It’s hard to be inconspicupus when you’re hanging upside down. But that’s exactly what Daniel was trying to do while hanging from his legs on the monkey bars.

He was playing manhunt with his friends during recess, and what better way to not get caught that from hiding in plain sight?

The monkey bars were the busiest part of the whole playground. And as Daniel knew his friends, they would chase each other around the field for the whole recess that to even look at the playground.

The cool guys played in the field, not the playground.

But Daniel was getting weird looks from the other kids on the monkey bars. He had been upside down for nearly five minutes now.

His head was getting a little dizzy, but he could stay there just a few minutes longer. The bell would ring in probably less than five.

And then he would win. Finally be the Victor of the second grade man hunt.

Four more minutes.

A kindergarrtener came up to him and asked him his name. Daniel just ignored him and shooed him away. He could not risk talking. Anyone could notice him.

Three more minutes.

Three grade oners climed on the monkey bars behind him.

“Move,” one of the girls said. Daniel shook his head and gave the scariest look he could muster. Finally they left him alone.

Two more minutes.

His head was too busy. He could make it. Daniel’s vision flickered and before he could think he was already on the ground, gravel stabbing into his hands and knees.

“Over there,” a voice called. Daniel turned around and saw the face of his classmate, Owen. His finger pointed right at him.

Daniel saw the mob of second graders swarm around Owen and all head his was.

All Daniel needed was to outlast the bell. The rest of his classmates had already been found.

One minute left.

Daniel ran. Across the playground. Further and further, the other boys at his heels.

Some kids had already lined up to go inside. Daniel ran between the lines trying to lose his classmates.

Ring.

He had made it. Daniel stopped running and let his hands fall to his knees. In a second Owen was right behind him.

Daniel stood to face his classmates, as a grin spread along his face.

He was the manhunt victor of the second grade.