Eleanor awoke at the crack of dawn one Monday morning to get ready for work. She wasn't fully awake that morning due to her birthday celebration the night before. She was exhausted. Eleanor dragged herself out of bed and went about her morning practices. She brushed her teeth and went through her skincare routine, which gave her brown skin a dewy look. Finally, Eleanor needed to get dressed, but she couldn't decide what to wear, so she wore her favorite go-to outfit. A blue blouse with puffy sleeves and all-over white rose designs. It was paired with a white skirt that flowed in the slightest breeze. Eleanor noticed as she brushed her short blond hair that reached her shoulders that she was having a really excellent hair day. Her hair wasn't frizzy from the summer's hot, humid air. Eleanor finished and went straight to the kitchen, where she could smell the fresh scent of bacon and eggs. It filled the entire house as it captivated her taste buds. She walked up to the dining table and sat down as her grandfather put down a plate of food in front of her. The minute he put down the plate, he started to nag.
"Don’t forget, you need to come home after work today."
"But my friends want to go and hang out with me today!" with a mouth filled with food Eleanor said.
"You celebrated your 19th birthday yesterday with them! They can wait one more day to have fun with you again. You've come of age, and I have something important to tell you about our family."
The only thing that was on Eleanor's mind while her grandfather explained why she needed to come home in the afternoon, was how strongly she wanted to get out of the circumstances she was in. As her grandfather Daniel shouts, "Are you listening to me?" a small chime from her phone alerted her of her departure time. Eleanor's grandfather begun to babble again, causing her to look at him once more. Eleanor's grandfather, furious, remarked, "It was supposed to happen on your birthday, but you--"
Eleanor finally succumbed to his pestering, and before he could finish his statement, she cut him off and said, "OK, ok, I promise I'll come home after work today." His face softened, and he breathed deeply. In a frenzy, Eleanor grabbed her belongings, kissed her grandfather on the cheek as she always did, and said goodbye. Eleanor rushes out of the house because she was going to be late for work. Daniel sighs defeatedly and thinks to himself, "Goodness, what will I do with her?"
The day came and went as the sun traveled from East to West. Eleanor exited the office building where she had started her new job. As her phone rang, she scrambled through her bag to retrieve it. She glanced at her phone and noticed that one of her friends, whom she was meant to meet, was calling her. She picked up the phone.
Eleanor’s friend since sophomore year in high school said,
"Hey Ella, Tori and I talked and agreed that I’d be the one to come pick you up." Reluctantly, Eleanor said, “Actually, about that, we have to reschedule our plans. I can’t make it today. My granddad says he needs me to help him with something important."
"Aww, That's too bad. Alright, I’ll let the other girls know."
"Sorry, I’ll make it up to you guys next time. Thanks, Daisy; we’ll talk later."
Eleanor hung up the phone and began to head home. As the sun sank, the sky turned a gorgeous yellowish orange with a tint of pink. Her grandfather knew she had returned home because her keys made a noise when she attempted to unlock the door. Eleanor opened the door and entered the house, saying, "Grandpa, I’m home!"
"Welcome home, Ella. Go put your things down so we can make our way to the library."
"The Library?"
"What I want to show and pass on to you resides at the Library."
"Ok, give me a second."
Eleanor and her grandfather made their way to the Library. It was passed down to him by his father, Eleanor's great-grandfather. Eleanor knew that she and her younger brother Nathaniel would inherit the library from their grandfather after their parents had died. They made their way to the back, where only employees and select personnel were permitted. When the door opened, a large hallway with multiple doors leading down was revealed. Daniel brings Eleanor into his office and walks over to the bookcase behind his desk. The bookshelf appeared to be any ordinary bookshelf, with rows upon rows of books. But, upon closer investigation, one specific book stood out. It was snuggled between two larger books, nearly hidden. He pulled the book from between two larger books, and the bookcase moved to the side, revealing spiraling stairs. Eleanor and her younger brother had grown up playing in and around their grandfather's Library, so she assumed she knew everything there was to know. She was astonished, however, to see a flight of stairs in her grandfather's office. "Grandpa, s-since when was this here?" Eleanor couldn't believe what she was witnessing. He never responded to her question and only instructed her to follow him. Eleanor simply followed her grandfather down the stairs, looking at him with confusion and curiosity. They got to the bottom and saw a large open space. Eleanor stood at the bottom of the steps while Daniel proceeded further in. She did not waste any time, saying, "Grandpa, please answer my question."
