Eddie
Dad, I can’t run anymore.
Dad
There you are! I’ve been waiting for you! Where are you?
Eddie
How should I know? I’m in the middle of a forest. All I see are trees!
Dad
You stayed on the path?
Eddie
Yes, just like you told me.
Dad
Good. Keep going for a little more.
Dad
I don’t know where you are, but you should be close.
Dad
You can go slowly. You don’t have to run. Not right now.
Eddie
There are just trees, trees and more trees. I don’t see anything else.
Eddie
There’s a cabin, like you said.
Dad
Okay, now BE CAREFUL! Stop for a second!
Eddie
Who lives in there?
Eddie
Okay, what are you talking about? For real. Tell me! PLEASE!
Dad
Fine. But I need you to stay calm.
Eddie
I’m in a forest in the middle of nowhere, and have no idea how I got here, and you’re telling me to stay calm?
Eddie
Yeah, sure. I promise.
Dad
Eddie, I mean it. This is serious.
Dad
If you don’t keep your wits about you, you could die. This isn’t a game.
Dad
Well, actually, it is.
Eddie
A game? What do you mean? Is this like some war games simulation or something?
Dad
No, it’s a real game. A video game. It’s called The Chase.
Dad
And you’re the one who’s being chased.
Eddie
A video game? Are you serious?
Dad
Yes. You’re in a video game.
Eddie
Dad, I don’t know what to say. Why aren’t you telling me the truth?
Dad
I am telling you the truth! I swear! You’re in a video game!
Dad
I was a character in that game, but I escaped.
Dad
I never thought they’d find me, but they did.
Dad
And now I wish it was me again, but they found you instead.
Dad
I know it sounds crazy, but you need to believe me.
Dad
You have to trust me, if you want to get out of there.
Dad
Once you do, I’m going to figure out a way to destroy that game forever.
Dad
So they never threaten us again.
Eddie
Dad, are you really telling me the truth?
Dad
Yes, I swear. I did the same thing over and over again for years until I finally escaped.
Eddie
How is that possible?
Dad
Eddie, I promise I’ll explain everything when you’re back home safe.
Dad
But they’re closing in on you now.
Dad
You must get into that cabin soon.
Dad
You need to replenish your strength. You can sleep there safely for the night.
Eddie
Replenish my strength?
Dad
You’re in a video game, remember?
Dad
You need to boost your energy at different locations. This is the first one. Once you’re inside, you’re safe.
Dad
You can’t stay there forever, but for a little while you’ll be safe.
Eddie
So you want me to walk in now?
Dad
You can’t just walk in.
Dad
You can’t just walk in anywhere. It’s a trap. Everything is a trap.
Eddie
What’s going to happen?
Dad
I told you before about the trolls.
Eddie
Wait! You weren’t kidding about that??
Dad
No. There are trolls. They’re evil. And they’re nasty.
Eddie
So what do you want me to do about the trolls??
Dad
You’re going to have to trick one and kill the other. That’s what you have the axe for.
Eddie
Dad, I can’t kill a troll!
Eddie
I can’t kill anything!
Eddie
I get squeamish when I step on bugs!
Dad
It’s a troll. If you don’t kill it, it’s going to kill you!
Eddie
Dad, I don’t know about this.
Dad
I don’t think there’s any way into that cabin without killing one of the trolls.
Dad
I’ve played it many times, and each time I’ve had to kill one.
Eddie
My heart is pounding!
Dad
I know. I’m sorry. But, I’d much rather have something happen to the troll than to you.
Dad
You can do this, Eddie.
Dad
The first thing you have to do is find a rock.
Eddie
I see a couple. Got them.
Dad
Okay, wait until I finish all the instructions.
Dad
You’re going to throw one of the rocks as far as you can to your right.
Dad
The trolls will turn toward the sound. Once they do, throw the other rock in the same direction.
Dad
Then start moving slowly toward the cabin.
Dad
Yes. Now listen. I’m not done.
Dad
One of the trolls will go into the forest to investigate, and the other one will have its back turned.
Dad
Once the first troll disappears into the forest, make a dash for the cabin.
Dad
The second troll will turn and face you at the last second, but it will be too late.
Dad
You’ll smash your axe into his head, yank it out and run into the cabin. Okay?
Eddie
Are you out of your mind?? There’s no way I’m doing that!!
Dad
The hunters are going to be there soon. The game only gives you a limited time to finish this task. If you don’t do it, they’ll get you. Now, do what I told you and throw the rock!!
Eddie
OMG, that was sooooo gross! I have green gunk all over me!
Eddie
Yes, but that troll splattered. Yuck! His head split open and this thick green stuff sprayed out.
Dad
Yeah, I should’ve warned you about that. My fault.
Eddie
Oh, great! Thanks, Dad!
Dad
Eddie, I’m proud of you. Great job!
Dad
This is one of your designated rest stops.
Dad
In the corner is a pile of blankets, and in the fireplace there’s a kettle of soup cooking.
Eddie
Uh oh. Who lives here? Do I have to run?
Dad
No! You’re safe there. I promise. Have some soup and get some rest. You earned it.
Dad
Text me the second you wake up. Seriously, the second. We won’t have time to waste.
Eddie
How long can I sleep?
Dad
It’ll happen automatically. The game will know when you’re replenished.
Dad
Your necklace will be replenished too.
Dad
Eddie? You’re going to be okay.
Dad
I do. Get some rest, kid. I love you.
Eddie
I’m not happy, but I love you too, Dad.
