Rendezvous with the regrettable

8th September 2014 

It was a cold autumn morning. Adam was getting ready for school while watching the latest news on TV.

"The police are still investigating the strange murder that happened 2 days ago, but haven't found any leads so far. This strange murder happened in broad daylight yet nobod-"

"Adam you are going to be late for school again!" shouted Adam's mom from the kitchen.

"I am almost ready mom."

"Did you pack everything?"

"Yes I did mom, I am in high school now, I can pack my own bag." 

"What about your lunch?"

"I have it right he-- I forgot it"

A big smiled appeared on the woman's face while she was holding Adam's lunch.

"You mean this?"

Adam took the lunch box in a hurry and left.

"Take care!"

"Yeah yeah..."

While walking the usual path he takes, Adam noticed that the street was less busier than usual.

"For a Monday morning is sure is quiet." Adam said to himself

Suddenly he heard a deep voice calling his name. He turned around but nobody was there.

"Adam Millers, are you interested in playing a little game with me?"

"Who said that? Show yourself!"

"What do you mean to show myself? I am right in front of you."

Adam turned and saw a large figure. From what he could tell it was a huge middle aged man wearing a dark red coat and a matching hat. He had a short beard and a serious look on his face.

"Oh excuse me sir I didn't see you. Sorry, but I am on my way to school I don't have time for any games now." 

After he said that Adam tried to leave, but the man kept getting in his way.

"Are you sure you are going to school, Adam Millers?"

Adam froze in fear. Not because of what the strange man said but because the expression on the man's face changed. After a few seconds of hesitation Adam responded:

"What do you mean? Of course I am sure I am going to school, what a dumb question. Please now, let me pass otherwise I will ask for help!"

"Be my guest, ask for help. That is if you can find anyone to ask."

Adam looked around. A cold shiver ran down his spine. All the people were gone. Even though it was a Monday morning the street was empty.

"Where..."

"Are you interested to play the game now?"

"What did you do to them? Where all all the people?"

"I didn't do anything to them, if you want to see them again just play the game."

"This is a dream...right? Yes, It has to, a crazy tall man, a game, people disappearing, it has to be a dream. Hahahaha, that's it, it's all a dream. Hey tall dude, I am not afraid of you! What are you gonna do to me huh? Kill me? You are just in my mind!"

The strange man waved his hand. The second after that Adam felt a cruel pain. 

"Ahhhh!"

"You are wasting my time Adam Miller. Decide, play the game or die right here, right now." said the strange man with the same calm voice he had.

Adam looked over his shoulder. His arm was missing and a river of blood was flowing. He screamed in pain and agony.

"Win the game and all the pain will go away, Adam Miller"

"Please, please, please, somebody help me!" Cried Adam, but nobody responded. 

After a few minutes, Adam got used to the pain and calmed down. It was the first time since this strange incident started that he looked at his situation rationally. After he thought about the situation he was in he made a decision.

"Ok, I will play your game!"