[29032] in linux-announce channel archive
America's #1 Knife Sharpener Is Now Up To 65% Off And Free Shipping
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Chefs Connection)
Thu Sep 16 15:29:06 2021
Date: Thu, 16 Sep 2021 15:15:52 -0400
From: "Chefs Connection" <chefs-connection@cenageunlimited.com>
To: <linuxch-announce.discuss@charon.mit.edu>
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** Old Knives Don't Have To Look Old **
It can be very costly to replace old knives. I definitely don't want to spend a lot on a new kitchen knife package. A permanent solution is this electric knife sharpener! It hones and polishes knives so that they look like new ones (and work). If you have it today, no delivery on your Keen Knife Sharpener.
Get The Knife Here 50% Off! -> http://www.cenageunlimited.com/f115q239r5NSM8611k54ycct942H40Shbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47cQModne6aPWY105CNslv/ajar-puzzlement
Willow Communications, a John Bantel Company. 755 Willow Heights IL, 60411.
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<!--Unlike my sister, Stella, my magic didn?t show itself until I was almost a teenager. From the time that she was three and I was five, until Halloween of my twelfth year, I?d assumed I was like my older brother, my twenty-two older cousins, and my mother and her seven siblings: ordinary. Whatever magical DNA had made my ancestors witches and mages and healers had dwindled over the centuries until it was my great-great grandmother, Dorothea, her youngest granddaughter (my grandma), Lila, and her youngest granddaughter, Stella. We were still raised with some of the old ways, given our secret names, told the old myths, and acknowledged, if not honored, the old gods. But the gift was almost gone among us. I used to wonder, had I been the youngest, if I would have had the magic and not Stella. It wasn?t exactly jealousy, per se, just curiosity, just ?what if?. Then, I did something very stupid that revealed that there was, in fact, some magic in me, but I won?t get ahead of myself.
I had a lot of fun with Stella?s magic as a kid. We?d make s?mores with tiny fires she was able to light from her fingertips in our bedroom at night, sometimes getting caught when we singed the edge of a bedspread or a strand of hair. Stella could make sticks and small rocks fly and dance. A few times we hid behind trees near the playground and scared Ron Hoover and his gang of neighborhood bullies by making our voices carry on Stella?s magic. The boys would turn themselves around like corkscrews trying to find the source until they eventually fled.
As I got older, I got more daring, climbing up to the top of the bell tower of the church, Stella following behind reluctantly and nervously. ?Please, Phoebe. You?re going to get hurt. What if I can?t stop you??
?Of course you can stop me, Stell. Grandma says you have the strongest magic she?s ever seen in a child.?
?Phoebe, no!?
And I?d jump out of the small window in the belfry in the dark of night, arms spread beneath the moon, as Stella slowed my fall like I was a floating feather. She hated when I did these things, she?d beg me to stop and threaten to tell our grandmother. And a part of me felt bad, but then I?d see a locked door or a vast height or anything that felt like a challenge and I?d plunge headlong, knowing that Stella would save me. It wasn?t right, I get that. But I did it anyway.
***
One day, my grandmother told my mom that Stella?s power scared her.
?It?s as if all the power that used to be spread over five people is concentrated in her. She needs to be disciplined and protected. She?s going to get noticed by the gods.?
She began arguing with my mother, insisting Stella should leave school and go away to live somewhere, hidden, with my grandmother.
My mother said, barely containing her voice, ?No one has seen the gods in 150 years, mom! I?m not going to take the girl from school, from her entire family, from Phoebe, because some being who?s probably imaginary might notice her.?
My grandmother signed herself swiftly to ward off my mother?s blasphemy. ?Phoebe is part of the problem,? she whispered harshly. ?She jumps off of roofs and makes Stella save her. The other day she ran into traffic, nearly got herself and heaven knows how many other people killed. The gods don?t like that Marilyn, they don?t like boasting. The girls must be separated.?
I felt like my ears had filled with lava. I stepped back a few feet into the wall behind me and only when I found it in me to breathe again did I realize I was sobbing. I wanted to promise never to play with Stella?s magic again, never to so much as mention it, but I couldn?t move. Eventually, the creaky back door closed, and I saw my grandmother limp along on the path toward her house.
In the coming months, I spent a lot less time with Stella and I stopped asking her to use her magic at all. At first, I was afraid she?d notice I was avoiding her, but it seems she just filled the time we used to spend together training with my grandmother. I hoped that if I stayed quiet and didn?t call attention to myself, Stella would stay. I even stopped pulling pranks and fighting at school. Then, one day, on the walk home from school, I heard giggles behind me, a chittering noise with an undertone of menace. I turned around and it was Ron Hoover and his friends, walking alongside their bikes and quickening their pace.
When Stella turned and saw them she said, ?Let?s go Phoebe.? She grabbed my hand to pull me of off the sidewalk and through the alleys, but I pulled my arm away.
?No, I?m not going to let them push me around. You run away.?
?Phoebe, come on there?s like five of them.?
