I approached the small wooden crate. Autumn leaves crunch under my feet. I wiped the dust off of the beautifully carved chest. I fished in my pocket for my trusty lock pick. I grabbed it and unlocked the chest.

I looked down to see a cracked mirror, a worn down journal, and a strange photo.

I crouched down and began to read the journal. Everything seemed normal until the last entry.

_2-2-2025_

_Dear Diary, _

_ I went to visit mother today and I noticed something strange. The grave next to my mother’s,the headstone, it had my name on it. Once I got home I decided to Google my name. Google said I died from murder in 2019. This doesn’t make any sense. My name is Ava Marie Smith, please, look into my case! I am begging you. _

__

__

__

”What the heck?” I thought aloud. Who was this girl and how did she write this if she was dead. I don’t even know how to study, how could I ever solve a mystery like this?

Hurriedly, I grabbed the mirror hoping for some sort of clue or hint on what to do, maybe the mirror had a note. Instead I of a reflection, I saw a picture of a young woman. She looked around 15-20 years old, a bright smile was plastered on her face. She had blonde hair and green eyes. At least I knew what the girl _I was going to find her or solve her mystery_ looked like.

Lastly, I pulled out the photo. It’s edges were tattered. I wiped dust off of it. I squinted at the picture, wondering if what I saw was real.

I saw a headstone carved with Sara Brook Smith, next to it was Ava’s tombstone. In between the two graves, _someone_ was sitting and hugging their knees. That _someone _was **_me_**. I turned the picture around and saw that it said, “You’re next, Asher.” What? How did this person know me? _I no longer have a choice, _**_I have to solve this mystery and prevent my death!

_***WHAT?? I don’t know what just happened, the characters control themselves. I am just writing a report. Lol. Have a great day!*