. The stalls were on the south wall; all of their locks were busted. Except for the one good stall, the one I always used, the middle one to the south. The door out of this place was to the southwest. The bathroom door was swinging back. >s I gave the stalls all another look, and found nothing different. The bathroom door was swinging back. >sw I stepped back into the hall. North Hall, east end On the north wall were the only two restrooms in existence in the building--a boys' room to the northeast, and a girls' room to the northwest, with a few classroom doors beyond them. Classroom doors lined the south wall between the steel doors, which were to the east, and the doorway to the cafeteria area to the west. I could see the tables and chairs of the cafeteria, and the opposite doorway in the distance. The door to a cleaning closet was to the south; it was open. The boys' room door was swinging back. The boys' room door swung quietly closed. >x hook A hook with a crosspiece on the straight end. It looked old, about an inch and a half long, but strong and sturdy. >w I went back up the hall, into the cafeteria. Cafeteria This was a huge, long room, full of formica tables with plastic chairs laid upside-down on them. Windows lined the north wall; a buffet line ran along that wall, to a counter in the northwest corner, behind which I could see the swing-doors going into the kitchen. To the south were the glass double-doors through which students could escape and get fresh air. East and west were doorways back out into the hall. I could hear the sound of fans going, through the kitchen doors. Sitting behind the lunch counter was the lost-and-found box. Victor was busy here, sweeping under the tables and chairs. >w I crossed the cafeteria to the doorway, and was greeted by a hallway full of lockers. North Hall, at the lockers The north wall of this part of the hall was just solid lockers. On the south side were just a few classroom doors, with lockers in between them. I always thought this setup completely sucked, because just about everyone had to come into this area between classes. Whatever. Will's locker was at the very bottom, nearest the doorway to the cafeteria, which was to the east. The lockers continued to the west. >w I went back down the hall, to the exit. North Hall, west end The north and south sides of this long hall were lined with many sets of student lockers, alternating with doorways into classrooms, and continued to the east, up to the cafeteria. I was lucky--I picked a locker near the door--locker #9. The only reason why I would voluntarily come into this part of the building. To the south were the glass doors leading outside; they were chained closed. Lying on the floor under my locker was yet another stupid note from the Creep. >x note Which do you mean, the sixth note, the creased notebook page, the fifth note, the folded sticky note, the third note, the second note, Will's note, the torn note, the yellow scrap or the fourth note? >l North Hall, west end The north and south sides of this long hall were lined with many sets of student lockers, alternating with doorways into classrooms, and continued to the east, up to the cafeteria. I was lucky--I picked a locker near the door--locker #9. The only reason why I would voluntarily come into this part of the building. To the south were the glass doors leading outside; they were chained closed. Lying on the floor under my locker was yet another stupid note from the Creep. >i I was carrying: a bronze key my keyring my locker key my house key a creased notebook page a steel hook a steel key some rubber boots a baby bottle (open but empty) my ripped notebook a dirty uniform (being worn) a drill rifle (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my acoustic guitar (being worn) my usual threads (being worn) a fifth note an unsmoked cigarette a big pretzel a credit card a green backpack (open) my green pencil some spare keys a lounge key a flashlight a school anthem a folded sticky note a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a third note a remote controller a second note Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill a yellow scrap a pack of Vance peanut butter crackers a fourth note My pocket was empty. >take sixth (putting the fourth note into the green backpack to make room) I tossed the fourth note into the backpack. My hands were already friggin' full. >l North Hall, west end The north and south sides of this long hall were lined with many sets of student lockers, alternating with doorways into classrooms, and continued to the east, up to the cafeteria. I was lucky--I picked a locker near the door--locker #9. The only reason why I would voluntarily come into this part of the building. To the south were the glass doors leading outside; they were chained closed. Lying on the floor under my locker was yet another stupid note from the Creep. >take sixth (putting the pack of Vance peanut butter crackers into the green backpack to make room) I tossed the pack of Vance peanut butter crackers into the backpack. My hands were already friggin' full. >put all in backpack rubber boots: I tossed the rubber boots into the backpack. bronze key: I tossed the bronze key into the backpack. keyring: I tossed the keyring into the backpack. creased notebook page: I tossed the creased notebook page into the backpack. steel hook: I tossed the steel hook into the backpack. steel key: I tossed the steel key into the backpack. baby bottle: I tossed the baby bottle into the backpack. ripped notebook: I tossed the ripped notebook into the backpack. fifth note: I tossed the fifth note into the backpack. unsmoked cigarette: I tossed the unsmoked cigarette into the backpack. big pretzel: I tossed the big pretzel into the backpack. credit card: I tossed the credit card into the backpack. yellow scrap: I tossed the yellow scrap into the backpack. >put pretzel in bottle (first taking the big pretzel) Got it. That would not fit into the baby bottle. >take salt I didn't want to disfigure Ziggy's gift. Besides, as pretzels weren't my thing, it was probably a better idea to leave it alone until I found someone who wanted it. >take peanut butter I couldn't see any such thing. >i I was carrying: a big pretzel a dirty uniform (being worn) a drill rifle (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my acoustic guitar (being worn) my usual threads (being worn) a green backpack (open) a yellow scrap a credit card an unsmoked cigarette a fifth note my ripped notebook a baby bottle (open but empty) a steel key a steel hook a creased notebook page my keyring my locker key my house key a bronze key some rubber boots a pack of Vance peanut butter crackers a fourth note my green pencil some spare keys a lounge key a flashlight a school anthem a folded sticky note a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a third note a remote controller a second note Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill My pocket was empty. >open crackers I definitely wasn't hungry at that time. >put crackers in bottle (first taking the pack of Vance peanut butter crackers) Got it. I put the pack of Vance peanut butter crackers into the baby bottle. >put pretzel in bottle That would not fit into the baby bottle. >eat pretzel Pretzels weren't my thing, and I wasn't hungry. But I felt it was a nice fuckin' gesture enough to hold onto it, at least until I could give it to someone who wanted it. >pee in bottle That's not a verb I recognize. >e I went back up the hall, towards the cafeteria and the other lockers. North Hall, at the lockers The north wall of this part of the hall was just solid lockers. On the south side were just a few classroom doors, with lockers in between them. I always thought this setup completely sucked, because just about everyone had to come into this area between classes. Whatever. Will's locker was at the very bottom, nearest the doorway to the cafeteria, which was to the east. The lockers continued to the west. >put urine in bottle I couldn't see any such thing. >* I mean I don't know That's not a verb I recognize. >e Cafeteria This was a huge, long room, full of formica tables with plastic chairs laid upside-down on them. Windows lined the north wall; a buffet line ran along that wall, to a counter in the northwest corner, behind which I could see the swing-doors going into the kitchen. To the south were the glass double-doors through which students could escape and get fresh air. East and west were doorways back out into the hall. I could hear the sound of fans going, through the kitchen doors. Sitting behind the lunch counter was the lost-and-found box. Victor was busy here, sweeping under the tables and chairs. >e I went back into the hall. North Hall, east end On the north wall were the only two restrooms in existence in the building--a boys' room to the northeast, and a girls' room to the northwest, with a few classroom doors beyond them. Classroom doors lined the south wall between the steel doors, which were to the east, and the doorway to the cafeteria area to the west. I could see the tables and chairs of the cafeteria, and the opposite doorway in the distance. The door to a cleaning closet was to the south; it was open. >e (first opening the north hall doors) They seemed to be locked. >s North Janitor's Closet And another floor sink. The door, to the north, was open, letting in light from the hall. A banister to the south marked the top of a spiral stairway leading down. >s Boiler Room This must have been a boiler room once. I saw a couple of large drums sitting against the north wall with large pipes coming out of them up top. Beside them some steps went north, up into the wall. The chute that I slid down, which is now a metal stairway, went up into the south wall. Next to it was a lever sticking out of the wall, in a horizontal position. The room was dry, dark, warm and stuffy. It was dimly lit by light coming down the metal stairway, from the library. >s I took some tentative steps onto the metal stairway. I wasn't so frickin' sure it would bear my weight or be any less slippery than it was as a chute. The climb was steep and I had to lean against one wall to keep my balance. Finally, I made it back up into the library. Library, back area This was kind of the most private area of the library. A study table with chairs was on the east side; a soft chair was sitting near the west wall, pulled away from the corner. Bookshelves lined the walls, except for the window on the north wall, the space behind the soft chair, and an opening to the south, between the bookcases, which led to the front of the library. A section of carpet behind the soft chair had been pulled away, to reveal what looked like another trap door, which had been pulled up open. >s Library, at the counter This carpeted area had the main counter along the west wall; a plush sofa, a square chair and a round chair made up a small reading area facing out towards the hall, which was to the south. Shelves