The next morning, I woke up at 7:30. I pulled myself out of bed and put on my running clothes. Heading into the kitchen, I ate a light breakfast and walked outside. There was a slight bounce in my step. After a few minutes of stretching, I started jogging to Boulevard. I turned the corner and continued running up the street. I stopped at a small cafe after I’d been running for nearly 20 minutes. Walking inside, I waved to the people working behind the counter. Every weekend, when I would go on runs, I always stopped here. I ordered my food and drink. Once it was ready, I sat down and looked out the window as I ate. Boulevard was slowly coming alive, as it did every day. Once I finished, I started running back to the house. At home, I took a long cool shower. When I was done with my shower, I changed into a pair of black jeans, a white t-shirt, and a flannel. I pulled on my black boots and plopped a beanie on my head. I went into the kitchen, where Mariah and Logan were eating breakfast. “I’m heading out. I’ll be back later.” Mariah waved to me, and I grabbed my bag as I left. I walked down Boulevard towards the fence.
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It is a 75 meter high, electrified fence that surrounds all of Salef. It keeps everything outside of Salef out, and everything inside in. If you look through the fence, you see a rocky, dusty desert with few trees and plants. No one has dared to try and leave. No one even thinks it's possible. I turned off Boulevard, onto a dirt path that led into the woods.I followed the path for a few minutes, until I came to the rope ladder. Climbing up, I entered the tree house. 9:15 on the dot. No one else was there yet, so I sat down in one of the chairs. I reached over onto the table and turned on the fan. Even though it was cool, the air was still heavy. As I sat in the artificial breeze, I heard someone climbing up the ladder. A tuft of messy, blonde air poked up in the hole. Sammy. Behind him came a ginger head with pink and purple streaks, tied in a bun. Maggie. I hadn’t noticed she dyed her hair again the night before. We all said hello, and turned to our own things while we waited for Jay.
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At 9:27, Jay’s jet black, fluffy hair appeared in the tree house. “Hello everyone! Your favorite person has arrived!” Jay announced jokingly. “Really? But Maggie has been here the entire time,” Sammy said in response. Jay slapped Sammy’s arm. “Anyway,” I said, “Jay’s birthday is on Wednesday. That means we have 5 days to plan something amazing. It’s not everyday you turn 21, so… We need ideas.” Jay started jumping up and down, chain necklaces bouncing. He raised his hand like he was in school. “Yes, Jay?” I asked. “I want to do karaoke. And drink alcohol, legally!”
“Let’s do that then,” I agreed. Everyone else nodded, and Jay cheered. He started running around the tree house. Nothing like a 20 year old child that acts like a golden retriever to get you into good spirits. I looked over at Sammy, who rolled his eyes at Jay. Sammy was the youngest of our group. He was 17, I’m 18, Maggie just turned 19 a few weeks ago, and Jay is turning 21 next week.
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We pulled out a metal case of poker chips and a worn deck of cards. They had both been in a metal trunk when we found the house, and in fine condition. We learned how to play poker for the sole reason of using the chips. We played a game, ending with Sammy forcing Jay all in. Sammy won the hand, and the game was over. The time was 11:45. We climbed down from the tree house and started back to the path to Boulevard. As we walked, I heard a rustle in the bushes. I stopped, and peeked behind them. There was a flash of movement, but I couldn’t see anything specific. I continued walking. Then I saw something tall, smokey, and gray running past me. Whipping my head around, I saw a figure in gray robes standing still. I couldn't see its face inside the baggy hood, if it even had a face. Long, spider-like hands were holding onto a silver piece of metal with a leather handle. Is that a dagger?
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I looked around, sure that it was one of my friends playing a sick prank on me. They were all standing behind me, horror on their faces. “You guys. It’s obviously a prank or something. Watch.” I walked towards the figure and reached out to touch it. When my hand collided with the creature's robes, it let out an ear-piercing shriek. I quickly pulled my hand back, stepping slowly towards my friends. It followed me. “Still think it’s a prank, Elias?” Jay asked, frantic. The creature started to walk in circles around us. At this point, we were all scared out of our minds. Maggie was the first to take action. “Run!” The time was 11:54.
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