Finally, last night, The Mayor of the city appeared on exclusive news on TV. He said that the period of inactivity would end soon. Tomorrow, all schools and other activities would be reactive as normal again.
Of course, Oxy loved to hear that news. And Bill came home at night, bringing joy to Jane's family.
After seven days caused by the Effect called Brain Fog, there were still left many questions about what and why it happened.
"We could say that we've found the antidote," Bill said excitedly at dinner, giving all the answers even though there was no asked him.
"Well, that's great news." Grace was very excited to prepare a great dinner, and Oxy helped her. Also, Darren was forced to prepare the dining table. Yup. Darren was a good kid just in front of his parents.
"So how did your team find the antidote?" Darren asked after they sat around the dining table.
"I am sorry. It's a secret." Bill smiled mysteriously. "I can't tell you much, Darren."
"That's no fun, Pa," Darren said, looking annoyed that he couldn't get any information from his father.
"The most important is we save now," said Bill.
"You're not going to tell us something?" Darren asked, still trying.
"Son, it's a secret."
"Does this have anything to do with Cerebra?" Oxy, who had been only chewing her food, tried to ask.
Instantly the atmosphere became tense. Oxy swallowed her food, realizing her mistake.
"Oxy, why do you mention that city?" Grace asked, looking confused.
"She's very enthusiastic about that city," Darren complained. "Remember, Ma? She once went to the border wall of that city."
"Oxy, you're not supposed to be going near the border wall," Bill immediately said. "And this has nothing to do with Cerebra."
Oxy wanted to say something. But she saw that. Yes. She saw Bill's nervousness when she mentioned the lost city. Did Bill know something? Bill was a scientist, he might know something about what happened to Cerebra.
Did Bill know if Cerebra floated in a dimension?
Should she tell Bill about that? Would he believe her?
"We are saved now, and Brain Fog is ended." Bill gave his conclusion. "Tomorrow, you kids will go back to school. Your mother will also be active again at her work. And I will back to the Laboratory."
"Oh my... Why?" Grace asked, looking so confused. "I don't think it's good for you, back to the lab again? Oh, no... No, honey!"
"They still need me in the Lab," Bill said.
"But your health is not good enough," Grace said.
"Relax, honey. I know you worried about me. I won't do anything dangerous. I will be just an advisor. They need a veteran like me."
Fifteen years ago, Bill ever worked as a scientist at the Government Laboratory. He resigned after the explosion caused by an experiment that was never explained to the public. Bill was saved from the explosion but he got trauma. After resigning, Bill worked as a teacher at the University, and he had enough time to rest at home.
The dinner was over. They should be happy with Bill's return. But Grace was upset because Bill would back to the government laboratory.
Oxy still saw Bill trying to calm his wife as she climbed the stairs to the room.
But it's good news because tomorrow they would back to school. Oxy wanted to see Mr. Dome immediately. She knew that Helio would report her actions for having so bravely left the Red Castle without permission and proper protection.
Oxy also decided not to return to the Cerebra this night. She was sure Helio was still angry with her. She took out a green pill from the bottle. This medicine was given by Mr. Dome for her sleeping problem.
Tonight was not Oxy's schedule to get "good sleep", but it looked like there was nothing to do in Cerebra anymore. The Brain Fog was over. Bill was pretty sure that Brain Fog had stopped. And Oxy saw it by herself that there were no humans anymore trapped in the dimension. Only Urons roared alone at night inside there.
--
Oxy had an uncomfortable feeling when she didn't see Mr. Dome at the principal's window this morning.
Usually, the principal was always there to supervise the students who arrive in the morning. But that day the principal's office window was closed.
Oxy decided to go to the principal's office. She was a bit surprised at herself. Because, for seven days at home, she seemed used to being at school. The Red Castle and Riverwaze High School were resemblances. Except for the darkness and the gloom.
Oxy knocked on the principal's office door. She waited for a half minute but did not hear an answer from inside. She immediately knocked a few more times. But still no answer.
"Hello, kid?"
Oxy was taken aback. She turned her face. The Math teacher, Mr. Dallas stepped up to her.
"What are you doing here?" asked Mr. Dallas. "The class will start soon."
"Oh yes." Oxy nodded. "Sorry, I just wanted to see Mr. Dome. Is he not coming today?"
Oxy caught the tension on Mr. Dallas' face. Mr. Dallas was in his early thirties, his expression was so very predictable. His expression showed that something was out.
"Yeah, I don't think he's in," replied Mr. Dallas, looking stiff. "Just go back to your class now."
"All right, sir." Oxy stepped away. She glanced back and Mr. Dallas gave a strange gaze at the door of the principal's office before walking away.
--
Suddenly Oxy felt that Cerebra wasn't real anymore, the dimension never existed. Maybe it was because she was very conscious after taking the green pill last night. Plus, Mr. Dome wasn't here today. Too bad, she wanted to discuss a lot of things with the old man.
Oxy was not very happy to come back to her world. She felt not supposed to be here.
Because she felt different here. All the children gathered in their groups. Only Oxy sat alone on her desk.
She realized that Helio was her first companion after all of this time. They liked debating various matters. For example, discussing the impossible ideas of Oxy who wanted to kill Urons. And yes, that was so impossible but Oxy still believed that was the best idea to stop Brain Fog.
"Guys! Guys!" Eddie suddenly appeared in the classroom. He immediately approached Darren's table, and Darren's group immediately gathered. All the children turned their faces to them in curiosity.
Eddie was their class president, he should have called the math teacher.
"What?" Darren asked looking at Eddie who looked breathless from running. "Is Mr. Dallas getting a stomach ache again?" Darren mocked and his gang laughed at the joke.
"Yeah, actually, I didn't find Mr. Dallas. I got information that he has something to do, and I bet he forgot if he had class today," Eddie said quickly as if he was rapping.
"That means the class is free!"
The kids in the class immediately screamed happily.
"There's another important news!" Eddie exclaimed.
Then the kids fell silent, and Eddie continued.
"I heard this from the teacher's office," Eddie said. "They said Mr. Dome was arrested by the police last night!"[]