Page 27 - The Muse 2021

bookshelves. Except for a few tables and chairs in the back. The chairs were nice leather and the table was beautiful mahogany wood.
“Karl, Karl,” I said.
“I'll be right there,” he replied. “Right this way.”
I asked, “So what do you need me for?”
He replied, “Times aren't so good. Nowadays people just order a book online for cheaper than they can buy it in a
bookstore. It's driving us out of business. We’re losing money fast. The only way I could even think we could stay in business is if in the next few weeks, we got some huge sum of money like 50,000 dollars.”
“That's terrible. You guys can't go out of business. What could I do to help?”
“Unfortunately, nothing. I best be on my way though. I'll see you around.”
I was distraught. How could they close. Don't people want to read anymore? While I was walking home a
crumpled piece of paper flew and hit my face. It was a newspaper ad for online shopping. The ad said shop for books now 30% off. Once I got home, I didn't feel like doing anything. I sat down on the couch and started to just watch tv. A few hours had passed, and I was about to doze off when a commercial came on. The commercial said, “If you're a small business owner listen closely. This winter season you can earn the incredible prize of 50,000 dollars. Call the number below to enter now.”
I couldn't believe it. If I were to enter this scavenger hunt and win, I could give the money to Karl. I called the number immediately.
The operator said, “Please wait patiently, your call will be answered in a little while.” All the nervousness and anger had flowed out of my body.
“Hello!” The man on the phone said, “Are you feeling lucky?”
I went to answer, “Yes.”
“You can win 50,000 dollars if your wits are about you and you can think well. All you have to do is sign this paper that I will email to you. Sign it saying which business you are competing for in case you win we know where to send the money.”
“Ok,” I replied.
I was ecstatic. The competition started tomorrow.
I called up Karl, “Could I come over really quickly?”
“Sure he,” he replied.
I went running through intersections without waiting for crosswalk lights. People were honking at me for cutting
them off, but I didn't care. The only thing on my mind was getting to the bookstore. “Karl!” I screamed, “Karl!”
“What?” He replied.
“Look,” I had printed the form before I came.
“That's amazing.”
“Do you think you have a chance of winning?
“As good a chance as anybody. The competition is tomorrow. It supposedly will take us all around the city.” “You need to go rest up then so you're ready for tomorrow.”
“I'll go rest now.”
“Goodbye.”
I went home. My mind couldn't stop thinking about this. If I were to win it would save the bookstore. My dinner
was finished so I decided to just go lie down. I just fell asleep soon after I was comfortable. It was finally here. The competition. I was so nervous. I was the last chance the bookstore had to stay open. If I were to not win the competition it would be like the straw that broke the camel's back, except the straw would be my fault. I left my home and started walking to the competition, it started in central park.
“Ladies and gentlemen, you are all here today for a reason.”
It was the same voice from the phone call.
“Some of you are here to compete, others to watch them compete. The rules are simple. You will have to turn in
your phones and smartwatches if you have them so you can't cheat. You will be given a watch just so you know what time it is and how much time you have left. Competitors line up right next to me. Once I fire this blank you are free to go, but first I shall tell you your first clue. Where the brown statue stands at the top of it will be your next clue.”
I handed in my phone and went to the starting line.
“Good luck.”
Bang! The challenge had started. “Where the brown statue stands at the top of it will be your next clue.” I
murmured in a low voice to myself I was thinking. There were a lot of brown statues in New York. Then It hit me, the 27