The Lost Son's Cipher
The Lost Son's Cipher: A Code to Unravel
Martin
CRIMES. What does it mean? What's it supposed to tell me?
He flips through the notebook, filled with scribbled notes and half-formed theories. He pauses, his gaze falling on the folded note.
Martin
I found this tucked away in the back of my old photo album. It was hidden behind a picture of me as a baby, a picture I barely remember. Almost like they wanted me to find it.
He unfolds the note, his eyes scanning the faded ink.
Martin
(Reading aloud) If you're my son, come and find me!
He stares at the note, his brow furrowed in confusion. He runs a hand through his hair, a sense of unease creeping in.
Martin
They left me with nothing. Just this note, this code. Why? Why leave me to figure it out on my own?
He takes a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves.
Martin
Maybe it's a clue. Maybe it's a map. Maybe it's a warning. But what if it's a trap? What if they don't want to be found?
He stares at the word "CRIMES" again, his eyes narrowing. A shiver runs down his spine.
Martin
But what kind of warning? What kind of crime? Maybe... maybe they're in danger. Maybe finding them is dangerous. Or maybe... maybe it's a loophole. A way to escape something, to disappear. A way to protect me.
He reaches for his phone, scrolling through his contacts.
Martin
Maybe I need help. Maybe I need someone to crack this code. Someone who knows the dark side of the city, the hidden secrets, the whispers of the streets.
He taps on a contact named "Max."
Martin
Max, it's Martin. I need to talk to you. It's about my past, about a code, about a mystery. Meet me at the usual spot in an hour. I need your help.
A moment later, his phone vibrates. It's a text from Max.
Max
On my way. Don't worry, I've got a few ideas. I'll be there in a minute.
Martin stares at the text, a flicker of hope igniting in his eyes. He takes a deep breath, trying to quell the nervous energy coursing through him.
Martin
Maybe this is a good start. Maybe Max can help me understand what 'CRIMES' means. Maybe he can help me find my parents.
He slams his notebook shut, a sense of urgency building within him. He runs a hand through his hair, a nervous energy pulsing through him.
Martin
I'm not going to be an orphan forever. I'm going to find my parents. No matter what. But... I need to be careful. This might be more than I bargained for. Maybe they're not who I think they are. Maybe they're not even who they say they are.
He grabs his coat and heads out of the cafe, disappearing into the night.
So, you think you know what 'CRIMES' means? Trust me, you haven't seen anything yet. This city, it breathes secrets, and I'm about to be swept up in a whirlwind of them. Ready for the truth? Because even I'm not sure what I'm about to uncover.
The Lost Son's Cipher: The Risk of Revelation
In the cafe, Martin sat in the available chair near the left corner, his gaze fixed on the note in his hand.
Martin
Don't bother. I just got here too.
Max
(A playful smirk) I thought you'd be in the park.
Martin
Oh come on, don't be silly. You knew that wasn't our usual spot.
Max
Just kidding. So, what will we be talking about?
Martin showed the note. The faded ink and worn paper spoke of years gone by.
Max
"If you're my son come and find me"? (Confused)
Martin
Fortunately, that's what it says. Oh, look here.
Martin unfolded the note, revealing a single word scrawled beneath the message.
Max
Crimes? What? I don't understand. Say, you don't think this note is from your parents, do you?
Martin
I've considered that possibility, but it might not be from them. Probably must be from our classmates trying to prank me.
Max
I can't imagine anyone from our school doing that though. Given that everyone wants to be on your good side.
Martin
Maybe someone I don't know? Playing pranks at random people? But no, not possible since the note owner knows I'm separated with my parents.
Max
Yeah, you're right about that. Wait, someone who's jealous of what you can do?
Martin
Idiot. 😤 You're the only one who knows my ability.
Max
No, not that, I mean you can charm ladies. 😏 It's hard for others, you know. 😜
Martin
Well, not to brag, but...
Max
Aheemm... it smells like humility.
Martin
Oh, sorry, just telling the truth. Okay, back to the topic. I'm considering the possibility of this coming from my parents. What do you think?
Max
Well, if it's the real deal, then that sounds complicated.
Martin
Yeah, I know, right. That's why I'm asking for your help.
Max
Oh, what can I do for you, Mr.?
Martin
Your family seems to have a lot of influence in Havenwood City. So I'm thinking you know a lot about this city's dark secrets?
Max
Why are you even asking for dark secrets?
Martin
You see, it says here crimes. So I'm thinking it might have something to do with criminal organizations or something like that. Or perhaps my parents got involved with them? I don't know.
Max
Max: (A flicker of unease crosses his face) It should be hard. Digging into those matters might cost our lives, you know. My family has always warned me about getting involved in things that are better left untouched.
Martin
Oh, come on, please. I don't want to be an orphan anymore. You're my only friend. You know how much I longed for my parents.
Max
I know. But please understand. My family... they have connections to powerful people. Things can get dangerous very quickly.
Martin
Just what it is you are afraid of?? (Angry) (Calmed down) Okay, never mind, forget it. I should have not involved you. I'll just find another way. Sorry for taking your time.
Martin pushed the note across the table, his face a mask of disappointment. He turned away, his shoulders slumping, the weight of his loneliness settling back upon him.
Max
Martin... (Hesitant) Wait. We can talk about this. But I need to be sure. We need to prove that all the theories we've come up with—the prank, the jealousy, even the possibility of your parents—are not true. Only then can I be certain that there's something real here, something worth risking my neck for.
Martin looked back at Max, a flicker of hope in his eyes.
Max
If we can eliminate all the other possibilities, then I'll help you. We'll find your parents. But we need to be smart about it. We need a plan.
The aroma of freshly brewed coffee hung in the air, a subtle reminder that even in the darkest of times, there was always a chance for a new beginning. ☕️
Who wrote the note?
- Is it a prank from someone trying to play a joke on Martin?
- Could it be a message from Martin's parents, finally reaching out to him after all these years?
- Or is there a more sinister explanation, with someone trying to manipulate or harm Martin?
The Lost Son's Cipher: The Curious Pen
A dimly lit basement. Martin and Max are huddled together, a worn, yellowed note in Martin's hand.
Martin
I'm sure this couldn't be a prank.
Martin
Look, we should consider this note. It's old, and obviously so many years have passed since it's written. Who pranks that long?
Max
I'm not sure about that. Even I can fake something to make it old.
Martin
What grudge has that person for me going through all that just to prank and mess with me? It's not like they'd remember after all this time.
Max
I hope we can find a lead. Do you have anything else besides this note?
Max
This should be a problem. We can't afford going through circles.
Martin
Wait, I remembered!
Martin quickly exits the basement. After a while, he returns with a pen.
Martin
I found this right beside the note. I just overlooked it as I was more intrigued by the note.
Max
Wait, this pen... is it yours?
Max
I think we have to look into this. Amazing, this pen may help us.
Max
Alright, and the note... can I look into this? I want to see if it's forged or not.
Martin hands the note to Max.
Max
I'll get back to you ASAP after I look into this.
What do you think is so special about the pen? 🤔 Could it be a clue to the mystery of the note? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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