Today was longest day of my life. I thought as I lay my back on dead-Colonel's spare bed. I doubt it that it was one of the changes of this world I am currently living in but It sure was very long and tiring.
I stepped into confusion, fear, denial, physically exhausting run and life-threatening beat down. Then, just a while ago, I was bombarded with mind-blowing informations that worsen the mild headache I was feeling all day-long.
Apparently, this country was tagged as "'A land of Peace'. Seems very artificial, if you ask me." That was what Colonel said. He said, according on his observations, the King was the center of this country's peace.
The Kings of this country being the Symbol of Peace for generations made the citizens totally trash the idea of chaos, no matter how big or small it might be. It was like the Kings had have successfully conditioned everyone into believing that war and chaos were nothing but a myth.
Colonel said that no one in this country believed that they would be in any trouble and if they had one, they would, strangely, forget about it soon.
'So that was the reason not a single person spared a glance on the accident earlier.' I thought.For me, it was more like hardwiring everyone into believing that the King, themselves, were the peace. That's why they worship them so much.
There were still a lot of questions hanging in the air like: Why did we suddenly get in here? but most importantly, "How the heck do we get out?"
Lying on this comfortable bed, a blanket that smells so sweet and fluffy pillows, I kind of missed my apartment. I missed my wall of photographs there. I missed the cluttered papers on my one table. My two cups, two plates, 2 pairs of spoon and fork that were all organized on a corner. I always thought I would have a visitor anytime so I bought two of every dining wares. No one ever did visit but the idea of being prepared could ease my mind.
I was worried, still, about Kayla. 'I know, I know, I've got no rights to worry about her because I ain't her lover or something nor she had any obligations to look for me' but the image of her hurts my chest. 'She could be looking all day for me, no one knows.' but this thought only gave me so little comfort and even worse pain.
She was one of the best writer in that news company. There was even a gossip running around the office that she was offered the head news writer position but she declined because of a number of reasons. That being said, I was sure they would find her a better work companion. Yep, I am hurting myself with my own thoughts, I know. Unhealthy, I know that too.
When I was starting to succumbed into my dark world, loud knocks where heard by the front door. I literally jumped off the bed and ran out of my room. I met Colonel right before the stairs and noticed his visibly shocked reaction. He's got no idea of what's happening.
In sync with the knocks, my heart pounded as hard as it possibly could. We tiptoed our way down and carefully traced our steps to the door. Colonel's face went back to focused mode that looked like his visions were passing on through the door. Which was impossible, right?
Being in an alternate space could really make you doubt every "impossible" thing and excessive doubting could lead to worst long-term effects.
I nudged on to Colonel into leading the way which he was already doing. "Sorry, just scared." I whispered.
He got close to the door and then looked back at me. He raised his hands and signals three fingers. 'He's opening it in three seconds,' I nodded in response. He put down one and then another when, suddenly, an old woman voice shouted from the outside.
"Just open the door, son, I brought you snacks and wine!" My eyes widen and was about to laugh when I saw Colonel's serious flushed face. I signed 'come on and open the door' with my hands and took some steps back.
"Mom!?" Colonel reassured before opening the door. I was on full smiles when he scratched the back of his head and unwillingly opened the door. That face would be inked in my mind now.
"Finally, what took you so long to open for your mom?" She said before handing the wine bottle to the red and quiet Colonel. She went straight to the kitchen counter and head straight into preparing us the snacks. She's sweet.
"Well, uhm," Colonel stuttered that I found very hilarious. "I was on the bathroom and er," he stuttered some more. I was holding back my laughs but it still came out as ugly wheezes and coughs.
"Your voice got a little deep, son, not that I'm complainin'" I looked at him with wide eyes to signal that 'Play with what she knows!' with matching hand gestures.
"Erm," Colonel looked above to think of a good reason. "Maybe the cold?" Wow. I made sure he would see that I thought how stupid his reason was. He only swayed his hands to tell me to let it go.
"So who's this new guy here?" I turned quickly back to her and smiled. "Your boyfriend?" Then and there was my time to flush and I felt like my heart stopped for a moment.
"No! I-uhm," I said so quickly but she only laughed it off. I looked at him but he was only smiling back at her. He walked slowly near her and bent down to hug her. I thought I saw something shining on his eyes but I ignored it.
"You still say whatever that comes on your mind, mom" and her mother replied with a laugh before hugging him back.
"Well, you're not trying to find a wife so could you blame me for assuming things?" She said in a happy tone. "Not that I would hate you for that. But are you?"
"No." he said smiling at her. "I am not gay and he's my friend from work." She looked at me and smile with an awe.
"Will you look at that- your very first friend! Come here sweetie." He raised both his arms like she was waiting for a hug and who am I to deny her that? She hugged me on my neck and I had to bend down a little so she could reach me.
I felt a sharp and cold sharp object piercing my nape that made me flinch away. Everything went by so quickly then suddenly, three knocks were heard by the door. I fell down, sideways,on the cold floor and I heard Colonel rushing on to me. Burning sensation quickly spread all over my head and chest now that quickly turned into numbness. My sight turned blurry and I couldn't open my mouth to speak.
I was moved upwards by Colonel and I could hear him shouting angrily but to whom? I was slowly fading into the blackness and the last thing I heard were footsteps and an old woman's voice saying: "Come in, my King."