of books covered the east wall, and more shelves flanked the way further into the library, to the north. The library office was to the west, past the counter. A card catalogue was on the other side of the office doorway. On the large counter was a large book. >s I stepped back into the hall. Middle Hall, at the library To the north was the huge open area that we call the school library. It was like a big display of books, everywhere. To the east was the end of the hall, at the steel doors; west the hall ended at the doorway into the Study Hall. >n I stepped into the library. Library, at the counter This carpeted area had the main counter along the west wall; a plush sofa, a square chair and a round chair made up a small reading area facing out towards the hall, which was to the south. Shelves of books covered the east wall, and more shelves flanked the way further into the library, to the north. The library office was to the west, past the counter. A card catalogue was on the other side of the office doorway. On the large counter was a large book. >read book (the large book) I turned through the book, and started reading about a school that had been built on the foundations of an old insane asylum. But I don't know if it was my attitude, the urgency of my mission, the fact that I was a friggin' adult, or a combination of those factors, that brought me back to the real world. >s I stepped back into the hall. Middle Hall, at the library To the north was the huge open area that we call the school library. It was like a big display of books, everywhere. To the east was the end of the hall, at the steel doors; west the hall ended at the doorway into the Study Hall. >e I went back up the hall to the steel doors. Middle Hall, at the steel doors Immediately to the east of me were the steel doors leading into East Hall; they were closed. Down the hall to the west I could see the school library, on the right. Past that, I could see the doorway into the Study Hall. The janitor's closet door, through which I came into this hall, was to the south; it was standing open. >e (first opening the middle hall doors) They seemed to be locked. >e (first opening the middle hall doors) They seemed to be locked. >w I went back down the hall towards the library. Middle Hall, at the library To the north was the huge open area that we call the school library. It was like a big display of books, everywhere. To the east was the end of the hall, at the steel doors; west the hall ended at the doorway into the Study Hall. >think about bottle (the bottle of ketchup) It was about half full. Somehow it reminded me of what happened one summer when I left a half-full bottle of cold soda in my dad's floorboards during a trip to the beach. We had the car parked facing the sun. It was there for hours; when we got back to the car, warm soda was all over the floor of the car and the passenger side. He never let me forget that. >think about hook I thought it might be useful for something that I did not know, yet. >think about baby bottle I wasn't sure what I would use it for, but I felt the need to keep it. >think about anne Anne must be in danger! This creep has freakin' kidnapped her, and is holding her on campus...?? Or somewhere?? I could not think of what he must be planning to do to her. I thought I must comply and bring this notebook to him, and find him somehow. All my thoughts and feelings of anger towards Anne were forgotten. Now what I felt was FEAR, for her and FUCKING ANGER towards her assailant. >think about creep He was probably gone from the dumpster area, but where did he go?? >nw There were no unlocked or open doors in that direction. >w I went back into the study hall. "Hello there, again, fella!" said Ulmer, as I entered the room. Study Hall This place sure didn't change since I was last there. All of the desks, including my usual scarred desk, were still in the same place, facing away from the north wall. And Mr Fendwhistle's desk is still in the same position. On the wall above the desk was the school clock. To the west, past the snack machines, was the exit to the schoolyard and the parking lot; east was the doorway into Middle Hall. Ulmer was here, scrubbing down desks. A cleaning cart sat next to the big desk up front. Ulmer spit-shined yet another desktop. >w Concession Area Again, I was back in the concession area, with its crappy snack machine and Poplicious soda machine. The double-doors to the west were closed, with a padlocked chain through the handles. The study hall was to the east, where I could see Ulmer working. >w (first opening the brown doors) They were very seriously locked. >e Study Hall This place sure didn't change since I was last there. All of the desks, including my usual scarred desk, were still in the same place, facing away from the north wall. And Mr Fendwhistle's desk is still in the same position. On the wall above the desk was the school clock. To the west, past the snack machines, was the exit to the schoolyard and the parking lot; east was the doorway into Middle Hall. Ulmer was here, scrubbing down desks. A cleaning cart sat next to the big desk up front. Ulmer tightened the loose top of one of the desks. >e I went back through the doorway into the hall, stopping at the library. Middle Hall, at the library To the north was the huge open area that we call the school library. It was like a big display of books, everywhere. To the east was the end of the hall, at the steel doors; west the hall ended at the doorway into the Study Hall. >s There were no unlocked or open doors in that direction. >s There were no unlocked or open doors in that direction. >e I went back up the hall to the steel doors. Middle Hall, at the steel doors Immediately to the east of me were the steel doors leading into East Hall; they were closed. Down the hall to the west I could see the school library, on the right. Past that, I could see the doorway into the Study Hall. The janitor's closet door, through which I came into this hall, was to the south; it was standing open. >s Middle Janitor's Closet Yep, yet another janitor's closet, with another floor sink. The door, to the north, was open, letting in light from the hall. A dark passage led through a hole to the southeast. >w I couldn't go that way. >s I couldn't go that way. >se Dark Passage It looks like I found another way into the basement of the building. Pipes and machinery were everywhere down here--and very little light, only from a tiny bulb somewhere overhead. I could see only two ways out of here: back up the stairway that I originally came down, and an opening leading into darkness northwest. >u I followed the steps back up to the break room, and stepped out from behind the refrigerator. East Janitor's Closet You could tell that this room was once a classroom; it was big with a window set into the door. Now it was a combination janitor's closet and break room for the custodians. They rigged up a floor sink in the corner, next to which was Scottie's mop bucket. I had moved an old refrigerator slightly away from the south wall, revealing a passage behind it; it had what looked like a schedule posted on its door. On a round table was an old TV set. Along the north wall was the long couch currently napped on by Scottie. The door out to the hall was to the west. Scottie was lying on the couch, snoozing and snoring like fuckin' crazy, muffled by the couch cushions. Leaning against the wall was a leather briefcase with 'S S' on the side. I heard a big muffled snort coming from the couch. >w (first opening the east janitor's door) East Hall, south end This corner of the building had the fire escape to the south, which was these doors that had a handle with a red sign on it. To the east was the janitor's closet of this hall, with its door open. To the west were the steel doors leading into the South Hall. This hall continued north from here, lined on either side with closed classroom doors. I could hear muffled snoring coming from the closet to the east. >w (first opening the south hall doors) I quietly and carefully pulled against the doors; they would not budge. I could hear muffled snoring coming from the closet to the east. >n I retraced my steps back to the lounge door. East Hall, at teacher's lounge I was near the south end of East Hall, just outside of the teacher's lounge, which was through the black door to the west. The hall led north, past the principal's office, and south, to the emergency exit. >w (first opening the lounge door) The door opened smoothly, and then started moving silently back to close. I stepped back into the lounge, and the aroma of cigarette smoke. Teacher's Lounge This lounge was hardly something to brag about. A long couch and a small sofa, each flanking a television set with a VCR underneath. Each looking like they had been donated by the local dump. Between the couch and the sofa was a tiny coffee table, with an ashtray on it. Against the west wall was a small counter with a microwave oven on it, beside which was a mini refrigerator. Another black door led east out into East Hall. The door I came in through was to the south. Ketchup was dripping down the front of the cabinet, from the mess I left inside the oven. I could also see a videotape here. The east lounge door was swinging quietly shut. >s (first opening the south lounge door) The door opened smoothly, and then started moving silently back to close. South Hall, east end I was at the east end of South Hall, where it ended at yet another set of steel double-doors. On the other side of these doors would be East Hall, which ran along the east side of the school. Just before the doors, in the north wall, was an odd door, painted black. It was open. The way back down the hall towards the gym was to the west. The lounge door was swinging quietly shut. >w I retraced my steps to the bulletin board. South Hall, at bulletin board Many classroom doors lined both sides of the hall, which went east-west from here. On the south wall was a bulletin board, with sliding glass doors, which was open. Across from the board, to the north, one classroom door was slightly ajar. It was the art room door. >w I went back to the gym, at the west end of the hall. Gym Entrance Now I was on the other side of the main gym doors, a set of steel double-doors to the west, which were closed. To the southwest was the janitor's closet; the door to this nook was open. To the north were glass double-doors that led outside--they had a chain with a padlock threaded through the handles. No frickin' going outside for me. This hall, the South Hall of the school with the junior-high classes, continued to the east. I could see a pizza box (closed) here. >w I wasn't about to walk onto that waxy floor with my flat sneakers. With no frickin' traction, I'd fall on my butt! >wear boots (first taking the rubber boots) Got it. The things were so frickin' big that they fit neatly over my sneakers. >w (first opening the steel double doors) I pulled the gym doors open by the