In a bustling street, where a multitude of people strolled about, each lost in their own hurried world.
Tri-cring.
A door open. Walked in two young couple, the girl had a very subtle tone of style on her; giving a high school senior vibes opposite to her. The male beside her had a rebellious demeanor with disheveled appearance and a confident stride of edge.
"Oi, dude, quit slacking! Grab me a Malqobo menthol and two friggin' beer bottles, chop-chop!"
The clerk gave a curt nod, reaching into the fridge behind him to fetch two beer bottles. With a casual indifference, he tossed in a pack of cigarettes, meeting the customer's request.
"That'll be 66 ringgits," the clerk mentioned, flashing a subtle smile that seemed to carry a hint of everyday warmth.
The smile, clearly a well-rehearsed professional gesture, didn't quite reach beyond the surface. As the couple handed over the money and strolled out, they exchanged a remark about the store, leaving a trail of thoughts lingering in the air.
"F*ck! No wonder this place is on the brink of bankruptcy! Selling stuff at crazy prices compared to regular stores," one of them cursed, frustration evident in their raw reaction.
True enough, 6 Twelve is that kind of convenience store where things tend to hit your wallet a bit harder. Perhaps it's the plethora of branches or the global lineup of food and drinks they've got imported that makes the price tags a tad steep.
'Well, if you're strapped for cash, maybe this ain't your spot, you edgy assh*le!'
Brandon Tand, the mid-twenties clerk, sports an ordinary appearance except for one distinctive feature – his unruly mop of curly hair that sets him apart in an otherwise unremarkable crowd.
"If my hair genes were on point, maybe I'd have a shot at looking decent," he mused to himself, a quiet sigh betraying his inner thoughts.
With the store rarely seeing customers, Brandon often filled his downtime by either scrolling through his phone or catching snippets of the TV installed in the store. Opting to conserve phone battery, tonight was dedicated to the television.
*SFX for a TV opening up.
** Good evening , breaking news just in! Reports are coming in about an extraordinary event – a comet is falling from the sky. We now go live to our correspondent on the scene.
** Thank you. It's chaos here as people are witnessing this celestial phenomenon. Authorities are urging everyone to remain calm and stay indoors. We'll keep you updated as we gather more information.
---
** Our science expert is here to shed some light on the comet situation. Can you explain what's happening?
** Absolutely. Comets are rare visitors, and while this might be a spectacular sight, the risk of impact is minimal. Most of the time, they burn up in the Earth's atmosphere. We're in for a celestial show, but no need to panic.
---
**Authorities are implementing safety measures. Evacuation plans are in place for potential impact zones, and shelters are being set up. Stay tuned for updates on evacuation routes.
---
** We have some eyewitness accounts. Can you describe what you're seeing?
** It's like a fiery streak across the sky. Absolutely breathtaking but kind of scary too. I've never seen anything like this before.
** Thank you for sharing. Remember, stay tuned for official updates, and stay safe, everyone.
Surprisingly unfazed, Brandon didn't show much reaction to the news – he had already caught wind of it the night before while scrolling through the internet.
Previous night -
¬Annon: Yooo!! Did anyone hear about what the government just announced!??
¬Annon: what? Petrol price went down or something?
¬Annon: he's talking about the UFO bruh..
¬Annon: I'm pretty sure he talk about the Comet guys
Just then.
A sudden ring echoed from the phone resting on the table.
Regrettably, Brandon found himself covering a shift for his coworker that night. Despite stuffing his ears with the manager's nagging, a resigned sigh escaped him, realizing that a restful night wouldn't be in the cards until tomorrow morning.
'Well at least, I got extra money this month.'
Seeking solace, Brandon's smartphone buzzed with a message. As he read the notification, a heavy silence settled over him, and it took quite a while before he composed a reply.
He had to let his parents know that he wouldn't be heading home tonight, a message he typed out with a mix of responsibility and a tinge of apology.
"Sorry, Nana. Can't make it to celebrate your birthday today," he typed, the weight of his words carrying a hint of regret.
On his sister's 13th birthday, a promise to celebrate together hung in the air. However, an unforeseen twist in his coworker falling sick dashed those plans. With a heavy heart, he could only send a wish for his sister to have a good time in his absence.
In a flash, Brandon's midnight unfolded in a series of encounters with various individuals – office workers, teens hanging out. Switching the sign to 'Going out for lunch,' even though it was the dead of night, he stepped out for a cigarette break, stealing a moment for himself amidst the hustle.