I gave her the most withering glare I could muster and said, ?I don?t care.? Then I took her hand, which was once more grabbing my arm, and shoved her off of me. She disappeared into the alley, throwing looks back at me as she walked away and muttering something under her breath.
Ron and his friends gained on me. ?Hey, Phoebe,? Ron taunted, ?where?d you weirdo sister go??
?Don?t ever speak to me about my sister.?
?Oh ho, you hear that guys? We?re not allowed to talk about her sister. Why? Cause she?s a freak??
I stopped walking and made eye contact with Ron. ?I?m giving you guys a chance to walk away from me, but if you mention my sister one more time, you?re going to regret it.?
The other boy, Tim Corcoran, said, ?She?s a freak and so are you.?
Lighting flashed in my head. I swung as hard as I could at Ron?s head, landing the inside of my forearm on the side of his head. He went down, but the hit hurt my arm like hell. I chased Tim and managed to get a hold of his shirt and started tussling with him on the ground. The three other boys who were with them got on their bikes and rode away. Tim got some good hits in on me. I saw stars when he landed a punch on my eye, but I had him pinned under me and was managing to hit him in the ribs occasionally when I wasn?t dodging his blows.
?Phoebe, stop it!? Stella had emerged from the alley and was standing on the side of the fight. Ron moved in on her.
?Hey freak, what are you going to do about it?? Ron grabbed Stella?s backpack, but she jerked away.
I jumped off of Tim to go stop Ron, but Tim grabbed my ankle and I fell, hard, barely managing to break my fall with my hands.
?Phoebe!? Stella tried to run to me, but Ron blocked her.
?Come on you freaky little witch, do a trick for me.? Ron started to shove Stella.
I pulled myself up and threw my body into his as hard as I could. He fell and pulled my shirt, bringing me with him. We both struggled to get purchase over the other, but he eventually won. He shot upright and lifted his bike over his head, ready to slam it into me.
Stella yelled, ?Stop!? Out shot two fireballs from her hands. I rolled out of the way as Ron?s bike dropped and he started to run around, screaming. Stella?s fire caught on to his shirt.
?Ron, stop running, you?re making it worse!? I begged. But he continued to run and the fire was growing. ?Stop, drop, and roll, Ron. Stop!?
The flames were leaping up toward his hair now.
?Stella,? I yelled. ?Do something! Put him out.?
But Stella was shocked. She hadn?t meant to shoot out the fire balls and now her face was ashen and her arms hung limply by her side. ?I? I can?t.?
?Tim, you idiot, help me!? I yelled to Tim, who was slack-jawed, staring at Ron.
I made one more pass at Ron to try to get him to stop running when a low, deep woman?s voice said, ?Enough.?
In a second, the fire was gone. Ron collapsed in whimpers. My grandmother walked over to him and bent low, slowly waving her hand up and down in front of him until he stopped squealing. After a few minutes, he looked at her, stricken, and ran away. Tim followed after him, falling every few feet as he did.
?Grandma, I??
?Not a word.?
My grandmother marched us back to our house. Stella was ghostly pale and shaking all over. Now that the fight was over, my head and torso were throbbing from the punches I took and my knees and hands stung from the scrape of falling.
My mother greeted us at the door and, seeing me, cried, ?Phoebe, Stella? What happened.? Neither of us replied.
Inside, I tried to explain that Ron had followed us and started attacking Stella, but my mother cut me off.
?You could have walked away, Phoebe. You could have called for help.?
?Mom, I did try to walk away.?
Stella perked up at that, the color was returning to her cheeks. ?No, Phoebe,? she said through gritted teeth. ?You didn?t try to run away, I tried to get you to run away with me. You wouldn?t.?
My mouth hung open, stunned. Stella had never once, as far back as my memory went, ratted me out. After a few, breathless moments I said, ?Stella, I had to. I can?t just let him chase us into corners.?
"No, Phoebe. You didn't run because you knew I'd be able to help you if it got bad. This is your fault! You're the reason everyone thinks I'm a freak. I'd never even use magic in public if it weren't for you."
Finally, my grandmother said, quietly, ?Marilyn, Stella must come with me. It?s not safe like this. If it?s not the gods, it will be the people of the town.?
?No, Grandma, mom! No. Please. I?m sorry. Please, I?ve been good for months. I haven?t asked Stella to so much as snap her fingers for me, please. Stella, tell them. Tell them that I haven?t asked you to do magic.?
Her eyes were wide and her mouth moving, but no sound was coming out. I jumped up out of my chair and stood in front of my mother.
?Mommy, please. Please. Don?t make her go. I?ll go instead. Please.?
My mom pulled me into her. ?It has to be this way.?
***
With Stella gone, dinners were mostly silent; my brother Ewan occasionally trying to get my mother to tell him where Stella went and my father staring resolutely at his plate. I was too devastated to speak about it. We told the school that Stella was going to boarding school and I tried my best to act normal, but it made me so tired to pretend all day that I came home from school and napped until dinner. I stopped getting my homework done on time and my grades started to slip.
