That seemed to be enough to motivate Charlotte so they continued onwards. After quite a while and two tears in Charlotte’s dress, they found the clearing. Maggie thought the shed in the middle looked a lot creepier now than it had yesterday.

“The treasure’s in there?” Charlotte asked nervously as she tried to hide behind Maggie.

“I think so.”

Maggie took a step forwards and all of a sudden the summer day didn’t feel quite as nice and warm. There was a clammy chill in the air.

“I’m scared,” Charlotte complained. “I don’t like this place. I want Mr Bear.”

“You can hold my hand Charlotte,” Maggie said and held out her hand. ”

“M’kay,” she said, grabbing the hand, but still walking behind Maggie and Tommy. Maggie didn’t need to look back to understand that while she was holding one hand, the thumb of the other hand was firmly in Charlotte’s mouth.

“You know what Charlotte,” Maggie said, trying to sound cheerful. “I think it’s supposed to be scary. After all, it wouldn’t be a real treasure hunt if it wasn’t, would it?”

Finally, after what felt like hours, they reached the door. Maggie pushed it open to reveal a brilliant golden light.

“Do you guys see that too?” Maggie asked.

“Uh-huh.”

“What’s that light?” Charlotte wondered.

Tommy took a step forward. “Be careful,” Maggie warned. “We don’t know if it’ll work.”

“Honestly, either way it’ll be better than staying here,” he said and walked into the light.

“Tommy?” Maggie called after a few seconds, but there was no answer. The only sound was a steadily growing rumble behind them. Maggie glanced back over her shoulder and saw that the perfect blue sky was filled with dark clouds, and lightning flashing more and more frequently.

“Come on Charlotte. We have to go too,” Maggie said

“But I’m scared.”

“It’s OK. I’ll hold your hand all the way. And I promise I won’t let go.”

They took another step closer. Maggie held her breath as they stepped across the threshold and into the light. For a brief moment there was the sensation of falling, and then nothing. ***

A light woke Maggie up. She yawned and stretched, peering into the pre-dawn gloom to see the familiar things in her tiny apartment. Outside, the street light were swaying in the wind. Wow! That was a crazy dream. She untangled herself from the sheet and sat up. That’s when she saw it. She wasn’t wearing the towel diaper, but a big, puffy diaper with a cheerful flower print. And it was wet.