The ceremonial area was abuzz with energy as the villagers prepared for the ritual. The long table was filled with a rich array of dishes—roasted meats, fresh fruits, and fragrant breads—all towering over Tyler. The vibrant sounds of drums and flutes filled the air, creating an atmosphere of both celebration and solemnity.
Tyler, still shrunken to a mere fraction of an inch, stood on a small stone pedestal amidst the feast. His surroundings were overwhelming; each dish seemed like a mountain, and every movement of the villagers was magnified to an immense scale. His heart raced with a mix of anxiety and anticipation.
The elderly woman who had greeted Tyler earlier approached him once again. Her voice was calm yet carried the weight of tradition. “Tyler, it is crucial that you understand the nature of this ritual.”
Tyler looked up, his fear evident. “Please, tell me what will happen.”
The elder gestured towards the feast. “This is the Feast of Transformation. The food represents the abundance and vitality of life. The villagers, a mix of young men and women, will partake in this feast. If you are not consumed by the end of the meal, the spirits will restore you to your original size. However, if you are eaten, it will mean the spirits have another purpose for you.”
Tyler swallowed hard. “Who will be eating?”
The elder pointed to a group of young men and women gathering around the table. “Among them are Jaro, a tall and muscular young man with a broad smile; Lila, a graceful young woman with an air of quiet elegance; Tariq, known for his energetic demeanor and athletic build; and Maya, whose keen eyes and striking features are hard to miss.”
She continued, “Jaro moves with confidence and strength. Lila, although delicate, has a serene presence. Tariq’s enthusiasm is infectious, while Maya’s focus and intensity are palpable.”
Tyler’s fear grew as he took in the descriptions. “And if I’m not eaten?”
“If you are not consumed by the end of the feast,” the elder said, “the spirits will restore you to your normal size. But be prepared; the outcome is uncertain until the ritual concludes.”
As the feast began, Tyler attempted to find a safe place among the towering dishes. The music and chatter of the villagers created a backdrop of joyous celebration. He scrambled across the table, his tiny form navigating the enormous expanse of food.
In his desperate attempt to remain hidden, Tyler found himself on a large piece of roasted meat. The surface of the meat was enormous, with ridges and grooves that seemed like vast canyons to his minuscule size. His heart pounded as he watched the villagers’ colossal figures moving around the table.
Just as he began to feel a sense of hopelessness, a large hand descended from above. The shadow of the hand grew larger and larger, and Tyler realized it was coming directly towards him. The hand, belonging to one of the villagers, was about to pick up the piece of meat, and with it, Tyler.
**What should Tyler do next?**
1. Jaro’s Hand
2. Lila’s Hand
3. Someone else’s hand