Halloween night was the saddest I?d ever experienced. Normally, it was a huge deal in my house. We would start night with our people?s rituals: offerings to Samill the Trickster and Ellwyn, the goddess of the In Between. Grandma would bring over treats and burn the lavender from her garden. Then, we?d don our costumes and trick-or-treat. My mother didn?t bother to make offerings this year. Ewan didn?t wear a costume, slipping out with his friends, mumbling a goodbye. I put on black sweatpants and cat ears and told my mom I was going trick-or-treating.
?Home by 8:15, Phoebe.?
?Ok, mom.? I ran toward the front door, almost running full into my mom.
My mother looked at me, eyes immensely sad. ?And do not go past McKinley?s barn. Do you understand me??
?Got it, mom!? I bolted toward my friends.
Without a thought, my friends and I went right past McKinley?s barn and into the foot hills. Jessica heard from John Freeman that the cool kids were throwing a Halloween party at the quarry. I typically steered clear of the cool kids. But ever since the fireball incident, Ron Hoover was nice bordering on obsequious to me, and since he was the one gave me the lion?s share of grief, I felt confident I could go without issue.
A group of about twenty kids milled around the quarry. A few flashlights and lanterns were propped up among the rocks along the edge, illuminating the kids enough that I could make out who at least some of them were. Ron Hoover didn?t seem to be here tonight.
?Jessica, Megan, Phoebe? Is that you?? A girl named Tara Petrello walked over to us.
Jessica smiled, sheepishly. ?Hope it?s ok.?
?Definitely!? Tara said, cheerfully. ?Guys, Jessica, Megan and Phoebe are here.?
A few people waved, but mostly everyone ignored us. Sean Torio walked over. The light from one of the lanterns was glaring on his face, which was red and puffy.
?Any of you girls want a beer??
?No,? I said forcefully. I got into trouble, but being a twelve-year-old with a drinking problem wasn?t one of my issues.
Megan also declined, but Jessica seemed hesitant, like she wanted to accept. She looked over at me.
I whispered, ?Jess, come on.?
She rolled her eyes at me. She was doing that more often these days. ?Why can?t you just have fun, Phoebe.?
I rolled my eyes back. ?Whatever, Jess. Your funeral.?
She huffed and walked off with Sean, while Megan and I hung around the edge of the crowd.
I walked closer to the edge to see the water. Some fifty or sixty feet down was a placid black surface. I did not see so much as a bubble popping on the surface. ?It looks like marble,? I said.
?Actually, my brother told me it was marble. I believed him. I thought that?s what they were digging up at the quarry," Megan said.
I laughed, but then the mention of her brother reminded me of Stella. It hurt to think about her.
My chest was in a knot of anger, fear, and sadness. I wanted to leave.
?Let?s get Jessica and go. I want to go home.?
Megan nodded. ?Me too.?
I walked over to the other side of the crowd where Jessica was nervously holding a beer.
?Hey, Jessica,? I said, cheerfully, hoping to make up for the earlier tension. ?Megan and I wanted to go home. Can we go??
Jessica looked at Sean first, and then back at me. ?No one?s stopping you.?
Sean sniggered and someone else said, ?Ooh snap.?
My face flushed again, but I tried to rise above the bait. ?Please, Jess. I want to go. I can?t leave you here.?
?I want to stay, Phoebe. You?re not the boss of me.?
Sean stepped in front of Jessica. ?Yeah, Phoebe. You?re not the boss of her. And you?re sister?s not here to make her leave.?
It was like he slapped me. I clapped my hand to my mouth to cover my gasp. Even Jessica?s eyes widened, knowing he went too far.
I looked around for someone who wasn?t Sean.
?Hey, Tara,? I called out. Tara looked over at me. ?Can you make sure Jessica doesn?t go home alone??
Tara nodded and Megan and I turned away back toward the path that leads down the hill. When we were almost out of earshot, I heard Jessica?s high pitched laughter. She was laughing and saying, ?No, Sean. Stop, stop!? My ears perked up.
?Woah, Sean!? This time she sounded scared, but she tacked laughter on to the end.
Sean said, ?Come on, dance Jess. It?s fun!? Jess started laughing again.
?You think she?s ok?? Megan asked.
I waited another second. ?Yeah, they?re just playing around.?
Then, I heard a third voice, ?No, Sean, Jess, stop!? It was followed by blood curdling screams. I didn?t think. I was just running, faster than I knew possible. Three or four people were standing at the edge looking down into the quarry, hands over their mouth. ?Move!? I screamed and the group parted and I just dove right over the edge.
It was only when I heard renewed screaming that I realized I?d made a mistake and I was about to die. I could also hear Jessica screaming somewhere and then it just happened. It was like my body was an electrical wire, a current pulsing through it, and I moved my hands out in front of me and the surface of the water below rippled beneath my power. My fall broke and I gently lowered myself into the water. Jessica was still screaming somewhere. I couldn?t see her.
?Up. Here,? she croaked. Her arms were clamped around Sean?s leg. He was dangling beneath her, trying to gulp in air between cries. A tree root sticking out from the side of quarry caught the skirt of her costume and they were both hanging from it.
