Race To Destiny

by Mike Mayak

AUTHOR’S NOTE: The draws for the May 2024 Flash Fiction Draw Challenge were; An Adventure Story, set at the Temple Of Diana In Greece, featuring Warm Woolen Mittens. Here’s what I came up with. —-mike

“And now, your passport to adventure, your challenge to excitement, your Race To Destiny!”

The last three words from the radio echoed and the two kids in the living room cheered. After promoting the sponsor’s product, the announcer’s voice continued.

“When last we left our dauntless adventurers, Harry, Bart and Molly, they had followed the clues to one of the most famous spots in the world; the Temple Of Diana, in Greece.”

“Gosh, guys, doesn’t the Temple look beautiful with the moonlight reflecting off the marble columns and all?” Bart’s voice came from the radio.

“Yes, and I’ll bet we’re the only tourists here at this hour.” Molly said.

“The only ones who aren’t up to no good.” Harry said.

“Hear that?” Skipper said listening in their living room. “Up to no good!”

Skipper was seven, he knew these things. He just barely remembered listening to President Truman declare the end of the War a couple of years earlier.

“But what’s in a temple?” Betty said. She was his twin sister.

“Let’s find out!” Skipper said. He reached behind them and pulled the cushions off the couch and started making a structure like a pillow fort. “Let’s make this the Temple.”

From the radio the Announcer was describing the trio’s ascent of the hill where the Temple sat.

“Just a moment,” Harry said. “We’d better wear our protective gloves, remember what happened last time.”

“Oh, yeah,” Bart said.

“We always use protection,” Molly said.

“Hear that?” Betty said. Looking around the room. “Gloves! Where do we find gloves in Summer?”

“Over here,” Skipper said, rushing to the hall closet. “Mommy keeps them in here.” He rushed back with a big pair of red wool mittens. “One for each of us.”

The twins each put on a mitten and ducked under the cushion structure as the radio adventure went into a commercial. Then, the show started in again.

“Gosh, guys!” Bart said. “This place sure is big and spooky!”

“And empty,” Molly said. “Listen to our voices echo.”

“Stick close to me,” Harry said. “And let me use my flashlight and…wait! What’s that up ahead?”

The three actors suddenly screamed as the ominous music started.

In the living room, Betty and Skipper screamed and burst out of the cushions just as their mother walked into the room

“What are you two doing? The cushions? And my good warm mittens? Honestly!”

“We were just listening to the radio, Mommy!” Skipper said.

“Honestly! Helping explore the Temple Of Diana in Greece.” Betty said.

“Well, you two put everything back up before Daddy gets home.”

“Yes, Mommy,” the twins said.

The two kids happily replaced cushions and mittens as the closing theme and the radio announcer filled the room.

“Yes, kids. Tune in tomorrow and every weekday afternoon for another thrilling episode of Race To Destiny! Brought to you by Sugar Boinkers, the yummy cereal you’ll eat to fuel adventures of your own…”

—end—

AUTHOR’S NOTE: My homage to old-time-radio shows like “Escape” and “The Chase” which I’ve heard on satellite radio. —-mike