Whodunnit/Park/Alone

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"It's okay. I'll go back by myself today." Willy frowns at your sudden interjection. Ana, on the other hand, gives you a big smile. "Are you sure? You don't mind going alone?"

You answer, "Yeah, the way home is pretty easy to remember. I'll see you when you come with Ana later." Willy looks back at the grinning little girl beside him and sighs. "Okay Ana, but you gotta stay in the library until I come and get you." Ana nods eagerly, and then takes Willy's hand, ready to lead him back into the school buildings.

As Willy turns to go, he gives you a quick wave goodbye, and then you part ways. You quietly walk along the sidewalk leading to your new home. The path is quite safe; since it follows along the woods, you won't even need to worry about crossing any streets until you are almost home. There are other kids walking in the same direction, but you let them pass as you contemplate the change in plans.

You wish Ana would have joined you, but she's still too shy at the moment. Well, there was no hurry, you're sure you'll be able to befriend eventually. But now, you have a new predicament. Although you were looking forward to getting home for the weekend, it wasn't as much fun when you realize you will be the only one there. Since Willy has detention, he and Ana won't come for at least a few hours. Mommy and Uncle Dick were still at work, and they won't be back until later as well. That only left your oldest cousin, Peter, but he always had football practice at his high school. That meant you'll be home alone for quite awhile.

Hmph, how disappointing! Oh well, it couldn't be helped. You slowly trudge on, nearing the halfway point of your journey home. The woods open up to reveal a park, with lots of picnic tables and playground equipment scattered throughout. As you pass the entrance, you suddenly get a great idea! Since there was no hurry to get home, you should explore the park a little. You haven't had the chance to go in before, since Willy was always in a hurry to get home whenever the three of you went together.

You've always had an adventurous spirit in you, so you quickly veer off the sidewalk, and head inside. You explore everywhere, first coming to the playground area. It was smaller than the playground at school, but it still had plenty of things to do. You see swings and slides and teeter-totters and even a jungle gym with rope pathways leading everywhere. You are tempted to put your expedition on hold for awhile, but eventually decide you could always return here later.

Next, you come to three pavilions bunched together, all filled with picnic tables. There are a few people milling around in the furthest one, and you can smell the odor of charcoal being burned in the large metal grill nearby. Moving on, you pass the restrooms, and continue until you reach a large concrete area, with water jetting from the ground. It is rather hot today, so you aren't surprised to see several little kids dashing happily through the jumping water.

Finally you reach the end of the park, consisting of a wide open field. There are a few people throwing frisbees here, but for the most part it's pretty empty. Past that is the woods you walked along when you came here, so you soon turn around and head back to the play area.

It looks like you have the equipment all to yourself, so you quickly test out the slides and explore the rope bridges. After you get bored with them, you pass the teeter-totters and head for the swings. You pick the one in the middle, and begin pumping your legs and propelling yourself into the sky. Soon you are flying high, shouting to any onlookers about how high you are able to get. Oh yeah, you are still by yourself here... This wasn't as fun when you realized there was no one you could share your excitement with. Gradually, your swings become smaller and smaller, until eventually you are just dragging your feet on the ground as you move back and forth.

It's boring without anyone to play with. Maybe you should have joined Ana in the library. At least then you would have someone to talk to. You are lost in your thoughts until two shadows fall within your field of vision.

You look up and see to older boys. They look to be around Peter's age. "Hi there, I haven't seen you around before." Each one takes a swing next to you as they try to stir up a conversation. You are happy to have anyone to talk to, even if it's two guys more than double your age. You quickly tell them that you just moved in recently, and that it's the first time you've come to the park.

Soon they introduce themselves, and you give them your name in return. They are very friendly to you, welcoming you to the neighborhood, and keeping you company as they make small talk with you. Suddenly one of them says, "Hey, I just had a great idea!" He looks straight into your eyes, and says "Seeing as we are all here together, why don't you hang out with us?" You ask him what he wants to do. He answers you, "How would you like...