2 Paths. 2 ways I can go. 2 outcomes. One- leading to unlimited wealth and fame. The other led to more death and despair than I could ever imagine. Think. I need to think. After all, this could be the last decision I could make. I close my eyes and inhale a deep breath. I listen to the prairie rustle in the wind. The birds playing in the water distantly. I hear distant sounds of machinery followed by a scream. There is a tree in the middle of the paths. Why? Maybe just to seal my fate once I pass it.

 I start to feel things. Regret. I am starting to regret all of this. Traveling across the world, just to do this maze. I was promised things. Things that could turn my life around forever. All the people I have met on the way through the maze are all sadly behind me now. I would assume by now they all cease to exist. I thought about my family. How I just left without a word.When the man approved me when I was at my low. It is not my fault. I needed it.  I need to do this for my family. Deep breath. 

I go left

Unwilling to wait for this sick game to hand out my fate, I sprint forward, trampling on the uneven ground. I see corn whiz past me, wind in my face. I tripped and fell. On nothing? I don't know. I don't remember. 

I wake up to find myself in a small hole in the ground. Above me resting on the surface is a chest. Joy. I felt joy. I did it! I beat this stupid game! I hurriedly got up and open the chest. In it was a small gold key. I would probably mistake it for an apartment key. Engraved on the key reads, “When the time is right.” I hit the box in frustration. All of this, my life was risked for a stupid key with a riddle on it? Wonder pulled at my thoughts. When would it be the right time? 

My head hurts……

I woke up in my apartment. The smell of rotting food coming from the kitchen. Everything seems just how I left it. Was it a dream? I hope so. I never want to relive it ever again. I wipe my eyes, and I feel something cold on my face. I open my eyes to find the engraved, golden key stuck in my hands. I take the time to look at the key. Just a normal key, despite the engraving. I sigh and chuck the key in the junk drawer. I'm done. Time to restart.

Life has been good. Ever since I got back a year ago, I have appreciated life much more. I realize that I am lucky I survived. As I sit down in the cafe and sip my coffee, I open the computer at the shop. “When the time is right” it read. I dropped my coffee. 

I swore, and they followed me. I want to be done with all of that nonsense  As I look down to start to pick up my coffee I freeze. The once busy shop is empty. The phone rings. I hesitantly get up and go pick it up. A deep, human voice says, “We are ready for you”. I shiver. I look down at the golden key shimmering on my neck. “What's Next”.