EXISTENCE: Recovery

CHAPTER 16.5: The Fifth of July

Juan woke up to the sound of loud, infectious music coming from outside. He took a look through the window and saw groups of people in the neighborhood dancing together, men being loud and an overall sense of hustle booming in the city. He shook his head, and slowly removed the covers of his bed, rising up from his sleep. He walked over to the restroom and washed his face, tying his hair back as he slid on his robe and tied down his sash. He walked out to the living room and noticed Safa and her grandmother in the kitchen, smiles on both of their faces.

"Good morning, Safa, Hanna," Juan said with a small wave. "What's going on? The whole city is loud." He gave a small smile. "It's kinda nice. Not something you see in America, really."

Safa wheeled over to him. "It's the fifth of July! Today's a special day!"

Juan looked thoughtful. "What about today is- oh! Today is special isn't it?!"

Safa grinned. "That's right, it's Algeria's Independence Day today!"

Juan snapped his fingers. "It's Adam's birthday today!"

The two stopped and looked at each other. "Wait, what?" they asked in unison.

Safa shook her head. "Wait, my cousin's birthday is today?"

Juan raised an eyebrow. "And my best friend's birthday was born on his country's independence day?" He shook his head and gave a laugh. "No, no, no, no, there's no way this just happens. This shit has to have been planned."

Safa tilted her head. "What do you mean?"

Juan gave a mischeivous grin. "I mean, your uncle thinks he's got jokes, is all." He thought on it for a minute. "Guess he really does think ahead on most times, huh?"

Safa looked at the boy. "Did you ever celebrate birthdays over there? You know, like in the movies?"

Juan nodded. "Adam never made a big deal out of it, but we'd always throw him something special. He'd do the same for us, too." He looked back on the memories. "We tried, anyways. Last year was a bit of a hassle, we came home empty-handed." He laughed. "We were trying to find a gift for him, without him knowing, right? But instead, we found this poor kitten lying down on the sidewalk."

Safa gasped. "Did you save it?"

Juan nodded. "Gabe took it in his arms and we went to our special place. He was a hero, man, he set the kitten down, and he just put his hand on it. Next thing you know, the little guy is up and running, looking like it wasn't even close to dying! It was pretty wild." He smiled. "We came home with nothing, but Adam didn't care at all." He sat down on the couch and picked up a remote. "I wonder what that kid's up to now?"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Adam and Virgil were both in a standstill, attempting to catch their breaths. The two boys held their gaze, both giving each other cocky looks. 

Virgil was the first to speak up. "Not gonna lie, you've certainly developed, Adam." 

Adam rubbed his nose. "Of course I have. We've been doing this for a while now. Makes sense, I'd say!"

Virgil stood upright, and slowly sat down on the grass. "What's the date today?"

Adam laid down on the field. "I don't even know. My phone's not on me right now. But look! The sun's coming out!"

"You reckon we went a little overboard this time?"

Adam laughed. "Maybe! I've never fought the same person for a whole night! I'm...I'm actually tired."

Virgil smiled. This reminds me of when we used to play as kids together in the summer. He sat back up. "Say, Adam, do you remember what your past summers used to be like?"

Adam picked himself back up. "I mean, the last few summers were all spent here with-"

"No, no," Virgil interrupted. "I mean like, when you were incredibly young."

Adam thought for a moment. "Well, we did used to go to Algeria every other year...but...I remember a couple times, we'd also go to London, because my dad wanted to see one of his friends again." He smiled. "There was this little kid I would play with, too, he had scruffy, blonde hair, and it's funny 'cause I thought he would be snobby, since he had maids, but he was actually a lot of fun! Actually," he paused, "now that I think about it, you...look...a lot..." he trailed off as he stared at the boy in front of him.

Virgil had a satisfied smile on his face. 

Adam's eyes were wide. "You! Virgil! You were my friend from back then!"

Virgil nodded his head. "There you go." He sighed. "Honestly, I was beginning to think-"

He was interrupted by a big hug from Adam. 

Virgil began feeling uncomfortable. "What is happening right now?"

"I'm sorry, Virgil! I'm sorry if I made you feel forgotten!"

Virgil paused, before cracking a smile of his own. "It's all good, Adam, don't dwell on it too much. What matters is you remember, and here we are, yeah?" 

Adam let go of his friend, wiping away a tear. "I just can't believe I forgot about someone so cool!" He smiled. "Come on, let's go home!" 

The two boys walked together, chatting about some of their lost memories, before stopping at the neighborhood. Adam noticed something about his house; outside of the house's doorway, an Algerian flag waved in the morning breeze.

"Hm," remarked Virgil. "That's new."

Adam smiled. "The only time Mama ever puts out the flag is when it's Algeria's Independence Day! Guess that day is today!" He paused. "Oh! That also means today's my birthday!" He smiled. "Guess now I'm finally fourteen years old, hehe," he chuckled softly to himself.

Virgil gave him a grin. "The fifth of July, eh? Guess we didn't really pay much attention to yesterday with all our training, innit? We would have noticed fireworks, I'd think."

Adam smiled. "Who cares? I'm beat. I'll go to sleep now so I can be ready for whatever Nadia and the others have planned." He looked up and noticed Jibreel looking out his bedroom window, and smiled. He started for his house. "I'll see you soon, Virgil."

Virgil smiled and responded, "Likewise, Adam." He walked over to his own house.

I hope I'll never have to fight him.