The Lost Numbers

    By Carissa Belford

    The Lost Numbers cover image

    08 Oct, 2023

    In the Land of Numbers, each digit comes with its own story. The numbers 0 through 20, except for 13, lived harmoniously, each carrying out their numerical duties. Suddenly, a new number emerged, the devil's number, 666, stirring up curiosity.

    A peculiar situation arose, prompting 12 and 14 to embark on an adventure into the woods. Their mission was to find 7, who had gone missing. The woods were dense and filled with the echoes of unknown numbers.

    As soon as 12 and 14 found 7, a monstrous figure came out of nowhere, approaching them menacingly. The numbers trembled, unsure of how to react to this sudden threat.

    The numbers prepared to confront the monster, but before they could, a mysterious figure in a black cloak appeared. The figure fought off the monster, startling the numbers with its skills.

    After the fight, 14 asked the mysterious figure who he was. The figure revealed himself to be 13, who had been living in the forest for the past 8 years.

    13 explained how his parents, 113 and 213, had abandoned him due to superstitions around his unlucky number. The government had warned them of the bad omen he carried.

    7 questioned 13, asking if he was banned simply for being born. 13 confirmed this, adding that his parents would rather have him engulfed by the forest than bring bad luck to the Land of Numbers.

    12 inquired if any other number knew about 13. 13 revealed that 666 knew about him, as he had once helped 13 defeat a monster that 666 had accidentally created.

    The day grew darker, and 14 suggested that they should return. However, 13 warned them of the dangers lurking in the woods during the night. Despite their reluctance, 7, 12, and 14 decided to stay with 13.

    As they settled in, they listened to 13's stories of survival and bravery. The numbers realized that being different didn't mean being bad. They slept, dreaming of a Land of Numbers where all digits could live together, irrespective of their values.