Mind Warp

Adrian woke up from his slumber after hearing noises downstairs. Unable to ignore the sound, he began to descend from the stairs. His head felt heavy and body wet from sweating. Finally reaching towards the living room, he saw his parents sitting on the couch staring at the TV.

"Just 5 mins ago, a bomb went off near the capital building, which killed 20 civilians" the reporter announced. "In a few mins, the president will address the nation, till then, please avoid going to crowded places" she continued.

Adrian, now awake, sat down besides his father. "Dad? What's happening?" he asked. "They tried to attack the capital" his father answered. "Who?" Adrian inquired. "We don't really know" his father responded.

The news was live again. The president was on the channel now." "My fellow Americans"he said, "it's a grave hour for our nation. The enemies of the state tried to attack our country today. This is the third bomb blast this week. I know how scared the people must be, but I assure you we will not rest till justice has been delivered. We will use every force required to protect our nation. Till then, I assure you that no power in the world can bring our glorious country down, no matter the situation, we continue to persevere. God bless the nation." The program switched back to the newsroom, "that was the president just now" the reporter said.

Adrian got up and began moving towards the main door of the house. The tv noise slowly became distant. He opened the door and saw the weather outside. Dark clouds covering the sky, spread a sense of dread everywhere. People were roaming the streets, afraid and equally confused. Adrian looked at the house just parallel to his own. A person carrying a box full of items walked towards a small truck parked infront of the house. It was Hank, his childhood bestfriend. Adrian ran towards the scene. Multiple boxes along with furniture were being loaded into the truck. "Where are you going?" Adrian asked while behind Hank. "Oh! Hi Adrian!" Hank replied. "We are actually leaving this place" he continued. "What! Why?" Adrian panicked. "Haven't you seen the news?" Hank replied. "We are going to a safe house" Hank replied. He loaded another small box onto the truck.

"So are you leaving forever?" Adrian asked with a heavy feeling in his chest. "I don't really know, dad said this might turn into a war situation soon and we must protect ourselves before things go south" Hank said as he loaded his bicycle onto the truck. "Where exactly is this safe house?" Adrian questioned. "It's somewhere near the borders of Texas you know. Right where my grandparents live." Hank answered as he began walking towards the front of the truck. "Also, before going, I need you to have this" Hank said as he gave Adrian a bracelet. "Take care buddy, I hope this war never happens and I get to meet you again" Hank spoke as tears from his eyes began to flow. Adrian hugged him and promised that even if the war happened, he'll come to meet his friend against all odds. Hank's parents now called for him to come and sit inside the truck. The engine started and slowly the truck began to move. Adrian continued to wave his hand towards the truck till it disappeared into the distance. He took the bracelet and walked back towards his room.

The possibility of a war happening was slim but not zero. Adrian stared at the ceiling, unable to think of something else. If the war happened, he would lose everything he knew. His school, his house, his family and his friend. Hank was the only friend he had throughout history childhood, losing him would mean losing his childhood.

Next day at school, everything continued the same. Adrian was alone today. The seat next to his where Hank used to sit, was now empty. Mr Hans could feel the tension amongst the students. He began to write something on the board. "My students" he said, "I know what everyone here is feeling right now" he put the chalk down as he continued, "we are in a state of emergency and no certainty exists of a safe future. The school administration has cancelled all classes till the next week as per the orders from the government. I want you all to spend this time with your friends and family and pray that we may get the chance to continue our lives normally." The bell rang and students began to walk out of the classrooms. Adrian felt uneasy and kept thinking about Hank and his family while walking towards home.

After reaching home, he rushed towards the living room. His father was watching the news program and his mother was in the kitchen, preparing something to eat. Adrian quietly sat down on the couch.

"The Congress had an intense session today" the reporter spoke. "After a fierce debate which lasted for 4 hours, a new law has been passed. Under this law the secret service and FBI can now use the infamous new piece of tech, the X-truda for interrogating and collecting information from criminals and people under suspicion of conspiracy against the country. This law was passed hours after the mastermind behind the bomb attack yesterday were apprehended by the authorities today. A group by the name of 'Freedom Patrol' took the blame for the attacks that happened this week and posted a statement on their social media handles. The authorities tracked the cell phone of one of the members and surrounded them outside of a small coffe shop today." Another reporter began to continue, "the FBI joint director has issued a statement regarding the ethical use of this new technology for interrogation, highlighting the security of the country and promising to respect the human rights of the attackers.

Adrian went up to his room and jumped on his bed, trying to sleep.