Suburban Island VI

Gallowdance (First Waves of Departures)

Gallowdance (First Waves of Departures)

In May, the first order of evacuations began. Brazil finally agreed to take some people. Chile and Venezuela did the same. Mexico would need more work. People were boarding planes and flying away. A couple down the street from Chester was going to live with their son in Brazil. The husband didn't want to go before. But now, they don't have any choice. He finally relented.

"Fine, whatever," he said. His wife hugged him. The man frowned as she thanked him. The couple would be leaving in the morning. Meanwhile, Patience is planning to ship Patrice to Alaska. She made sure that her dad would keep his word. Once she got Patrice to Alaska, she could get Viola to go next. The girl was going to follow behind.

"We can't stay here," Patience told her grandmother one night. Viola put her hands on her hips.

"Are you planning to send me to Alaska too?" she asked.

"We've got no choice," Patience said. "I don't want us to die." She sighed and shook her head.

"Look, I'm doing this for all of us," she said.

"I know," her grandma said. "I am just saying to let me help you. You can't do this alone." Patience looked at her through the cracks of her fingers. She did have a point.

"You're right. You're right," Patience said. Viola patted her on the shoulder. Her granddaughter looked up at her. Her grandmother had a calm expression on her face. That was all Patience needed to know in order for her plan to work.

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First came the departures to Brazil. They were only going to take a small amount. Still, it was better than nothing. The question was would they be able to get everyone out in time? Patience didn't think about that. Getting her aunt out was her main focus. Viola had to talk to Patrice about it many times. Anything to keep her calm. Anything to keep her calm. Her aunt couldn't take too much. They were going to have to sort everything out. But how was she going to do it with Patrice in the house?

Viola had an answer for that.

"Is it going to work?" Patience asked. Her grandmother patted her on the head.

"I will see what I can do," she said. All the girl had to do now was to wait to hear back from the government.

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The elderly couple with their son in Brazil was the last to go. Their house was raided shortly after. There wasn't much inside. Sure there was food. The couple already gave away some of their things. The rest were left in the house. Before the week was over, the house was stripped bare.

"It's so strange," Josie said. The kids stared at the house.

"Yeah," Tommy said. Most of them still didn't know what they were doing in the coming weeks. Where were they going to go? Steve turned to Mickey.

"You going to Canada?" he asked.

"I guess," the black boy said. The others looked at him.

"You should go," Theresa said.

"Yes," Patience said. "Go!" Mickey put up his hands.

"Okay, okay. Geez," he said.

"We're serious!" Patience said. Mike turned to her with a confused look on his face.

"Fine!" Mickey said. "We'll go!"

"Do you promise?" Josie said. The black boy rolled his eyes.

"Yes!" he shouted. "Geez! What's with you?" Josie and Patience looked at each other. They didn't really need to answer. They all knew. Especially Teresa and Kathy.

Still, life goes on for now. What can they do? They can only do this until the end came. Meanwhile, Patience keeps waiting and plotting to save her aunt.

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She checks her email every day. There is no response so far. Patience doesn't know how long Patrice will hold out. Her aunt wouldn't come out of her room. Viola wouldn't leave her door.

"We're doing this for you," she would tell her. Patrice didn't believe her. Patience thought about hiding all of the knives and pills at one point. What was taking the government so long? It looked like she was going to ask more questions again.

By May 20th, Patience got her answer.

She woke up to a new message in her inbox. Her heart jumped in her chest. Already, she told herself to not get her hopes up. Patience had prepared to try and argue her aunt's case to be shipped out to Alaska. No matter the outcome, she was going to get her out of this neighborhood before she ended up hurting herself or them.

Patience took a breath and opened the email.

Meanwhile, Brazil finished its quota of taking in refugees from the mainland. Now, it was Chile and Venezuela's turn. Still, it is not enough. Hawaii is stepping up with its welcoming. So is Alaska. Canada is doing the same. The government is talking to Mexico, the Caribbean, and the rest of South America. What about Australia, New Zealand, and the rest of Oceania? Yes, the government is looking there too. Will it be enough in time? No one knows but they are willing to try anything at this point.

Patience read the email on the screen when she heard a knock on her door.

"Sweetheart," Viola said. "Can I come in?" Patience didn't answer as her grandmother opened the door. The girl didn't turn around.

"I got the email," Patience said. Viola straightened up.

"What did they say?" she asked. The girl turned to her with a tired smile on her face.

"They can take her to Alaska," Patience said. "They are going to take you both tomorrow." Viola had a puzzled look on her face.

"What do you mean by that?" she asked. Patience nervouslylaughed. Damn it. She had hoped to keep the secret a little bit longer. Itlooked like she was going to have to tell her grandmother everything now.