Location: Ravenhurst
Time: 6:00 pm
"What, you can't help me because he's from Ravenhurst? That's not fair! You're the police, it's your job to protect everyone equally, without discrimination," Maria exclaimed, frustration evident in her voice.
The call went off, indicating "No bars." "Dammit!" Maria shouted, anger rising. Thomas, sitting on the old, worn couch, patched with torn fabric, tried to calm her down. "Maria, don't worry yourself. Louis will come home. Maybe he's out with friends or playing soccer," he said, flipping through TV stations with the remote, only to find No signal on every channel.
"You know he doesn't have any friends or play basketball. Nope, I said soccer," Thomas clarified.
Maria's concern only grew. "I don't care what it is, basketball or soccer. I just need him home safely." She continued calling Louis, but the response was always the same: "Please leave a message. The person you are calling has switched off their phone. The automated voice was like a cold, unfeeling robot, offering no comfort or solace.
Just then, the TV station switched to a news broadcast, and Thomas's face lit up with a happy expression. Maria drew nearer, her eyes fixed on the screen as the news anchor's serious face filled the room. What was happening in the country?
News Anchor: "Okay, moving on to our next news segment. We have some devastating news coming in from Telena town, where a subway station has been attacked by a Sinner, resulting in a staggering 450 casualties and only one survivor. Field Reporter Rohan kumar, can you tell us more about this tragic incident?"
Field Reporter: "Yes, thank you, Sophia. I'm reporting live from the scene, and it's a heart-wrenching sight. The attack occurred during the evening rush hour, when the subway station was packed with commuters. The Sinner, whose identity has not been released, unleashed a brutal assault, leaving destruction and chaos in its wake."
News Anchor: "That's horrific. We're seeing footage of the aftermath, and it's clear that the damage is extensive. Can you confirm the reports that the Sinner was apprehended by Rajesh Deva, an S-Rank Pro Guardian?"
Field Reporter: "Yes, that's correct. Rajesh Deva, who is the country's number two Pro Guardian, happened to be in the area and responded quickly to the attack. He single-handedly subdued the Sinner, preventing further harm to the public. It's a remarkable feat, considering the Sinner's immense power."
News Anchor: "That's incredible. But what's puzzling is that Rajesh Deva isn't typically assigned to this city. Do you know what brought him to the area?"
Field Reporter: "According to eyewitnesses, Rajesh Deva was in the city for a meeting with local authorities. He was nearby when the attack occurred and sprang into action without hesitation. His quick thinking and expertise undoubtedly saved countless lives."
News Anchor: "That's reassuring to know. And what about the city's Guardians? Shouldn't they have been able to respond to the attack?"
Field Reporter: "Actually, the city Guardians were fully mobilized to combat a separate threat at Akaresh Hospital, where a group of Sinners had launched a coordinated attack. They were stretched thin, but Rajesh Deva's timely intervention saved the day. The city Guardians are usually well-equipped to handle these situations, but in this case, they were dealing with multiple threats simultaneously."
News Anchor: "I see. So, it was a combination of bad timing and an unexpected attack. And what about the sole survivor? Do we know who they are?"
Field Reporter: "Yes, the survivor is a high school student from Melkris Highschool. A remarkable young individual who witnessed the entire ordeal. From what I've gathered, the student was on his way home from school when the attack occurred. He managed to escape with minor injuries and is currently receiving medical attention. We're still gathering more information, but it's a miracle the made it out alive."
News Anchor: "Thank you, Field Reporter, for your bravery in reporting from the scene. We'll continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims and the survivor, and we wish them strength and support during this difficult time."
Thomas's eyes locked onto his wife's as she glared back at him, her expression a mix of shock and disbelief. "Did she just say a student from Melkris High School?" Thomas asked, his voice laced with disbelief.
"Yes," Maria replied, her tone firm.
Thomas's eyes widened in astonishment. Maria sprang to her feet, from the old couch. "Where are you going?" Thomas asked, his voice tinged with annoyance.
Maria's gaze flashed with anger, and she spat out her words. "My son is in the hospital, and you're asking me where I'm going? Are you that careless?"
Tears streamed down her cheeks as she snatched her sweater from hangar, the cold weather forgotten in the heat of the moment.
Thomas's face reddened, his finger jabbing accusingly at Maria. "Don't call him your son! You're not the only one taking care of him. In fact, he's not even ours!
I don't have time for another reckless fight with you," she hissed, her eyes blazing with a mix of sadness and fury.
As She flung open the door, she froze, his eyes fixed on something outside. Thomas walked to the door, curious about what had Maria stuck. When he saw it, he too froze. It was an expensive car, a Mercedes Benz LG200, the latest version. Louis emerged from the car, bandages wrapped around his head, assisted by Rajesh's secretary, Chris. Maria covered her mouth and cried, rushing to her baby. "Are you okay, Louis? We heard the news about you," she said, holding his hands.
"I'm okay, Mom," Louis replied, hugging her carefully. He was amazed; he never thought he'd be on the news and now be popular. He couldn't wait to see the reporters waiting for him tomorrow, eager to ask questions.
"Ham, Mom, this is Mr. Chris, Rajesh's Secretary," Louis introduced. Maria looked at Chris in amazement. "Thanks for bringing my son safely," she said, grateful.You can come inside and have something to eat.
"No problem, ma'am, that's my pleasure," Chris replied, politely declining her offer. Maria shook her head, accepting the declined offer.
As they approached their old, small house, Thomas rushed to Louis, hugging him tightly. "Are you okay, son?" Louis nodded, and Thomas rubbed his hands through his son's hair gently.
"Wait a moment," Thomas said, his face changing from sadness to happiness, a little weirdly. "Did you meet Rajesh Deva?"
"Yes," Louis answered. "He came to meet me at the hospital, and we talked. He's now my friend."
"What?!" Thomas exclaimed, amazed that his best guardian, whom he admired, had met his son. "Did he hold your hands?"
"Yeah," Louis replied.
"Omg, Son, don't wash your hands ever in your life!" Thomas said, half-jokingly.