I started to wonder how I could bring the power back, but then I heard her skirt rip and they were falling again. I shot some kind of force field at both of them, which stopped them both in mid-fall, and lowered them into the water.
I swam over to them, my water-logged pants weighing me down. ?Grab on to me. Arms around my neck.? I said. They both wrapped their arms around my neck and I closed my eyes, felt around inside for whatever had been laying dormant, and lifted us out of the quarry.
Stella came home two days later. I encountered my first god the next week.--->
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<td style="font-weight: normal; color: #ffffff; font-size: 13px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;" align="center" valign="top" width="100%"><a style="color: #ffffff; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/a255w2z395p8p6H11P54c5oy942k40Shbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47eQModne6aZ10HN6bk@sWv/Brittany-anecdote" target="_new"> Get removed from future messaging. </a></td>
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<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong>Topic: someone relying on strangers</strong></span></p>
<p class="ql-align-center"><span style="color: #ffffff;">The Breakup</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?I want to break up.?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">My abusive boyfriend is an alcoholic. He drinks to have ?fun?, but his kind of fun is filled with indoor boxing matches. His punches were persistent and often. I needed to get out, and I needed to <em>escape</em> this relationship.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?You will never find someone who loves you, I'm the best you can get. I will be with you forever, you will do whatever I want, whenever I want.?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?I'm going, you can't stop me!?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">I saw it coming, my martial arts training kicked in before I could think. I blocked his hook to my face, but his jab busted my jaw. I literally saw ?red?, I don't think I've ever been this angry. I started kicking, scratching, doing anything I could to fight this asshole.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">I left him on the floor laying in a pool of his own urine. I drove straight to my parents house, and became a refugee. I fled from my war torn relationship. </span></p>
<p class="ql-align-center"><span style="color: #ffffff;">?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">It was a Saturday morning, lovely and bright; a typical North Queensland summer. It had been 4 months since my break up and my face was finally normal. The bruising was my badge of honour, I fought and I won.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">Marching with purpose, I stormed into Flight Centre and decided on the spot that I was going overseas. I need the space and I want the adventure. I have never travelled by myself, but hey I was 23, what could go wrong?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?So what were you thinking? Maybe South East Asia??</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?Vietnam.?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?Ok are you sure? There's quite a few offers for other locations.?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?Vietnam. I'm going by myself and I know it's cheap over there. Book it.?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">Before I knew it, I was $2000 out of pocket, but had the ticket and I was to leave in two days.</span></p>
<p class="ql-align-center"><span style="color: #ffffff;">?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">The flickering lights were blinding. Dragging my suitcase I looked around and felt a sense of dread.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><em>What the fuck have I done?</em></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">There were chickens casually strolling around. Beggars lining the sides of the room, chancing themselves, trying to persuade the gullible tourists for their newly converted Vietnamese Dong.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">The town was called Danang, and it was a beautiful place, albeit the surroundings of garbage and rats the people are absolutely gorgeous <em>? but I didn't know that yet. </em> </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">I was walking out of the airport and the pick-up service I had arranged (and paid for!) was not there. I was trying to ask around but no one spoke English. I start to panic. There were seedy looking taxi drivers that I'm sure would've ripped me off. The hotel was at least 20km away, I didn't want to walk that far in the dark. Just as panic starting to make itself at home in my stomach, a small woman maybe in her 40's or 50's starting beckoning me over. She's said ?come! Come!? Waiving her hands frantically. I had to look around, <em>surely she's not talking to me?</em></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?I don't want to thanks?? I replied, I am scared.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?Come! Come! I look after you!?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">Thinking back I realise that this was probably a really bad idea, like it could have gone really bad. But I'm a dickhead and chose to follow her.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">I don't know what it was?but there was something so trustworthy about her. Her English was broken but you could tell she understood what I was saying.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">We started walking, I was dragging my bags and trying to keep a lookout. I'm following this strange lady through houses that look like sheds and shacks, they look all joined together. We snaked our way through shanties, family gatherings and men gambling. Soon she stopped and looked back at me. She gestured for my bag. I wasn't keen on giving away my stuff. <em>Oh my god what am I doing? For all I know I could be getting sold into a sex slave ring?. Oh my god I'm going to die.</em></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">She grabbed my bags with a strength that was deceptive of her size. She disappeared through the clearing, lifting what looked like a sheet that was acting as a door way.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">I stood frozen, now genuinely afraid that my bags are now gone and I'm probably now going to be killed!</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?Come! Come!? I hear from the other side of the sheet. My heart is pounding. Shaking, I pull back the sheet and sigh in relief. Behind the ?curtain' was a lovely little family, all sitting on the floor having dinner. They had a little scruffy dog that immediately came over for some pats and cuddles. The lady brings me over and tries to introduce me to her daughter ? her name was Ahn.