handles. Among the Fans I was on the east side of the gym floor, near the steel doors, which were to the east. Those doors were open. To the southwest were some steps leading up into the bleachers. Some industrial fans had been set up here and there around the floor, to help dry the wax. To the west was the rest of the gym, and the door to the outside. One of the fans, an old one next to the doors, wasn't running. >w I trudged west back to the side-door of the gym, in my rubber boots. Gymnasium Compared to other schools, Lamb High had a really crappy gym. It was small, with bleachers on only one side of the basketball court. Not that I was really into sports, but when we had a basketball game, all of the spectators had to sit on that one side, so often fights would break out between fans of rival teams. Steps led up into the bleachers from here. A small hallway led south to the locker rooms. Across the gym floor to the east was the set of steel doors leading out to the hall; they were open. West was the side-door going outside. I had wedged it open with the saw horse. A number of huge fans had been placed around the periphery of the gym, blowing powerful gusts everywhere. The sound of the fans filled the gym; gusts of air blew in every direction. >w I pushed the door further open and stepped around the saw horse as I went. Gridiron Entrance I was in another lighted part of the lot, with a few cars, working and abandoned, parked here and there. Another huge gate to the south was closed over a driveway--which was the back way off of the campus. To the west, through another small gate, was my school's football field and track. East was the side-door into the gym, which was open, but swinging closed; I had put the saw horse in its way. The way back to the main parking lot was north. The small gate onto the field was open. The gym door was swinging silently closed. >n I stepped back out into the parking lot. School Parking I stood in the middle of the school parking lot, lit here and there by white street lights. I could see only the outlines of a few cars here, probably belonging to custodians. Or just abandoned. Whatever. To the northwest was the field house, where I first came onto the campus; to the north was the main gate. East was the porch in front of the study hall, in Middle Hall; northeast and southeast were the two courtyards to either side of it. To the south was the back gate, and the entrance to the gym and track. To the west and southwest was the tall fence around the track. >ne I walked into the north courtyard between North Hall and Middle Hall. North Courtyard, west end I was in the grassy area between North Hall and Middle Hall. Students often hung out here between or before classes. I avoided it like the fuckin' plague, except when I had to get to my locker. Which was past the glass doors to the north, which were closed. The yard went further in to the east, where I could see the cafeteria doors. To the west, around the corner of North Hall, was the main gate to the campus. South was the porch in front of my study hall; to the southwest was the main parking lot. I heard a clacking sound as the gym door hit something, knocking it against the doorframe. >e I walked further into the yard. North Courtyard, east A lot of students stood around here, in the grass, during lunch break. But not the 'cool' crowd, who stood in the south yard; most of us lower-class people hung out here. But not me, I actually walked around. Here, we were surrounded by the outer walls of East Hall, Middle Hall and North Hall. The doors to the cafeteria, in North Hall, were to the north; they were closed. The escape was west, though I could cut back to the study hall porch to the southwest. >e I couldn't go that way. >w I walked back to the west end of the yard. North Courtyard, west end I was in the grassy area between North Hall and Middle Hall. Students often hung out here between or before classes. I avoided it like the fuckin' plague, except when I had to get to my locker. Which was past the glass doors to the north, which were closed. The yard went further in to the east, where I could see the cafeteria doors. To the west, around the corner of North Hall, was the main gate to the campus. South was the porch in front of my study hall; to the southwest was the main parking lot. >n I might have attracted attention out in the halls, with the steel-cleated boots on; so I took them off, first. (first opening the north glass doors) I pulled tentatively at the glass doors, but they were tightly locked. >nw I couldn't go that way. >w I walked around the corner to the main gate of the campus. Main Gateway I was now on the south side of the front gate onto the campus, which was flanked by a tall fence. Soft white light, from the tennis court to the west, and the street lights on Russel Street, to the north, cast an eerie glow over the pavement. To the southeast was the entrance to Middle Hall, and my study hall. Southwest and south was the main parking lot. Around the corner of North Hall, to the east, was the north courtyard of the school. >n (first opening the front gate) It was hopelessly locked. >e I walked around the corner of North Hall, onto the north courtyard. North Courtyard, west end I was in the grassy area between North Hall and Middle Hall. Students often hung out here between or before classes. I avoided it like the fuckin' plague, except when I had to get to my locker. Which was past the glass doors to the north, which were closed. The yard went further in to the east, where I could see the cafeteria doors. To the west, around the corner of North Hall, was the main gate to the campus. South was the porch in front of my study hall; to the southwest was the main parking lot. >e I walked further into the yard. North Courtyard, east A lot of students stood around here, in the grass, during lunch break. But not the 'cool' crowd, who stood in the south yard; most of us lower-class people hung out here. But not me, I actually walked around. Here, we were surrounded by the outer walls of East Hall, Middle Hall and North Hall. The doors to the cafeteria, in North Hall, were to the north; they were closed. The escape was west, though I could cut back to the study hall porch to the southwest. >w I walked back to the west end of the yard. North Courtyard, west end I was in the grassy area between North Hall and Middle Hall. Students often hung out here between or before classes. I avoided it like the fuckin' plague, except when I had to get to my locker. Which was past the glass doors to the north, which were closed. The yard went further in to the east, where I could see the cafeteria doors. To the west, around the corner of North Hall, was the main gate to the campus. South was the porch in front of my study hall; to the southwest was the main parking lot. >sw I walked out into the main parking lot. School Parking I stood in the middle of the school parking lot, lit here and there by white street lights. I could see only the outlines of a few cars here, probably belonging to custodians. Or just abandoned. Whatever. To the northwest was the field house, where I first came onto the campus; to the north was the main gate. East was the porch in front of the study hall, in Middle Hall; northeast and southeast were the two courtyards to either side of it. To the south was the back gate, and the entrance to the gym and track. To the west and southwest was the tall fence around the track. >w There was only the fence in that direction. >s Gridiron Entrance I was in another lighted part of the lot, with a few cars, working and abandoned, parked here and there. Another huge gate to the south was closed over a driveway--which was the back way off of the campus. To the west, through another small gate, was my school's football field and track. East was the side-door into the gym; I had it wedged open with a saw horse. The way back to the main parking lot was north. The small gate onto the field was open. >w I stepped into the gate, and onto the track, which runs around the football field. Track, southeast I stood on the southeast curve of my school's six-lane track, which encircled our football field, and stretched westward, curving to the north from here. The field was bathed in lights, which topped the very tall fence; as they were focused on the field, I could hardly see anything that might be on or in the bleachers. To the southwest was the steps up into the south side bleachers. The north side bleachers were, of course, to the north. The field loomed to the northwest. >n I walked along the track towards the other bleachers on the north side. Track, northeast The exact reflection of the other side, except for the announcer's booth, which was at the top of the south side. This side, we had only the bleachers, whose steps were to the northwest. The track came here from the west, and curved around to the south towards the gate I came in from. >e Just fence in that direction. >se Just fence in that direction. >s I walked along the track towards the other bleachers on the south side. Track, southeast I stood on the southeast curve of my school's six-lane track, which encircled our football field, and stretched westward, curving to the north from here. The field was bathed in lights, which topped the very tall fence; as they were focused on the field, I could hardly see anything that might be on or in the bleachers. To the southwest was the steps up into the south side bleachers. The north side bleachers were, of course, to the north. The field loomed to the northwest. >e I stepped out of the gate, back onto the parking lot pavement. Gridiron Entrance I was in another lighted part of the lot, with a few cars, working and abandoned, parked here and there. Another huge gate to the south was closed over a driveway--which was the back way off of the campus. To the west, through another small gate, was my school's football field and track. East was the side-door into the gym; I had it wedged open with a saw horse. The way back to the main parking lot was north. The small gate onto the field was open. >n I stepped back out into the parking lot. School Parking I stood in the middle of the school parking lot, lit here and there by white street lights. I could see only the outlines of a few cars here, probably belonging to custodians. Or just abandoned. Whatever. To the northwest was the field house, where I first came onto the campus; to the north was the main gate. East was the porch in front of the study hall, in Middle Hall; northeast and southeast were the two courtyards to either side of it. To the south was the back gate, and the entrance to the gym and track. To the west and southwest was the tall fence around the track. >sw There was only the fence in that direction. >s Gridiron Entrance I was in another lighted part of the lot, with a few cars, working and abandoned, parked here and there. Another huge gate to the south was closed over a driveway--which was the back way off