The tide beyond light

Dave Generose

Nightmares wake us in the night, only to remind us we are living it

"It is a long ride, Dave. Are you sure you want to drive the beauty?"

The ranches seemed intimidating at dusk over at Johnny's farm.

"Tim will be waiting for us by the shore. Things have to be shipped by tonight after all"

It had been a long time since Dave stepped out of his brother's home, ever since Winter in fact. Now, the 5-month wait was finally over and the blonde was more than ready to hit the road. Their product had flourished very well, and customers overseas were eagerly waiting for the next batch to arrive at their port as soon as possible.

Christeme was a well-forgotten city amidst all the global chaotic discussions in the neighboring states. Somehow, the citizens of this tiny town were not bothered about it. In time, they blend in, enough to not be forgotten yet at the same time, not dragged into controversies. And the geographic background further helped in keeping them off from the rest, thus saving the trouble of having to deal with petty discussions about climate change. "We are all rotting anyway" were the old man's final words.

I better get started before it is too late Dave.

"Well then, get back as soon as possible. And don't forget to ask Tim's granny how many clothes she sewed this winter" chuckled Johnny. The two were quite attached, and time only kept uniting them, despite how busy they became.

"So long, brother"

...

The coast was clear at night, yet Dave stayed alerted of potential threats on the way. Maybe a police raid? Maybe bandit attack? Maybe the ghost of Christeme? Well, there were a dozen reasons not to drive in the night, yet that was precisely the point of this journey for the 35-year-old.

 The last couple of years were not easy. Their father left them with debts to be paid, and this forced both the brothers to start crafting instead of pursuing higher studies. His elderly mother, nearly 70 years old now, had to be looked after. So the elder of the two took up the responsibility. So here was Dave, taking the goods to the depot, to safely transport it.

He used this time alone to recollect those days when life was very much different. Yet, somewhere deep within, he knew that all this was destined. The world was pretty much doomed, and there was nothing within his reach to make a change to it.

He knew his story so far was boring. 

But little did he foresee the events that followed so.

His radio suddenly started to squeak. Dave tuned it to listen to the broadcast. Surprisingly, the message seemed to be very direct.

"All vehicles are requested to stay away from Jourling street immediately" 

Dave thought maybe it was because there was some maintenance work. So he started to move aside to a by-lane. But then a shimmering light from far away caught his attention. Intrigued, he followed it.

Seconds later, three events happened

A ramming sound 

A crashing sound 

A cry for help.