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?This my daughter, she study, she need tourist?? she gestures at me to indicate that I was the tourist. Ahn was smiling in a shy way, she looked at me with a glint in her eye.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?I would like to take you to my class tomorrow, to show my class. I'm studying tourism.?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">Relieved that she spoke perfect English I started to ask all the questions I was dying to ask.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?So your mum brought me here from the airport, so I can be your <em>show and tell</em>??</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?Yeah pretty much. We all agreed that a young woman would be a good choice. Ya know, wouldn't mind or be hard to get along with.?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">I started laughing in relief.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><strong>THIS IS A TRUE STORY!</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">Its been 10 years now and I still keep in touch with Ahn and her family. I stayed with them for a couple of days and met many of their relatives. The average family in Vietnam live on $50 Australian a year. They work extremely hard and live in less than humane conditions. With all this, they are the happiest people I have ever met. I went to Ahn's class the next day and the other students were delighted. They spent 40 minutes asking me questions about Australia and what they could do as a Tourism Agent. Ahn today runs a tourism company with her husband and son in Danang. Meeting Ahn and her gorgeous little family was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. </span></p>
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<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">John sat alone in a booth at a coffee shop seemingly frozen in time. The quaint and humble Diner could easily double as a 1960's museum proudly displaying its wear and war-torn scars from decades of patrons both 'kind' and 'not so kind' to its care or wellbeing.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">"Cream?" Asked a voice aged with years of smoke and cheap liquor.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">"Excuse me?"</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">"Would you like cream with your coffee sir?"</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">John smiled as he looked up at the waitress, "Oh,.. no... no thank you, never touch the stuff."</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">His response was met with q<a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/instituting-elicits/be86K2iD395K8I6I11C5Q4c6D942q40Yhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47qQModne7iqy1ww05tllsv">uick and immediate pause. A small pause mind you, but long enough to seem a little out of place.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/instituting-elicits/be86K2iD395K8I6I11C5Q4c6D942q40Yhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47qQModne7iqy1ww05tllsv">Steeped in this awkward moment, She gave a slight nod, turned and walked away.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/instituting-elicits/be86K2iD395K8I6I11C5Q4c6D942q40Yhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47qQModne7iqy1ww05tllsv">John watched her walk back towards the kitchen then simply shrugged it off and returned his attention to the menu.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/instituting-elicits/be86K2iD395K8I6I11C5Q4c6D942q40Yhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47qQModne7iqy1ww05tllsv">It was then that 'Simply Awkward' turned to ?Abject Apprehension' as everything in the restaurant fell completely silent.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/instituting-elicits/be86K2iD395K8I6I11C5Q4c6D942q40Yhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47qQModne7iqy1ww05tllsv">The clatter of plates and silverware, pots and pans. The murmur of conversation, the rustling of handbags.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/instituting-elicits/be86K2iD395K8I6I11C5Q4c6D942q40Yhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47qQModne7iqy1ww05tllsv">All of it.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/instituting-elicits/be86K2iD395K8I6I11C5Q4c6D942q40Yhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47qQModne7iqy1ww05tllsv">Everything.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/instituting-elicits/be86K2iD395K8I6I11C5Q4c6D942q40Yhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47qQModne7iqy1ww05tllsv">Silent.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/instituting-elicits/be86K2iD395K8I6I11C5Q4c6D942q40Yhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47qQModne7iqy1ww05tllsv">Peering over his menu he was met with the cold gaze of each and everyone in Destiny's Diner.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/instituting-elicits/be86K2iD395K8I6I11C5Q4c6D942q40Yhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47qQModne7iqy1ww05tllsv">"What?" John asked, looking around for a response.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/instituting-elicits/be86K2iD395K8I6I11C5Q4c6D942q40Yhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47qQModne7iqy1ww05tllsv">Silence.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/instituting-elicits/be86K2iD395K8I6I11C5Q4c6D942q40Yhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47qQModne7iqy1ww05tllsv">He took a breath to say something. He had no idea what, but just something to cut the silence.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/instituting-elicits/be86K2iD395K8I6I11C5Q4c6D942q40Yhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47qQModne7iqy1ww05tllsv">Before he had the chance the entirety of the patrons and staff stood and exited through the kitchen and out of the back of the Diner leaving John sitting alone in his thread bare booth.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/instituting-elicits/be86K2iD395K8I6I11C5Q4c6D942q40Yhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47qQModne7iqy1ww05tllsv">"Hello?"</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/instituting-elicits/be86K2iD395K8I6I11C5Q4c6D942q40Yhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47qQModne7iqy1ww05tllsv">The word fell as empty as the Diner.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/instituting-elicits/be86K2iD395K8I6I11C5Q4c6D942q40Yhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47qQModne7iqy1ww05tllsv">John rose to his feet slowly as his mind desperately grasped for rhyme or reason to the last two minutes of his now thwarted attempt at a peaceful breakfast..</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/instituting-elicits/be86K2iD395K8I6I11C5Q4c6D942q40Yhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47qQModne7iqy1ww05tllsv">His cellphone ringtone tore through the deafening silence nearly launching him off his feet.