Like yesterday, nothing much seems to happen today. So, I decide to shake things up for the evening and go to the common room on my own. I can watch TV, or try to see if there's another copy of the so-called "rules list."

I scan the room to see if there are other papers attached on the walls, even moving furniture when needed. Nothing. I check under the rug. No papers. All I see is dust and crumbles. I've got to clean this room as soon as possible.

Out of a sudden, I notice something underneath a pool table. A note. I detach it paying attention not to knock off and scatter the balls. When I've retrieved the paper, I read it aloud. 'Take a closer look at the TV system. You'll find what you need to see.' What does it mean? It sounds ominous, but I'm not sure if I should take it as a sign that Brianna is right just yet. Maybe it's just part of a scavenger hunt.

I follow the instructions and inspect the TV cabinet, drawer by drawer. I start with the top one. It's empty, save for a small paper box. I extract it, then close the drawer. The box is half open, which makes easier for me to take a first look at its content.

It's a set of dominoes. Nothing to worry about. I thought it'd be more dangerous. I guess I have to keep searching for clues. However, I'll gladly invite some of the others for a domino game later, when I'm done here.

Time to move on to the second drawer, the middle one. It isn't as empty as the first one, but it isn't really stuffed either. There are two files, a large yellow envelope and a book. Oh, not a random book, but a copy of the Bible. Since none of us in the mansion is particularly observant, at first impact it may not sound interesting.

Still, I take a look at it to see if there are hidden notes inside. All I find is a white bookmark. It's not blank, though. There's something written on one side with a blue pen. 'You're halfway through your search. Keep it up.' That's a good sign. This means it won't take me too much to solve this riddle.

I focus on the envelope next. I open it delicately, paying attention not to tear it. Inside, I find a bunch of papers stapled together at a corner. There are ten pages. The first one is another copy of the rules list, so nothing surprising. The second one contains a map of the mansion. Again, this is something I've already seen.

New information comes from the third page onwards. First of all, I notice what seems to be a list of names. According to the introduction on page 3, these are "people who attained success by taking part in the 20 Days of Freedom project." I read six names, including... Lizzie Hogg. She used to be in my year when we were in high school, until she moved states at the end of junior year without ever stating a reason.

I wonder when she took part in the project and how she found out. If only I could find a way to contact her, just to see if she still remembers me.

Okay, I still have seven pages to check. I'd better move on quickly before the others decide to come back and spend some time here. Page 4 is intriguing. There's what seems to be poem. I wonder why it's here. I read it, aloud like before.

'The day you turn time
Into a pleasant rhyme,
Be guided by the melody
Be driven by the symphony.
Don't lose track
Never look back;
For the day you'll be gone
This treasure will stand alone.'

Interesting. It sounds more like of a song than a poem. I try to sing it. Gosh, it does work as a song. Too bad I can't see the partition among the sheets that are left.

On page 5, there's a drawing. Simple, in black and white, crafted with just a pencil. No crayons or ink. Impressive. It seems to be a portrait, but I can't recognize its face. The only thing I know is that it's a female face. But who could it be?

I move on to the sixth page, where there's a short letter. Another piece to read. 'Dear future inmate, I know, I may sound sappy to the point that I'm ridiculous. But, please, know that, as long as you understand the true spirit of this project, you will be fine.

'There will be moments when you feel discouraged, and that's normal. However, there's no reason for you to give up. You have a goal and are meant to achieve it, no matter what it takes. You won't be alone: you can count on the other participants. They may be your allies, or even your friends as time advances.

'So, keep your cool, take a deep breath and embark in this journey with the spirit of someone wanting to conquer the world. It doesn't take a snap of fingers, I realized, but it's not as hard as you believe. Trust your instinct and your heart—they'll take you far, I promise.

'Good luck, you may need it.' The letter is unsigned, which raises questions inside me as the mystery gets thicker. This is definitely something I have to show the others.

The last four pages are the most intriguing so far. The seventh page has a riddle to solve. 'What's that thing that you can feel but not see, can scent but not hear, touch and at the same time not touch?' I think this one is quite easy: air. It's invisible, but I can feel its presence. I can smell it depending on what I come across, but it doesn't make a noise per se. It can't be touched; however, it isn't anything inconsistent. It's there and, based on human perception, it can sensed as touchable.

Page 8 has a simple note on it. 'You're getting closer and closer. Keep it up. You've gone a long way. That's impressive—are you ready for the last emotions, though?' It's a foreshadowing of what comes on the following paper: a set of three black and white photos.

The first one is a picture of the mansion's façade; the second one shows what seems to be a back garden. Maybe it's the one that surrounds the villa. One day, I should go and explore it. Maybe we'll find something entertaining to do there, as well.

The third photo is the one that weirds me out the most. It's a selfie of a random girl posing exactly here, in the common room, in front of the pool table. I can't make out who it is, but she definitely has to be a past participant of 20 Days of Freedom.

Naturally, there's one last page to check. The most important. The one that reveals the secret hidden by this house. As I turn to it, however, a surprise awaits me. 'Congratulations, you're the winner of the mansion's scavenger hunt! An amazing prize will await you in the attic. Go and retrieve it!'

Oh, so it was all a game, wasn't it? I would've been disappointed under another circumstance. But I love prizes, so I'll go to the attic and enjoy what I've gained. I don't know if I should go now or can wait until tomorrow. I'm excited, but also a little tired.

I go back to my room to consider options, bringing the stack of stapled papers and the box of dominoes with me.