This story was chosen as a top 50 finalist for 500 Words 2024/25.
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The Dare by Aadit K.
One frightful Sunday night, two businessmen Mr Barton and Mr Liber were playing a game of poker. During one of the rounds, Barter staked that the loser of the game would have to stay in a prison cell for thirty long years without communication with the outside world. Should the loser quit, he would not receive the reward. He would only be allowed to have any book in the world. The winner of the dare would give one million pounds should the "prisoner" not quit. Unwillingly, Liber agreed to the devious challenge and then lost the poker game; the cliffhanger dare was ON.
Smirking, Barter led the other to an evil-looking prison cell located in his damp loft. As promised, he lent Liber the books he desired and left the scene to infrequently visit him over the decades.
Over the years, Barter began to lose money and his business went bankrupt. As the time of Libel's release came closer, he began to worry about the hefty prize. While in prison, Liber was worriless and soon began to develop a profound liking for books and was becoming knowledgeable by the day.
As Barter was becoming poorer he was resenting giving the prize. One night, hopeless as a rudderless ship, he developed the most evil plan one could ever think of: he was going to kill Liber! With hands trembling, he took the key for the cell and a dagger as sharp as a swordfish's horn. It was a day before the release date and Liber had not given up. Both men had become old and were developing skin that was as rough as a rhino's. Walking with difficulty up the stairs to the loft, Barter reached the prison cell and found his friend sleeping peacefully.
Just before he was about to commit the terrible crime that he would regret for his entire life, he noticed a note sitting next to the snoring old man.
Wearily, he decided he gave a moment to see the lengthy note addressed to him and began to read the battered and crumpled piece of paper with his rusted spectacles.
Dear Mr Barton,
After all these years, I have learnt that money is worthless compared to knowledge from the countless books. Additionally, I have decided that I shall leave a day early and forfeit the million pounds as they are worthless to me. I have permission from the guards to liberate me from my dearly loved prison cell that I have called home for the past thirty years. I bid adieu to you my friend, as I have decided to explore and spread my knowledge of books around the world. If you wish to repay me, please setup a charity to prevent gambling addiction. I wish gamblers get help to understand that money is temporary and knowledge is eternal.
From James Doule Liber
With tears in his eyes, the pauper dolefully walked away from the prison leaving Liber to his destiny, never to think of Liber again.
Listen to 'The Dare', read by Rakie Ayola from the BBC Radio Drama Company.
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