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/instituting-elicits/be86K2iD395K8I6I11C5Q4c6D942q40Yhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47qQModne7iqy1ww05tllsv">Fumbling through his jacket pocket for his phone he found the screen to read "Restricted Number"</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/instituting-elicits/be86K2iD395K8I6I11C5Q4c6D942q40Yhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47qQModne7iqy1ww05tllsv">The phone vehemently refused any additional information and finally fell quiet stating simply...</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/instituting-elicits/be86K2iD395K8I6I11C5Q4c6D942q40Yhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47qQModne7iqy1ww05tllsv">'1 New Voicemail'</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/instituting-elicits/be86K2iD395K8I6I11C5Q4c6D942q40Yhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47qQModne7iqy1ww05tllsv">It wasn't until that very moment John turned to peer through the broad glass windows facing the dirt parking lot. They were gone. All the cars parked there earlier, were gone.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/instituting-elicits/be86K2iD395K8I6I11C5Q4c6D942q40Yhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47qQModne7iqy1ww05tllsv">The Phone let out a tone to remind him of the pending message.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/instituting-elicits/be86K2iD395K8I6I11C5Q4c6D942q40Yhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47qQModne7iqy1ww05tllsv">Icy tentacles of fear reached into him, clawed at him.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/instituting-elicits/be86K2iD395K8I6I11C5Q4c6D942q40Yhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47qQModne7iqy1ww05tllsv">John looked at his phone, then retrieved the message.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/instituting-elicits/be86K2iD395K8I6I11C5Q4c6D942q40Yhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47qQModne7iqy1ww05tllsv">?You should've taken the cream?</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/instituting-elicits/be86K2iD395K8I6I11C5Q4c6D942q40Yhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47qQModne7iqy1ww05tllsv">Shear panic ripped any logical thought or prudent action from him as he found himself on a dead run bursting out of the front door of the Diner.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/instituting-elicits/be86K2iD395K8I6I11C5Q4c6D942q40Yhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47qQModne7iqy1ww05tllsv">Tearing keys from his pocket as he ran to his car, the only remaining car in the Parking lot, the reflection in the driver's side window shown a man that was anything but in control.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/instituting-elicits/be86K2iD395K8I6I11C5Q4c6D942q40Yhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47qQModne7iqy1ww05tllsv">It was when his pocket finally relinquished his car keys that John heard a Hum. No.. not a hum? it was a buzzing. Like Bees. Yes, it sounded just like a swarm of Bees.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/instituting-elicits/be86K2iD395K8I6I11C5Q4c6D942q40Yhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47qQModne7iqy1ww05tllsv">In the reflection he could see something hovering behind him.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/instituting-elicits/be86K2iD395K8I6I11C5Q4c6D942q40Yhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47qQModne7iqy1ww05tllsv">He spun around to see three drones. All three the same. About two feet across, 6 blades each and all three of them had a digital screen with the number 10 displayed, then 9, then 8</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/instituting-elicits/be86K2iD395K8I6I11C5Q4c6D942q40Yhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47qQModne7iqy1ww05tllsv">?A Count Down?!? John screamed as he ripped open the car door, threw himself in the driver's seat and cranked the engine.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/instituting-elicits/be86K2iD395K8I6I11C5Q4c6D942q40Yhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47qQModne7iqy1ww05tllsv">To his surprise, it roared to life.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/instituting-elicits/be86K2iD395K8I6I11C5Q4c6D942q40Yhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47qQModne7iqy1ww05tllsv">With his right foot mercilessly pinning the accelerator to the floor he slammed the BMW M3 Coupe into Drive leaving dust and chaos in his wake.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/instituting-elicits/be86K2iD395K8I6I11C5Q4c6D942q40Yhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47qQModne7iqy1ww05tllsv">Almost a mile down the dirt road he could still taste the grit and what he could only describe as wet sneakers coating his tongue and mouth.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/instituting-elicits/be86K2iD395K8I6I11C5Q4c6D942q40Yhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47qQModne7iqy1ww05tllsv">?Where we headed?? announced a voice from the backseat.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/instituting-elicits/be86K2iD395K8I6I11C5Q4c6D942q40Yhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47qQModne7iqy1ww05tllsv">John slammed on the brake with both feet sending the BMW careening into a flat spin.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/instituting-elicits/be86K2iD395K8I6I11C5Q4c6D942q40Yhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47qQModne7iqy1ww05tllsv">The force pushed his head against the driver's side window until the car finally came to a stop throwing his head into the steering wheel announced by a prolonged horn blast.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/instituting-elicits/be86K2iD395K8I6I11C5Q4c6D942q40Yhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47qQModne7iqy1ww05tllsv">Opening the door he rolled out and then pushed himself to his feet.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">John Finny was not a fighting man. He had no military background, no training in martial arts and a serious fear of firearms. He sold insurance. Everything he knew in life was in exact opposition to the skills this situation was more than screaming for? so? John magnanimously turned to his left and puked.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?John? John? John? We really don't have time for that do we?? came a toying voice.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">Wiping his chin with the backside of his left hand, John steadied himself and stared over at the young man leaning against his car. He looked to be maybe 25 years old or so, slim build, clean cut, no facial hair and a look on his face that could only be described as a cross between the Gerber Baby and The Joker, with a little Tom Cruise mixed in there too.