of the campus. To the west, through another small gate, was my school's football field and track. East was the side-door into the gym; I had it wedged open with a saw horse. The way back to the main parking lot was north. The small gate onto the field was open. >nw Only fence in that direction. >ne I cut through the parking lot up to the porch in front of my study hall, at the end of Middle Hall. Study Hall Entrance Concrete porch in front of my study hall, with brown double doors leading in to the east; they were closed. Some graffiti, barely noticeable, adorned the edge of one of the doors on this side. The schoolyard extended outward before me, with the main parking to the west, along with the field house; the north part of the building--with all the lockers--across the courtyard to the north. Across the parking lot to the southwest, was the gym and football field. To the northeast, across the courtyard, was the cafeteria. To the south and southeast was the south courtyard. To the northwest was the main gate, which was now closed. >sw Gridiron Entrance I was in another lighted part of the lot, with a few cars, working and abandoned, parked here and there. Another huge gate to the south was closed over a driveway--which was the back way off of the campus. To the west, through another small gate, was my school's football field and track. East was the side-door into the gym; I had it wedged open with a saw horse. The way back to the main parking lot was north. The small gate onto the field was open. >n I stepped back out into the parking lot. School Parking I stood in the middle of the school parking lot, lit here and there by white street lights. I could see only the outlines of a few cars here, probably belonging to custodians. Or just abandoned. Whatever. To the northwest was the field house, where I first came onto the campus; to the north was the main gate. East was the porch in front of the study hall, in Middle Hall; northeast and southeast were the two courtyards to either side of it. To the south was the back gate, and the entrance to the gym and track. To the west and southwest was the tall fence around the track. >nw I made my way back to the field house. Field House Front The parking lot was lit dimly by lights here and there. Only a few cars, probably belonging to the custodians, were there. The tennis court, to one side of the field house, was to the northeast. A metal stairway led to the upper floor of the house. The door to the auto shop building was to the northwest; it was next to the storage area to the north, where I emerged. To the southeast was more parking lot, and beyond that, the gym and football field; the fence around the track was to the west and south. To the east were the main school buildings. >n Outdoor Storage This was a carport-like area at the field house, the part of the building where my school held its classes on handling and fixing outdoor equipment. Now at night, all the stuff was locked away in a large storage unit, whose door was to the east; this low-roofed area, where I was, was now empty. To the south was the seemingly-infinite parking lot. To the west was the blank wall of the auto shop building. >n Lonely Gate A single gate, about as tall as me, was set into the fence to the south here. I noticed that this part of the fence was behind the two-story field house of my school's military training program, and outdoor equipment courses. Even in the streetlight, however, the building was entirely in shadow. The tree-lined road continued west, past the rollup door to the Auto Shop garage; the main gate to the school was east from here. The padlock on the gate was unlocked. Just about anyone can friggin' go in, now. >e Russel Street Lamb High sure looked different at night from during the day; the streetlights seemed to highlight the front fence and the gate, which did not blend in so well with the background school pavement as it had during the day. I could see the padlocked gate to the south--no hope of getting in through there. The fence stretched further west, along the road. East was the way back home. >w Lonely Gate A single gate, about as tall as me, was set into the fence to the south here. I noticed that this part of the fence was behind the two-story field house of my school's military training program, and outdoor equipment courses. Even in the streetlight, however, the building was entirely in shadow. The tree-lined road continued west, past the rollup door to the Auto Shop garage; the main gate to the school was east from here. The padlock on the gate was unlocked. Just about anyone can friggin' go in, now. >w My current business was at the school; besides, I didn't see anyone further down the road waiting for me. >e Russel Street Lamb High sure looked different at night from during the day; the streetlights seemed to highlight the front fence and the gate, which did not blend in so well with the background school pavement as it had during the day. I could see the padlocked gate to the south--no hope of getting in through there. The fence stretched further west, along the road. East was the way back home. >e I walked east along the fence, past the rancid-smelling cafeteria back area, and then the trees, until they ended at a field, where the only feature was a ditch to either side of the road... Broad Field Here, the road went through a field of grass, leading east to the residential area which contained my parents' house and my bungalo. West, it led back to the school. To either side of the road was a large ditch. Streetlights guided me either way. >e I walked east back home. Again. My Front Yard Russel Street, from the west, ended just east of here, running into Virgil Road, which runs north-south. The front of my parents' house sported a number of awesome old trees, a large front deck, and an empty gravel driveway. Apparently, Mom and Dad took off early, and took both vehicles. My mom's flower beds occupied the space to either side of the deck. The steps up the deck were to the south; southwest was the trail around the house to my shack out back. Our rickety mailbox stood at the end of the driveway. Though it was night, I could see around me, given the streetlights that had come on at nightfall. >s I stepped up onto the deck of the house. On The Deck I was on my parents' front deck, and it was lit softly by light from streetlights which lined the road out front. The wood railing and nearly every spot on the deck was occupied by my Mom's colorful potted plants. Their deck chairs sat here astride the front door to the south, under an awning. A welcome mat lay on the floor at the door, which was closed. >n I stepped back down into the yard. My Front Yard Russel Street, from the west, ended just east of here, running into Virgil Road, which runs north-south. The front of my parents' house sported a number of awesome old trees, a large front deck, and an empty gravel driveway. Apparently, Mom and Dad took off early, and took both vehicles. My mom's flower beds occupied the space to either side of the deck. The steps up the deck were to the south; southwest was the trail around the house to my shack out back. Our rickety mailbox stood at the end of the driveway. Though it was night, I could see around me, given the streetlights that had come on at nightfall. >sw I took my little trail around the back of the house, to my one special place. Back Yard In the dim light from a nearby streetlight, I could see my bungalo. Good thing it was painted white. The door, to the south, had a single cinderblock step going up to it. It gave me a sense of 'getting off the ground', which I sort of liked. To the southeast, behind my shed, was the 'secret' trail through the trees that I often took to Anne's place. Northeast was the way I got here. >se Those woods were dark at that time. I needed my flashlight. >turn on flashlight I clicked the flashlight on. >se Those woods were dark at that time. I needed my flashlight. >take flashlight Got it. >se I took the path through the woods again, and returned to Anne's porch. Anne's Back Porch Spacious and highly decorated, with hanging plants and bird feeders. Steps led down to a path that went through her garden and ultimately to my place. A couple of chase lounges sat out here, astride her back door. >s (first opening the back door) I stepped across the threshold, into her utility area. Laundry Room Anne's washing machine and dryer were here, under a shelving unit that had her cleaning supplies. A doorway led into the pantry to the west, another one into the kitchen to the east. The back door, standing open, was to the north. >n Anne's Back Porch Spacious and highly decorated, with hanging plants and bird feeders. Steps led down to a path that went through her garden and ultimately to my place. A couple of chase lounges sat out here, astride her back door. >nw I walked back through the woods to our back yard. Back Yard In the dim light from a nearby streetlight, I could see my bungalo. Good thing it was painted white. The door, to the south, had a single cinderblock step going up to it. It gave me a sense of 'getting off the ground', which I sort of liked. To the southeast, behind my shed, was the 'secret' trail through the trees that I often took to Anne's place. Northeast was the way I got here. >ne I stepped back out front of the house. My Front Yard Russel Street, from the west, ended just east of here, running into Virgil Road, which runs north-south. The front of my parents' house sported a number of awesome old trees, a large front deck, and an empty gravel driveway. Apparently, Mom and Dad took off early, and took both vehicles. My mom's flower beds occupied the space to either side of the deck. The steps up the deck were to the south; southwest was the trail around the house to my shack out back. Our rickety mailbox stood at the end of the driveway. Though it was night, I could see around me, given the streetlights that had come on at nightfall. >* I was thinking the Russel street mention was a clue? That's not a verb I recognize. >n I was not interested in wandering into the yards of my neighbors. >w Broad Field Here, the road went through a field of grass, leading east to the residential area which contained my parents' house and my bungalo. West, it led back to the school. To either side of the road was a large ditch. Streetlights guided me either way. >x ditch Empty. It hasn't rained worth shit the past two weeks. >s I couldn't go that way. >w I approached the school. Russel Street Lamb High sure looked different at night from during the day; the streetlights seemed to highlight the front fence and the gate, which did not blend in so well with the background school pavement as it had during the day. I could see the padlocked gate to the south--no hope of getting in through there. The fence stretched further west, along the road. East was the way back home. >x fate I couldn't see any such thing. >s The gate was locked. >x gate It was one of those long, tall, re-inforced