Apocrypha

Chapter 27

"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Matthew 7: 1-2

THE MORNING OF CHRISTMAS, while frigid and freezing, still had a warm atmosphere. The gifts had been passed out and the living room was lively as the function created chatter and laughter to ring all over the house.

"I'll be back." Gabriel told Lysander. His lover nodded.

Gabriel entered the kitchen and saw Timon sitting near the small TV on the counter.

"I'm just here to get some fresh air." Gabriel told him.

"I'm watching the news." Timon replied.

He grabbed a chair and sat next to Timon. He turned to look at the news.

"You know, there's a reason why Christmas is called the Day of Tragedies." Timon mentioned.

"How so?" Gabriel asked.

"Every year during Christmas, several global tragedies happen. In Paris four years ago, an Islamic terrorist killed 15 at a gathering. 10 years ago, the Brazilian government was overthrown by rebel forces. And just last year was the start of the Benin-Togo War."

"And what's happening this year?"

"See for yourself." Timon said, gesturing his hand to the TV. Gabriel leaned closer to listen to the news woman.

"Rebel Ukrainian forces have executed at least 6 high ranking members of the Russian military. The president has declared martial law. Smaller protests have erupted in Russia-occupied Finland and Georgia."

News segments showed areas of the Ukrainian region of Russia and chaos in the streets.

"Can't say I wasn't expecting that." Gabriel said.

"Did you know something like this was going to happen?" Timon asked.

Gabriel nodded. "Two years ago, when I went on a trip to Kyiv and heard several high ranking admirals talking about how they had heard there was an attack being prepared. They knew it was going to happen but didn't do anything to stop it."

"Fascinating. When you're so high on your podium, you think you're untouchable." Timon muttered.

"Anyways, it's not all uncommon. According to my dad, my grandfather knew all about the assassination attempts on him but didn't listen to them. That's how he lost his thumb in one incident."

Gabriel stood up and grabbed himself a glass of water. He was going to drink it until he saw the sink water was slightly brown.

"Uh, the water's rusted again." He said.

"Not surprised." Timon replied. "I'll call a plumber to get the pipes fixed. Get some water from the bottles. Better get it fixed before we have our own Michigan Water Crisis."

Gabriel dumped out the water. He instead took a sip of some leftover hot cocoa. Lysander then joined him in the kitchen.

"It's getting stuffy in there." Lysander said.

"I never got to give you my gift." Gabriel told him.

Lysander raised an eyebrow. "Another gift?" He asked.

"Yes. Come with me. I'll give it to you in our room." Gabriel grabbed his lover's hand and dragged him to their room.

When inside, Gabriel locked the door and then rummaged to an area under his bed. After searching, he found a small black bag. Inside was an even smaller black box.