We squared the board and studied it. I flipped it over and inspected the back, looking for some device that would allow it to be manipulated. Other than the planchette with The Key written across the top, it seemed like a standard set.

“So, what? We just put our fingers on this thing?” I said, and she nodded, nibbling a fingernail, which I hadn’t seen her do in years.

“First, let’s say a prayer,” she said.

This normally would have incited some sarcastic retort, but not this time. I’d have bathed in holy water if we’d had some. “Okay. Sure,” I said.

We held hands. Hers were cold and damp, as were mine. We bowed our heads and closed our eyes, and she led us in prayer, because I wouldn’t have the faintest idea of what to say or to whom.

“Dear God.”

Whether this was a greeting or a plea, I wasn’t sure.

“We thank You for this glorious day.”

Starting off with a lie? Maybe I could have given this prayer after all.

“We ask that You please be with us now.”

Now we’re getting somewhere.

“Protect us from those who would do us harm. Shield us from whatever evil may attempt to make contact through this Ouija board, which we use under Your guiding spirit in order to rescue our son.”

Hell if I didn’t feel a boost of strength and energy, manufactured or not.

“And please watch over our precious son, Rox, while he is away from us. Comfort and safeguard him. Help us find our way back to him, and return us all safely home. We pray this in the name of love and all that is holy, Amen.”

A-fucking-men!

The room appeared brighter when I opened my eyes, which I attributed to wishful thinking. But isn’t that the same thing as prayer?

Cassie had mustered her full resolve. Was staring at the board with fierce intensity as though preparing for battle. I gripped her hand and squeezed it.

“Let’s fucking do this,” I said, and she squeezed back. Hard.

We placed our hands on the planchette. It was made of cheap plastic and felt light under my fingers. We waited several seconds for something to happen, our shallow breathing the only sound. Then I remembered that we had to ask questions to make it interact.

I cleared my throat. “Where is the key to unlock the door?”

My stomach dropped as the planchette began to slide on its own accord. I was not maneuvering it in any way, and when I looked at Cassie I could tell she wasn’t either. We tracked the letters it landed on, calling them out loud.

H – I – D – D – E – N

“Hidden,” I said. “No shit.”

“Shhh,” Cassie admonished.

“Okay. Well, thanks,” I said, feeling somewhat silly and smug, but no longer as afraid. “Where is the key hidden?”