gates that you can drive two cars through abreast when it's open. They secure it with a huge padlock. It's locked shut. >w Lonely Gate A single gate, about as tall as me, was set into the fence to the south here. I noticed that this part of the fence was behind the two-story field house of my school's military training program, and outdoor equipment courses. Even in the streetlight, however, the building was entirely in shadow. The tree-lined road continued west, past the rollup door to the Auto Shop garage; the main gate to the school was east from here. The padlock on the gate was unlocked. Just about anyone can friggin' go in, now. >s Before I stepped through the gate, I realized that I didn't have Anne's notebook with me. Maybe I should go get it, first?? >* uh oh That's not a verb I recognize. >restore Ok. >l School Kitchen I really couldn't see what Victor was talking about. The place looked absolutely clean. The food prep counter, the cabinets, the sinks, stoves and ovens; all were pristine and flashed in the light. Even the floor was clean; a couple of powerful fans were blowing on it and making quite a racket. To the west was a cooler door; it was open and cold air was streaming out of it. To the north was a steel door, probably the back door leading out to the dumpster area; it was closed. To the southeast were the swing-doors leading back out to the cafeteria. >* I mean I guess the ants and ice are the only things I can do... That's not a verb I recognize. >* Or try to make the "love potion" which ew That's not a verb I recognize. >i I was carrying: a bronze key my keyring my locker key my house key a creased notebook page a steel hook a steel key some rubber boots (being worn) a baby bottle (open but empty) my ripped notebook a dirty uniform (being worn) a drill rifle (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my acoustic guitar (being worn) my usual threads (being worn) a fifth note an unsmoked cigarette a big pretzel a credit card a green backpack (open) my green pencil some spare keys a lounge key a flashlight (providing light) a school anthem a folded sticky note a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a third note a remote controller a second note Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill a yellow scrap a pack of Vance peanut butter crackers a fourth note My pocket was empty. >n (first opening the steel back door) But I didn't think the fifteen minutes was quite over. I didn't want to endanger Anne if I could avoid it. >z Time passed. I could have sworn I saw an ant cross the food prep counter, then disappear. >z Time passed. I felt like the fifteen minutes were up. Now I could go back and check out the back dump area again. >z Time passed. > I beg your pardon? >n (first opening the steel back door) I pushed the back door open, inviting the awful smells of the back garbage area into the pristine kitchen. I stepped back out the door, into the night. Dump Area A gravelly alcove just wide enough to take a garbage truck; a dumpster occupied the center of the school brick wall, on the south side, right next to the kitchen back door. The fence was to the north, stretching tightly between brick walls to the east and west. I could see Russel Street, and the trees beyond, through the sliding, remote controlled gate in the fence; the area was dimly lit by streetlights along Russel. Right next to the back door, on the wall, was what looked like a breaker box. The garbage crew must have taken out the trash; the smell wasn't as rancid as I thought it might be. But it still stank to hell. The kitchen back door was standing open. What was freakin' odd was that, though there were wide tire tracks in the gravel, like from a garbage truck, leading up to the dumpster, there wasn't even any evidence that there was a car here. >open box I pulled the cover of the box open, revealing some rows of switches. One of them was labelled FREEZER. >turn switch Which do you mean, the freezer switch, the volume rocker switch or the channel rocker switch? >freezer Noting that the switch was probably 'on', because I was just in the freezer, and the fans were going, I pulled the switch. I noted that the switch was now opposite its original position, which was probably 'off'. >x tracks Just lots of random rocks and pebbles. With wide tracks leading up to the dumpster, probably from this morning's garbage pickup. >x rocks Just lots of random rocks and pebbles. With wide tracks leading up to the dumpster, probably from this morning's garbage pickup. >l Dump Area A gravelly alcove just wide enough to take a garbage truck; a dumpster occupied the center of the school brick wall, on the south side, right next to the kitchen back door. The fence was to the north, stretching tightly between brick walls to the east and west. I could see Russel Street, and the trees beyond, through the sliding, remote controlled gate in the fence; the area was dimly lit by streetlights along Russel. Right next to the back door, on the wall, was what looked like a breaker box. The garbage crew must have taken out the trash; the smell wasn't as rancid as I thought it might be. But it still stank to hell. The kitchen back door was standing open. What was freakin' odd was that, though there were wide tire tracks in the gravel, like from a garbage truck, leading up to the dumpster, there wasn't even any evidence that there was a car here. >search gravel Looking around at the rocks, I found only wide tracks, like from a garbage truck, backing in and then driving out. I saw no other tracks. I stepped around the dumpster. Just beside it on the ground, I found a manhole cover, set into the pavement. I wasn't sure of the significance of it, right at that moment. >open mahole I couldn't see any such thing. >open manhole I couldn't get a grip on it. I probably needed a special tool. >open manhole with hook The hook was a perfect fit for the eyehole. I then pulled it up by the crosspiece, and the manhole cover came up, and I dragged it off of the hole far enough to be able to climb in. I pulled the hook out. That's exactly what I did! I opened a manhole cover. You earned 10 points for helping me remember! >d I dropped down to the ground and put my feet into the hole. My feet found a short ladder, which I used to help me to the floor. Dim Room This looked like one end of a corridor that sloped slightly downward into the dark, to the west. A short metal ladder went up to a round hole over my head, where I could see the handle of the manhole cover that I moved; the handle was on the underside of the cover, which was lying partially over the hole. >w I advanced into the dark corridor. It seemed to go a long way, until I reached a low point. Dark Corridor This was just a tunnel that sloped upward to the east and west; I was in the low, middle part of it. >w I went further west into the corridor, and the floor rose gently with a slight slope as I went. I finally came to what looked like the west end of it. Under A Hatch This place was nearly identical to the one on the east end of the corridor; it had a metal ladder going a short way up the wall. But the ladder went up to a square hatch over my head, a hatch without a handle. I wasn't sure if it could be open from this side; I didn't see a keyhole. But if the Creep used this passage, then it should be possible to just push the hatch open, right? The dark corridor was to the east. >u I climbed up the ladder, butting the hatch open with my head. No telling how many friggin' heads have done this to that hatch. Just when I was able to see over floor level, I caught sight of the rear of a car. The car was running. And something else was making a whirring sound, like a garage door opening. And I could hear voices. One of them was the Creep. I stopped climbing and friggin' listened. "You got the potion?" said the raspy voice. I could hear another voice, but it was muffled, like it was inside the car. "I told you to WHISPER OR DISGUISE YOUR VOICE!" said the raspy voice. "You never know who might hear you!" Then the other voice said something which I could barely hear, like "Sorry". Then I heard a car door slam, and the whirring stopped. The car rolled away, and by then I realized that this was the garage of the auto shop area, next to the field house. Then the whirring started again, as the rollup door steadily lowered to the ground. I stayed motionless until I heard it touch the floor, and by then I heard the car drive away; of course I couldn't see what direction it went. When there was silence, I pulled myself out from under the hatch, which fell closed, covered by a green turf rug. I surveyed my surroundings. I was lucky; they forgot to turn out the lights before they left. I had an eerie sense that, though those goons had left the campus, my business here was not quite done. There was something, or things, that I had to do, before I could go and rescue Anne. Or try. At least I knew there wouldn't be any more of those stupid notes. Garage Now I knew a few things about cars, but not enough to know what parts, or tools, I was looking at, which were hanging up all over the shop. But I did know that there weren't any cars, here. The instructors must have taken their pieces of junk home with them; the concrete floor was clear. I could also tell that they drank a lot of coffee during classes; a coffee maker, with a coffee pot, was sitting on a shelf, plugged into the wall. The north wall was filled by a huge garage door, made for two cars. The only other door out was to the southeast; it was closed. The hatch I came out of was hidden by a green turf rug, which covered that part of the floor. >* OK, not really motivated or indicated to do that You seem to want to talk to someone, but I can't see whom. >x parts I couldn't tell a ratchet from a piston, but I knew that they were parts. Or tools. That was good enough for me. >x maker It was one of those Mr Caffeinator coffee makers. You open the reservoir, pour your water in, and fill the filter basket with your coffee grounds. In a filter, of course. Then you press the brew button to turn it on and you hopefully get good coffee. An empty coffee pot was loaded into it. It looked like the coffee maker was nailed to the shelf. >take pot (putting the fourth note into the green backpack to make room) I tossed the fourth note into the backpack. My hands were already friggin' full. >put all in backpack bronze key: I tossed the bronze key into the backpack. keyring: I tossed the keyring into the backpack. creased notebook page: I tossed the creased notebook page into the backpack. steel hook: I tossed the steel hook into the backpack. steel key: I tossed the steel key into the backpack. baby bottle: I tossed the baby bottle into the backpack. ripped notebook: I tossed the ripped notebook into the backpack. fifth note: I tossed the fifth note into the backpack. unsmoked cigarette: I tossed the unsmoked cigarette into the backpack. big pretzel: I tossed the big pretzel into the