The Aztec Tomb

Just another sibling being annoying - 128 words

"And now," Ryan announced, "my assistant will escape the Aztec Tomb!"
Inside, his brother Ben scrambled as he worked the hidden mechanism. "You owe me," he muttered. "Big time."
Ryan slammed the painted door, ignoring him. He spun the cabinet and pulled the handle to prove Ben had vanished. But it didn't move. Something held it shut from inside.
"The door is locked," Ryan hissed.
Ben’s muffled laugh echoed from within.
Ryan’s smile strained. "It's not funny. Open it."
"You do it, Houdini!"
For a beat, Ryan’s face fell. Then he whipped around to the crowd.
"Bring me the swords!" he proclaimed, arms aloft.
The audience gasped.
From inside, Ben did too.
A latch clicked.
The door swung open. Empty.
Ryan kept smiling for the crowd. He muttered through his grin:
“Ta-da, asshole.”


Prompt: Write a story that includes the line: "The door is locked."


Optional feedback questions:
1. Was it clear what Ryan and Ben were trying to do during the trick?
2. Was the relationship between Ryan and Ben clear enough?
3. Did the escalation from a stuck door to "Bring me the swords!" feel funny, or too sudden?
4. Did the final disappearance make sense, or was it confusing?
5. Did the ending line land for you, or did it feel too crude / too abrupt?
6. Did the story feel complete, or too simple?
Thank you!