'When did everything goes.. Wrong?'
With each exhale of smoke, memories flooded Brandon's thoughts. Emotions stirred, blending seamlessly with the dissipating clouds as he reflected on his past.
Brandon's upbringing was that of an average kid in a middle-class family. His father, a technician in Singapore, and his mother, a barista in Johor Bahru, provided a steady background. Similarly, his siblings shared the same ordinary life. During middle school, despite average scores in the STM, the pivotal exam for college qualification, Brandon harbored plans for Maylors University in Jubang Caya. His fascination with psychology fueled this ambition.
However, fate took an unexpected turn. The company Brandon's father worked for decided to cut costs by releasing a few senior workers, and unfortunately, his father's batch was among those let go.
From that pivotal moment, everything spiraled downhill. Despite his father's savings, there were mortgages, insurance, and taxes to grapple with. Even as his father sought work in Malaysia, it proved insufficient to cover the mounting expenses, even when combined with his mother's salary.
'Just enough, that what mom always say huh..'
Pooling both his parents' salaries became the lifeline, just enough for the family to scrape through each day. However, a day arrived when his father's ability to work as diligently as before started to wane.
'Since Dad retired, I've been hustling, you know? Construction, FnB, farming, promoting, sales – you name it, I've done it all,' Brandon , reflecting on the diverse array of jobs he'd taken on.
He forcefully stubbed out his cigarette in one of the bins, a decisive end to his brief moment of solitude.
7:26 a.m
***
'Ahhhhh, I'm tired ask f*ck..'
"Man, I'm so damn tired," he grumbled, quickly shoving his stuff into his bag. After a casual nod to the morning shift worker, he said his goodbyes. Opting for the bus from Saujana to Kota Tinggi, he figured it's way cheaper than splurging on a taxi or messing with that Drab thing – you know, the local Grab knockoff.
In no time, the bus rolls up. After tossing some cash for the fare, he secures a spot in the middle. Next to him, a Bangladeshi dude settles in, a safe bet that, like most foreigners around here, he's here for work.
'Come on, dude, can you chill a bit?'
Brandon shifted uncomfortably in his seat, shooting discreet glances at the Bangladeshi guy beside him. An involuntary frown crept onto his face as he subtly adjusted his position, trying to create a bit more distance. The constant movement and the unwelcome touch of the guy's hands and hair made the bus ride less than pleasant. The overpowering body odor hung in the air, prompting Brandon to wrinkle his nose, silently wishing for a breath of fresh air.
As Brandon endured the cramped space, he silently swore in his thoughts, convinced that the man next to him surpassed even the city's homeless in terms of hygiene. The pervasive odor, akin to days without a shower, lingered, intensifying the discomfort of the bus journey.
Struggling to distract himself from the 'Living Dumpster' beside him, Brandon popped in his earbuds and immersed himself in scrolling through his phone. Browsing the net yielded nothing fascinating, so he shifted his attention to his email, noticing three unread messages.
The first email hailed from Getrichfast.com, a site promising easy income – a scam that Brandon quickly dismissed, having seen enough debunking videos on YouTube. The second, a mundane password change notification. The last one, from an email he recognized well, held his attention.
The sender, none other than his ex-girlfriend, Heidi Robert, dropped a message accompanied by a cluster of PNG files. In her note, she spilled the beans about the unfortunate loss of his contact number during a phone upgrade, leading her to this digital reconnection.
Heidi, wearing the cloak of nostalgia, expressed a desire to rendezvous with Brandon for old time's sake. The attached images served as visual breadcrumbs – snapshots of her, side by side with her father. In her words, she unraveled plans of embarking on a six-year academic journey in America to pursue a Ph.D.
This unexpected missive stirred a whirlwind of emotions in Brandon, the memories of yesteryears juxtaposed against the prospect of a rekindled connection. The photos, frozen moments capturing smiles and shared histories, became windows into a past that seemed both distant and vivid. The prospect of Heidi's prolonged absence loomed, introducing a bittersweet layer to the unfolding narrative.
Heidi, the catalyst of inspiration in Brandon's academic pursuits, emerged as the driving force compelling him to contemplate a return to studies. Yet, the hands of time had played their cards, and the opportunity seemed to have slipped through his grasp. The juxtaposition of her imminent academic journey and his contemplation of what could have been cast a poignant shadow over the narrative, painting a picture of untapped potential and paths diverged.
