The Key to Fortune

“The Key to Fortune” is one of the outstanding stories of the first biannual International Short Story Contest 2018 written by Priyanka Saravanan, Global Indian International School, Queenstown, Singapore.

The Key to Fortune

I slumped onto the bed deep in thought, staring at the object I held in my hand. It was a key, an extraordinary shaped key. I was wondering what this key could open. My grandmother had given this key to me with great care, when I was younger. My Parents had passed away when I was just a toddler, so I was brought up my grandmother. Recently my grandmother had passed away leaving me grief-stricken. The house had been left under my care as she passed away.

Now I think back and realize how dimwitted I had been all those years. I didn’t bother to ask my grandmother what this key could unlock. I am a teenager of about sixteen years old now. Despite the fact that I work diligently, I struggle to make both ends meet.

I stood up suddenly and gazed at the key, I had made my mind. I was going to look for answers. I knew logically that I could find more answers up at attic. I climbed up my rope ladder to the attic only to find it, so dark and dusty that I could see nothing. I brushed aside some dust and there I saw stacks of boxes, I pushed them aside and there I saw a book shelf against the wall. I stood there surprised and startled for I had never noticed the book shelf before. I walked slowly towards it and glanced at all the books on the shelf. I chose a book which had the plan of this old house.

I pored over the yellowed book with a funny old printing. I read the book and it proved to be very interesting. I had almost finished the book, but I couldn’t keep my eyes open anymore. I glanced at the clock, it was nearing mid-night. No wonder I felt so tired. I trudged back to my room and fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.

I woke up early, crawling with excitement and had a quick breakfast of pancakes with maple syrup and all over lovely. After the scrumptious meal, I washed up. As soon as I got ready, I raced the stairs to the attic.

I read a few pages then I reached a page showing an additional door present in the attic and directions to open. I read it slowly as most of the print had been erased. “Secret door…tenth shelf…Seventh book”, I read. I was astonished, and I ran to get a stepladder from my shed.

I climbed up the stepladder cautiously, I removed the seventh book from the tenth shelf, I cried out in surprise as I peeped in to find a rusty old knob. I pulled the knob with all my energy. Suddenly a low creaking sound filled the room. I stood there with my mouth open in amazement. I walked through the secret passage and found a small door I could barely fit through. In there, I saw a chest made of solid wood. It was locked, they Key hole’s shape was a bit odd. I tried the key that I had kept safely for so long. Ten seconds passed, I began to think it was all a mistake. Suddenly I heard a low metallic click. It had opened.

I looked inside and gasped with amazement and awe for inside it was mounds of gold coins, precious gems and Jewels. I crooned in delight - I had found the family fortune.