backpack. credit card: I tossed the credit card into the backpack. yellow scrap: I tossed the yellow scrap into the backpack. pack of Vance peanut butter crackers: I tossed the pack of Vance peanut butter crackers into the backpack. >take pot I took the pot out of the coffee maker. >take flashlight Got it. >l Garage Now I knew a few things about cars, but not enough to know what parts, or tools, I was looking at, which were hanging up all over the shop. But I did know that there weren't any cars, here. The instructors must have taken their pieces of junk home with them; the concrete floor was clear. I could also tell that they drank a lot of coffee during classes; a coffee maker was sitting on a shelf, plugged into the wall. The north wall was filled by a huge garage door, made for two cars. The only other door out was to the southeast; it was closed. The hatch I came out of was hidden by a green turf rug, which covered that part of the floor. >n (first opening the rollup door) It was no use; the door was tightly closed. >pull door Which do you mean, the auto shop door or the rollup door? >rollup It was no use; the door was tightly closed. >se (first opening the auto shop door) The door would not budge, no matter how much I cajoled it. >* I mean I guess it's making the potion time That's not a verb I recognize. >d As I pulled up the hatch, and part of the green turf rug came up with it, I noticed another torn yellow scrap of paper lying on the floor. I snatched it up before stepping back into the hole. Hatchway, under the garage This place was nearly identical to the one on the east end of the corridor; it had a metal ladder going a short way up the wall. But the ladder went up to a square hatch over my head, a hatch without a handle. The dark corridor was to the east. >x yellow It looked like it was a copy, and ripped out of a binder. It was yellow and felt a bit brittle. Under Mr Holbrook's letterhead, it said-- Mr Knickerbocker, Thank you very much in advance, for accepting the job of repairing the wall behind the snack machine in Middle Hall. I would like for you to consider other jobs that we need done due to safety issues for students. We will call you for an estimate on each as we have funds available. These jobs are: South Hall: the floor under the girl's locker room East Hall: south end, hole in the south wall of the east janitor's closet Middle Hall: library floor, northwest corner North Hall: (ripped) The bottom half of the page was ripped off at that point. It looked like a work order, to repair and eliminate openings to the secret passages?? Apparently, he didn't get to them all. Or probably any of them. And yet another one in North Hall? >i I was carrying: a bottom half a flashlight (providing light) a coffee pot (empty) some rubber boots (being worn) a dirty uniform (being worn) a drill rifle (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my acoustic guitar (being worn) my usual threads (being worn) a green backpack (open) a pack of Vance peanut butter crackers a yellow scrap a credit card a big pretzel an unsmoked cigarette a fifth note my ripped notebook a baby bottle (open but empty) a steel key a steel hook a creased notebook page my keyring my locker key my house key a bronze key a fourth note my green pencil some spare keys a lounge key a school anthem a folded sticky note a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a third note a remote controller a second note Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill My pocket was empty. >x bottom It looked like the bottom part of the torn note I found earlier, behind the snack machine. It read-- kitchen freezer floor, under the shelves Auto Shop: garage floor, by the east wall We will keep in touch with you. Sincerely, Hugh Holbrook It looked like I found the passage going from the back dumpster area to the garage. And it looks like there's another one, with one end in the kitchen freezer...?? >d Digging a hole with my fingers was not an option. >e Dark Corridor This was just a tunnel that sloped upward to the east and west; I was in the low, middle part of it. >e I went back to the east end, where I first entered this passage, under the dump area. Dim Room This looked like one end of a corridor that sloped slightly downward into the dark, to the west. A short metal ladder went up to a round hole over my head, where I could see the handle of the manhole cover that I moved; the handle was on the underside of the cover, which was lying partially over the hole. >u I climbed up the ladder and hoisted myself back into the kitchen dump area. Dump Area A gravelly alcove just wide enough to take a garbage truck; a dumpster occupied the center of the school brick wall, on the south side, right next to the kitchen back door. The fence was to the north, stretching tightly between brick walls to the east and west. I could see Russel Street, and the trees beyond, through the sliding, remote controlled gate in the fence; the area was dimly lit by streetlights along Russel. Right next to the back door, on the wall, was what looked like a breaker box. The garbage crew must have taken out the trash; the smell wasn't as rancid as I thought it might be. But it still stank to hell. The kitchen back door was standing open. What was freakin' odd was that, though there were wide tire tracks in the gravel, like from a garbage truck, leading up to the dumpster, there wasn't even any evidence that there was a car here. On the darker side of the dumpster, there was a manhole cover, lying partially over a hole in the ground. >s I stepped back into the kitchen, glad to escape the thick miasma of the dump area. School Kitchen I really couldn't see what Victor was talking about. The place looked absolutely clean. The food prep counter, the cabinets, the sinks, stoves and ovens; all were pristine and flashed in the light. Even the floor was clean; a couple of powerful fans were blowing on it and making quite a racket. To the west was a cooler door; it was open and cold air was streaming out of it. To the north was a steel door, the back door leading out to the dumpster area; it was standing open, letting in putrid smells from the area outside. To the southeast were the swing-doors leading back out to the cafeteria. >w Cold Storage This room was cold. And just bare metal walls. They must have emptied it out for the week while school was out. A tiny lightbulb was shining above. The door out to the kitchen was open, to the east. The room wasn't totally empty. A rack of lab coats was here; Victor probably rolled it in to get it off the kitchen floor before waxing. A doorway to the west, with clear plastic curtains, beckoned me further in. >w I stepped back into the freezer. Walk-In Freezer This place wasn't much different, except for two things. One was that there were shelves lining the north wall; the opposite wall had a line of fans high up, which were absolutely still. The other was that it was bitter fuckin' cold in there, but it seemed to be getting warmer. Through the plastic curtain to the east was the warmer half of the cooler, and the door back into the kitchen beyond. On the floor under the shelves was a huge patch of ice. >x patch The ice patch was enormous. A two-foot wide, two-inch thick circle; some of it butted up against the wall. It was thickest at the middle and sloped downward towards the edges; it was totally white. How the hell it got here...?? Maybe someone spilled a huge friggin' amount of water..?? Could the fifth secret passage be under it? >* probably That's not a verb I recognize. >* might take a while to melt That's not a verb I recognize. >put peanut butter in pot I couldn't see any such thing. > I beg your pardon? > I beg your pardon? > I beg your pardon? > I beg your pardon? >e Cold Storage This room was cold. And just bare metal walls. They must have emptied it out for the week while school was out. A tiny lightbulb was shining above. The door out to the kitchen was open, to the east. The room wasn't totally empty. A rack of lab coats was here; Victor probably rolled it in to get it off the kitchen floor before waxing. A doorway to the west, with clear plastic curtains, beckoned me further in. >e I stepped back through the door into the kitchen. School Kitchen I really couldn't see what Victor was talking about. The place looked absolutely clean. The food prep counter, the cabinets, the sinks, stoves and ovens; all were pristine and flashed in the light. Even the floor was clean; a couple of powerful fans were blowing on it and making quite a racket. To the west was a cooler door; it was open and cold air was streaming out of it. To the north was a steel door, the back door leading out to the dumpster area; it was standing open, letting in putrid smells from the area outside. To the southeast were the swing-doors leading back out to the cafeteria. I detected a small movement, on the prep counter, out of the corner of my eye. >e I couldn't go that way. >se (first opening the swing-doors) I pushed open the swing-doors. Cafeteria This was a huge, long room, full of formica tables with plastic chairs laid upside-down on them. Windows lined the north wall; a buffet line ran along that wall, to a counter in the northwest corner, behind which I could see the swing-doors going into the kitchen. To the south were the glass double-doors through which students could escape and get fresh air. East and west were doorways back out into the hall. I could hear the sound of fans going, through the kitchen doors. Sitting behind the lunch counter was the lost-and-found box. Victor was busy here, sweeping under the tables and chairs. The kitchen swing-doors were swinging slowly back and forth. >e I might have attracted attention out in the halls, with the steel-cleated boots on; so I took them off, first. I went back into the hall. North Hall, east end On the north wall were the only two restrooms in existence in the building--a boys' room to the northeast, and a girls' room to the northwest, with a few classroom doors beyond them. Classroom doors lined the south wall between the steel doors, which were to the east, and the doorway to the cafeteria area to the west. I could see the tables and chairs of the cafeteria, and the opposite doorway in the distance. The door to a cleaning closet was to the south; it was open. >s North Janitor's Closet And another floor sink. The door, to the north, was open, letting in light from the hall. A banister to the south marked the top of a spiral stairway leading down. >x sink Another concrete sink that custodians use to fill and empty mop buckets. A cracked concrete square set into the floor, with a drain in the center and a spigot on the wall. >turn on sink I turned the spigot on and water came gushing out; I turned it off before I got seriously wet. >fill pot with water I couldn't see any such thing. >i I was carrying: a bottom half a flashlight (providing light) a coffee pot (empty) some rubber boots a dirty uniform (being worn) a drill rifle (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my acoustic guitar (being worn) my usual threads (being worn) a green backpack (open) a pack of Vance peanut butter crackers a yellow scrap a credit card a big pretzel an unsmoked cigarette a fifth note my ripped notebook a baby bottle (open but empty) a steel key a steel hook a creased notebook page my keyring my locker key my house key a bronze key a fourth note my green pencil some spare keys a lounge key a school anthem a folded sticky note a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a third note a remote controller a second note Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill My pocket was empty. >fill pot I turned the knob and filled the coffee pot with tepid water. >put peanut butter in pot I couldn't see any such thing. >put crackers in pot (first taking the pack of Vance peanut butter crackers) Got it. That hardly seemed like something I would put in a coffee pot. >open crackers I definitely wasn't hungry at that time. >n I stepped out of the janitor's closet yet again. North Hall, east end On the north wall were the only two restrooms in existence in the building--a boys' room to the northeast, and a girls' room to the northwest, with a few classroom doors beyond them. Classroom doors lined the south wall between the steel doors, which were to the east, and the doorway to the cafeteria area to the west. I could see the tables and chairs of the cafeteria, and the opposite doorway in the distance. The door to a cleaning closet was to the south; it was open. >x salt They were pretty big, almost big enough to call them rock salt. >take salt I didn't want to disfigure Ziggy's gift. Besides, as pretzels weren't my thing, it was probably a better idea to leave it alone until I found someone who wanted it. >put salt in pot (first taking the salt chunks) I didn't want to disfigure Ziggy's gift. Besides, as pretzels weren't my thing, it was probably a better idea to leave it alone until I found someone who wanted it. >pee in pot That's not a verb I recognize. >fill pot with urine I couldn't see any such thing. >drink water There was nothing suitable to drink here. >drink pot There was nothing suitable to drink here. >empty pot That's not a verb I recognize. >s North Janitor's Closet And another floor sink. The door, to the north, was open, letting in light from the hall. A banister to the south marked the top of a spiral stairway leading down. >* oh wait That's not a verb I recognize. >n I stepped out of the janitor's closet yet again. North Hall, east end On the north wall were the only two restrooms in existence in the building--a boys' room to the northeast, and a girls' room to the northwest, with a few classroom doors beyond them. Classroom doors lined the south wall between the steel doors, which were to the east, and the doorway to the cafeteria area to the west. I could see the tables and chairs of the cafeteria, and the opposite doorway in the distance. The door to a cleaning closet was to the south; it was open. >w I went back up the hall, into the cafeteria. Cafeteria This was a huge, long room, full of formica tables with plastic chairs laid upside-down on them. Windows lined the north wall; a buffet line ran along that wall, to a counter in the northwest corner, behind which I could see the swing-doors going into the kitchen. To the south were the glass double-doors through which students could escape and get fresh air. East and west were doorways back out into the hall. I could hear the sound of fans going, through the kitchen doors. Sitting behind the lunch counter was the lost-and-found box. Victor was busy here, sweeping under the tables and chairs. >n I couldn't go that way. >nw As I started towards the kitchen doors, Victor cried, "Hey! The floor in there has fresh wax. Get some boots on, first." I saw a frown on his face as he went back to work. I desisted. Victor turned his back to me again, not encouraging me to stay. >wear boots The things were so frickin' big that they fit neatly over my sneakers. >nw I went behind the counter towards the kitchen doors. (first opening the swing-doors) I pushed open the swing-doors. School Kitchen I really couldn't see what Victor was talking about. The place looked absolutely clean. The food prep counter, the cabinets, the sinks, stoves and ovens; all were pristine and flashed in the light. Even the floor was clean; a couple of powerful fans were blowing on it and making quite a racket. To the west was a cooler door; it was open and cold air was streaming out of it. To the north was a steel door, the back door leading out to the dumpster area; it was standing open, letting in putrid smells from the area outside. To the southeast were the swing-doors leading back out to the cafeteria. The kitchen swing-doors were swinging slowly back and forth. >n I stepped back out the door, into the night. Dump Area A gravelly alcove just wide enough to take a garbage truck; a dumpster occupied the center of the school brick wall, on the south side, right next to the kitchen back door. The fence was to the north, stretching tightly between brick walls to the east and west. I could see Russel Street, and the trees beyond, through the sliding, remote controlled gate in the fence; the area was dimly lit by streetlights along Russel. Right next to the back door, on the wall, was what looked like a breaker box. The garbage crew must have taken out the trash; the smell wasn't as rancid as I thought it might be. But it still stank to hell. The kitchen back door was standing open. What was freakin' odd was that, though there were wide tire tracks in the gravel, like from a garbage truck, leading up to the dumpster, there wasn't even any evidence that there was a car here. On the darker side of the dumpster, there was a manhole cover, lying partially over a hole in the ground. >d I dropped down to the ground and put my feet into the hole. My feet found a short ladder, which I used to help me to the floor. Dim Room This looked like one end of a corridor that sloped slightly downward into the dark, to the west. A short metal ladder went up to a round hole over my head, where I could see the handle of the manhole cover that I moved; the handle was on the underside of the cover, which was lying partially over the hole. >w I advanced into the dark corridor. It seemed to go a long way, until I reached a low point. Dark Corridor This was just a tunnel that sloped upward to the east and west; I was in the low, middle part of it. >w I walked back to the west end of the corridor. Hatchway, under the garage This place was nearly identical to the one on the east end of the corridor; it had a metal ladder going a short way up the wall. But the ladder went up to a square hatch over my head, a hatch without a handle. The dark corridor was to the east. >u I climbed the ladder and through the hatch again, into the garage. Garage Now I knew a few things about cars, but not enough to know what parts, or tools, I was looking at, which were hanging up all over the shop. But I did know that there weren't any cars, here. The instructors must have taken their pieces of junk home with them; the concrete floor was clear. I could also tell that they drank a lot of coffee during classes; a coffee maker was sitting on a shelf, plugged into the wall. The north wall was filled by a huge garage door, made for two cars. The only other door out was to the southeast; it was closed. The hatch I came out of was hidden by a green turf rug, which covered that part of the floor. >put water in maker I wasn't just going to pour that anywhere. >x maker It was one of those Mr Caffeinator coffee makers. You open the reservoir, pour your water in, and fill the filter basket with your coffee grounds. In a filter, of course. Then you press the brew button to turn it on and you hopefully get good coffee. It looked like the coffee maker was nailed to the shelf. >open reservoir I opened up the reservoir, and noticed that it was dry--no water. There was also nothing in the filter basket, not even a filter. >put water in reservoir I filled the reservoir with the tepid water. >put pot in maker I put the coffee pot on the base plate. >close it This pot had no lid. >close maker I closed the reservoir, also closing the filter basket. >push brew I pressed the button and for a moment, nothing happened. Then I saw a stream of hot water start dripping into the pot. I watched with indifference as the pot slowly filled. Or, actually, I watched with friggin' impatience. When was the thing going to frickin' finish..??? The machine gurgled and clicked, as water was being syphoned into the filter basket. After a few minutes, the pot was full of hot water. The button clicked back, indicating that the machine was done. >take pot I took the pot out of the coffee maker. >d I pulled up the hatch, and backed into the hole, going down. Hatchway, under the garage This place was nearly identical to the one on the east end of the corridor; it had a metal ladder going a short way up the wall. But the ladder went up to a square hatch over my head, a hatch without a handle. The dark corridor was to the east. >e Dark Corridor This was just a tunnel that sloped upward to the east and west; I was in the low, middle part of it. >e I went back to the east end, where I first entered this passage, under the dump area. Dim Room This looked like one end of a corridor that sloped slightly downward into the dark, to the west. A short metal ladder went up to a round hole over my head, where I could see the handle of the manhole cover that I moved; the handle was on the underside of the cover, which was lying partially over the hole. >u I climbed up the ladder and hoisted myself back into the kitchen dump area. Dump Area A gravelly alcove just wide enough to take a garbage truck; a dumpster occupied the center of the school brick wall, on the south side, right next to the kitchen back door. The fence was to the north, stretching tightly between brick walls to the east and west. I could see Russel Street, and the trees beyond, through the sliding, remote controlled gate in the fence; the area was dimly lit by streetlights along Russel. Right next to the back door, on the wall, was what looked like a breaker box. The garbage crew must have taken out the trash; the smell wasn't as rancid as I thought it might be. But it still stank to hell. The kitchen back door was standing open. What was freakin' odd was that, though there were wide tire tracks in the gravel, like from a garbage truck, leading up to the dumpster, there wasn't even any evidence that there was a car here. On the darker side of the dumpster, there was a manhole cover, lying partially over a hole in the ground. >w I couldn't go that way. >w I couldn't go that way. >s I stepped back into the kitchen, glad to escape the thick miasma of the dump area. School Kitchen I really couldn't see what Victor was talking about. The place looked absolutely clean. The food prep counter, the