You continue to pace around your living room, paralyzed by fear and indecision. The rumors couldn't be true. It was impossible. No word game could affect reality. Then again, you had seen some strange things and odd people milling about your small town....
You look up at the clock. Your time is almost up. It looks like the decision is going to be made for you. Even if you could think of someone to call, it would be too late.
A knock on the door startles you. You rush to open the door, surprised to find your schoolmate Cassandra waiting for you behind it.
"What's up, Max?" says Cassie casually. She examines you closely. "What's the matter? You look like you have seen a ghost! Or is it those bullies at school again? I thought they got the message last time."
Cassie slams her fist into her hand. She is a small, spry girl, but she is also tough and a bit of tomboy. Although it is hard to tell what she really looks like under all the dark, baggy clothes and black makeup she wears over her pale skin. You and Cassie look out for each other at school, not that many people give Cassie a hard time. Most people find her piercings and partially shaved head a little intimidating. But that didn't stop the more popular girls from trying to pick on her, not that she really cared what they thought about her. Still, you are glad she is here today. If anybody can handle the curse, it is Cassie.
"Cassie, it's your turn to play. Pass it on or else, " you say slowly.
Cassie looks at you strangely, raising one eyebrow curiously.
"What the hell are you talking about, Max?"
You sigh and begin again, casting a nervous eye at the clock and hope you are not too late.
"Listen carefully, Cassie. I have something crucial to tell you. It's your turn to play. Pass it on or else."
Cassie continues to silently study your face for a while. Then she suddenly bursts out laughing, slapping you hard on the back.
"Are you talking about that stupid game? Is that what got you worried? Give me a break. Have you got something to drink?" asks Cassie as she brushes past you into your house.
"Cassie, I am sorry. I didn't want to do it. But somebody challenged me and I was running out of time. Please forgive me," you say quickly, following her into the kitchen.
Cassie opens the fridge and pulls out a soda.
"You can't be serious? You don't really believe that crap, do you?" asks Cassie as she pops the lid off the soda and takes a sip.
"I am deadly serious. You need to call someone else and challenge them before it is too late. You only have one hour!" you say desperately.
"Then what happens?"
"I don't know," you say, thinking about it for the first time. "I guess whatever was supposed to happen to the first person that passed the curse, happens to you. The caller didn't mention what it was."
Cassie plops down on the couch, props her black boots on the coffee table, and turns on the TV.
"Well, I am not worried. It is all just a bunch of bullshit, " says Cassie.
You sit down beside her and try to direct her attention away from the television screen.
"Please, Cassie. You have to challenge someone before it is too late. You don't have to call someone. We can go the park or the gym if you like. I think the cheerleaders are still practicing at school. You can punish one of them if you like. But I don't want you to get hurt because of me," you plead.
Cassie leans forward and looks closely at you.
"You really believe this shit, don't you?"
You nod vigorously.
"Well then I have to keep it. I gotta see what the curse will do to me, " says Cassie with amusement. She leans back and resumes watching television.
"Cassie, I ...."
"Listen, Max. You did your job. You warned me. You don't have to feel guilty. I choose to keep it, " says Cassie. "But you don't need to worry. Nothing is gonna happen. But it will be a fun way to kill an hour. I know its kinda mean, but watching you squirm is really entertaining. And when the hour is up we can both have a good laugh. Now let's relax and kill some brain cells."
Cassie begins to flick through the channels, her short attention span preventing her from pausing on one channel for very long. She doesn't appear to have a care in the world. But you can't help but continue to watch the clock with renewed dread.