"I wanted to show you this ever since you awakened your abilities. I'm sure you've wondered why we are a little different from other people."
Eleanor nodded her head, sensing the tension in the air.
"That is because we are not originally from this world," Daniel added. This Library has been passed down through generations in order to safeguard the book you see over there. Your great-great-grandfather was the last to possess the book. Ella, I'm giving you this today."
Daniel approaches the floating book, which is surrounded by a blue light on a white stand made out of stone. The book was dark brown in color and had gold embellishments on the outer edges and a golden gem in the middle. Daniel removed the book from its concealment and beckoned Eleanor to come closer. Eleanor approaches her grandfather, who hands her the book he was holding. Eleanor examined the book and noticed unusual writing on the front cover that follows the outside borders of the book in a circle. Eleanor reads the book cover:
“He who contends with beasts should take heed, lest he become as the beast. For if thou dost peer long into the abyss, the abyss too shall peer into thee.”
She glances at the book with a puzzled expression on her face. She looks up at her grandfather and inquires as to its significance. He, too, had no idea what it meant. He never bothered to look into it.
"Why are you giving this ominous-sounding book to me?"
"There are people born with special blessings from the Gods and Goddesses where we originally come from. They are referred to as sacred progenies. They are given a fraction of a god or Goddess's power in exchange for killing the demons and creatures that plague our planet. Each sacred progeny receives an item to help them with their abilities. Your great-great-grandfather was a sacred progeny, but there were no more after him until today. Ella, you are one of the sacred progenies. sacred progenies, on the other hand, are only born when the world is in desperate need of assistance."
In a shaken voice, Eleanor asked, "If we're not from this world, then how the heck did we get here? And how do you even know if I'm this sacred progeny you're talking about?"
Eleanor knew with every fiber in her bones that what her grandfather was saying was true, but she refused to believe it. Everything that had occurred to her when she was a child was beginning to make sense. From having her birthmark mistaken for a tattoo, to being teased because of her unusual eye color, to having to relocate due to an accident when she was 12 years old, and much more.
"I am not sure myself. My father, your great-grandfather, did not tell me. All I know is that a special necklace transported your great-great-grandfather here. However, to answer your other question, a sacred progeny is born with certain characteristics. Each child is different, but for our family, a sacred progeny is born with golden eyes and the Goddess’s symbol as a birthmark, which you both have."
After hearing what her grandfather had to say, she quickly grew silent. All Eleanor could do was look at the ground, dumbfounded as her grandfather continued to tell her about their families secrets that he knew. After a while he finished.
"Come, let's go back home now. I told you a lot of shocking news in one night. We will continue another time."
Eleanor and her grandfather went back upstairs. They left the library and went home for the night.
Friday, June 9th, 2006, 6 a.m.
Eleanor was awakened by her loud alarm clock, which she thought was really unpleasant for the first time since high school. She couldn't sleep last night because of the news that was conveyed to her. Eleanor was used to staying up late and waking up early, so she was perplexed as to why she was feeling even more weary than normal. Eleanor pulled herself out of bed and went to the restroom. She looked in the mirror after she finished taking care of herself and saw nothing except her dark circles. She wasn't feeling or looking her best, but she couldn't keep dragging her feet for too long. She needed to get ready for another workday. Daniel could tell Eleanor was thinking about what he told her last night as she headed to the dining area for breakfast. He put the meal in front of her without saying anything other than, "Have a good day at work." Eleanor cracks a small smile that disappears a second too soon and murmurs, "Thanks", before starting to eat her meal. When the time came, she flung her bag over her shoulder and walked out of the house without saying goodbye to her grandfather.