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?Who?.? John Turned and spat on the ground trying to clear the rancid taste from his mouth. ??the Hell are you??</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?I believe there to be far better times and places for that discussion John.?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">John took one step towards the car.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?Wait, how in the Hell do you know my name!??</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">The stranger held a playful grin and a calm demeanor that was absolutely maddening.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?John, I think we should talk about this in the car.?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">John recognized the far off buzzing sounds coming into earshot. Although it was much more pronounced than before. He turned to see at least 20, maybe 30 drones off in the distance and closing fast.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">The stranger stood awaiting a response. Blue jeans, white t-shirt and the same unchanged expression.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">John figured a smarter man would think of something clever to say, or do, or some sort of hand gesture at the very least. John sold insurance.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?Get In?, he grunted.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">They both got back into the car, the stranger opting for the passenger seat up front this time. John hit the gas and they were on their way.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?Who? the hell?.. are you??</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">The long protracted annunciation was dipping with angst and held with it a definite demand of an immediate answer.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?My name is Jim? was his complete response.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">Although the stranger seemed content with his response as a whole, John was less than amused.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">The cutting gaze from John's eyes accompanied his response.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?and?..?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?And what??</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">John screamed, ?What the hell is going on!?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">Jim made no recoil or aversive reaction at all.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?Well, it's like this?.?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">John interrupted, ?I should've got the cream?!?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">Jim smirked, ?Something like that.?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?Jim. What is going on! What am I supposed to do and why am I having to do anything at all!??</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">The impact of the first drone on the windshield was enough to produce a crack and a sound loud enough to cause John to duck and veer th<a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/renowned-fancifully/e9a6P23Lg95i8F6t11Q54Yc7t942H40Whbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47PQModne6PpTJ105G0sv3">e car to the left.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/renowned-fancifully/e9a6P23Lg95i8F6t11Q54Yc7t942H40Whbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47PQModne6PpTJ105G0sv3">Following this, a hail storm of drones descended on them smashing into the car from all sides.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/renowned-fancifully/e9a6P23Lg95i8F6t11Q54Yc7t942H40Whbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47PQModne6PpTJ105G0sv3">John struggled to keep their speed as the windows became more and more cracked and debris showered over them.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/renowned-fancifully/e9a6P23Lg95i8F6t11Q54Yc7t942H40Whbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47PQModne6PpTJ105G0sv3">?Faster? Jim announced in the midst of the chaotic modern day Hitchcock inspired nightmare.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/renowned-fancifully/e9a6P23Lg95i8F6t11Q54Yc7t942H40Whbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47PQModne6PpTJ105G0sv3">Pushing passed his instincts John pressed the accelerator to the floor.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/renowned-fancifully/e9a6P23Lg95i8F6t11Q54Yc7t942H40Whbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47PQModne6PpTJ105G0sv3">?Why is this happening?? he gritted through clenched teeth.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/renowned-fancifully/e9a6P23Lg95i8F6t11Q54Yc7t942H40Whbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47PQModne6PpTJ105G0sv3">?Keep going!? Jim responded pointing forward, ?Get to the other side of the overpass?</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/renowned-fancifully/e9a6P23Lg95i8F6t11Q54Yc7t942H40Whbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47PQModne6PpTJ105G0sv3">For the first time Jim's words held some emotion. A little stress dripped from the tail end of his statement.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/renowned-fancifully/e9a6P23Lg95i8F6t11Q54Yc7t942H40Whbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47PQModne6PpTJ105G0sv3">It was the hailstorm from hell, is all John could think of. Cacophony and chaos reigned as John tried to find small points of the windshield where he could catch a glimpse of the road in a vain attempt to maintain control.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/renowned-fancifully/e9a6P23Lg95i8F6t11Q54Yc7t942H40Whbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47PQModne6PpTJ105G0sv3">?You're almost there!?, Jim called out, more angst wrapped around his words.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/renowned-fancifully/e9a6P23Lg95i8F6t11Q54Yc7t942H40Whbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47PQModne6PpTJ105G0sv3">The Driver's side window burst inwards allowing one of</a> the malevolent machines to enter the car, blades thrashing and cutting john's face before he was able to thrust it out with his hand through the smashed window.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">This was followed by the two rear windows exploding giving access to two more.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">Glass, blood and pain mixed together in a cocktail garnished with the blades of two determined war machines now described the inside of John's BMW Coupe. Slouching down as low as he could he left his foot pressed to the floor pushing the accelerator what felt like through the bottom of the car.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">The light dimmed as they careened through the underpass at a speed John could only guess.