Reality Hurts

Oleander Mardones

You stare at the man. He asked you a question about before that day. Your memories are fuzzy, and you don’t want to remember that day. The day everything changed for you, and the world you live on. But you guess you can go to the before times. That’s what everybody else who survived calls them. What happened before that day? You start the story.

Your name is Oleander Mardones. You were born on November 17th, 2078. Your mother’s name was Iris Mardones. Your father’s name was George Mardones. You had a simple childhood. Your best friend was Kathy Cheverie. She died on that day. Along with your parents.

Never mind that. That happened... on that day. You aren’t remembering that day. You’re remembering before. Like your 22 birthday. That was a fun day. Your parents gave you 100 bucks each, and Kathy bought you a puppy. You named him Jack. He was a golden lab. You used the money to buy him a toy, a bed, and some starting food. You were so happy that day...

Wait a minute! Why does this man want to know your past? You eye him warily. He was young, too young to be born before. Maybe around 20 years old. He was wearing ragged, loose, dark clothes. It was a good idea. You were wearing the same thing.

He waits patiently after you cut off. He looks confused on why you suddenly cut off. “Are you OK, sir?” He asks.

“Why do you want to know?” You ask the man. “What’s your name?”

“Uh...” The young man’s eyes dart across the small room in panic. The only door out is behind you. He would have to take you down, an older man, to escape. Not only that, but your buddy Johnny is standing outside waiting to escort the young man back to his caravan. The caravan had stopped in town to refuel and gather supplies. They're heading where everyone is trying to head. To the SilverGate. The rumors are that they learned how to save you all. Save you from the war. A perfect Paradise. The silver gate to a new world. You think it's total crap.

You snap back into reality when you hear the young man speak again.

“Truth is, Mister... Benny sent me. He said, 'Find out tha' craza guy's past, MK?' I asked him why, but him didn't answer. Said I wasn't allowed to know,” You could hear the already southern accent of the young man punch the words from Benny perfectly.

Benny! Of course! Why didn't you think of that earlier? You ask him, “Where are you from, son?”

“I'm from Louisiana, Mister.”

Louisiana? He has come a long way just to get to the SilverGate. You think he is going to be very disappointed when he learned that there is nothing there for him.

You tell him he should probably leave. And that he should tell Benny to back off. He had no right to know what it was like. The peace, the love, the care. The young man backs off. He walks out of your office.

Johnny comes sauntering in 15 minutes later, telling you that the boy is returned to his caravan and that they plan to leave tomorrow morning. Johnny tries to convince you again that you should pack up the town and head out with the caravan. You refuse. This was your town. It's where your family was buried. Where Kathy was buried. You tell Johnny that if he wants, he can leave tomorrow.

“Why on Earth would I do that? Leave my best buddy behind?” He exclaims and he pats you on the back. He wouldn't leave you to run the town on your own. He's a good guy.

“Speaking of running the town,” You say. “We have to check the generator. They say one of the turbines went down. Johnny, can you go check that? I need to double check which supplies the caravan is taking. Don't want 'em taking everything we got.”

Johnny nods to you and walks out the door. You run your hand through your brown, short-cut hair. Is it worth it? You don't know anymore.

You set out to find Jennifer. She was in charge of that stupid caravan. You find her directing her crew, telling them to take certain supplies and load them on the trucks. She notices you walking towards her a short distance away.

“Hey Oleander. What's up?”

“Double-checking which supplies you're taking,” You reply.

You continue to have a long conversation about the supplies.

***

You wave the caravan off. Johnny places his hand on your shoulder. You jump, almost punching him in the face.

“Whoa whoa whoa... Calm down buddy!” He says, holding onto your fist.

“Sorry. You scared me. Don't do that,” You say with a small sigh.

Johnny holds his hands up in surrender. “I didn't do nothing.”

You sigh and trudge away.

“Hey... Hey Oleander! Come on man! I'm sorry if I scared you! Dude!” You can hear Johnny shouting for you as you walk away.

You lock yourself in your office. Jennifer was sitting cross-legged at your desk.

“What? You? I thought you just left! Get out of my office...!” You shout. You were tricked and startled.

“Calm down, buckaroo. I stayed because I know you're right. This was the last stop before the Gate. I wasn't planning on dieing,” She states in a calm manor.

“What? The Gate?”

“Yes. The Gate is not real. And you know what's out there.”

“You led those people to their deaths, then.” You feel the anger building up inside of you.

“Because it's better to die in their ignorance! No one wants to die in this war! No one wants the truth!”

You stare at her, stunned. “Then what is the truth?”

“I think your ignorance is good enough...”

“Then send me to my death,” The last words you say leave a cold feel to the air. She stares at you as you turn around and walk out the door.

The year is 2134.Your name is Oleander Mardones. You were born on November 17th, 2078. Your mother’s name was Iris Mardones. Your father’s name was George Mardones. Your best friend was Kathy Cheverie. Today is the day everything changed. For a second time. Excepts this time, you don't make it. You can only hope Johnny reads the letter. Unless Jennifer gets rid of that too. Oh well. You did your best.

Sorry, Kathy...