The last line from the mail.
'Let's catch up. If you're in, meet me at Aeon Mall in Tebrau at 9:30 on September 7th.'
"The email was dispatched three days back. Hold on... Today is September 7th," he mused, squinting his eyes as the serendipity of the timing settled in.
After a brief 17-minute journey, give or take, he brought the bus to a halt, signaling the end of his route. Saujana Garden, bathed in the serenity of early morning, exuded an aura of tranquility. Cruising past charming houses, he exchanged greetings with early risers, nodding at familiar faces and acknowledging the resilience of those already immersed in their day's work.
With only 3 more minutes on this homeward stretch, he guided the bus to its final destination. As he stepped off into the quiet neighborhood, a sense of peaceful familiarity enveloped him. Home, with its comforting presence, awaited just around the corner.
'Not a peep. Looks like my parents are still in dreamland,'
he mused, observing the absence of light seeping through the gaps in the curtains. Proceeding quietly, he made his way to the mailboxes—a customary hiding spot for the house key in his family.
CRING
'There it is..'
Closing the gate behind him, he slid open the front door with a cautious hush. Inside, the scene revealed his father peacefully asleep on the couch, bathed in the glow of the television. Pausing for a moment to absorb the sight, he stood there, silently contemplating the tranquility of the familiar setting.
Resisting the temptation to get lost in the channels, he gently closed the TV, allowing the serenity of the early morning to reclaim the living room. The hushed stillness enveloped the space, punctuated only by the rhythmic breaths of a peacefully slumbering household.
'Dad oh dad..'
A sigh escaped him, a release of the day's residue. Opting for a quick shower, he cleansed away the remnants of the outside world before descending into the embrace of sweet slumber.
**
As he settled into the warmth of his blanket, the clock on his phone whispered the time – 8:45. His figure squirmed, finding comfort in the final moments before surrendering to the allure of a well-deserved rest.
"No.. No.., Jeila Dizon we shouldn't -"
He awoke abruptly, startled by the unexpected slap from his baby brother. His body jolted into consciousness, quickly adjusting to the reality of the moment.
"Wha-.. Norman... Big brother is sleeping. Why did you do that, huh?" he questioned with a yawn, looking at his baby brother. Shifting his attention toward his phone, the dim glow illuminated the night, highlighting the unexpected interruption in the quiet hours.
In a panic, realizing he was running late, he rushed himself into the toilet. His mother, preparing milk for her youngest son, glanced at him from the doorway, a silent observer to the evening chaos unfolding.
Observing the commotion, she wondered, "Why's he panicking for?" With the baby cradled in her arms, she walked back to her bedroom, leaving the late-night mysteries to unfold in the quiet corridors of the house.
***
Aeon mall Entrance B, Tebrau. Exactly at 9:11
Brandon, just arrived, found his curly hair in a rebellious state, resisting any attempts at styling. Dressed in a combination of white and black T-shirt, paired with black trousers and Vans shoes, he stood tapping his feet for quite some time.
The lingering question danced in his thoughts, "Did she not come because I forgot to reply?" The unease of uncertainty settled in the rhythm of his tapping feet.
Opening his email app, he hastily replied, fingers dancing across the screen with a flicker of hope that he wasn't too late. The prospect of accepting whatever outcome awaited him loomed, perhaps accompanied by a solitary walk through the mall.
Just then,
a tap on his shoulders, a gentle interruption from the person behind him. She wore a subtly colored dress, a striking contrast to his choice of clothing. Her features, undeniably gorgeous, demanded a second glance, leaving him momentarily captivated by the unexpected encounter.
"I've been waiting for you at entrance A, silly!" she pouted, her words accompanied by a playful expression.
"But I thought you always-" Before he could reply, she playfully pulled his arm, urging him to follow towards the restaurant section.
The restaurant exuded an ambiance promising delightful culinary experiences, evident in its inviting atmosphere. Judging by his expressions, the prospect of a satisfying meal seemed to come with a price tag.
Heidi took the initiative, starting the conversation in this culinary haven, where the aroma of anticipation hung in the air.
"Hey, it's on me, alright? Just pick anything you want," she declared, placing both hands on her chin, a beautiful smile gracing her face.
"Uhm, okay, I'll pick the same as you," he replied, feeling the need to let her order, a touch of reluctance to choose when someone else was footing the bill.
