Decrease

Tuesday - September 14

As Gerald gazes at his daughter-in-law, he looks over to Raymond, and says, "A long time coming."

"Indeed, Gerald, a long time coming," Raymond repeats.

Staring at Gerald and Raymond, and what feels like an eternity of silence, Claire let out a small grunt as she begins to hold onto her belly.

"Claire? Are you..." Gerald says, as Claire collapses into his arms. Gerald orders Raymond's chauffeur to carry her. All four of them enter the elevator, descending them to the basement.

Claire begins to mutter John's name. Gerald takes a hold of her hand, and softly says to her, "I'm here, Claire. I'm here."

___________________________________

The Sun radiantly shines yellow rays upon Atlanta, as if a celestial being is about to glide downwards to enter the Earth's atmosphere to generate new hope, a new beginning for everyone. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Earth's tenants' dispositions are unable to transform from being Zombielike into the beauty that humanity was originally intended for. One may feel that there's a possibility that all of the wrong decisions that have been made throughout humanity's existence may somehow be forgiven or corrected. The populace, however, continues to stumble in dreariness, wondering what future could possibly be in store for any of them. It ponders one's mind as to how humanity is able to create through the gift of loving, which also creates existence without meaning. Yet people continue to move on in hopes that they will have an opportunity to encompass some form of happiness and that their lives do have meaning.

For the last twenty-five years humanity has been in hell. The elite struggle because they must endure the hardships of the poor, whether they like it or not. Since the wealthy are clearly outnumbered, it is wise for them to help whomever they can. Some do willingly, others, not so. The world has become a bitterly, cold place. Only those who have a deep sincerity for humanity are the ones who keep hope alive. Is it enough?

Today will be like no other. Today, the world will know of its fate. Today, humanity will matter.

As the citizens of Atlanta walk to and fro for whatever reason, a small crowd begins to conjugate in front of Wyler's Drugstore. A monitor is stationed outside above the main window for onlookers to watch. An emergency broadcast is about to be announced by the Center for Disease Control.

"Attention, everyone," the newscaster narrates, "Attention, everyone, this is an important message being brought to you by the Center for Disease Control. On the air is Jim Boyle, Senior spokesperson for the CDC."

"Good afternoon," Jim says, as a photo of him is projected on the monitor, unjustly portraying him. "Yesterday, the CDC was the recipient of some shocking disturbing finds. Five bodies have been discovered, and unfortunately, the remains are indescribable. CDC scientists have been examining these bodies thoroughly, rushing to understand what has happened. Until an answer arrives, the CDC, along with the governments and the Population Control Administration, would like to have everyone keep an eye out for anything, or anyone, that may look suspicious, or worse, dangerous. If you see anyone who is ready to do physical harm to another, notify the authorities immediately. They are eagerly standing by to take whatever action that may be needed. I ask that you do not be alarmed, but to be vigil. As more news filters in from the CDCs findings, they will be aired forthwith. Thank you for your attention." Jim's photo vanishes from the screen, and the station resumes their normal schedule.

The crowd whispers among themselves, but are not too overly concerned. Slowly, the crowd disperses and everyone continues with whatever they were doing before the broadcast. Apparently, many must have felt that these five deaths held no threat, since the crowd did not burst into chaos. With the world in its present state, no one cares about five people who died horribly. That will soon change.