It was ten o'clock in the morning and Trent already felt his legs beginning to ache. He groaned and sat down on a tree stump for a momentary reprieve.
Trent had taken this particular trail before numerous times with his brother but didn't remember the climb being so dauntingly steep. He wasn't cut out for this. If it was up to him, he would much rather be intellectually stimulated than be forced to endure such physical anguish. But he had no other choice. Where else would he find the right plants for his science experiment?
He staggered up the slopes, stopping only to wipe the sweat from his glistening face. Beyond him, tall pine and spruce trees cast their shadows over Trickle Lake while a flock of geese soared overhead. A fresh blanket of brown fallen leaves crunched beneath his feet. As Trent rounded a corner, he noticed a cluster of small wooden shacks a couple hundred feet away. Quickly, he clambered up the path to investigate what appeared to be an abandoned clearing.
Two dusty windows adorned each of the rundown shanties, all of which were covered by graffiti. Trent scratched his head, perplexed by the scene. Maybe if he looked inside one of the shacks, he could solve the mystery that stood in front of him.
He grasped the door handle of one of the shacks and stepped inside...
Instructions
1. Write the conclusion and come up with a title!
2. Email your story to us. No attachments, please. Be sure to proofread it before submitting!
3. All entries must be submitted by October 31, 2007 at 11:59 pm ET.
4. The conclusion must be original and must be between 500-3000 words.
5. If you have any more questions, email us or leave a comment below.
The Incentive 
After the deadline passes, we will select our favorite entry. The winner will receive a copy of "A Christmas Odyssey" as well as a special surprise!!
