709

I reach the creek and park near one of the many picnic tables. Instead of pooping away Simon simply gets out of the car normally, "so what do you think you'll find out here?" He asks, putting his hands on his hips and taking in a deep breathe. "Besides fresh air!" He comments and I begin walking toward the evidence spot.

The spot is surrounded by caution tape, I notice that there's a tree in the center. I climb over the tape and walk towards it; inspecting the trunk I notice something odd on it. "North" is clawed into the bark, and I notice that there's a perfect grove around the tree. Rope? Or something else... did they tie him here?

I sit down and look towards the creek, "what time is it?" I ask Simon who I notice has been starring at me this whole time. Simon looks at his wrist "7:09" he says and I look toward the tree. Then to the leaves shadow in which I spot "5" just the number five.

North and the number 5. Is it an address? "That's your favorite number right?" Simon asks and I turn around shocked. "Okay I don't know how you keep doing that but I'm gonna ask you to please stop." I say trying to think, Simon nods and then walks over to the tree.

I look back at the number and the word then look around, and up. Simon is just staring across the creek looking confused. "Hey Simon can you move please? I'm going to climb the tree." I say and he jumps aside.

As carefully as I can I climb the tree taking it one branch at a time. I reach the top and then look to the north, so if Nick was taken north then he'd end up in Sparce valley at some point. Something glimmers in the light and I look down to it. Bending down I look into it's hiding spot inside the tree.

Nicks pen I wonder if he threw it so they couldn't get it. If I remember correctly this pen has a little compartment. There! I open it and pull out a message. (Where the sky grows cold) is written in Nicks handwriting.

"I got something!" I shout down to Simon and suddenly I'm pulled back. Falling down and hitting my arm on a branch breaking it. I try to grab onto something but can't.

Why can't I reach any branches?!