The Messengers

Composure

Abraham could feel beads of sweat beginning to form on his hairline as he unwillingly followed Karen into the restaurant. What was I thinking? he thought to himself. He saw Karen reach for his hand and quickly wiped them on his pants. She flashed a smile, grabbed his hand, leading him further into the room. Further away from the door, further away from an escape if necessary. For it being almost eleven, the diner was packed and loud. As he passed each table, he could feel the eyes burning into the back of his head. Eyes followed, and with that whispers. They're looking at you, get out of here. He quickly skimmed the room in a panic, searching for a nearby bathroom or an exit, but there was nothing.

"This isn't so bad, is it?" Karen said as she sat down, "I know it's a little loud, but it's better than most places." She had led him to a small section of tables where it was less crowded to Abe's relief. Karen was still smiling, pleased. She's so proud of herself for getting me out of the apartment, he thought.

"It's great," Abe lied. As desperately as he wanted to leave, he couldn't. Wouldn't. She had begged him for weeks to do something that involved leaving his home. "Just this once," she had said, "do this for me. I won't take no for an answer." So he did. Not for her really, but because he wanted to prove that he could leave if he wanted; he just chose not to.

"You're lying," Karen said in disappointment. Her voice was oddly monotone for a woman of such ostentation. As far back as he could remember, she looked like she dressed herself blind. Nothing ever matched and she always wore at least three layers of shirts on at all times. Not only that, but they were two sizes too big, which made her look heavier than she really was. Her lips were purple today and her ever-changing hair a strawberry-blonde. She down-graded for me, Abe couldn't help but to notice. She didn't want to attract too much attention.

Abe had virtually no features that made him stand out to a crowd, and he learned that early on in life. Before, he had despised his common looks. His hair and eyes were a deep brown, and his skin ivory. Everything about him was average, and as much as he had hated it a year ago, it was an asset. The less noticeable he was, the better.

"Fine," Abe said grinning, "I'm lying. But the deal said nothing about me having to enjoy this."

"True," Karen said, "I guess you'll just have to get out more until we find something you like."

Abe began to object but before he could, a young waitress was beside them with a pen in hand.

"My name is Sarah, I'll be your waitress for this evening, is there anything I can get for you guys to drink?" She clicked the pen and waited. Seconds passed. The waitress's eyes flickered between Abe and Karen impatiently. Abe opened his mouth to speak but closed it quickly. He suddenly felt a lump in his throat he couldn't swallow.

"Yes," Karen said quickly, "and we already know what we want to eat. Can we get two black coffees, two Jon burgers, one without tomatoes and two pieces of apple pie? Whip cream on the side please."

"Sure thing," she said scribbling on the notepad. As she walked away, Abe felt a wave of embarrassment. He cleared his throat, his face becoming hot. He couldn't remember the last time he had talked to anyone besides Karen, or the last time he'd left his home even. Three months maybe? Who was keeping count? Whatever the time, it was noticeable. It shouldn't have been so hard to talk, to order food, to walk down a street, or leave the apartment. But it was. Everyone was a threat and he was going to avoid death at all costs; that meant taking precautions. As many times as he tried to explain it to anyone, they didn't understand. You just have to get out there, they would say.

"So," Karen said before Abe could dwell on the situation, "are you thinking about going back to A&M?" Abe was shocked by the idea of school. It had been almost a year since the university was forced to close down. No one was showing up, and it wasn't just the school; it was everywhere. People quit going to work and everyone was scared to leave their homes. When The Messengers showed up, it had set the whole world in a panic. One day they didn't exist, and the next, they were there, setting ablaze anything and anyone mercilessly.