The Maze Of Mystery

• Kane Armstrong, Grade 8
• Short Story
• 2021

Darkness, I can’t see anything. I walk searching for an exit to this mysterious location. The only things keeping me company are my thoughts and footsteps. I explore the vast void veering left and right, occasionally. Then I see an inconspicuous reflection of light. “finally” I thought “something to guide me out of this disturbing maze of a place!” I sneak over, squatting down to grab the flashlight. I don’t know why I was so overly cautious; I had an inkling someone was following me. I would get a sudden weird, indescribable irk on every turn I made. I pick up the flashlight darting around the enclosed space, desperately searching for a way out of this nightmare. I swing my hand around in the dark hoping it contacts something to give me an easy exit out. My hand lands on a tree, I feel a weak branch between my fingers, then I got an idea, I brake one of the humungous branches off its resting place. Once I found one of the walls of this house of mystery, I prepared to bust through this horror and eventually make my way home. Think smarter, not harder, I thought. I carve through the weak, but dense leaves. I feel sweet relief as I here the calming sounds of rushing water as I’d managed to bash my way to the middle of the maze’s foundation. Confident in my achievement I decided to rest and next morning, using my new knowledge and the daylight to help co-ordinate my way out. I turn and walk right back into bush! My efforts to make it to the middle seemed to be in vain, as if they did not exist. I panic, wait! The walls can regenerate?!?! That provides a lot more challenge… I go to rest my head, SOLID CONCRETE. I throw myself to the ground in hysteria, knowing I was not to pass the time by any easy means. I feel around in my pockets for the branch to continue my path making when my hand hits something. Something metallic. I gaze down taking it out of my pocket. It’s a coin. I travel back to the fountain there’s a label “WISHING FOUNTAIN” so I chuck the coin in. Here goes nothing! My wish? To escape! Then I see an ominous red light peering from the corner of my eye, I chase after it, I recognise it! It’s a remote control car! I keep chase, trying to make enough speed to keep up. Then, I SEE IT, AN EXIT. The mechanical creature vanishes. “I’ve been looking for you” says the figure. “I’m jerry of C.O.D.E I had a report of a missing crew member a while back. Would that be you by any chance?” “Sorry code doesn’t sound familiar…” I reply.
Directing my gaze to the character I say “I need to get home” then as I leave Jerry, I realize I don’t remember anything…