Nomed Town: Advanced Civilization (Part I)

Chapter 1: Game Changer

Pandemonium broke loose when an elderly lady found herself entangled in an unexpected race with a possum. The old lady darting in what seemed like slow motion, the possum hot on her trail. A stranger, seizing the absurdity, jumped into action with a perfectly timed honk, sending the marsupial fleeing into the night. Intriguing questions lingered - why was the possum on a chase? Did it have rabies? Did the old lady provoke it? The mystery deepened with each passing second, unfolding into a drama that led viewers down a rabbit hole. SWIPE.

A sudden shift - a departure from the social media frenzy. Tanner's dreads dangling over the high-resolution phone, redirected his attention to an email. An anxious moment hung in the air as he scanned through the subject line - "We are pleased to inform you that you've been accepted to Chatawa University." The weight of those words resonated, a stark contrast to weeks filled with regretful notifications.

Tanner readjusted his pedestrian silver rope chain, ensuring that the clasp aligned perfectly on the back of his neck. Like his chain, Tanner was humble. He didn't care to be flashy but took some pride in his appearance as evidenced by the outfit he had on when receiving the acceptance email. A medium sized plain white t-shirt, just tight enough to accentuate his muscular build, accompanied by black jogger pants and Jordan 13s. As Tanner read the email again, the world momentarily faded away as the first line of the email became a mantra, repeated in disbelief. A surge of validation and a newfound sense of importance radiated from the mirror across the room.

In that mirror, Tanner faced his own image - a young man with a blend of ethnicities, an untested work ethic, and mediocre grades. His friends would call him hungry for success, but Tanner prefers the word 'driven'. Hunger can be satisfied. The word 'driven' insinuates a dedication that is constant. A dedication that has led Tanner to this point. In the wake of the acceptance email, confidence replaced doubt, and Tanner felt a bit taller than his usual 5 foot 8 inches. The words "pleased to inform you" echoed in the mind, offering a taste of accomplishment that had been elusive throughout Tanner's short eighteen years of life. With a renewed sense of self, Tanner glimpsed a future filled with possibilities, basking in the glow of unexpected success.

Lost in the digital pages of the acceptance email, Tanner skimmed over the mundane details of orientation and financial aid. The word "orientation" triggered a fleeting realization... Chatawa University was far from home. Yet, rather than perceiving it as a drawback, he saw it as a welcome escape from the troubles that plagued his home life. Troubles that lingered in the shadows, concealed by the facade of familial normalcy.

The words "financial aid" jolted Tanner back to reality, a harsh reminder that his meager funds wouldn't stretch to cover housing expenses. Government aid had generously covered tuition, but beyond that, financial uncertainties loomed like storm clouds on the horizon. Lifting his eyes briefly, Tanner saw the reflection of a small closet behind him in the mirror. Numerous pairs of size nine men Jordans were showcased, almost in a museum like fashion. Hovering his thumb over the Ebay icon on his phone, Tanner contemplated whether to sell his shoes to help pay for college housing.

Interrupted by his mother's voice, Tanner shifted his focus from the screen to her concerned gaze. "What's wrong with you? Why are you so glued to your phone?" she questioned, a habitual plea for Tanner to detach from technology. The irony wasn't lost on him - she, too, contributed to the tech addiction by gifting Tanner a high-end Samsung for graduation, a lavish purchase that cost her two months' worth of income.

In a desperate attempt to ease his mother's concerns, Tanner blurted out the news that shook his very core: "Ma, I'm not addicted to my phone. I'm reading an email that could change my life. I got accepted into Chatawa University!" The disbelief hung in the air, challenging the weight of this life-altering revelation.

Sure, Chatawa might be missing a football program - a deal-breaker for some - but for Tanner, acceptance to the university was a triumph to savor. Football was a skill, not a passion. This news acted as a guiding light, illuminating a path he hadn't dared to dream of before. It was a beacon of hope in a chapter of his life that had been overshadowed by uncertainty.

Tanner wasn't your typical kid. Growing up in a world that played by its own set of rules, he faced challenges that most couldn't even imagine. It was a survival game, and Tanner was determined to beat the odds.

His mother, a devout believer, provided Tanner with a lifeline. In a chaotic childhood, her unwavering faith became Tanner's anchor, keeping him from losing his mind and in many ways his soul. Tanner too was a believer, but he had a secret, a gift that both fascinated and terrified him - the ability to see demons.

From a young age, Tanner found himself battling not only the struggles of everyday life but also confronting evil spirits, both tangible and unseen. The supernatural became a part of his reality, and the first time he truly realized his unique sight was in a peculiar Pentecostal church.

Walking into that strange place, Tanner felt the malevolence in the air. Congregation members were writhing on the floor, speaking in incomprehensible tongues, and convulsing as if caught in a storm. And then came the shocker - a demon, in the form of a gigantic boa constrictor, coiled around the pastor's neck like a bizarre accessory.

Tanner, pointing out the surreal scene to his sister, received only confusion in response. To her, there was no snake. That was the moment Tanner understood - he was different. He had the ability to see things others couldn't, a realization that struck him like a lightning bolt.

As the years passed, Tanner embraced his unique gift, realizing he could see demons in a world where most remained blissfully unaware. His journey unfolded against a backdrop of the supernatural, adding a layer of complexity to his already challenging life. Tanner wasn't just a product of his tough upbringing; he was a young adult who had faced the extraordinary, carving his own path in a world that often seemed stranger than fiction.

As the initial joy settled on Tanner's mother, the reality hit her: Chatawa was a thirteen-hour drive from home. A maternal concern emerged as she gracefully settled onto the couch beside Tanner, a poignant reminder of her ongoing battle with chemotherapy. Despite occasional bouts of fatigue, her resilience remained a testament to her strength.

"Are you really sure about going so far away for school? Couldn't you find something closer, maybe in Miami?" she questioned, her worry etched on her face. Tanner, in response, reiterated their discussions, emphasizing the necessity of distance to minimize distractions. Chatawa, with its small-town charm and low crime rate, offered the sanctuary he sought - a place where the only agenda was to immerse himself in learning and navigate the uncharted waters of his future.