We’re in some kind of tall office building, like the Empire State Building. A sign in front of us says that we’ve landed on the twenty-third floor. Another sign stands next to it. It looks like a kid painted it with gold glitter. It says Tested and True Gold Refinery with an arrow pointing right.

“Well, this is better than being stuck on an unfinished bridge in the fog!” Doug steps out of the elevator. “You think they have a snack bar anywhere?”

Zoe goes out next, but I lag for just a second. I have a funny feeling about this place, and for the first time since I started these adventures, I don’t want to go.

Zoe turns back to me. “What’s wrong?”

I stay in place. “What do you think would happen if I don’t leave this elevator?” My hands are shaking as I grab my empty gold chain.

Zoe comes back in and stands by me for a minute. She puts her hand on my shoulder. “Well . . . let’s see . . . what do you think would happen if you never opened another library book?”

I shudder. “I guess I would stop learning new things.”

“Would you say that these elevator doors are taking us places where we’re learning new things?”

I take a deep breath. “Yeah. And each place we’ve been, I’ve been able to help another person with what I learned.”

“So why won’t you step out today?”

My legs feel weak. “Because I think this lesson is for me.”

Zoe turns to me and crosses her arms. “Well, then don’t you think this is the most important one?”

I look down at the ground. I can’t answer. I see Zoe extend her hand.

“C’mon. I got your back.”

Chapter 9
Pure Gold

There are gold arrows on the floor that I guess we’re supposed to follow. No one is in the hallways. Just me, Zoe, and Doug. I search for clues about what city we’re in. Or state. Or country. But there are just those golden arrows. Finally, after walking in circles through hallways that seem to go nowhere, we come to a door. It says TEST ROOM.

“What do you want to do, Arcade?” Zoe grabs my hand again. Doug is behind me, close. I can feel his breath on my neck.

I stand there for a minute to think.

What do I want to do? I want to run back to the elevator.

I look at Zoe, then Doug, then back at Zoe. They’re waiting for my decision.

Trust the tester . . .

“Let’s go in.” I reach for the door handle but, as I do, the door opens by itself.

“Arcade, what is this place?” Doug whispers as we look inside.

“It’s a warehouse, I guess.”