Day 86: Playing Hide and Seek
Hide and Seek is a brilliant game. I’ll say that again: Hide and Seek is a BRILLIANT game.
Fact is, it’s wasted on children. If you haven’t played Hide and Seek while an adult, I implore you to immediately step away from your computer, find a group of friends, and relearn whatever you thought you knew about your home. Places you’ve never really looked at before will turn out to be refuges from a seeker who’ll cause you untold fright when he or she finds you. And keep playing, because even two games after you think you’ve exhausted every possible hiding location, you’ll find more. I swear.
Another fact about Hide and Seek: it’s completely terrifying. Or at least I find it so. Once I’m in a hiding place I breathe deep and fearful breaths, knowing that every one is bringing me closer to the horrifying moment when I am discovered. There’s something I find intensely safe about being hidden, and yet there’s an inevitability that I’ll be found. It’s exhilarating when you find somewhere good to hide and think you might be found last – and a stab in the heart when you are discovered.
I’m not sure I’ve laughed as much during my whole 100 Days of Play – it’s something to do with the pent up excitement while you hide. It’s a game that’s so simple, elegant, and primal.
Seriously – if it’s 20 or 50 years since you last played this, do so again right now!
Growing up, it was kind of a struggle being small, since everyone would make fun of you – except for when it came to hide and seek: that’s the only advantage I ever had! – Simone Biles
You forgot to mention the crucial twist for adult hide and seek: darkness. It must be played at night, with the lights off, or minimal lighting (e.g. halls and landings only).
Another good variant would be complete darkness, but the seeker carries a candle
Ooooh, absolutely – I should have mentioned that. It a) makes seeking harder and b) makes hiding much more terrifying!