cabinets, the sinks, stoves and ovens; all were pristine and flashed in the light. Even the floor was clean; a couple of powerful fans were blowing on it and making quite a racket. To the west was a cooler door; it was open and cold air was streaming out of it. To the north was a steel door, the back door leading out to the dumpster area; it was standing open, letting in putrid smells from the area outside. To the southeast were the swing-doors leading back out to the cafeteria. I could have sworn I saw an ant cross the food prep counter, then disappear. >w Cold Storage This room was cold. And just bare metal walls. They must have emptied it out for the week while school was out. A tiny lightbulb was shining above. The door out to the kitchen was open, to the east. The room wasn't totally empty. A rack of lab coats was here; Victor probably rolled it in to get it off the kitchen floor before waxing. A doorway to the west, with clear plastic curtains, beckoned me further in. >w I stepped back into the freezer. Walk-In Freezer This place wasn't much different, except for two things. One was that there were shelves lining the north wall; the opposite wall had a line of fans high up, which were absolutely still. The other was that it was bitter fuckin' cold in there, but it seemed to be getting warmer. Through the plastic curtain to the east was the warmer half of the cooler, and the door back into the kitchen beyond. On the floor under the shelves was a huge patch of ice. >w I couldn't go that way. >put water on ice I poured all of the hot water onto the patch; although it was hot, it only froze up. >d Digging a hole with my fingers was not an option. > I beg your pardon? >* huh? That's not a verb I recognize. >l Walk-In Freezer This place wasn't much different, except for two things. One was that there were shelves lining the north wall; the opposite wall had a line of fans high up, which were absolutely still. The other was that it was bitter fuckin' cold in there, but it seemed to be getting warmer. Through the plastic curtain to the east was the warmer half of the cooler, and the door back into the kitchen beyond. On the floor under the shelves was a huge patch of ice. >x ice The ice patch was enormous. A two-foot wide, two-inch thick circle; some of it butted up against the wall. It was thickest at the middle and sloped downward towards the edges; it was totally white. How the hell it got here...?? Maybe someone spilled a huge friggin' amount of water..?? Could the fifth secret passage be under it? >e Cold Storage This room was cold. And just bare metal walls. They must have emptied it out for the week while school was out. A tiny lightbulb was shining above. The door out to the kitchen was open, to the east. The room wasn't totally empty. A rack of lab coats was here; Victor probably rolled it in to get it off the kitchen floor before waxing. A doorway to the west, with clear plastic curtains, beckoned me further in. >x creased It looked like some notes, in pencil, in Will's scratchy handwriting. For infinite love-- 1 ounce peanut butter handful of rock salt 12 ounces llama urine Must be mixed in exactly this way-- 1 Boil the urine 2 Add the peanut butter and the rock salt 3 Cool it down 4 Serve with an infant's drinking vessel Must be suckled by two virgins of choice in presence of one fully mature woman. Must be administered by a male virgin dressed as an infant. This must have been what Will was writing down in the library last week, from that stupid book...?? How freakin' bizzarre! I just couldn't see Will even getting ONE girl to agree to this, let alone three. Was Will THAT friggin' desperate?? >* I mean... That's not a verb I recognize. >x ice I couldn't see any such thing. >w I stepped back into the freezer. Walk-In Freezer This place wasn't much different, except for two things. One was that there were shelves lining the north wall; the opposite wall had a line of fans high up, which were absolutely still. The other was that it was bitter fuckin' cold in there, but it seemed to be getting warmer. Through the plastic curtain to the east was the warmer half of the cooler, and the door back into the kitchen beyond. On the floor under the shelves was a huge patch of ice. >w I couldn't go that way. >x ice The ice patch was enormous. A two-foot wide, two-inch thick circle; some of it butted up against the wall. It was thickest at the middle and sloped downward towards the edges; it was totally white. How the hell it got here...?? Maybe someone spilled a huge friggin' amount of water..?? Could the fifth secret passage be under it? >break ice I much prefer to make verbal attacks. >hit ice I much prefer to make verbal attacks. >i I was carrying: a coffee pot (empty) a pack of Vance peanut butter crackers a bottom half a flashlight (providing light) some rubber boots (being worn) a dirty uniform (being worn) a drill rifle (being worn) an oven glove (being worn) my acoustic guitar (being worn) my usual threads (being worn) a green backpack (open) a yellow scrap a credit card a big pretzel an unsmoked cigarette a fifth note my ripped notebook a baby bottle (open but empty) a steel key a steel hook a creased notebook page my keyring my locker key my house key a bronze key a fourth note my green pencil some spare keys a lounge key a school anthem a folded sticky note a wire hanger, untwisted into a long wire a third note a remote controller a second note Will's note a torn note a ten-dollar bill My pocket was empty. >hit ice with rifle Probably should take off the drill rifle, first. >remove it I wasn't wearing the ice patch. >remove rifle I took off the drill rifle. >remove it I wasn't wearing the drill rifle. >hit ice with rifle I gave the ice patch one frickin' hard knock on one edge with the butt of the rifle. I knocked away a big chunk. It was then that I saw the edge of a hatch(!). I then started hammering away at the patch, knocking chunks here and there. Before long, the hatch was completely uncovered. I kicked ice chunks clear of the curtain and hatch, so I wouldn't friggin' fall on my butt. >* geez That's not a verb I recognize. >open hatch With my gloved hand, I bent over and tried to pull the hatch open, but it was still quite stuck. >* sigh That's not a verb I recognize. >e Cold Storage This room was cold. And just bare metal walls. They must have emptied it out for the week while school was out. A tiny lightbulb was shining above. The door out to the kitchen was open, to the east. The room wasn't totally empty. A rack of lab coats was here; Victor probably rolled it in to get it off the kitchen floor before waxing. A doorway to the west, with clear plastic curtains, beckoned me further in. >n I couldn't go that way. >e I stepped back through the door into the kitchen. School Kitchen I really couldn't see what Victor was talking about. The place looked absolutely clean. The food prep counter, the cabinets, the sinks, stoves and ovens; all were pristine and flashed in the light. Even the floor was clean; a couple of powerful fans were blowing on it and making quite a racket. To the west was a cooler door; it was open and cold air was streaming out of it. To the north was a steel door, the back door leading out to the dumpster area; it was standing open, letting in putrid smells from the area outside. To the southeast were the swing-doors leading back out to the cafeteria. >n I stepped back out the door, into the night. Dump Area A gravelly alcove just wide enough to take a garbage truck; a dumpster occupied the center of the school brick wall, on the south side, right next to the kitchen back door. The fence was to the north, stretching tightly between brick walls to the east and west. I could see Russel Street, and the trees beyond, through the sliding, remote controlled gate in the fence; the area was dimly lit by streetlights along Russel. Right next to the back door, on the wall, was what looked like a breaker box. The garbage crew must have taken out the trash; the smell wasn't as rancid as I thought it might be. But it still stank to hell. The kitchen back door was standing open. What was freakin' odd was that, though there were wide tire tracks in the gravel, like from a garbage truck, leading up to the dumpster, there wasn't even any evidence that there was a car here. On the darker side of the dumpster, there was a manhole cover, lying partially over a hole in the ground. >d I dropped down to the ground and put my feet into the hole. My feet found a short ladder, which I used to help me to the floor. Dim Room This looked like one end of a corridor that sloped slightly downward into the dark, to the west. A short metal ladder went up to a round hole over my head, where I could see the handle of the manhole cover that I moved; the handle was on the underside of the cover, which was lying partially over the hole. >w I advanced into the dark corridor. It seemed to go a long way, until I reached a low point. Dark Corridor This was just a tunnel that sloped upward to the east and west; I was in the low, middle part of it. >w I walked back to the west end of the corridor. Hatchway, under the garage This place was nearly identical to the one on the east end of the corridor; it had a metal ladder going a short way up the wall. But the ladder went up to a square hatch over my head, a hatch without a handle. The dark corridor was to the east. >e Dark Corridor This was just a tunnel that sloped upward to the east and west; I was in the low, middle part of it. >e I went back to the east end, where I first entered this passage, under the dump area. Dim Room This looked like one end of a corridor that sloped slightly downward into the dark, to the west. A short metal ladder went up to a round hole over my head, where I could see the handle of the manhole cover that I moved; the handle was on the underside of the cover, which was lying partially over the hole. >u I climbed up the ladder and hoisted myself back into the kitchen dump area. Dump Area A gravelly alcove just wide enough to take a garbage truck; a dumpster occupied the center of the school brick wall, on the south side, right next to the kitchen back door. The fence was to the north, stretching tightly between brick walls to the east and west. I could see Russel Street, and the trees beyond, through the sliding, remote controlled gate in the fence; the area was dimly lit by streetlights along Russel. Right next to the back door, on the wall, was what looked like a breaker box. The garbage crew must have taken out the trash; the smell wasn't as rancid as I thought it might be. But it still stank to hell. The kitchen back door was standing open. What was freakin' odd was that, though there were wide tire tracks in the gravel, like from a garbage truck, leading up to the dumpster, there wasn't even any evidence that there was a car here. On the darker side of the dumpster, there was a manhole cover, lying partially over a hole in the ground. *** fatal error: Out-of-bounds memory access ***