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Evening of December 25.
Despite what happened, the families who are not affected enjoyed the evening. On the contrary, the families and people affected are in the abyss of loneliness. There are also no longer fireworks since the police forbade using it.
The loss of a family member was a huge blow to them. Even though the families affected received some financial assistance from the government, so what? Can money bring back a person's life?
At the top of a building, a man in his twenties is standing under the weak light of the half moon. The location of the building is on a high ground, so the man can see at least a wide view of Rubando. He can all see the enclosed area where the University is. Several meters all around from it, are several establishments and then the park.
"Mother, are you happy?" The man is looking at the destroyed park where some policemen are guarding it. The man is smiling.
"It's been five years. Mother, just you wait, I am determined to do this. You're death will not be in vain. There are eleven more districts left. After eleven more years, I'll stop. I want to offer the souls of these people to you."
This man is the culprit behind the recent explosion incident, as well as the man behind the incidents that happened in Ago and St. Paul.
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5 YEARS AGO...
The twenty-one years old Simon Din is feeling stressed out from his college life as he is walking from home. Since the day is still bright, he went to buy some foods before going home. The Ago State University is ten minutes away from their house.
Buying some food ingredients for their dinner, Simon also bought other things before continuing to go home.
"I'm home", Simon greeted upon arriving. A 55-year old woman is sitting on a wooden chair, sewing some cloth without even wearing an eyeglass. This shows that the woman still has a strong eyesight.
The woman's name is Jane Din. Her husband died when Simon was an 18-year old youth. Her husband died because he was involved in a street fight. Jane was the only one left to take care of their only son.
Jane felt happy since his son is doing well on college, despite the hardships of education.
"Mom, I'll cook your favorite food today", Simon went to the kitchen after he changed his clothes.
"Make sure to cook it well Simon, make it tasty", Jane chuckled. She knows that her son can't cook that well.
Simon just smiled and began to prepare the ingredients.
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"Hey Mom, want to go at the park on December 25? Today is December 11, after a week we will have our short vacation. So I want the two of us to go enjoy the Christmas."
Jane felt happy after she heard her son. "No need for it to be on 25, we can have it a few days after that. Just rest first, I know you're tired in school."
Simon could only smile and agree. It's true. His body and mind is tired, so he wants to enjoy some of his time this Christmas with his mother.
December 25 came and the city of Ago is bustling with many activities. As the capital of San Francisco, naturally, is filled with countless people. At night, the sky is filled with small fireworks. Only Simon had gone to enjoy his time. His mother was left at home.
In the blink of an eye, it was now December 31, last day of the year. Simon and his mother planned to spend the night and meet the new year this time at the park.
Simon and his mother watched some clown shows and other entertainments. When it is nearing midnight, they went to have a nice meal in a restaurant.
"Simon, now that I think of it, do you have a girlfriend?" Jane asked her son while having their dinner.
"Girlfriend? To be honest mom I don't have one", Simon chuckled. He really don't have one.
"Really? You should find a good girl my son. Then you come and introduce her to me."
After their dinner, they went out again.
It will be a few minutes before 12:01 am, a few minutes before the new year. Lots of people are excited. The managers of the park also prepared their most beautiful fireworks display. When 12:01 am strikes, those prepared fireworks will surely shake the sky.
Simon looked around. He can see some couples walking together. He can also see some children with their parents. Simon can't help but remember his father.
Suddenly, a loud voice in microphone entered the ears of everyone.
"A joyous evening, people of Ago, and to those visitors. Tonight is the last night of the year, and in a few minutes, the new year will be opened for everyone. My dear friends, brace yourself and prepare to watch the most dazzling fireworks we have prepared tonight."
As soon as the voice ended, the people naturally anticipate the fireworks display.
Simon bought some snack from one of the food stalls. He and Jane went to sit on one of the the bleachers beside the basketball court.
"When the fireworks display begins, let's go to that are that is close to the monument. It seems like the fireworks will come from it."
Jane nodded. She too, is curious to know how they will make an art on the sky just by using the fireworks.
Occasionally, few fireworks display will explode on the sky, forming into a few words or a creative shape.
11:59 pm.
Simon and his mother went to the area near the monument. Many people are also gathered there, also curious how they will creatively utilize those fireworks. At the back of those people that will release those firework sticks any moment are small plastic barrels containing explosive powders. They will be used for the hand-made firework cannons that will shoot through the sky.
12:00 sharp. Midnight.
The countdown began.
3.
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Swishh....wish....swish.... Countless of those firework sticks flew to the sky and then BOOM!
The explosion created a mesmerizing sight in the sky. More flew up. And then, those bamboo cannons are also lit up, then BOOM!
The sky is a sight to behold. But suddenly, the people responsible for lighting those fireworks and cannons immediately shouted for everyone to flee.
The people watching became confused.
But it was all too late.
BANG!!
An explosion in the area near the monument occurred and spread several meters. Body parts such as arms and flesh flew alongside the many dirts. Few people survived.
Simon returned to his senses. He survived? He actually survived because a dense pact of people is covering him and his mother. But during the explosion, his mother was still affected, and she died, burned, and her body void of any life. Simon was only injured and felt dizzy for a while, his ears ringing nonstop because of the loud sound caused by the explosion.
The first minutes of the New Year was an utter chaos and pain.