CABB’S
SEPTEMBER 25th, 2026 CHALLENGE
TELL ME YOUR SECRET
MY SECRET
by Paula
The shuffling of shoes echoed off the walls of the hallway as a figure walked along, feeling both shame and relief. Never did he imagine what chain of events his idea would set in motion.
That afternoon, the thirteen-year-old was playing hide-and-seek with friends; finding the perfect shelter was all he could think about.
Vincent’s chamber was empty, and the spacious closet was perfect for staying out of sight. Tucked away in a safe spot, proud and pleased with himself, he planned to wait until the game was over.
The blissful moment of silence was broken by the sound of steps. His muscles tensed in anticipation… after a few seconds, laughter rang out.
“I missed you.”
The voice of the closet’s owner made him freeze. What will he think about me?
“Yes? … Show me.”
Catherine’s words sent a shiver of unease down his spine. Oh, no! This isn’t really happening.
Closing his eyes didn’t make him magically disappear, and there was a lot going on around him; an awkward feeling was rising…
The sounds of smacking reached his ears, leaving him dazed. Something had fallen over, and they laughed, then…panted and moaned.
This embarrassing cacophony was joined by the rustle of clothes and the noise of something metal hitting the floor. His heart pounded against his ribs, sweat trickled down his forehead, and his ears burned like fire. I’m trapped.
The bed creaked, which prompted him to cover his ears with his hands to muffle the sounds he didn’t want to hear at all.
“Wait, we can’t stay here.”
Listening to those words, he almost jumped in surprise ... It’s a miracle! My teacher has regained his senses.
After a moment of commotion, the boy could feel that breeze as they hurriedly hid themselves from the world. Finally, my circulation has returned.
Quietly and with feigned calm, tiptoeing like an offender, he left the scene of his ‘crime’. I’m like an eavesdropper. I’ll feel ashamed every time I look at them.
A few moments passed as he quietly contemplated the event. The air cooled his cheeks; his teeth were complete, even though he was clenching his jaw.
* * *
“Geoffrey!” Eric’s breathless words snapped him out of the whirlwind of thoughts. “We couldn’t find you. You must have had the perfect hiding spot.”
Yeah,the best. He scratched his head. “I didn’t play .Uhm…I just went for a walk.”
His buddy’s face twisted into a funny grimace. “Sounds boring.”
He almost rolled his eyes at the implication of that sentence. “You are right.”
“Maybe you’re hungry after that walk? William baked some cookies.”
A light smile appeared on the worried face. “I’m always up for some sweets.”
“Just like all of us.”
They chuckled at the same time and calmly headed toward the adored snacks.
Along the way, the teenager struggled with the images popping into his mind, trying not to frown or bite his lip. This experience, he saved only in his memory. It’s my secret, only mine, and no one will ever find out about it …
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OMG, what a delightful story! I can only imagine how embarrassed he will be the next time he sees either Vincent or Catherine!
Thank you, JoAnn. I wanted this story to evoke emotions and bring a smile to your face.☺
Geoffrey this is why don’t hide in somebody else’s closet. You’ll never know what you’ll hear. Thank you Paula for a sweet story. I concur with JoAnn, he’s going to really be a tad bit uncomfortable when he sees our favorite couple. Much like if you were a kid and caught your parents doing something. Catherine and Vincent maybe ran up to her place or another hidden spot – truly hidden!
Thank you, PearlAnn. I think he’ll remember this day forever, but as he gets older, he’ll learn to take it with a sense of humor.😄
Paula, this story is so appealing and fun to read! You’ve portrayed the antics of children so well, and it makes the whole story so believable and enjoyable. Poor Geoffrey — he certainly learned a lesson he wasn’t planning on! I have a feeling this is a secret he will keep to himself forever. Thank you for this spicy little treat for all of us to enjoy!
I’m so happy, Linda, that you liked my idea for the secret. Thank you for your kind words—you interpreted my story exactly as I had hoped.My joy knows no bounds!❤
Eeep! That’s going to be quite a secret to keep! In the Tunnels it must be impossible to get some privacy!
Thank you for this, Paula. It was a fun and thought-provoking read. ;-) Poor Geoffrey :-D
Poor Geoffrey, but what a valuable lesson this experience has taught him for the future ;) Thank you, Karen, for your kind words; I’m pleased that my story made an impression on you.😊
What a story! I can only imagine what color Geoffrey’s face will turn when he next sees either Catherine or Vincent – or worse – both of them together. There’s not a name for that shade of red, I bet!
I won’t be surprised when Geoffrey campaigns for doors on chambers!
Thank you, Paula! I enjoyed this moment and could feel all of Geoffrey’s astonished embarrassment!
Thank you, Carole. I’m so happy you felt the emotions and enjoyed reading it. I think it’s going to take a lot of effort for Geoffrey not to show how embarrassed he is :)Doors are a must-have in every chamber 😁
Oh my… I’m sure Vincent and Catherine were always aware of the possibility of being disturbed by someone coming into his chamber from the outside, but it never would have occurred to them that privacy could be compromised by someone hiding in his chamber. This story is so entertaining and I can only imagine the vision in Geoffrey’s mind’s eye from what he heard. It’s definitely as secret he will keep. Thank you for writing and sharing this story, Paula.
Yes, Catherine and Vincent wouldn’t have thought that anyone could be hiding in the chamber, so it’s a good thing they kept their common sense and hid somewhere farther away….A secret like that stays buried for a lifetime :) Thank you for your kindness, and I’m very flattered that you like my story.