Chapter 4: Riddle Sweet Home
"The second question: I stand firm, but believe in nothing. My emotions are only taken from you. What am I?"
Could it be a book? No, books don't take emotions. Music, perhaps? That's wrong too. Music doesn't stand. Could it be a legend of some sort? Or maybe this is a trick question? Wait… I stand firm… could it be some sort of structure? But what kind of structure takes emotions? Wait! Could it be that it's…
"Art is what your riddle speaks of, is it not?"
"Excellent. Our next destination is a sculpture in front of the once famous monument, the Space Needle. Follow me."
Ah, the space needle. A monument known across the length and breadth of America, It was a symbol of the future and of hope. But as I walked among the decrepit buildings, along its dirty streets, I couldn't help but wonder whether or not it still stood. As we drew closer, I began to feel as if I was being watched. Then, as if like plants that fear the sun, they appeared. At first, it was only a couple dozen people at the most. But by the time we reached the "Sculpture", their number became too many to count. I am not ashamed to admit that I was startled for a moment when Joe jumped on to the "sculpture".
"Often we grow attached to the world and people we love, so we seek to immortalize them with great acts of passion. So soon do we forget that there is no shame in letting the past remain as it should."
"Indeed. No good can come from dwelling on the past, for those who do, forget to live, for either the present or future."
When I gazed up at Joe, I could see the pain in his eyes. It was as if he was trying to reach out, to someone or something. It lasted for only a moment, but in that second of silence, I understood. His perpetual smile, which seemed so sincere, had been a mask, nothing more.
"You've done well to make it this far. Now is the time for the final riddle, which will tell you the location of my home. I reach to touch the heavens but will forever remain grounded."
"You've practically given it away already. The riddle itself refers to the space needle, so that must be your home."
"Good you've found the location of my home, but as to why the needle is my home remains uncertain, because a home is more than a mere structure or piece of land. A true home is with those you love. Now to the tower."