The Secret Door to Atlantis

Suddenly, the boys heard the door open.  They opened their eyes to see what Gramps was doing.  Instead they saw a girl who was about eight years old.  She told them that her name was Princess Christina and that she came from Atlantis.  The boys were surprised by their visitor and wondered where Gramps went.

The girl was wearing the same kind of clothes as those described by Gramps.  She had long, blond hair and she wore a thin brown leather headband with a sapphire in the middle.  Her eyes were the same color as a robin’s egg, which is bluish green.

Princess Christina told the boys about Atlantis.  She said, “Atlantis is a beautiful, peaceful island where everyone lives happily together in peace and harmony.  The people of Atlantis have everything they need, so no one has to steal from anyone else, and there is no need for war.  Everyone in Atlantis has learned to live happily together and can continue to do so as long as it remains a secret from the rest of the world.”

“You can only get to Atlantis through the Secret Door on four days of each year,” Princess Christina added.  “Those days are during the winter solstice, the vernal equinox, the summer solstice and the autumn equinox.  That means the first day of each of the four seasons:  winter, spring, summer and fall.  At all other times during the year, the secret door to Atlantis is closed and protected by the Guard of The Secret Door.  Since today is the first day of summer, the secret door is open.  There are three other secret doors located on Staten Island.”

Then Princess Christina told the boys a frightening story.  She spoke nervously when she told them that Atlantis was in great trouble and that she needed their help.  She told them that Atlantis had millions and millions of dollars worth of diamonds, gold and other treasures, and that because they had so many treasures, the people of Atlantis were in great danger.  She told the boys about an evil man named Guntaur who would do anything to get the gold and diamonds.

“Guntaur came from Staten Island,” Princess Christina said, “just like the two of you.  He discovered one of the secret doors to Atlantis, and he is a very evil man.  He brought guns with him to trade for our treasures,” she said through tearful eyes.  Guns are very dangerous and especially in Atlantis where it is so very peaceful,” she told them.  Princess Christina was afraid that someone would get hurt.

“I need your help with our problem.  I need to convince my people that guns are too dangerous for everyone to have.  If you help me, I will show both of you how to get to Atlantis through the secret door.  Will you help?”  Princess Christina asked the boys.

P.J. told Princess Christina about the time when Bullet got shot and almost died.  P.J. bent down and held Bullet’s face in his hands.  He was afraid to go to a place where there were so many guns, even though he and Mikey knew that many people on Staten Island and everywhere else had guns, too.

“We’ve got to help,” Mikey told P.J.  “We can’t let the same thing that happened to Bullet happen to someone else.”

P.J. knew the dangers of guns all too well, but Gramps told him that he should always try to help someone in need.  The boys looked at each other and shook their heads.  “Okay,” P.J. told Princess Christina.  “We’ll try to help you.”

“Thank you,” Princess Christina said.  “Follow me, but you must promise never to tell anyone about Atlantis.”

P.J. and Mikey promised her.