A Dangerous Dare

BY alex nesmith

This is the worst decision I've made today! I think to myself as I flee from 100 pounds of teeth and muscle. As the beast bears down on me, I search for anything that could serve as an escape route. Could I run to the tree and climb to safety? Too far. Spring to the porch where my friends are cheering me on to victory? Also, too far. My mind flashes back to how I got into this awful jam.

“I’m bored,” complained my friend Gage.

“We could go inside,” said Michael, as he tried to balance himself on the porch rail.

“And what would we do there, Michael?” said Gabe, spinning a rock on the ground.

“We could go to my house,” mumbled Ephraim.

“Dude, we’re at your house.”

“Oh yeah,” he grunted. “What about tag?”

“Can we play with Spike again?” Garrett dared.

“Yeah, let’s outrun Spike!” I agreed, remembering the last time we played tag with the neighbor’s angry German shepherd. “I’ll go first.” My words radiated confidence.

But I’m not radiating confidence now. I have no options. If I call for help, I’ll embarrass myself in front of my friends. If I don’t, I won’t get help. Safety is too far away, and Spike is too close. I shut my eyes and send up a desperate prayer: Lord, please don’t let it end like this.

My body begins to lift off the ground. Am I being carried to safety by an angel? Nope, I tripped and am flying through the air. A confused and surprised Spike sails over me as I lay on the ground. I see my opportunity and dash to the safety of the house. Everyone tells me how close I came to be eaten by Spike. Panting from running so hard, I wave off the next person who is about to take the dare.

“Let’s do something else,” I urge. “Trust me, we are much smarter than this.”

I know I’m not the first person to play a dangerous game, but from now on I’ll be the first one to play it safe! And I’m very thankful God answered my prayer even though I made such a foolish choice.