The pre-dawn darkness couldn't dampen Anthony's resolve. His footsteps echoed through the deserted streets, a rhythmic cadence to his early morning exercise routine. For days, he'd pushed himself relentlessly, stopping only to eat and collapse from exhaustion. Sleep eluded him, haunted by nightmares of the past. The first night's terror had left him screaming, sweating, and pale.
His family worried, but Anthony knew he had no choice. He'd made a vow to change humanity's fate. Yet, everything felt foreign – the technology, the people, the world. The impending catastrophe loomed, mere months away.
How could he warn them? Social media seemed a fragile tool, and his words would likely fall on deaf ears. He needed an ally, someone to believe and help spread the warning. But his past connections were lost to time.
For now, preparation was his only solace. Summer vacation offered a brief reprieve, and Anthony exploited it, driving his body to its limits. School was a month away, and he planned to seek out like-minded individuals there. Until then, he'd push himself to the brink.
"I'll make up for lost time," he muttered, gritting his teeth against the pain.
His current physique was a far cry from his former strength, but Anthony was determined to reclaim it. Every sweat-drenched step, every strained muscle, brought him closer to his goal.
The world might not be ready, but Anthony would be.
"Step...Step...Step...Step..." His fists clenched, arms tensed, as he pushed his body to the limit.
An hour of intense running finally took its toll. Anthony stumbled to a halt in front of his house, exhausted.
Collapsing onto the grass, he gasped for air, stars twinkling above.
His muscles screamed in protest, but he was accustomed to the pain.
In the past, there was no respite, no moment to catch his breath.
Now, he could rest, rebuild, and strengthen.
As his breathing slowed and his heart rate steadied, light footsteps approached.
Allison's gentle voice broke the silence. "Anthony, are you okay?"
She stood over him, concern etched on her face, her eyes sparkling with worry.
Anthony managed a weak smile, still catching his breath.
"Yeah...just pushing myself."
Allison sat beside him, her gaze scanning his exhausted form.
"You're really doing this, aren't you?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Anthony's eyes locked onto hers, determination burning within.
"I have to."
Allison placed a bottle of water on my forehead, her concern evident. "Thanks," I said, still catching my breath.
"It was shorter this time." She said.
"My body's still adjusting," I explained. "These results are nothing." Allison had been monitoring my progress, and now she was joining me.
"Today, I'll start exercising too," she declared, her gaze steady.
I nodded, pleased.
"Can I join you?" she asked.
I agreed, "Remember my warm-up routine?"
"Yeah."
"Start with that. Do 20 push-ups and sit-ups, 50 squats." Allison nodded, her vitality infectious. I smiled, watching her begin.
"I'll do a light run meanwhile," I said, turning to jog into the night. Our Phoenix neighborhood, on Arizona's west side, was peaceful, a stark contrast to the chaos that once was.
The nearby military base had been my salvation in the past, a beacon of hope during desperation. Now, it fueled my determination.
My goal was simple: train hard, get my family to safety. Anything more was a bonus; that was my top priority. Allison's decision to join me strengthened my resolve.
Together, we'd face whatever lay ahead.
With foresight guiding me, I trained with peace of mind. My immediate focus was physical preparation, and school would bring opportunities to warn the world. If not, I'd spread the word from the military base to other shelters after the invasion. My experience would lend credibility to my warnings.
Returning home, Allison awaited my arrival, radiating enthusiasm.
"Ready?" I asked.
"Yep!" She nodded, beaming.
I smiled, knowing her eagerness would soon be tested. "Alright, let's get started. There are many training methods, but we need fast results. It won't be easy."
"All those people on TV and internet make it look so easy," Allison said, "but I'm ready."
"Our approach will be intense. When you run, tense all muscles – legs, abdomen, arms, even fingers. Use every ounce of strength and run as fast as possible."
"For how long?" Allison asked, confusion fleeting.
"Until you can't anymore. Simple as that."
Allison steeled herself. "Alright!"
"I'll match your pace. Run as much as you can."
We prepared ourselves, standing side by side.
"Go!"
With a burst of energy, we sprinted into the night, our footsteps echoing through the quiet streets.
They sprinted forward, giving it their all. Three blocks in, Allison faltered, gasping for air.
"It's... Much... Harder... Than... I thought..." she panted, collapsing onto the grass.
"Yeah, it is," Anthony said, his own exhaustion well-hidden.
