I immediately noticed his absence. The spot on the bookshelf where my little faithful friend used to dream was so empty now. I felt surprised, to say the least, but I bet that the bookshelf was not concerned at all with the whole situation. An ignorant little piece of furniture!

This is a serious thing, I am not joking. My petite friend, the Dreaming Buddha has lived there for almost two years. We had our meetings every Sunday during that time and it was never boring... Sometimes he talked a lot, telling me stories and showing me books with his head. Other times we didn't exchange a word just enjoyed the silence between my playing sessions. (well, this is not entirely true as the greeting was never missed while I was coming into the hotel through the main entrance). The Good morning, mipiano welcome was usually responded by my greeting Good morning, Dreaming Buddha.

He became famous also here in Hive. Those who followed my posts for a longer time could already meet him and read a few of the little stories that he shared with me he helped me to discover. The very first time I mentioned him in one of my posts I was confused. I didn't know whether he was sleeping or daydreaming, but I noticed his gentle smile. I concluded that he had peace of mind.

He had several months of that peaceful thinking time and became very wise. Moreover, he could see into the future! Time was sped up and just seeing the description of the story we found ourselves in 2454, with seven factions or Hives that co-governed the world. To be able to see those happenings we just had to be sleepy and find the little statue who was in the same state. Then the revelations could come, but let's leave that story behind as maybe it was just a conspiracy.

My little stone friend used to keep me company and weave tales where the members of the mafia kidnapped one pianist, he solved some mysteries and hummed poems without words. Two weeks ago was the last time I took a photo of him and the book I found on the shelf below him. Her Last Flight - that is how the writer of this novel, Beatriz Williams titled her book.

After seeing the empty spot on the shelf this Sunday and remembering the photo I took of that book two weeks ago my mind slowly started to connect the dots. Someone took Dreaming Buddha and packed him into his/her suitcase. They called a taxi, went to the airport and then they boarded that flight. The last one?

There are several different options to continue this story. Select a letter now, and continue reading under the subtitle of the letter you selected. If you are not satisfied with the result, choose another letter and see if it suits you better.

Option A

The lady who took the statue behaved normally as if nothing was happening in her head decorated with that big, luxurious hat. She had a long elegant coat, but not a winter coat. It was a summery, very thin coat that matched her high heels and manicured nails. A pleasant scent was left behind her and she managed to steal more than a few glances from the guests who happened to be in the same hall that morning. Her important appearance and imperative words didn't leave room for any doubts to arise. The hotel manager gave her this statue as a token of gratitude for staying here for a few days and raising the rating of the hotel.

No one suspected that she, a descendant of the royal family, could use this statue as a starting point for her disappearance. No one knew how desperate she felt. Having that important role in her country, constant travels, expensive clothes and everything she wanted... all of that became a burden to her. Dreaming Buddha was a port of dreams, peace, and escape. It was a hope that finding simple things and going to a place where power and money have no relevance would be the solution.

They boarded together that plane that would change her life when they touched the ground after the long flight. {and no one knows where it is, just the lady and Dreaming Buddha}

Option B

They laughed a lot, all those young girls that spent here a few days. Obviously, they were happy. Maybe it was still the effect of the several glasses of cocktail they had taken the previous night and had fun. Things that will stay secret from others and just they will keep in some corner of their hearts for the grey and dull days. Now they had to do the checkout, wait for the airport shuttle bus, fly home and continue their studies.

But the devil never sleeps, as they say. That is how one of the girls made this terrible thing... She wanted to spend all the money left in her wallet. Not too much, it was just $73. The small glass stands in the hall offered little souvenirs like pens for around $10, notebooks for $25, face cream with vitamin C that could be bought as a part of the pack for $105... handcuffs covered with some grey fluffy stuff for $78. Her pupils dilated at the same instant. However, she was five dollars away from being able to acquire and use them on her next victim.

The receptionist did not want to help her and lower the price of the fluffy handcuffs. The result? She became furious and started acting out of control. In one moment she accidentally hit the bookshelf and my little Buddha friend had his last flight... He broke into small pieces.

Option C

The group of people gathered in the Urban Room (in the background of the first photo) were agreeing about a little excursion they would make. They were not sure whether to take a train, a bus or a charter flight to reach the desired destination. After an hour of debate, they decided to take the charter plane. One lady who also used to talk to the statue got upset about the decision of the group as she was a bit scared of that small aircraft. Having this peaceful statue would help her stay calm so she took him to the excursion.

The only issue is that they still haven't come back, that's why he is not in his usual place. Will I see him next Sunday, that is still a question. Until then, I have to accept that he went missing.

This was the last time I saw him

So, these are the possible scenarios of how Dreaming Buddha went missing. Which one did you choose to read? Maybe you have read all three options and have one favourite? Or, do you want to bring your version of the story? That would be cool to read in the comment section - or in a separate, post. Maybe something like Spread The Vibes? :))