At work, Eleanor goes through the motions. She groans and looks at her phone, unable to concentrate on her tasks. It was an hour past noon. Eleanor wanted to finish her project before going on her lunch break, but she couldn't. She thought she needed a change of scenery or she wouldn't be able to carry out her responsibilities for the day. Eleanor chose to eat lunch somewhere other than her workplace canteen. She visits her favorite fast food restaurant, Gateway Grub. Eleanor enters and glances to her right to see her friends sitting in the back. Eleanor's face lit up like the sun as she was overjoyed to see her friends.
She assumed it was fate that brought them together so she could have a wonderful time and have her friends brighten her mood for the better. When it was Eleanor's turn to place an order, she provided them with a fabricated name to use when calling her to collect her meal. She didn't want the staff members to call her by her real name since she was afraid her friends might hear. Eleanor wanted to surprise her friends. She gets her food, and as she prepares to surprise and scare her friends, she comes to a halt before she can shout out to them. Eleanor overhears them discussing her behind her back.
"She canceled on you guys again?"
"Yeah, it's honestly getting annoying. We befriended her because her family has a little bit of money, so we thought we could use her a bit, but now she’s getting annoying."
"Right?! She can be a little creepy sometimes too. I overheard her talking on the phone one time about this special "ability" she has. Like, girl, we know you're special, but not the kind you think you are."
"What did she say about it?"
"What did she say again? .... That she can heal people?" Her voice wavered, as if she were grappling with a fading memory
The three girls who were talking badly about Eleanor burst out laughing. "I wonder how she became that crazy. Savior complex much?"
Oh, look at the time girls; let's get going. We have to start making our way to the airport to catch our flight to Hawaii."
"Oh my god, I’m so excited. You all have your excuses for when she calls, right?"
"Of course, I don’t want her bitching as to why we didn't invite her."
Eleanor was distraught with what she had just heard. Her eyes were wide open, and she was undoubtedly startled by the shock as she leaned over in the corner, carrying her tray of food. Anyone who saw her could tell she was in pain since her complexion was pale and she had a cold sweat on her face. A passing stranger approached Eleanor and supported her with his arm since he noticed she was in a precarious position.
"Are you alright Miss?"
"Oh, umm, thank you. I-I’m alright."
"I think you should sit down. You don’t seem that well.
"Thank you, but I'll be leaving. Thank you for your concern."
Eleanor walked to the front of the restaurant to have her meal packaged so she could take it to go. She had no reason to remain after all. She exited the building and noticed a park across the street from Gateway Grub with lovely pink cherry blossoms in full bloom. Eleanor went to the park and sat on a bench under a tree that provided nice shade from the sun. She took a deep breath as she raised her head to the sky before calling her employer. She couldn't think of anything else to say except that she wasn't feeling well and wouldn't be back for the day. Despite the fact that it was a stunningly sunny day in early June, Eleanor believed the day was dark and dreary. She sat in the park for hours, lost in her thoughts. Eleanor is shy at heart, despite her outgoing attitude. She doesn't have a wide social circle and prefers to maintain it that way. Knowing that her minuscule number of friends aren't actually her true friends reiterated why she doesn't have many. Eleanor began walking back home after a few hours at the park. When she returned home, she removed her shoes at the front entrance and went straight to her bedroom, where she shut herself away.
Daniel returned home from work later that afternoon. When he walked in the front door, he noticed Eleanor's shoes. She didn't usually return home before him, so he was perplexed as to why she was already home. He knocks three times on her bedroom door. There was no response. After knocking again and receiving no response, he unlocks the door to find Eleanor watching television and enjoying a container of ice cream while wrapped in her blanket.
"Why didn’t you answer when I knocked on your door?"
"You knocked? Oh… Sorry. I didn’t hear you."
"What's the matter?"
"It....It’s nothing. I just want to be alone."
"This doesn’t look or sound like ‘nothing, but I’ll leave you alone for now. Don’t eat too much ice cream, and don’t forget that your brother's graduation is coming up, so make sure to pack your suitcase tonight. We have an 11 o’clock flight to catch."