"We need to condition your body for extreme situations and teach you recovery times."
No time for rest when the catastrophe strikes, but Allison didn't need to know that yet.
The monsters wouldn't give anyone respite, not even in death.
Anthony's thoughts turned bitter.
After a brief rest, they resumed training.
Through the night, they pushed on.
By dawn, they lay side by side, exhausted.
Allison couldn't keep Anthony's pace, so she rested while he finished.
Their ragged breathing synchronized.
Anthony stood, offering Allison a hand.
"Enough for today."
Allison took his hand, rising.
"Brother..." Allison's voice was soft, contemplative.
"Yeah?" Anthony replied, gaze still on the clearing sky.
"How will it be like? When the monsters come?" she asked, curiosity laced with concern.
Anthony's expression turned somber. "It will be total destruction... Many people will die... Chaos everywhere."
He paused, struggling to convey the horrors he'd witnessed.
"I don't know how to explain it. All I can say is... it'll be the end of the world."
The siblings fell into a thoughtful silence, lost in ominous visions.
Their reverie was broken by their mom's voice.
"What are you two doing?" She stood at the doorstep, a hint of disapproval.
"Exercising!" Allison chimed, her smile radiant despite her exhausted body.
Anthony smirked. Kids.
"Don't lay down in the cold, you'll get sick!" their mom warned.
"Okay!" Allison replied.
"K!" Anthony added, lazily.
Their mom shook her head, returning inside.
The siblings exchanged a knowing glance.
Their secret remained safe, for now
We entered the house, and Mom's smile brightened the space. "Since you're awake, I'll make breakfast."
We waited at the table as she cooked, the aroma filling the air. Allison attempted to teach me about my cell phone, but my mind wandered.
I grasped the basics – calls and messages – but the rest was overwhelming.
My gaze drifted to Mom, Valery Myers, whose youthful appearance belied her 35-40 years.
"Allison, bring the drinks, please," Mom said, setting the food on the table.
"Okay," Allison replied.
As we sat, Mom's eyes narrowed. "Is there something going on that I don't know about?"
"I don't know what you mean..." I replied, feigning innocence.
"Why are you two exercising in the mornings?" Mom's curiosity was palpable.
I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal.
"I don't know what you mean..." I stalled, unsure how much to reveal.
Allison intervened, "We're preparing for school, Mom. We want to impress our friends."
Mom's skeptical gaze softened.
"Actually, Mom, want to join us?" I asked.
Mom's eyes narrowed, assessing my sincerity.
"I'll think about it. But I doubt I can keep up."
Allison beamed. "You can do it, Mom!!"
"Yeah, just a bit of exercise. You can rest afterward," I reassured.
Mom smiled. "I'll think about it. Now eat, it's getting cold."
As we savored our meal, I relished each bite. The flavors danced on my tongue, a luxury I knew wouldn't last.
Finishing my meal, I asked, "Mom, what does Dad do for work?"
Mom's expression turned nostalgic. "Your father, Ethan Pierce, travels extensively for his consulting firm."
"He's always been kind," I recalled, memories of my childhood resurfacing.
Mom's eyes sparkled. "Yes, he loves his family deeply."
The warmth in her voice stirred a mix of emotions within me.
"Mmmmmh, why so curious all of a sudden?" Mom asked.
"I've always been curious...just never asked," I replied.
Mom's narrowed eyes sparkled with amusement. "He works for an overseas car company, mainly administration, but travels to oversee branches."
"Where is he now?" I inquired.
"Seattle. He'll be back tomorrow."
"Does he only travel within the States?"
"Rarely overseas, mostly domestic."
I nodded thoughtfully.
"Is there something specific you wanted to know?" Mom asked.
"No, just being informed..." I trailed.
Mom raised an eyebrow. "If you say so..."
"Where do you work, Mom?" I asked.
Mom chuckled. "You're curious about me now? You visited my workplace not long ago."
"Really...I don't recall," I said, feigning thoughtfulness.
"I'm a kindergarten teacher," Mom revealed, laughing.
Allison grinned. "Even I know that!"
Mom's eyes twinkled. "You really don't remember?"
"My memory's a bit hazy..."
"I'll wash these after my shower," I said, carrying the plates to the kitchen, anything to get away quickly. "Thanks for the food, Mom. It was delicious." I headed to my room, sensing my mom and sister's concerned gazes. They knew I wasn't the same person.
