1Sunset
While standing there on the shore of the beach, I looked up at the sunset and let the last rays of light spread the warmth over my body.
Standing there, I was thinking of how the world was different now to what it used to be, how my world was different now, because of the mistakes people like me have made.
A chaotic world has formed. Just as through my actions, my world is now chaotic.
While still staring at the ever lowering sun and thinking of my past, I heard the soft steps of someone walking across the sand towards me.
"Hello there Mr. Winters", the stranger had greeted while extending his arm and hand towards me.
Cautiously, I had extended my arm, and then I shook his hand and asked him,
"Who are you? And how do you know me?"
He stood there and replied, "I am a man of no importance, except to tell you that Zarox Industries and all of its facilities are at your disposal, with no charges included, if anything, we are willing to pay you for your services once more".
I just stood there with a thousand images and thoughts rushing through my mind like a hurricane. Zarox Ind. was a place that I thought I had left in my past. I promised myself that I would never have anything to do with them after my military service was complete.
"How dare you come to me! I told you after the massacre of Mid-lake Bridge I wanted out, and to be left alone. Now after all this time you come to me. Why?"
The man, still standing there, contently removed a document from his black leather jacket and said, "Because sir, we can help you out. Or more so, your daughter. We know she has Erickson's disease and it prevents her from communicating with anyone. Our top medical minds have been working on a cure for this disease for some time now and we think we've found that cure".
Standing there listening to what he said brought out anger in me. This stranger kept on talking till I stopped him and said, "So I guess this means that you want my daughter to be the guinea pig for your little science experiment. Just because she has this disease doesn't mean she can't talk to us. I will NOT allow you to experiment on her!" My anger was turning into a rage I had not felt in so many years. When I quit the military I did it as a means to escape the death and destruction I was committing upon so many people. Now I seem to be given the chance to help my daughter after the sins I have committed, but the moral choice I face is, do I deserve to help her after everything I have done. This man just stands there and tells me things I already know, like, "You haven't got the money to care for her", or, "She is all but isolated in her mind, and we can help her free herself, get her to come out of the shell she has been hiding in ever since she was born". Then he said the final sentence which made me stop and think. He said, "You will be set up for life, whether this cure works or fails. No troubles of money, or finding a new home once all your new friends find out your daughter has one of the most contagious diseases on Earth. It's funny how fast people turn against you when they know the truth".
I cannot bear this talk any more; it makes me tremble at the very thought of it. The offer he gives to me, accept and have no troubles of money, or don't and resume this miserable life.
We have no friends because people are afraid of contracting the disease. We can't find a place anywhere.
I turn back to the sun and resume my thoughts, leaving the man standing there while still waiting for a reply. The world is different, disease is more common, as is war and violence. While there are all these troubles, mine and my daughter's life seem insignificant.
The man steps towards me, also staring at the sunset and says, "My son, he had the disease. Unfortunately I lost him to it. I know how it feels to go through the ordeal. When people find out your family is infected with the disease they want nothing to do with you. You can't find a place in the world. You don't belong anywhere".
I looked at him and said, "How do I know if doing this will save her, or condemn her?"
He looked at me and gave me a face of uncertainty, then handed me the document and a pen.
He said nothing but turned to the sunset.
Standing there I let all the thoughts circulate through my head. My daughter is isolated from the world, and I am the only one that loves and cares for her.
Without giving it much more thought, I find myself signing my name on the document.
I feel as if I've sold my soul. No. My daughter's soul.
But this man doesn't seem to think so. If this cure works, all of those who suffer from it will be cured.
Unfortunately, not even the warmth of the sun could stop me from feeling cold. Cold after the choice I have just made...