Chapter 1: Fallen Angels & Escape
This story starts off with Adam East floating in a pond half beaten to death. Bloody face with cuts and torn clothes. He has little energy and is in a surmountable amount of pain. He stays in the water, barely breathing and half-conscious. There is a lot of commotion surrounding him with lights from police. They come to the scene to witness this poor young man. In brutal agony he makes a sign of peace with a joyful yet grimacing smile. He raises in a small motion a peace sign with his left hand barely above water.
The scene changes to a more recent recollection of Adam being abruptly woken up in bed by a family friend. He says "I did not know if you were alive or not. You did not make a sound as you slept. You have been sleeping for hours." Adam appeared fine but restless and said "I'm okay." The family friend stated, "It's your dad, they called." Adam in noticeable discomfort said "It's time." The two nodded and agreed. They find themselves driving to the hospital. The friend drinking from a stainless steel canteen while driving. He said "It's whiskey" as he gulped a swig. He was buzzed but had the confidence and tolerance as if he had been doing this for awhile. He passed it to Adam who felt uncomfortable but wanted to numb the pain. He took a sip and felt his blood rush. Adam was sad. His friend told him "You were always close with your father". Adam looked through his phone and stared at a photo of him and his dad playing miniature golf at an amusement park. He remembered the good times they shared. He placed the photo as his screensaver as a sign of respect and thoughtfulness.
They arrived at the hospital. It was a dreadful depiction of his sick dad connected to tubes and machines. He could tell that he did not have much time. His mother met them at the unit. Adam shed tears as they removed his father from life support. All of them felt ill to say goodbye like this. His mother said "Be strong Adam, this is life." Adam just stared at the blank wall imagining the last breath of life escaping his father. It was something he thought would never happen. He never expected his father to leave him at the ripe age of 23. The two had so much to live for. Movies to watch together, walks at the park, and just talking about life. Adam wanted to be removed from the whole situation. He rushed to the bathroom during the remainder of the procedure. He washed his hands vigorously and wiped his face with the fresh water. He started to stare at himself through the mirror above the sink. A conversation ensued between him and what seemed like his dad. His pop stated "I was never good at being this great father figure to you. All I could do was provide, the rest seemed out of place and difficult. That is what a man is suppose to do for his family is to provide." Adam said "No that's not true. You were always a great dad." Adam wanted direction. His dad said "go to Boston". His father said "Remember the good times." Adam stared at his phone for solace.
Now Adam walked around New York City going from bar to bar drinking. Always finding a corner of a decent bar escaping with booze. In a drunken haze he went to his ex girlfriend's apartment. He was lost and wanted to find comfort in something he was familiar with. He had a leftover key and entered. The girl was with her current fling. He told her "I'm going to Boston". She said "If that's what you need to know, I hope the best for you Adam." They hugged and reminisced on better days. He left, packed his clothes, and headed to the train station.
At the train, Adam had his headphones in and listened to music. Next to him was an older woman. She was sleeping. She abruptly woke up when Adam's music seemed too loud. He was drowning out his sorrow. The woman said, "Are you okay? You seem sad." Adam mentioned, "My father just passed away". The woman attempted to emphasize and stated "My father recently passed away too. Life is difficult but we must press on." She said, "I'm Angela, I'm from Boston, how about you?" He found comfort in her breaking the ice. He said, "I'm Adam, I'm from New York. I'm headed to Boston as a chance to getaway." She was intrigued and described that she was a professor at Harvard. Adam's attention was elsewhere. She stated, "Perhaps you do not want to talk." Adam persisted that everything was fine and that he was just stressed out. He discussed how his mind races at the moment. He wanted to go to Boston for clarity of thought. Adam asked "Why were you in New York?" Angela illustrated that "I wanted to go to Madison Square Garden and see the Knicks play the Celtics. There has always been a rivalry between New York and Boston. It is amazing to experience the competition live from the Garden. Adam remembered seeing the game on television. He suggested, "It must be great to see the Celtics always beating the Knicks. The New York Knicks have not been good in a long time and the Celtics are at a higher class, being great since the establishment of the NBA with Bill Russell and later in the nineteen-eighties with Larry Bird. And you cannot forget the run with Paul Pierce." Angela described, "Boston and New York are more connected than you think. My father was a big Celtics fan. He would of loved to be at the game with me." Adam to change the subject from sad conversation suggested to get drinks. They rejoiced in each others company. Exchanging good moments of the past and accepting opportunities for the future. Angela went to the bathroom after the festivities. What Adam did not know at the time is that she would not return. Supposedly in the restroom she lost consciousness and fell. This was traumatizing to Adam. Someone he had just connected with was in pain.
Adam stared at his phone to calm his nerves. He looked at the screensaver of his late father. Adam day-dreamed of Angela speaking to him. She said, "I saw my father in heaven. He is doing well. I saw your father too Adam. He wants you to be happy. Adam he misses you. I told him that you are going to Boston. She ended the conversation with stay strong Adam.
He arrived at the Boston train station. The staff questioned him on the situation with Angela. They interrogated him on her status before entering the bathroom. Adam described how he cared for her. He said, "I just met her. I never seen her before in my life before today. She is kind and caring. Is she okay?" The workers told him she will be transported to the hospital but she is in critical condition. She had some type of reaction to the alcohol or an panic attack. The main issue is that she hit her head on the sink during her dizzy state. Adam was shocked. He tried to learn more of the situation but they resisted him. They asked a few more questions but persisted he leave the station and all contact with Angela. The clientele advised him to continue on his vacation and to enjoy his trip. Adam was distraught yet listened to avoid further trouble.
Adam walked through the station. A troubled blonde girl caught his attention. She had tears running down her face. She seemed stressed and upset. He went to her and said, "Are you okay?" She described that her mother had just been hurt on the train. She said, "My mom had an anxiety attack or something. She hit her head. I'm her only daughter. I have to take care of her. She must have forgot to take her medication or maybe she was overwhelmed with my grand-father passing. This is all too much." He said, "Hey, I am Adam East. I was with your mother. She is a sweet lady." The girl replied, "I am Stephanie. Do you know my mom?" Adam stated, "Yeah. I can help you with whatever you need." She said, "No, but thank you for helping me with my mother." She wiped her tears and briefly held her hand on top of Adam's hand. Adam being awkward by nature moved his hand and said, "It was nice meeting you Stephanie." They both smiled and Adam grabbed his belongings and walked away to exit the station.