Fireworks

The beginning of the end

*"Day two of our meteor crisis. In the last 24 hours, we have had 7 different collisions. All scattered throughout the world. The majority of the cases were here in North America. We have survived one day, but how much longer will we last?"*

Over the phone, Arthur had told them about how every airline has been shutdown due to the recent incidents. Over in England, some have resorted to looting and setting up alliances and gangs. Len and Seleste have witnessed the same over in America.

Many have stopped working and riots have ensued. The sounds of police sirens can be heard at all times. However Len wasn't concerned. He learned, from a young age, how to grow and find food when times were hard.

"Are you ok Tin? Are you safe right now?"
*7:47 AM* Unread*

Len has been trying to get a hold of Tina for the last few hours, but to no avail.

"Seleste, are your parents doing better?"

She silently nodded and continued to eat her bowl of cereal. A group of rescue workers found her parents under a collapsed house. Both are in critical condition and have been put on life support.

"I'm just glad that they have been found before it was too late. I now have some closure of the their whereabouts. Now we just need to find out what happened with your family."

Len looks to the ground and begins to ponder the same question.

"If only I wasn't bound to this stupid wheelchair, I should be out there trying to find my family."

His voice was deep and emotional. Which really struck Seleste. She is filled with guilt now. Considering that she was the reason why he is in this condition.

Len felt her guilt and reassured her.

"This", he gestures towards his body, "isn't your fault, I'm so glad that you are safe and are keeping me company. I really appreciate you being here for me and I don't regret my decision whatsoever."

He looks at her with a wide smile and continues sipping on his juice box.

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Many months have passed and no more incidents have occurred. However the riots and crimes are an all time high.

Seleste's parents are still in their coma, but in the other hand, Len is slowly healing from his injuries. Using his legs more and being more independent. An achievement worth celebrating, but Len doesn't want to celebrate anything until he can figure out what happened to his parents and brother.

"Cousin, you are doing so much better than last week. I'm so happy to see you up and about!"

"Thanks Arthur, but you praise me too much. I have only started walking, this is only the start. Once the airports start opening back up, I will make sure to run at you."

The two boys end their video call and Len walks over to a chair and rests. Seleste and him have relocated to a small apartment, smaller than the one that they used back in England.

Seleste has been visiting her parents every single day for the last few months and has found peace being around and taking care of them. So it was a huge surprise when Seleste walked into the apartment that night.

"Whatchu doing back so soon?"

"Why do you ask? Did you bring one of those nurses back home with you?"

Seleste gently jabs Len in the ribs jokingly and the two laugh. The two felt awkward everytime someone called the two a couple, so Len told them that they weren't dating. Since then, a few nurses would come by to his room on a regular basis just to talk to the man. Clearly flirting.

"Hahaha, no, I couldn't. I am dedicated to my girlfriend."

".......", Seleste looks at Len,

"What girlfriend? The one that barely talks to you? Has only visited you once? Or are we talking about the one that called you Chris?" She pushes further.

"Or perhaps we're talking about the one that didn't even realize that her own boyfriend has been gone for months?"

At that moment, Lenord gets up and yells at her.

"SHUT UP! SHUT IT!! DON'T YOU THINK THAT I'VE QUESTIONED MYSELF THOSE EXACT THINGS?!"

He sits back down and lets out a huge sigh.

"Yes, She has been acting weird recently. Is she cheating on me? I don't know and I don't have proof. All I can do is trust her."

Seleste gets up and hugs a now crying Len.

*Brring* *Brriiiiing*

It was the hospital that was treating Seleste's parents.

"Ahem, hello?" After a long silence, someone replys

"Is this the daughter of  Walter and Sheila Alinz?"

Seleste begins to twirl her hair anxiously

"Yes it is, is something wrong? Did something happen?"

The person that called let's out a sigh

"This is officer Darrel Longstein. A group of thugs came into the hospital that your parents were being treated and stole a bunch of medicine and other medical equipment. According to eye witnesses, some of the thugs became high on power and shot at random citizens and patients. I'm sorry to tell you that your parents were declared dead on scene. I'm sorry for your loss"

Unable to respond, Seleste sinks to the ground sobbing.