Curiousity Had Us Regretting

Two kids go in search of something and get a big surprise.

After Mom left to go shopping, Caryn and I waited to make sure she was really gone. Then we headed for the garden shed. That was the best place to start looking.

At the shed, Caryn tested the door handle. It was unlocked.

We shuffled in and I closed the door behind us.

"I expect she put it up there so it wouldn't be so easy to find," I said looking up at several unmarked boxes in the rafters.

"Which box?"

"No idea."

"You got something we can climb on?"

"No, but I'm taller than you. Let me climb up and hand the boxes down so you can look."

"It's gotta be that one," she said pointing to the smallest box.

"Not necessarily. Mom can be rather devious. I figure she's put it in one of the bigger boxes and hidden it under something else just to throw us off."

"You're probably right. Let's start with that one."

I climbed up and reached to snag the box, careful not to bring the whole puzzle of boxes down on my head. I handed it to Caryn then climbed down.

"You sure this is it?"

I shrugged.

"Was that a car?" she whispered looking toward the door.

I peaked out the window. "Just the neighbour."

Grabbing the side flaps of the box Caryn pulled.

In that moment we were both engulfed in a blue cloud of iridescent paint.

"What the hell!" Caryn yelled after sputtering and whipping at her face. The box dropped to the floor just as the door swung open.

"Gotcha! I knew you two couldn't resist looking for your game controllers. And now you'll have something to do. Every spot of paint had best be cleaned up or you'll never see those controllers again. "

We groaned.



Word Count = 297 words.

Notes ▶︎

Written for "Daily Flash Fiction Challenge"  - June 4, 2026
Use the phrase "I'm taller than you."
 

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