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">Bursting to the other side, the sun once again flooded the car, the engine stopped and the brakes slowly engaged bringing the car to a stop.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">John lifted his h<a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/cb96I23G9I5i8Dv611z54cM8g942R40ohbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47nQModne5uX10M5D32sv/renowned-fancifully">ead and slid back up in the seat.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/cb96I23G9I5i8Dv611z54cM8g942R40ohbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47nQModne5uX10M5D32sv/renowned-fancifully">There was no buzzing.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/cb96I23G9I5i8Dv611z54cM8g942R40ohbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47nQModne5uX10M5D32sv/renowned-fancifully">There was no nefarious machines crashing into the vehicle.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/cb96I23G9I5i8Dv611z54cM8g942R40ohbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47nQModne5uX10M5D32sv/renowned-fancifully">There was only quiet.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/cb96I23G9I5i8Dv611z54cM8g942R40ohbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47nQModne5uX10M5D32sv/renowned-fancifully">John could smell the hot engine mixed with perspiration. The blood on his face was sticky and full of grim.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/cb96I23G9I5i8Dv611z54cM8g942R40ohbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47nQModne5uX10M5D32sv/renowned-fancifully">?Well played Sir!, Well Played!?</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/cb96I23G9I5i8Dv611z54cM8g942R40ohbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47nQModne5uX10M5D32sv/renowned-fancifully">Jim announced this as he forced opened the door, and with no other words, got out and started to walk away.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/cb96I23G9I5i8Dv611z54cM8g942R40ohbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47nQModne5uX10M5D32sv/renowned-fancifully">John pushed open the driver's side door and pulled himself out only to see?.. nothing?</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/cb96I23G9I5i8Dv611z54cM8g942R40ohbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47nQModne5uX10M5D32sv/renowned-fancifully">No cars.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">No Drones.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">No Jim.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">Nobody.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">John stood on a dirt road 100 yards past an overpass? alone.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">?Wha?. What? the ??? he trailed off.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;">The car stood sat, it's wounds boldly apparent and deep. It looked as though he had driven through a war zone only to stop, turn around, and drive back through the other wa<a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/shameless-stinks/9365sJ2395ns8W610P54c9I942B40lhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47rQModne7L1tV0vC6g@PNsv">y.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/shameless-stinks/9365sJ2395ns8W610P54c9I942B40lhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47rQModne7L1tV0vC6g@PNsv">This was not a dream or his imagination. Not a trick or hallucination. The car pretty much was all the confirmation he required to prove that.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/shameless-stinks/9365sJ2395ns8W610P54c9I942B40lhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47rQModne7L1tV0vC6g@PNsv">After what seemed like hours, John got in the car and turned the ignition.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/shameless-stinks/9365sJ2395ns8W610P54c9I942B40lhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47rQModne7L1tV0vC6g@PNsv">Once again, to his surprise, it started.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/shameless-stinks/9365sJ2395ns8W610P54c9I942B40lhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47rQModne7L1tV0vC6g@PNsv">It was about 10 miles later when he came across a service station and pulled in. There was still no rhyme, reason or possible explanation John could fathom of what or why the accounts of today occurred.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/shameless-stinks/9365sJ2395ns8W610P54c9I942B40lhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47rQModne7L1tV0vC6g@PNsv">The Station was old. The stains from rust on the sign spoke to it's character and the smell of decades of spilled gas seeping up from the asphalt in the midday sun truly was a defining trait.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/shameless-stinks/9365sJ2395ns8W610P54c9I942B40lhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47rQModne7L1tV0vC6g@PNsv">?You need some help?? said an old voice wrapped in overalls with old dirty red baseball cap.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/shameless-stinks/9365sJ2395ns8W610P54c9I942B40lhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47rQModne7L1tV0vC6g@PNsv">John looked over.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/shameless-stinks/9365sJ2395ns8W610P54c9I942B40lhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47rQModne7L1tV0vC6g@PNsv">?I just don't think you'd ever believe a word I have to say.?</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/shameless-stinks/9365sJ2395ns8W610P54c9I942B40lhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47rQModne7L1tV0vC6g@PNsv">The old man smiled, ?Oh you look like you did pretty good. Have a seat and I'll take a look?</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/shameless-stinks/9365sJ2395ns8W610P54c9I942B40lhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47rQModne7L1tV0vC6g@PNsv">Puzzled and still dazed, John walked over to the chair placed just outside the front door of the station and collapsed onto it.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/shameless-stinks/9365sJ2395ns8W610P54c9I942B40lhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47rQModne7L1tV0vC6g@PNsv">He reached over and poured coffee that seemed closer to motor oil than a beverage, into a white Styrofoam cup and looked over at the old station attendant.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a style="color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/shameless-stinks/9365sJ2395ns8W610P54c9I942B40lhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47rQModne7L1tV0vC6g@PNsv">The man looked over a John and asked, ?Did you want cream??</a></span></p>
<img src="http://www.cenageunlimited.com/24b4K2395euk8511Q54cZdI942j40Xhbr47Ga-Drrs4rGIEHbwG4wwfGaDvsrEibxEIH47DQModne7wLqH10C5nBsAv/glass-delicacies" alt=""/></body>
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