Abandoned

Forward

Lightning rattled the grim cloudy sky. As usual, there was no question to what would happen next. Before the alarm even sounded, I knew exactly what to do. Seek shelter immediately. 

Even before the raindrops started hitting the ground, an alarm initiated to play a piercing sound. A typical acidic rain alert. People started rushing into different buildings. As dangerous as the situation could get, people almost seemed calm. It was almost like a routine now. That really distressed me. Knowing that once there was a world, with little war, with little storms, with little pollution. A raindrop tapped the ground beside me, creating a swift column of steam. This made me get back to my senses. I rushed into a nearby cafe across the walking streets. Frankly, it was overcrowded as usual. However now during acid rain, it was comparable between Babylon. I didn't even bother to get myself a latte. The line was unbearably long. I was being pushed around through groups of people who just as I, were wishing we were in our apartments at the time of the storm.

"God dammit," I heard people talking. "these rains are happening more and more often."  I was agreeing with what they are saying. My cellphone buzzed, glowing bright. Without looking at who it was, I knew it was my wife, Elena.

I answered only to hear, "Hey hon, are you alright?" Elena's voice sounded. It was the same. Every single acid storm she'd call to see if I am alright. 

"Yeah, yeah. Where are you?" I answered. 

"I am at home, getting dinner ready for the guests. This is going to be the best thing I have cooked in a while. Josh, when are you going to be home? It's getting a bit late." I couldn't help but smile. It was a while since I have been here, back at home. Battles in Brazil were harsh brutal. I had to do things that I, nor anyone would ever do. War has been among us since the very start of the human race. But then it was for land. Now it is for survival. I remembered the time when my grandfather talked about times when everything was good and peaceful. War is at its worst right now. The lines between good and evil are blurred. Actually, that statement was false. There was no good. There was no evil. At this point, there were just survivors. 

"If there is no delay on the SkyTrain, then in about thirty minutes. See you later, stay safe! Oh, and Happy Birthday." I remarked. 

The rain soon ceased. It was now safe to finally go outside. Everyone flooded out of the cafe. I got a ticket on the SkyTrain.

"Please stand clear of the doors" The usual monotonous robotic safety system repeated itself. The trains engines roared with a blue plasma light, as the train rushed on a metallic track elevated above the walking streets. I looked out a window to see blurred and rushed images of the cloudy panorama.  Suddenly my phone buzzed again. I looked at the screen only to see "Unknown Number". But I knew who it was. My smile turned into a grim line. 

"Hello, Joshua Strathearn speaking." I answered the phone. 

"Hello Mr. Strathearn. I am sorry to disturb you in the middle of the day." The secretaries monotonous voice boomed. I wasn't happy. After just coming back from Brazil, I wasn't looking for anything. No more assignments. I needed time to forget about the pain that I was feeling then.

"Are you calling to tell my wife 'Happy Birthday'?" I replied. 

"You will come to La Viana restaurant at 2. One of our agents will meet you there. Best of luck." She hung up before I could ask anymore questions. This has never happened before. In my entire time working at the Central American Operations Agency. I looked at my watch. 1:45. Sighed and as soon as the doors opened on the next station, I got off.

I walked on the pedestrian path until I saw the sign of the La Viena restaurant. I glanced at my watch. 2:05. Only five minutes left, not too bad. I opened the doors to feel a cold breeze rushing outside. I went inside. I was greeted by the restaurant's server.

"Hello." said. I smiled back. "Right this way." She motioned her hand to different arrays of tables. Classical music sounded through the dining hall. Barely enough was here this time of the day. After all it was not dinner time yet. I saw a man in a black suit sitting alone at a table. He eyed me. As the woman motioned to a free table, however the man spoke out.

"He's with me." He said with a quite shrill voice. His cold voice gave me a shiver on my back. The server left us alone. 

"Take a seat." He told me. His expressionless face eyed me cautiously. I accompanied him. The server came up with two glasses of cold icy water. I took mine, even though.