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The Hecatomb, Chapter 7 |
| Written by Sean | |
| Saturday, 23 August 2008 | |
David and Darius spoke for some time, about the past, the present, and the unclear future. When talk of such things wore too greatly upon them, they discussed other matters or questionable importance.
"I don't think they can pull it off, Darius."
"Dave, come on. The Vipers have the best offense in the country!"
"Their defense is horrible."
"The best defense is a good offense."
"The best offense is a good defense."
After a far more extensive argument, the two decided to agree to disagree, each believing that, while the other's opinion had merit, theirs were unquestionably correct. David felt surprise at how easily he could talk of such trivial things. They seemed so childish, even innocent. He was unaccustomed to idle chatter. He had grown too used to searching every phrase, examining every word spoken in an attempt to discover information and protect himself.
A peculiar thought bubbled up within David's head.
"Darius, before you said ‘we keep an eye on each other.'"
"What of it?"
"Who is ‘we'?"
"I was hoping you would ask that. We're survivors. And castaways, I suppose. Lord doesn't want us, and this city hates us. We decided that we would take care of each other when most others don't. "
"Where are the rest of you?"
"Gone."
"Dead?"
"No, just away. They escaped. They left this city for more forgiving place, and I went with them. We come back every now and then to take care of those who haven't made it out yet. To check."
"What are you checking for?"
"Hope."
David took a sip of his drink, far more out of uncertainty than thirst. Then, another question came upon him.
"How did they get out?"
"A lot of different ways. Some of them were smuggled out, others crawled through sewers, and one girl stuffed herself into a suitcase and followed some poor family out of the city while they were on vacation."
"I don't know how they managed to do that, Darius. They had to have been afraid."
"They were terrified. But to them, temporary terror was better than stagnating here."
"They were dedicated, weren't they?"
Darius had been looking out of the living room window for the entirety of their exchange. Now, he turned to David and looked him square in the eye.
"People have done more drastic things for freedom."
"I don't know how they managed to do that, Darius. They had to have been afraid."
"They were terrified. But to them, temporary terror was better than stagnating here."
David made no sound. Darius' gaze intensified.
"So, David, what will you do?"
"What?"
"Well you can't just sit here anymore."
"Why not? I have a house, a job..."
"You had a wife, you had a daughter, David. When was the last time you enjoyed going to your job?"
David said nothing.
"You hate it. Take a stand. If you can't bear this place anymore, do something about it."
"Evelyn might come back."
"No. She won't."
"You don't know that."
"You do."
David stared into the cery center of Darius' eyes. In his mind, knowledge and acceptance struggled to break through a veil of childish disbelief. He knew the truth. He had known it for years. David never ran from the city. He did not know why. One thing always seemed to lead to another. Lord promised hope, those many years ago. David stayed for him. Hope never came. Then Evelyn found her niche. David stayed for her. Evelyn had gone.
"What would happen?"
"You would get away. You could come with me to meet the rest of us. NEither Lord nor the city would really notice one less person around."
"How would I get out."
"We'll think of something."
"That's the best you can give me?"
"It's that or stay here."
David leaned back in his seat, his gaze on the city beyond the window. THe sky was grey. God, when wasn't it? Buildings, black stone and sharp steel, glinted in the distance. An observer would find it an impressive sight. A native knew better. Somewhere off in the distance, a car horn blared andjust barely audible above it, a neighbor was laughing.
"What do I bring?"
"Nothing."
"No clothes?"
"We'll get you some. The less you carry, the better."
"When will we leave?"
"When you're ready. Do you have work tomorrow. If you do call ou-"
"No. It's a state holiday."
"Which?"
"Solstice. They have that big celebration over on Centre Street."
"Oh right, that time of year."
Darius eyes glazed over for just a moment. A smile came on his face, his eyes glittering mischieviously.
"Dave, that's perfect."
"Why?"
"People will be focusing on downtown. We take a little walk to the subway, find a way through the security, and we're free."
"They check for mutants. They ask for the name and... curse."
"You're not following orders anymore David. What's the weather for tomorrow?"
"News said there'd be rain. They've already started to put up the tents for the celebration."
"Do you have anything with a hood?"
"Of course I do."
"Bring it. We'll leave tomorrow."
While Darius seemed very pleased with himself to have concocted a plan, David was far less satisifed not knowing just what the plan was. He expected Darius to continue, and when no explanation came, David's nearly nonexistent patience ended.
"Well?"
"What?"
"What now?"
"We wait. Got anythingleft in your fridge?" Copyright 2008 Sean |
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| Last Updated ( Thursday, 11 September 2008 ) |
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