"Yeah, I remember."
"Ok good. I’ll leave you dinner in case you still want some."
"Thanks…."
June 10th, 2006, 8:15 a.m.
"You know you have a hard time sleeping when you consume too much sugar late at night. I told you we have a flight to catch in the morning."
"I'm sorry, but I couldn't put it down, but aren't you being too paranoid? There's still 3 hours till our flight."
"We live 2 hours from the nearest airport, and it's the busiest time of the year for travel!"
“What?!” Eleanor exclaimed, her eyes widening with disbelief.
"I thought it was only an hour! Okay, I'm done. I’m done. Let’s go," Eleanor hurriedly declared urgently.
Eleanor and her grandfather got in their car and headed to the airport. Before leaving for the airport, Daniel parks his car in a designated spot where it can be left for a few days while they travel. They had barely made it to the plane terminal and boarded their flight five minutes before the flight attendants shut the airplane door. Daniel had forgotten how fatiguing it was to attempt to catch a flight with his granddaughter. Eleanor and her grandfather arrived in Doraco three hours later.
They passed through security and into the airport arrivals lobby. Eleanor noticed a swarm of people waving name cards as they exited, seeking their guests. Daniel advised Eleanor to hurry over to the exit so they wouldn't get absorbed by the oncoming mob. Daniel took out his phone and began making phone calls as soon as they exited the airport, although they didn’t seem to connect. He walked in place, turning in small circles, listening to the phone ring as he waited for the call to go through. Eleanor wasn't sure who he was calling, so she approached him and inquired. That's when a man with Southeast Asian features steps out of a blue SUV. He rushes up to Eleanor and her grandfather, calling Daniel's name. Eleanor and Daniel both turned around simultaneously. Daniel's face lit up like a light bulb when he saw the man approach them, while Eleanor was wondering who the man calling out to her grandfather was. "Christopher!" Daniel exclaims happily as he walks toward the man, arms open, ready to embrace him.
Christopher, a friend from Daniel’s past, approached him with a warm smile. It’s good to see you again, he said, pulling him into a familiar embrace.
"It's good to see you too Daniel. How is the family"?
"Well as you can see my granddaughter, everyone is all grown up now."
Eleanor stands on the side watching her grandfather at a small distance, and this man, who is unknown to her, acts all friendly and close. All she could wonder about was their relationship. Eleanor noticed that as they were talking, Christopher looked at her as he talked to her grandfather.
"She's that little girl that used to follow you around all the time? Wow, time sure does go by fast, doesn't it?" he pointed out. Christopher walks over to Eleanor and introduces himself.
"Hello, my name is Christopher Wong. You probably don't remember me, but I'm your grandfather's childhood friend."
"I’m sorry, I don't remember."
"That’s alright. This can be our second to first meeting. It’s nice to meet you Eleanor."
Eleanor extends a friendly handshake in response to Christopher holding out his hand. Daniel expresses gratitude to Christopher for picking them up since otherwise he and Eleanor would have needed to order a taxi. It would be far too expensive to get from the airport to their accommodations. Eleanor began putting the luggage into the car. Daniel and Christopher assisted her in loading their belongings as well. They climbed inside the car and sped off. After an additional hour and 45 minutes, they reach their hotel. Christopher once again assists them with their stuff. To check in, they approach the front desk. Eleanor was under the legal drinking age, so Daniel had to do it himself.
Anyone under the age of 21 cannot make a reservation at the hotel or check in. Eleanor complained to herself as she signed the liability documents with her grandfather after learning their policy. Daniel nudged her arm and begged her to stop since they could hear her. She looked up to see the front desk receptionist staring at her with one eyebrow raised. She looks at the receptionist, lowers her head, and continues to sign her paperwork. When the front desk receptionist handed Daniel the room keys and Christopher saw that they had checked in, he told them that he needed to go. He needed to pick up his granddaughter. Eleanor and her grandfather took the elevator to their hotel room.
