The Cloaked Man

Chapter 2: The Road Saviors

The Road Saviors invited us with them to stay in for the night, as it is nearing dusk. We continued a few kilometers until we found a perfect spot, where you can hear the gush of water in a river nearby. There, the Saviors made a little camp; all of their things are stored in the car. Dad talked to Frank while strolling and I am with them, listening. This Frank character might reveal accidentally the ‘secret’ my parents kept from me for twelve years since I gained sanity and common sense at two.

“We will go to the new beach built by Marco Brandy, the one beyond Lleps City, you know, family outing.”

“Yes, yes, I’ve heard about the beach. Squid Coo Beach, if I’m not mistaken?"

“Yeah, 2,000 kilometers, northwest, so I suppose we would be there in three more days.”

My jaw dropped. “Three more days?” I interjected, quite rudely. Both adults stared at me. “Oh, sorry,” I hastily added.

“That’s okay boy,” Frank said. Then he turned to my father, “You forgot again to tell your family, eh?”

“Maybe, I suppose,” Dad said, thinking hard. I wanted to tell him that he is becoming forgetful, though it’s no use; judging by how he looks at me, he already read my mind.

After the delicious dinner of Baby Back Ribs, we had a sing-along, led by Frank with his guitar. I squeezed between Becca and a boy who seemed to be the youngest of the Saviors, maybe nineteen. He has short, blond hair, and always wears a personalized jacket colored blue and silver. At the back of the jacket, it showed that his name is Greg Morgan.

I was surprised when he said in a deep voice, “It’s Gabriel Wright, isn’t it?”

I only realized a few seconds later that he was talking to me. “Oh, yes,” I said ashamedly.

“Hi, I’m Greg Morgan, son of Frank,” he proclaimed proudly. I was about to say “Yeah, I know” but resisted it.

“Hi,” I just said, not knowing anything sane at the moment. “Let’s join in the singing, then?” I added, saying the only thing that makes sense.

We sang different songs, though all of them are rock. I can’t deny it. These men are the coolest men I ever met.

After the music, we went back to our tents. Some fell asleep immediately, their snores carried by the wind. But before I did the same, I thought of Greg, my new friend, and suddenly wonder how hard it is to be part of the Road Saviors.

For the first time in human history, I woke up early in a day with no school. Most of the Saviors and my parents have woken up too, I could tell because of the noise, and I’m glad that Becca is still asleep.

I went outside our tent to find Mom tending the fire. As soon as she saw me, she said, “Good Morning, Gab! What happened? Why up at this time of the day?” She is a little panicky.

“Nothing happened, Mom. Just woke up too early,” I said sleepily. “Where’s Dad?” I asked.

“He’s fishing there by the river just beyond those,” Mom answered, pointing to a dense clump of trees. “For our breakfast, you know,” she added, correctly answering my quizzical look.

I strolled around the camp. They are very busy. Some are fetching water. Some are loading their luggage into the car. Finally, I saw Greg putting down a tent.

“Good morning, Greg. Can I help you?” I called.

“Hi Gabriel! Thanks for offering help. Can you fold this for me?” he said as I approached, giving me the tent he put down quickly seconds ago.