An NPC's Reality

Chapter 3: The Way Forward

After the strange events of yesterday, we decided we had to address our sources.

“How about the library?" Matt said as we turned to each other, away from the carnival.

“Seems like a good place to start." I nodded.

“Race you there!" Grayson said quickly as he jumped on his board and bolted away.

Matt and I sighed and followed along. The library was only ten minutes away. I watched Grayson swerve and almost get himself killed crossing traffic but eventually, we all made it in one piece. We don't come here often but I think it's secretly Matt's favorite place.

“Pshhh I beat you guys by a long shot. Pheww. Whoa." Grayson said through panting breaths as if he had to try harder than he's ever tried at anything to beat us here.

“You sure did man." I said as I patted his shoulder and we walked inside.

There are shelves surrounding us, standing around seven feet tall. The ceiling is glass and shows the pure blue sky. As we look around I say, “If there's any real information in here, it's probably well hidden. Maybe in a book, no one ever checks out or in a disguised program on the computer."

“We'll check the books, you check the computer. We'll meet back up if we find anything." Matt said as he practically pulled Grayson along with him, he's not one for reading books very often.

I sat down at one of the computers and started looking through all of the programs listed. Hoping that there will be one that sticks out to me or doesn't belong. The first list checked out. The second list seems normal. The third list was ordinary. It wasn't until the fourth list that I noticed a program called "Beginnings: A History" which stood out amongst the rest.

“Hey guys, I got something." I said as I called Matt and Grayson back over as they set down a stack of books. They jogged over and sat down on either side of me.

“Hopefully this gives us something." I said as I opened up the program. Once it was loaded, a video popped up with a person looking directly at the camera. They said:

If you are seeing this video then congratulations, you have discovered the truth. You are in the video game I

created called Exploring San Francisco. I'm sure you have done much exploration and are wondering what

is next. Since you are here now, I will warn you that San Francisco is more than you imagine. There is more

to explore, and hidden levels to be found. Your first hint is this, It might seem far in sight but it is close in

mind. Good luck with your search! Sincerely, Narin Bevan.

We simply stared at the screen as the video closed and the program shut down. Before any of us exchanged looks, I tried to pull up the program again and it was no longer there.

“Did anyone actually retain all of that information or are we screwed?" I said as we exchanged nervous looks.

“It might seem far in sight but it is close in mind." Matt repeated with his eyes closed. When he opened them, Grayson and I sat with our jaws dropped and eyebrows furrowed.

“How did you do that??" Grayson practically yelled as he shook Matt's shoulders.

“I was listening, that's all. It's no big deal." Matt replied. The three of us stood up and headed out of the library.

“I've always wanted to reach the boats out in the water, but the tide stops me. Is that something?" Grayson pointed in the direction of the water.

“It could be, we might as well head there first. We don't have to race though, save your energy." I looked at Grayson and smiled at his antics. We skated back to the beach and all looked out at the boats. There's always the same two going past and moving in circles. As we all stood there watching, Matt walked over to a little girl and bent down to her level.

“Hi there. Could I look at the toy you're playing with?" He said quietly, looking at the little boat in her hand.

“Will you give it back?" She asked.

“Of course. I just want to show it to my friends over there, then I'll give it back. Okay?"

“Okay." She replied as she handed it to him.

He stood up and walked back over to us while examining it. An almost exact replica to the boats in the water. All white except for a blue stripe across the side. Only big enough to hold two people.

“Far in sight but close in mind. It seems like we have to try going somewhere close, rather than going far away. Maybe one of our houses? Ben noticed weird stuff first. Maybe that's the way forward?" Matt thought out loud before he handed the boat back to the little girl.

“It's worth a try." I said as we headed back our usual route back home. We went into my house and up to my bedroom.

“There's gotta be something here, right? What else would it be?" Grayson asked as we looked around my room.

Matt opened my closet and stood completely still, barely taking a deep breath.

“Um, guys? Over here." He practically whispered.

Grayson and I turned around and joined him, no one wanting to take the next step until Matt inched closer and was pulled in."