After a few minutes of choosing, she tapped the bell on the table, summoning the service staff to collect their orders.
"How's it going, Brandon?" she asked, holding his hand.
'Hmm, what should I say? Life being sh*tty? Nah, scratch that...'
"Well, it's good. How 'bout you?" he bantered in response, engaging in the playful exchange.
Unbeknownst to Brandon, women have their instincts, strong and perceptive, quietly sensing the nuances beneath the surface.
"You're so bad at lying, babe," her expression carried a slight disappointment with his attempt at acting.
As the conversation unfolded, Brandon gained a better understanding of Heidi's life situation, realizing it was more favorable than his own, yet he felt genuinely happy for her.
The chemistry between them sparked whispers among other couples at the restaurant.
'See, that's how a man should treat his woman!'
'Wahh, lucky dude, he scored big ones. His girl is so dead gorgeous!'
Noticing the attention, Brandon and Heidi decided to escape the public gaze for a bit, seeking some air. With the night ahead, and uncertainty lingering, Brandon asked, "So, what do you want to do now?" One hand delicately held hers, a silent connection in the midst of the evening's possibilities.
"Let's hit the arcade!" she suggested with excitement.
During their time there, Brandon concentrated on savoring the moments. As the mall approached closing time, they made a final stop at a shop called Mixue.
"Do you understand why I wanted to go out tonight, Brandon?" she inquired, her tone and expression carrying complexity.
"You're heading to America, right?" he responded nonchalantly.
This seemingly indifferent reaction was merely a facade he adopted. Internally, he comprehended his emotions but opted to tone them down, not wishing to disrupt her thoughts and mindset.
He acknowledged that she had a future, unlike him, whose fate had already been decided by the law of a logistics company. Even if it would undoubtedly cause his heartache for a while, he believed it was worth it.
"I hate it. I lost my interest in psychology. My dad kept on yapping about the son of one of his colleagues in America, saying that it would suit me a lot," she vented, squeezing the empty milkshake bottle in frustration.
"I mean, it's good for you, right? Your dad's colleagues, they're doctors, aren't they? It totally suits you, Heidi," he reassured, the words feeling like a stab in his heart.
'Don't go back on yourself, Brandon! Handle it like a man.'
Finishing his drink, he decided to attempt a three-point shot from where he stood, unaware that Heidi recognized it as his way of acting as if it didn't affect him.
Just then, time momentarily stopped, words stuck in each other's throats. The weight of unspoken truths hung heavy in the air.
"Oh God..." Both of them simultaneously reacted as the dark sky suddenly shone bright – the comet that had been the talk of the world.
Simultaneously, around the globe, from east to north, west to south, the entire world witnessed the majestic light washing over everything.
'Eii... Isn't that thing kinda coming over here....?'
In that moment, Brandon quickly grabbed her hands.
"Let's run, that thing is going to hit us!"
Heidi, still in confusion, followed his lead. The unexpected celestial display adding a surreal layer to their shared dash for safety.
A deafening explosion erupted.
BANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNGGGG
'Where am I? Heidi? That's right... HEIDI, damn it! Even my family! F*ck... My voice is losing it...'
Indeed, his voice gradually faded into a void that showed no ends.
**
"MOM, DAD, EVERYON-!" he cried out, only to realize he was back in his room. Nothing had changed, except it was the morning at 8:45 a.m.
'Did I just have a nightmare? It felt so real... Wait a second, my parents!!'
Fully conscious from his slumber, he rushed out of his room. Slamming the door open, he was met with the same familiar scents of home.
"Mom and dad are going out. Food's in the fridge, heat it up yourself," chimed a young female voice.
It was none other than his sister, Vyionna Issabelle. He didn't hesitate and simply embraced her in his arms.
'She's fine. My family is okay.'
"UHG, can you let go, bro? It's kinda stuffy... What happened, huh? Did ya get fired or something?" she asked, annoyed.
"Hahaha, I wished," he replied, letting out a sigh.
Thinking that everything was just a bad dream, he felt the need to have some breakfast. Although he had only slept for no more than 3 hours, it felt as if he had starved for weeks.
Taking out the leftovers from the fridge, 'Bridget meatball,' as his mom named it, he walks towards the back of the kitchen he knows well. However, he notices something.
"Na! What's wrong with the stove?" he calls out to his sister, seeing that the stove looks quite bizarre.
Prologue finished.