1985
Cody sets the flier down. "You think these will work?" he said.
"I sure hope so."
I drive to our first location. It was a park in the center of the city. It was a very popular spot. perfect for gaining the attention of families from around the city.
"This spot is perfect, Mister Allen," Cody said.
I look over with a grin. "I know, right?"
We get out of the car and start walking around, putting up fliers on trees and benches—anything we can get them on. We saw there were already families looking at some of the fliers we just put up.
It's already working.
We finish up at the park and get back into the car.
"Now we just put them up around town in hotspots," I said.
Cody sat down, setting the box in the back. "Like where?" he said.
"Any popular food joints," I said, starting the car.
We drive around the city, stopping every few minutes to get out and put up fliers. We were out for hours putting up all the fliers. Eventually, it started to get dark.
"We should probably get you home," I said.
Cody tossed the empty box into the dumpster. "Yeah, can't worry the parents," he said.
We get in the car, and I drive him home.
We get to his house. I hand him fifteen dollars.
"Good work, kid," I said.
He looked happy about the payment.
"I would have helped for free," he said.
"No, you're my employee. You need to be paid."
He nods. "Well, just let me know when you need me next."
I nod and wave before driving off.
The drive home was very quiet. I spent most of it thinking about what I could do to make my show even better than I had planned. I start to zone out, thinking of ideas.
Next thing I knew, a car had pulled out right in front of me.
I slammed the brakes, barely stopping before hitting the car.
"LOOK BEFORE YOU TURN, IDIOT!"
I shout, my heart beating fast.
I make it home. I sit in my car a few minutes, just staring out the windshield. I got out of the car. Everyone had already gone inside for the night. It looked like a ghost town.
I go inside and sit down.
"This is crazy," I whispered. "Am I really able to do this?"
In the kitchen, I open my fridge. I scan the contents inside before grabbing a beer. I let out a sigh before opening it and heading to my room.
"Tomorrow is another day."
The next morning, I wake up still tired, getting out of bed. I check the time. I had slept in.
I get ready and go to work.
Cody and I spent the rest of the week preparing for the grand opening.
"You ready for tomorrow?" Cody asked.
"I'm beyond ready. This is what I've been planning for years of my life," I said, locking the door.
"Let's meet here at 3 p.m. tomorrow."
Cody nods. "Yes, sir," he said.
He gets on his bike.
"See you tomorrow," he said before riding off.
I walk to my car. I look at my studio.
Allen's Home of Mysteries
the LED sign said.
"Tomorrow is the big day."
I get in my car and try starting it, but it doesn't start. I try it again, but nothing. Then I notice one of the letters on the sign flickering.
I try the car again, and my car starts, and at the same time the light stops flickering.
"That was weird."
I think nothing of it and drive home.
Once again, I sit in my car outside my house, just staring out the windshield. I thought I saw something out of the corner of my eye, but when I looked there was nothing.
I got out and went inside, once again heading to the kitchen, this time grabbing some water.
"Time for a change."
I head to my room. I close the door behind me.
I pace around my room for a while.
Thump.
I hear from behind my door.
I stop moving.
I open it.
There's nothing there.
Weird.
I close the door and get in bed.
The next morning, I wake up on time, something I haven't done in a while. I once again get ready.
I step outside, taking a deep breath.
"Today's the day."
I walk to my car, starting the engine and driving to my studio.
2:30 p.m. was when I arrived.
I went in and turned on all the lights. I go back out to my car and grab some equipment from the trunk. It was just basic items for my performance.
I grab the box and walk back inside.
The lights were off.
"What the heck?"
I flip them back on.
I walk backstage and set the box down.
Three o'clock hit, and Cody walked through the door.
"Hey, Mister Allen," he said.
"Perfect timing, Cody."
We both prepped everything.
I checked my watch.
6 p.m.
The show starts in an hour.
I look out the window. People had already started to show up and wait outside.
"No way," I said.
The clock hit seven, and we opened the doors.
Immediately, people began to walk in and buy their tickets.
The show sold out, and everyone had gone to their seats.
It took everything in me not to peek out from behind the curtains.
The lights went out.
Then a spotlight turned on, facing the stage. It was covered by curtains.
"Welcome, everyone, to Allen's Home of Mysteries," I say through the speakers.
"Thank you all for coming to the grand opening."
Cody pulled the rope, pulling the curtains back and revealing me on stage.
The crowd cheered.
I started my act, and Cody went around serving everyone drinks.
This was it. This was what I had been dreaming of for years.
I kept performing, everyone cheering in amazement.
"And now for my final act, I need someone from the crowd."
Everyone started shouting, wanting to be chosen.
"Let's see… how about you?"
I point at Cody.
He comes on stage, the crowd cheering.
"You ready?" I whisper to him.
He nods.
I hold a sheet up to him.
"And now I will make him disappear."
I drop the sheet, and he was gone.
The crowd couldn't believe it.
They went wild, cheering louder than before.
"Thank you, thank you."
I ended my show there.
After everyone left, I opened a hatch on the stage.
"You good down there, Cody?" I said.
"Yeah, it's not bad down here," he replied.
I help him out and close the trapdoor.
And with that, Allen's Home of Mysteries was officially opened.