Return to Youngstown

Chapter 1: Warnings Ignored

Michael Smith sat at his desk in his modest Atlanta apartment, anxiously tapping his fingers on the wooden surface. The laptop in front of him displayed a series of alarming headlines: "Martial Law Declared," "Military Units Rebel," and "Foreign Threats Loom." The words seemed to blur together as Michael's mind raced with thoughts of his family scattered across the eastern United States. He had spent months trying to warn them about the potential dangers of Trump's re-election and the ominous Project 2025, but his concerns had largely fallen on deaf ears.

Project 2025, a controversial and secretive plan aimed at overhauling government operations and national security, had been the subject of Michael's warnings for months. His family, however, had varying responses to his concerns. He decided it was time to make one more desperate attempt to reach out to them.

Picking up his phone, Michael dialed Mary's number. She answered on the third ring, her voice a mixture of curiosity and weariness.

"Hey, Michael. What's up?" Mary's voice was a familiar comfort amidst the chaos.

"Mary, have you seen the news? Martial law, the military rebelling—it's happening just like I warned," Michael said, trying to keep the urgency in his voice under control.

"I saw it. It's all over the news. But, Michael, what can we do? It's not like we can change anything from here," Mary replied, her skepticism evident.

"We need to be proactive. I'm coming to get you and your family. We need to head back to Youngstown, to the bunker," Michael insisted.

"The bunker? You mean that place you used to disappear to as a kid? Michael, are you sure it's still safe?" Mary asked, doubt creeping into her voice.

"It's our best shot. I've kept it maintained all these years. It's stocked and hidden. We'll be safe there," Michael reassured her.

Mary sighed heavily. "Alright. I'll pack up. But what about Tyler and Mariah? They're off at college."

"I'll try to reach them, but first, we need to get everyone else safe. We'll figure out how to get them later," Michael said.

"I understand. We'll be ready," Mary replied, her tone softening.

After hanging up, Michael immediately called Tim. The phone rang for a while before Tim finally answered.

"Hey, Mike. What's going on?" Tim sounded tired but calm.

"Tim, it's happening. We need to get everyone back to Youngstown. I'm getting Mary and her family first, then heading to Cleveland for Alexis. We need to move quickly," Michael said, his words tumbling out in a rush.

"Alright, Mike. I trust you. Just tell me what to do," Tim replied without hesitation. Michael felt a wave of relief. Tim had always been his rock, dependable and steady.

"I'll be in touch. Stay safe and start gathering what you need to bring. We'll meet at the usual spot," Michael instructed.

The next call was to Alexis. She lived in Cleveland, about an hour away from Youngstown. He wasn't sure if she would pick up, but she did on the second ring.

"Michael, what's this about? Is everything okay?" Alexis asked, her tone a mixture of concern and curiosity.

"No, it's not okay. We need to get out of here. I'm heading to Youngstown, and I want you to come with us. It's not safe to stay put," Michael explained.

"I don't know, Michael. This seems a bit drastic. Can't we wait and see how things unfold?" Alexis replied.

"No, we can't wait. Trust me on this. I'll explain everything when I see you, but please, just be ready," Michael pleaded.

"Alright, I'll start packing. But I'm still not sure about all this," Alexis conceded.

Michael hesitated before making the final call. Ashley. She lived in Youngstown as well, but convincing her would be the hardest part. When she finally answered, her tone was as cold as ever.

"Michael, what do you want? I'm busy," Ashley snapped.

"Ashley, this is serious. We need to leave. Martial law has been declared, and things are about to get a lot worse," Michael said, trying to keep his voice calm.

"Oh, please. This is just another one of your paranoid fantasies. I'm not going anywhere," Ashley retorted.

"Ashley, for once, just listen to me. If not for me, then for the family. Please," Michael implored.

"I'm staying right here. You all can run off to your little hideaway, but I'm not joining," Ashley replied before hanging up.

Michael took a deep breath and put his phone down. He had expected this response, but it still stung. He would have to focus on those who were willing to listen and hope that Ashley would come to her senses eventually.

He quickly packed his essentials and headed for his car. The journey to the Poconos would be long and fraught with danger, but he had no choice. His family's safety depended on him, and he would not let them down.

As he drove through the darkening streets of Atlanta, Michael reflected on his childhood in Youngstown. The secret bunker he had discovered in the woods near their home had been his sanctuary, a place where he could escape the world and its troubles. Now, it would serve as a refuge for his family.

The drive to Pennsylvania felt endless. Michael's mind raced with thoughts of what lay ahead. He had to convince Mary's husband, Daryl, of the urgency of the situation. He had to gather everyone and make sure they were all safe. And he had to prepare for the worst, knowing that the country was on the brink of collapse.

As he crossed the state line into Pennsylvania, Michael felt a renewed sense of determination. This was his family, and he would do whatever it took to protect them. The road ahead was uncertain, but he knew one thing for sure: they had to stick together. The safety of the bunker and the promise of survival were all that mattered now.