All They Didn't Know

Chapter 8

I shiver as I walk down the platform, delaying my steps as much as I can, hesitant now that I'm here. Determination and instinct battle my nervousness before finally defeating it, throwing it to one side. I know I've got to do this.

Besides, I can see him.

Only man on the on the platform, his silhouette is unmistakable. The light bounces off him like an eclipse, the moon against the sun.

"Hi, Callie." He speaks softly, but I can hear him from ten metres down the platform. Or maybe he's just inside my head.

"Joseph," I reply.

"You found my letter, then."

"Yes."

"We both know why you're here."

"Yes."

"I don't have much time, Callie,"

"Go on then."

"What?"

"Go on, then. Tell me. Start talking."

Impressed and taken aback by my abruptness, he smiles, raises his eyebrows.

"Ok then. One upon a time...

"Back when your father and I were on speaking terms, we had arranged to meet for lunch one day in London. I was there on other matters and I was aware that I was near your father's place of work.

But I was ready for lunch early. With nothing else to do, I decided to surprise John by meeting him at his office. But when I got there, and was directed to his private office, I found he was out, at a meeting. I sat there for a while, waiting for him to return, when I noticed some files lying on his desks, marked 'TOP SECRET'. Naturally, I opened them.

I was shocked by what I found."

"What did you find?"

Joseph smiles sadly. "I found lies. So many lies on such a big scale -

"Years ago, the human mind evolved much faster than it does today. So fast that by 1780, the real 1780, the first and greatest war there's ever been was far, far more disastrous than it would be if it had happened then today.

It started... controllable - but soon, it was spiralling more and more out of control. Soon the entire WORLD became involved but it wasn't just two sides - every country was selfish, selfish enough for wanting THEMSELVES to solely win. It became known as the 'Proud War' because all these countries were just too proud to back out, to surrender. Even if that would save thousands of their citizens' lives. Children's lives. And it went on for so many years... So many that by the end, many of the soldiers had forgotten why they fought.

Many didn't even care.

Many were embarrassed to call this awful world their own." Joseph gave a short laugh.

"Many wished for the end..."