20

Among Friends and Acquaintances

The accused defended himself vehemently.

"No one wants to play just to take three turns around a chair or go ask a stranger for the time," he smiled a bit, "Besides, there's not a soul around here."

"We have to warn them that the challenges can be a bit... special."

"How special?" Gino asked.

"You might have to stay in your underwear until you roll a certain number, have to kiss someone, say or do something very personal... things like that. Or you might not get anything if you don't land on a penalized square. There are only four, and the chance is remote."

"And can you refuse?"

"Well, newcomers are allowed to refuse once. But then, if someone isn't willing to do what they're supposed to, they lose the game and therefore, the chance for the prize."

"And what's the prize?"

"The winner gets to use the spare bedroom and shares it with their partner, or whoever they want. But if you've refused a challenge, even if your partner wins, you can't sleep there.