In the sweltering heat of summer vacation, Sean Kim was engrossed in an online game at home. Just as he reached an exciting part, a knock on the door yanked him out of the virtual world. Bang, bang, bang!!! "Sean, your classmate is here to see you," his mother called out. "Hold on a minute," he replied nonchalantly. She warned that if he didnt come out, she would tell Ian Shaw about the incident on Sunday. Sean leaped up, exclaiming, "Im coming right away." He pleaded, "Dont let her leave!" Curious about his reaction, his mother teased, "Did you do something you shouldnt have?" "Of course not! Im going out now, or itll be disastrous if she tells!" Sean rolled his eyes at his mother.
Upon opening the door, he saw a young girl, about twelve or thirteen years old, with clear features, clearly from a well-to-do family. This girl was Ginny, his classmate, and they had grown up together like childhood sweethearts. Though Seans family wasnt exactly wealthy, they were comfortably well-off. Ginny glared at Sean, saying, "I thought you werent coming down at all! If I really told Ian, and he finds out you broke his beloved Gundam model, which is his birthday gift, he wont let you off easily!" Sean pleaded, "Ginny, youre the best. Please dont tell him! Ill treat you to ice cream, okay?" "Dont think one ice cream will buy me off," she huffed, pretending to be stern. "What do you want, then?" Sean asked anxiously. Ginny turned her head, considering, and said, "You have to treat me to five ice creams." Sean stifled a laugh. Seeing him silent, Ginny grew nervous and compromised, "Fine, three ice creams are okay too!" Unable to hold back, Sean burst into laughter. Ginny wondered, "Whats so funny? Doesnt he want ice cream?" "Deal! Ill treat you to ten if you can handle it," Sean said, still chuckling. Ginny agreed happily, "Alright, I wont say a word. Its up to you to perform."
"By the way," Ginny continued, "Ian mentioned that since its summer vacation and hes got nothing to do, he wants to hang out with you." Sean snickered, "That little Ian, he must be up to something. Did he say where he wants to go?" "I dont know that, but I do know you owe me ten ice creams," she reminded him. "I said Ill treat you, and I will, just not now. Im off to find Ian. If you need me, just call because... you still owe me ten ice creams." Exasperated, she repeated, "Got it, youre so annoying! Im leaving now." With that, she hurried towards Ians house.
After a while, out of breath and free from Ginnys nagging, Sean slowed down and caught his breath. He continued towards Ians house, wondering what Ian could possibly want. As he walked, he was drawn to a commotion up ahead where a crowd had gathered. Curious, he approached and asked someone what was happening. It turned out that a group of archaeologists had discovered an old mine, and they were investigating its origins. Sean watched for a moment before heading towards Ians house, thinking, "Its just a hole; whats the big deal?"
Before he knew it, he arrived at Ians house, where Ian was already waiting for him outside. "Hey, Sean! Ive been waiting for you so long my feet are about to take root," Ian joked. "Youre exaggerating," Sean replied. "So, whats up?" Ian urged, "Lets not talk here; come to my room." Once inside, Ian pulled Sean to sit and said mysteriously, "You must have heard about the old mine, right? I want to check it out with you tonight, like an adventure since youre free anyway. How about it? Dare you?" "Why not? Lets do it!" Sean agreed. "Great, well go after dinner."
After dinner, Ian told his mom he was going out with Sean for a bit. His mom warned, "Dont come back too late." Ian agreed, and they rushed out. Soon, they arrived at the old mine, which was cordoned off with police tape. Carefully, they slipped under the tape and approached the entrance, which was pitch black inside... (New author, please support)