Six months ago, I posted a short story about a man who was lazy and the repercussions he suffered from his lack of effort. Within that story, I planted clues as to the whereabouts of a box in which I stashed a large sum of money destined to the reader who was able to decipher the hidden message. I anticipated that this might be a wonderful way to promote the story and hopefully be the thing which caused it to go “viral” (maybe I’d be as well known as that cat that plays the piano).

No one has discovered the location of the box nor have they even tried. I should know. No one’s knocked on my door. Why should they, you ask? Well, because the box is actually buried somewhere on my property. There, I’ve said it. The secret is out.

You’d rather not read the story? Just give me the clues, you say?

All right, I’ll give you a clue. It’s somewhere in my backyard. That’s where you’ll find the ‘X’ that marks the spot. Life is short (like the story you don’t want to read). Let’s get right to it, shall we?

First, a word to those intrepid treasure seekers tempted to dig up my entire backyard, I suggest that you concentrate your efforts in the 15 X 50 square foot area where the grass has died. It may take you digging up the entire area (please remove any weeds that you happen upon), but it will be well worth your efforts. To aid in your search, I have provided shovels, rakes and hoes. Along with those, I have left a bag full of seeds that you can spread over the area and, don’t ask me how, will assist you in the search process. If that doesn’t prove helpful (let’s assume it doesn’t), I suggest using the pellets in the bag marked fertilizer located next to the BBQ. Spreading those around within the area will help the seeds take root which will ultimately lead you to the treasure (at least that’s what the instructions say).

If you’re still unable to locate the prize, I sympathize with you. I really do. After all that hard work, and nothing to show for it.

Also, one last thing — be sure to turn on the sprinklers before you go.

BTW – Please don’t ask me what the first 236 ideas are. I don’t remember, but I’ll certainly let you know if any come to mind.

Until next week – Don’t Look Down
by William Darrah Whitaker