Dust in the Wind

Chapter 1

Outbreak Day

"Take that!" A boy and girl sat side by side on a bed, mashing buttons on their game controllers. The girl yelled out, pumping her fist into the air.

"Focus up, Ez!" The boy nudged her, leaning forward as he focused on the TV.

"Fuck. I got downed."

"Don't worry. I'll save your ass. Like usual." Aqil's character ran over to Ezra's pulling her out of harm's way, before helping her back up to her feet.

"Thanks, Aqil." She flashed him a dazzling smile, making his heart speed up in his chest.

In the other room, Aqil's father loudly talked on the phone in Arabic. The two teens tuned him out though, too focused on their game to care. Ezra and Aqil played their game until they were called downstairs by his father, saying that lunch was ready.

"What're we havin'?" Ezra pulled out the bar stool, plopping down, her eyes watching Aqil's father.

"Sandwiches." He pushed them in the direction of the teens, the phone still held to his ear. He spoke once more to the phone. Ezra had learned to not eavesdrop as a child, but that never stopped her from being curious. She looked over at Aqil to see his expression change as he listened to his father.

"Is everything alright?" Ezra dragged the plates over to her and Aqil.

"I--I don't know, Ez." The boy shifted nervously in his seat, having heard his father talk about an outbreak. An infection that's spreading. He didn't know who his father was talking to, but all he could think about was his mom who was still at work at the hospital.

"Don't worry about it." Ezra smiled, lightly punching him in the shoulder. "I'm sure it's just stupid grown-up stuff. And we've got a mission to finish anyways."

"Yeah." Aqil cracked a smile. "I guess you're right."

"Kids." Karim finally turned his attention to them. "You should pack."

"What? Why?" Ezra looked at him in confusion.

"Jade and I will explain things later to you, but right now I need you to take the food to your room and eat." He spoke with a thick accent that Ezra had become accustomed to. Sometimes she had to listen extra carefully to understand him still though.

Ezra looked over at Aqil, seeing if he'd protest his father or not. Once a few moments passed she concluded he wouldn't and picked up her plate. "Fine." She marched back to the room, her anger of being left out of the conversation all too prevalent for Karim.

"Go with her." Karim spoke to Aqil who sat there a couple of seconds longer before doing as he was told.

"Why does he always treat us like children?!" Ezra vented as Aqil walked into the room. "What was he talking about, Aqil? You have to tell me."

"Something about an infection." He shook his head. "Maybe he was talking to mom."

"I hope she's okay." Ezra wrapped her arms around herself, looking at the floor. Aqil walked over to her, wrapping an arm around her for comfort. "We should pack." She spoke up quietly.

The two of them opened the dressers, unpacking their items and putting them into their suitcases. Ezra had only just unpacked a month ago. It felt bittersweet packing once more. Usually, it meant her parents were back home, but not this time, this time it meant something more.

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"Jade." Karim let out a breath he had been holding, framing her face with his large hands. "I'm glad you're alright."