Salvation 2035

Chapter 49- Final Days

『Abel』

     Today could be our last day in America. I'm not sure how to feel about it. Despite all the bad, nothing will change the fact that I've had so many good memories here. Before prison, I can't say I was dissatisfied with life. Of course, I was incredibly privileged, with my parents being doctors, growing up in the city, and receiving one of the best educations in the country, so I pretty much had it as good as someone could get it. Life was decidedly normal, and I didn't think anything extraordinary would come from it. Everything seemed like it'd continue on that trajectory till the end of time. I'd graduate, get married, have kids, and work till I decide to retire. That would be it. Honestly, it's one of the best ways to live, isn't it? I could have easily had it, too. But once you realize that this 'ordinary' life is but an illusion carefully woven by whatever powers may be, you cannot ignore it. You realize how that tapestry of lies has been patched up so many times that it's begun to burst at its seams. They can only prevent people from learning about the truth of the world for so long. I only saw a glimpse of that when I started studying Spanish. I thought I was discrete enough about it that I wouldn't be caught. I just happened to run into a police officer who wanted to do a 'random search'. I just wish I could have said goodbye to my friends before he took me in.

     Despite all my uncertainty, I know I'm making the right choice. I can't continue to live and support a place that results in people going through what Tsuki went through. I wish I could do something to fight back, but doing so is like screaming into a void. Still, running away feels a little cowardly. I'm not a revolutionary— I'm just a guy who wants to live. My life was ordinary, and as soon as this is over, it will continue to be. Tsuki and Keisha are definitely extraordinary, though. And yet, they're here with me. I'm a little comforted by the fact that people like them choose to run away with me.

     It feels like a normal day like any other, even though I know it isn't. I turn on the TV and head to the kitchen. I pull out a small box of cereal I was keeping in my bag and pour it into a bowl. I guess I could order room service instead of eating dry cereal, but I'm pretty sure we don't have enough money for that. My last meal is certainly a noble one...

     I take a moment to appreciate the hotel room. The ceilings are lofty, with dainty chandeliers hanging up above. The kitchen descends into a dining space, which is followed by the living room. The TV sits in front of four sofas, each arranged in a square around it. There is a balcony, but the only view is of the other buildings. Everything is either white or gold, except for the curtains, which are navy. This place is so obnoxious.

     Unexpectedly, Tsuki is the next person to wake up. Usually, he's ready before all of us. Looks like he's carrying... half a loaf of bread and some cans?

     "Good morning!" he greets me energetically. "Do you want me to make you some soup? There should be enough for all of us."

     "Soup for breakfast?" I question. "Well, it's better than what I have now, so sure."

     "Alright," he cheerfully answers back. "I figured we'd need something to eat."

     "We could get room service, you know," I suggest.

     "Isn't it a little expensive?" Tsuki questions.

     "Yeah, but what else are you going to use your American dollars for?" I prod. It feels a little bad to ask him to do this, especially after he's basically financed our whole journey. But this is the last time, surely.

     "Alright, fine," he tosses his wallet over to me. "I guess we should celebrate a little bit, even if it is premature."

     "So what do you want?" I inquire, heading over to the interactive screen built into the wall. I swear, going to a place like this is like stepping into another universe.