My Word-of-the-Day Challenge

Directions: Use the Word of the Day from Merriam-Webster.com from the month of August in a scene; each day’s post must be a continuation of the previous day’s post.

Word count limit: 150 words

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August 24, 2021, Merriam-Webster Word of the Day: cryptic (adj.)

Definition:

: having or seeming to have a hidden or ambiguous meaning

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Once in the parking lot, Roar darted outside of Bjorn’s reach and lifted both hands defensively. “Don’t hate or hurt me, okay? I have permission. This morning the police chief asked me if I’d help you break the ice with the Jubars, otherwise…” He pointed toward the store. “It was gonna be a whole lot of that. Someone should’ve texted you.” 

Bjorn checked his work phone. The text was there, unread. “That man was terrified,” he muttered. “I terrified him.” 

Roar shrugged. “The guy before you was terrifying.” 

Who, Glassman? Bjorn frowned. “Please, don’t be cryptic.” 

“Oh, I’m being literal.” 

A minivan prowled around the lot and they stepped out of its way.  

“Odo was planning to move back to his home country if things didn’t get better. Do you know what it’s like to be constantly paranoid that today might be the day the Huntsman comes after you?”

word count: 149