Hi, I am Jake Ryan. I am a normal college student. At least I used to be. I am 19 years old, 6.1’’ high, and a slim, muscular healthy adult. I was in my way to college. It was 8 am 20 April 2020. I am a student at the St. Marks University, London. It’s been 8 years since we shifted from USA. Earlier we used to live in New Jersey but dad was promoted to London office. We, I mean, me and my dad. My mother left my father when I was 6. The typical, “I woman live my life my own way”. It’s all good and all but what about me. I was shifting from mom’s house to dad every 6 months then remained with him. Now I am here in London.

I had reached the gate of the college. The gate was 5 m long and painted grey. It was made of iron bars. I opened the gate and entered inside. There were cars all parked around the streets. How disgusting it looks. Shouldn’t the authorities look whether the cars are parked properly? It is a daily site in this place. So I just left after parking my bike. Let’s go to my first lecture. She, it was physics by Martha ma’am. Gosh she is so strict. I don’t have a problem with that though. I am an honor student after all.

Like usual there guys talking with girls and all that relationship stuff. I just feel that it is little hectic changing girlfriends every month. Well then the professor had come. The lecture began. It was all usual daily routine. After 4 hours, finally it was break time. I went to the cafeteria where I met my friends. My

Friend are not from my course. Sam is from maths, George is from chemistry, and Elena is from computers. While I am from physics and have also a lot of knowledge of computers. We all sat down in the cafeteria to eat. We all bring our own lunch. The lunch provided here didn’t suit our taste.

The usual atmosphere got built up. We were talking about various things. Elena was laughing at something Sam had said. Ah, the look in his eyes. He is in love with her. But I don’t think she will go out with him. Unlucky him. But all this usual things changed with an announcement.

“Jake Ryan’s, to the principal’s office please.”

“Jake, come back fats buddy.” [Sam]

“Yeah, you guys enjoy.” [Jake]

I walked at a fast pace to the office and was greeted by the receptionist.

“Quickly go in there. Principal is waiting.” [Receptionist]

“En” [Jake]

I opened the door to the principal’s cabin slowly. That guy gets offended if the door makes noise. What a fellow. I entered and sat down on the chair. The principal was looking at me gloomily with a frown. I wondered if I did anything to offend anyone. I don’t actually.

So I asked him, “Yes sir, you called for me?” [Jake]

“Hmm yes I did.” [Principal]

“Listen Jake, you must stay balanced. I know it will come as a blow to you but please control yourself after listening ok.”

The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

“Yes” [Jake]

“We got news that your father has died. He fell from the 12 the floor of a mall in western part of London. I hope you can cope with it. You are an honor student…” [Principal]

All that the principal said after that went over my mind. I didn’t hear him anymore. My whole body shook. Dad, died? How is that possible? Who actually falls from a building without being pushed or jumping on their own? Father was never the type to accept defeat. Even if he was fired he will stay relaxed. Was he murdered? A storm of thoughts was running in my mind as I left.

I didn’t had the mood to attend the classes any further and went to the site. There were police officers all around. The place where he fell was closed to public and the area was marked with chalk. I asked around for the news from an officer but they were still searching. According to the police, there was no witness and cam recordings were gone for the last whole day. It was all too suspicious. He was murdered.

I didn’t know what to do anymore so I went to the church. I just sat there on a bench listening to a chorus by children. But I could hear nothing. After an hour I left. 5 days passed. In these few days, I had to deal with all the formalities being the only member of family. I even got a sms from mom. Many colleagues of dad and friends also came. Even though they said everything will improve, how will it improve?

After all these days of dealing with large no. of people I first time came back home relaxed. I was tired and decided to sleep.

The next morning, I woke early to go to college. It was 6 am. I brushed and opened my dad’s cupboard to get some towel. But my eyes were struck at an object. It was a black box. I don’t remember seeing it there. It was suspicious.

I took it in my hands, but as soon as I touched white light radiated out of it. I fell on the floor in surprise. The box was on the ground and a voice came.

“Consciousness confirmed. Jake Ryan”

I was surprised to see the box. Although it wasn’t that strange. But then a body started to grew around the box. The face of that person shook my soul.

“Dad, you are alive?” [Jake]

“Well, technically yes, practically no.” [Joseph]

“How, I mean I saw your body?”

I was so happy but then I received that news.

“No I am dead. This is just one of the last wisp of my consciousness that I stored yesterday. I was afraid I would be killed. Jake remember be brave and listen properly. I have only 4 min and 30 sec before I have to delete this remnant part of my consciousness otherwise they will know I contacted you. We need to talk. The world is in danger.”