Stepping into the shower, the cold water hit me hard, invigorating my senses. My skin reacted, muscles tensing. I enjoyed this feeling; it numbed my mind. I stood under the running water, savoring the sensation, another luxury soon to vanish from our daily lives.
Time lost meaning as I stood there. Occasionally, I'd rub soap across my body, in no hurry to leave. But my tranquility was short-lived.
"Brotheeeer, hurry up!!" Allison's voice echoed outside the bathroom door. "Knock!, knock! I want to shower too!! Don't waste the hot water pleaseee!!"
"Alright, alright!!" I replied, reluctantly reaching for the soap. My mind refocused, and I began to wash up. Time to rejoin reality.
I emerged from the bathroom, refreshed. Allison shot me a glance, annoyed. "Did you use all the hot water?" she asked, disappearing into the bathroom.
"Maybe..." I lied, knowing I'd used cold water.
In the kitchen, I found the plates already washed. "I said I'd wash them," I muttered to myself.
With nothing to do, I felt restless. My sore body needed recuperation before more exercise.
Sounds from the living room drew my attention. Mom watched the news on TV.
Standing behind her, I watched as the news anchor spoke:
"A team of scientists has emerged from a dimensional rift with samples obtained from the edge, due to the danger of it closing. They plan to investigate, hoping to find connections to other worlds and rescue those trapped inside. Scientists speculate that rifts might lead to the same location, potentially reunifying lost individuals."
The news continued, discussing the dimensional rifts, dubbed "cracks" by experts.
"...The government has yet to approve a full search and rescue mission, opting for drone deployments instead. Many drones have been lost after rift closures."
I listened intently, intrigued by the developments.
"What do you think, son?" Mom asked, seeking my opinion on the dimensional rifts.
"They should gather as many samples as possible," I replied. "Maybe something useful will come out of it."
Mom's gaze lingered, awaiting my thoughts on the trapped individuals. "Do you think they should search for those inside?"
I met her eyes, my tone matter-of-fact. "No, they'll never find them. They should focus on the samples."
I returned my attention to the TV, where scientists were analyzing tree branches, dirt, and rocks.
'Tsk. All useless,' I thought.
Mom's gentle "Mmmmh" conveyed her disappointment. My indifference to saving lives had unsettled her.
"Maybe they could send more drones to search broader areas," I added, trying to comfort her. "A miracle might happen, and they'll find someone."
My words were empty, meant to soothe Mom's concerns.
"Yeah, I hope they do something more," she said.
"Yeah, me too," I echoed, playing along.
But deep down, I knew the government's efforts would yield nothing.
Afternoon exercise and a quick shower left me restless at night. I needed a distraction. An idea from a few days ago resurfaced, but it required funds I lacked. Instead, I rummaged through the kitchen cabinets.
Hidden in a corner, two partial bottles of tequila and one of whiskey awaited. I claimed them as my own, retreating to my room.
The moonlit space enveloped me, curtains swaying gently. I sipped the liquor, memories of Albert, a jovial drunkard friend, surfacing. He savored every drink.
I never shared his enthusiasm.
Finishing the first bottle, I stood by the window. The cold wind soothed my flushed face. Albert once claimed this combination would intensify the effects. I remained skeptical.
"Damn drunkard and his tips," I muttered.
Undeterred, I savored the second bottle. The liquor's warmth and the night's tranquility lulled me.
Stashing the third bottle, I settled into bed. Not drunk, but hopeful that it could do the job.
As my consciousness slipped away, I surrendered to deep sleep.
That night was a rare haven of peace. No haunting dreams or nightmares disturbed my slumber. For the first time in years, I slept deeply.
The next morning, Mom and Allison prepared for exercise. "It's weird, he hasn't woken up..." Allison whispered.
"Let him rest," Mom said.
But Allison insisted.
"Knock!, knock!
Brother!! Are we not training today??"
The sudden noise jolted me awake. Disoriented, I scanned my surroundings, an old habit.
As I rose, an empty bottle fell, shattering on the floor.
"What was that? Are you ok?" Mom asked, entering the room.
Her eyes widened at the sight of the broken glass and the empty liquor bottle beside my bed.
Her gaze turned icy.
Frozen, I had no words.
A new fear crept up my spine.
"Anthony!!!!" Mom's voice thundered.
She approached me like a ferocious beast.
My hair stood on end.
One swift slap sent me tumbling back into darkness.