Oldje raised an eyebrow. “What’s the mystery?”
Inside lay a treasure trove: a stack of pristine comic books— The Amazing Adventures of Captain Star —still in their original wrappers, a handful of silver coins stamped with unfamiliar symbols, and a small leather journal. Adriana opened the journal, and the ink inside was faded but legible. August 29, 1932 We’ve hidden our most precious items here, for the day when the world needs a little wonder. May the finder be kind and share the joy. Adriana turned to Oldje, eyes shining. “We can’t keep this to ourselves. Let’s bring the comics to the town library, maybe even set up a little exhibit. And the coins? We could donate them to the historical society. They belong to everyone.” oldje 24 08 29 adriana sweet blond big frank th better
Adriana laughed. “Not the guy at the hardware store. ‘Big Frank’ is the name locals gave to that massive oak tree on the hill, the one with a hollow trunk that’s big enough to crawl inside. Legend says a stash of vintage comics and a stash of old coins were hidden there by a traveling circus back in the 1930s.” Oldje raised an eyebrow
Oldje crouched and peered inside, his flashlight cutting a thin beam through the darkness. He saw a dusty wooden box, its hinges rusted but still intact. He gestured to Adriana, and together they lifted the lid. August 29, 1932 We’ve hidden our most precious
When she appeared, the river reflected her golden hair, and she was carrying a small canvas bag that clinked with the faint sound of paint tubes. “Hey,” she said, smiling, “I found something amazing and I thought you’d appreciate it.”
She opened the bag and pulled out a thick, hand‑drawn map. The paper was old, its edges frayed, and inked in a looping script that read: “The Secret of Frank’s Grove.” On the back, a single line was scrawled in a different hand: “Find the big Frank and the treasure will be yours—if you’re better together.”