2021 riverrun Final PDF

“I can pay, but all of it will come when the package is hand delivered. Drop
it off at 2319 Wazowski Lane, but you’ll find the package hidden on Begonia Blvd.
Will that be a problem?”
Thinking it over, I accept the job knowing it will be simple and easy. Plus,
the childlike voice made the hand off more interesting. “When do you need this to be
done?”
“It has to arrive at my friend’s by noon tomorrow and I can’t do it myself.”
“How will we do payment?” I ask, cautious of being stiffed by the childlike
voice.
“I’ll give you part of it when you pick up the package and you’ll find the rest
when you drop it off. How does $300 sound?”
“You have a deal with me. What time shall I be at the pickup site?” I ask,
scribbling everything down on a piece of paper.
“Everything will be ready by six. Look for the red bow.” With that she hangs
up.
Red. It has to be red.
One P.M.
Lifting the rest of my sandwich to my mouth, a single bell chimes signaling
the end of my lunch break. Finishing my sandwich, I stand up from my desk and lock
the front door. There are five hours before the package is even placed. I know nothing
about this woman or her package so I can’t do any research. No one is going to
come in anyways. Coming to these conclusions, I walk over to the blinds and close
them before stretching out on the grey sofa for an afternoon nap.
Eight P.M.
*DING*
*DING* I ran as fast as I could, but it was not enough. *DING* Why can’t it
be enough? *DING* Feeling as though lava is coursing through my veins, I still
pushed forward and ran on. *DING* I could hear her, Becky, in the distance calling
my name. *DING* “Burt, I love you! Remember that I love you.” *DING* I was not
fast enough but I pushed on. *DING* I could see her in the distance as though a veil
had lifted. She was back in that wretched car. That horrible red mustang that took
her from me, but I could see her smiling behind the wheel like she always used to.
That smile that filled her whole face and brightened her blue eyes that warmed you
with just a glance. I was not fast enough but I pushed on. “I love you!”, I tried to
scream but nothing came out no matter how much I tried. I was not fast enough but
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