The World Above

Chapter 1 : Haven

     "What!" cried Nora, her voice echoing through the cafeteria. Every head turned towards her. "We have a test next period," I repeated, my tone more resigned. Nora slumped down in her seat next to Arielle, her face a mask of dismay as she poked at her food.

Arielle gently patted her on the back, then resumed eating what was supposed to be Mac'n'Cheese. Soon, the boys joined us. "So, mind telling us what the whole commotion was about?" Mike asked playfully.

Nora stuck out her tongue and grumbled, "Friends are supposed to tell each other when there's a test the next day!" Alex spoke up, "Uh, no! Friends are supposed to jeer at each other!" Everyone laughed, except Nora, who looked as if she was about to burst into tears. However, the bell rang, interrupting her and sparing us from her outburst.

***

"Good morning, class! Please be seated, and we'll start the test soon!" Ms. Esra, our history teacher, shouted over the classroom din. We all settled down. "Brandon and Haven, please come and help me distribute these question papers," she called. I got up, feeling the usual pre-test jitters, and did as I was told.

The test was surprisingly easy, as history is one of my favorite subjects. As soon as the bell rang, I handed in my paper and hurried toward my locker. My next stop was the Science Lab, and I needed to be there early to get the best seats.

Mr. Izakiel always performed experiments on Fridays, and a good seat was essential to both enjoy and understand them. I grabbed my science book and made my way through the bustling hallways.

I exchanged a few "hi's," ducked a few high fives, and ignored my friends' cries as I rushed toward the lab. Whew! Looks like I made it in time. I headed to the second row and settled into the middle seat. Ayesha and Brandon came in a few minutes later, their faces lit with the usual excitement.

Ayesha set her bag on my right and pouted, "You could have waited!" Before I could respond, Brandon chuckled and said, "Don't you know, Ayesha? Haven has to get the best seat. It's the only way she can concentrate without worrying about an experiment exploding in her face!" We all roared with laughter, and that's when Mr. Izakiel walked in, his cold stare silencing us immediately.

***

"Ahh! What a tiring day!" Alex said, stretching his arms above his head. We all nodded in agreement, our energy drained. "Wanna head over to Café Internet?" asked Arielle. The idea perked everyone up. Grabbing our bags, we made our way out of the school. The café was just a ten-minute walk from our school, and we often went there to unwind.

"High schoolers from Busan High are here!" Mike announced our arrival to the whole café. Ayesha shrank back a bit, uncomfortable with the attention; she's not much of a social butterfly.

"Welcome, Monsieurs and Mademoiselles!" exclaimed a bubbly man from behind the counter, Mr. Gabriel. He was the owner and a friend of Mike who often treated us to free snacks.

We all waved at him and sat at our usual table near the window. "So, will it be the usual?" he asked, already knowing the answer. We nodded, and as he headed to prepare our order, we pulled out our books to kill time.

Soon, a new waiter with heavy bags under his eyes delivered our order. Something about him felt off, but I shrugged it off.

I started to feel woozy and sick, a wave of nausea washing over me. I faintly called out, "I think I should go now." Everyone looked at me with concern, and Nora asked softly, "You okay, bestie?" I nodded, not having the strength to talk.

I took the shortest route home, each step heavier than the last. Some time later, a creeping sense of unease washed over me. I had the eerie feeling that someone was following me.

My heart pounded as I quickened my pace, the deserted street around me amplifying my fear. The footsteps behind me grew louder, closer. "Hey there, girly!" The man came into view, and I realized it was the new waiter from the café.

"Why are you so scared? I'll be good!" the drunkard slurred, his breath reeking of alcohol. Panic surged through me, but just as I lost hope, a man appeared and pulled me towards him. His presence was commanding, and he gave the waiter a death stare, threatening, "Leave or else!"

***

"Hey, Mom! I'm back!" I called out as I entered the house, my voice shaky. "We're having dinner!" her voice echoed from down the hallway. Despite the turmoil of the day, I made my way to the dining hall.

"Hey,How was school?" Dad asked, his eyes glued to his phone. "Same as always," I replied, my voice flat. "Do you want to eat?" asked my mom. When I shook my head, she added, "Well, there's a letter for you on the counter. Take it with you if you're going upstairs." "Sure, okay," I mumbled.

The letter was light blue with a yellow seal. I opened it and read:

"Ms. Haven Park,

You are invited to Jaseongdae Park. Please be there by midnight tomorrow. If you agree to meet us, sign 'yes' below. P.S.: Refrain from telling your parents about the trip."

Piqued by the curious letter and feeling strangely drawn to it, I took a pen from my bag and signed my approval.

I watched in amazement as the words were absorbed into the paper, disappearing as if they'd never been written.