Our latest writing prompt was won by BOD member Carrie Avery Moriarty. You can find the original prompt and photo here.

PROMPT: The beacon light was my driving force for weeks leading up to this moment. But somehow staring at it now, in all its glory against a backdrop of rubble, I couldn’t trust it. Then the door behind me creaked open.

The beacon light was my driving force for weeks leading up to this moment. But somehow staring at it now, in all its glory against a backdrop of rubble, I couldn’t trust it. Then the door behind me creaked open.

With a deep breath I said, “Hello Sloan.”

“Didn’t think you’d make it, sugar.” His drawl was sweet, and I knew he was eyeing my backside.

I looked over my shoulder at him. “Couldn’t help myself. Did you think you were the only one looking for the prize?”

“You think it will get you anywhere?”

“If it gets me out of this hell they call a game, I’ll take a chance.”

He sidled out of the mausoleum to stand beside me. “See anyone else along the way?”

Did he seriously think I would tell him who his competition was? Then I looked at his face. “Not a soul.” It was the truth, but I knew he didn’t believe me.

“Sugar,” he began, dripping with sarcasm. “If I know you, you’ve got something hidden under that jacket. You gonna share?”

I pulled a bottle out and handed it over. It wasn’t worth the fight.

“Do you think it’s really there?” he asked after taking a swig.

“Probably not,” I replied. “They wouldn’t be that stupid.”

“Then again, maybe they think we’ll think it’s a trap.”

“And put it right there, with a beacon leading everyone to it?”

“Would you put it past them?”

I thought about that for a moment, then realized that’s exactly what they would do. I began walking toward the light, Sloan right beside me. I guess there were worse things than having him at my side. He might come in handy.

“You gonna take me with you?” he asked.

I turned and looked at him, took a deep breath, and lied through my teeth. “I wouldn’t dream of leaving you behind.”

The thing was, he bought it. He’d never leave this game. That’s why they put me in here, to give him hope and keep him playing.