Eleanor and her grandfather entered the hotel room on the 4th floor. Upon walking in, they were greeted by a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
As they stepped into the hotel room, the bathroom door greeted them on the left. The bathroom itself was spacious and well-appointed, with modern fixtures and a combination of a bathtub and a shower. Clean, fluffy towels were neatly stacked, ready for use. Inside the bathroom, there was a large closet equipped with hangers and shelves for storing their clothes and belongings during their stay. As they walked further into the room, two beds--dressed in soft, crisp white linens and topped with fluffy duvets and plump pillows--rest against the right-hand wall, immediately visible upon entry. A sleek TV sits on a stand at the foot of the beds, perfectly positioned for easy viewing. Just beyond, tucked against the far-left wall, a small dining table offers a place to enjoy a quiet meal. A stylish wooden table nearby holds a coffee and tea station with a small microwave, complete with an electric kettle, coffee maker, and an assortment of tea bags and coffee pods. Two cups and saucers are neatly arranged, inviting guests to savor a warm drink while taking in the soft glow of the room. At the far end of the room, large windows flood the space with natural light, positioned near the bed farthest from the door allowing natural light to flood the space during the day. Elegant curtains framed the windows, giving the option to control the amount of light entering the room. Under the windows, there was a comfortable seating area consisting of two plush armchairs. It was the perfect spot for Eleanor and her grandfather to relax and enjoy the view outside. The hotel room exuded a sense of tranquility and serenity, allowing Eleanor and her grandfather to unwind and feel at ease.
As Eleanor and her grandfather began to unpack their luggage, Eleanor's stomach grumbled, and she raised her hand to her stomach. She felt like she had a hole in her stomach since she hadn't eaten anything before leaving for the airport, and she didn't want to buy overpriced airport food. Eleanor was more prudent than the rest of her family. Her grandfather believes she picked up this behavior from her mother. Eleanor decided to hold out until they arrived in Doraco. Eleanor thought she and her grandfather were going to stop for food, but her grandfather's friend, Christopher, arrived to pick them up. She didn't want to disturb him with a snack break because he was on a tight schedule. Daniel heard Eleanor's stomach continue to rumble after the first. He stood up straight and said, "Shall we go and get something to eat? It's four thirty-two, and we both haven't eaten anything all day."
"What should we get?" Eleanor asked.
"We'll see what the hotel offers, but if they don't have anything we like, we can purchase something to eat."
"Eleanor agreed with her grandfather’s suggestion, so they took a break from their work and made their way downstairs to the lobby. They approached an employee to ask about dinner options, and the staff member directed them to a nearby restaurant. Upon arrival, they found the restaurant bustling with activity. The establishment offered a buffet-style of Italian cuisine, which Eleanor and her grandfather found delightful. Deciding to dine there, they enjoyed their meal before heading back to their room. After unpacking and preparing their outfits for the next day, they settled in for the night, knowing that Nathaniel’s graduation was just around the corner."
Sunday, June 11th, 6:45 a.m.
The night flew swiftly. Eleanor's grandfather was the first to awaken. He gets out of bed and sits for a few seconds on the side of his bed. He stands up and begins his morning stretches. His doctor instructed him to do so before going to bed and when he wakes up to loosen the muscles, help movement, and decrease tension because he is over 65. After stretching, he walks past his and Eleanor's beds to raise the curtain, offering a breathtaking view of the city. Eleanor, who was still half asleep, shifted from her left to her right side since the sun was directly in her face from the window. Daniel returns to his bed, takes a pillow, and hurls it at Eleanor, asking her to wake up. Eleanor gets up in bed, still groggy, and asks, "What was that for?"
"You need to get up now. We have to start getting ready to go to the graduation ceremony."
"Uh, whose idea was it to make the ceremony in the morning?"
"Stop complaining and holding the pillow and get up. I'll use the bathroom first, so wake yourself up in the meantime."
"Yeah, yeah! I'll get up when you come out of the bathroom, " Eleanor remarked listlessly as she disregarded what Daniel said.
Eleanor fell back into bed as soon as Daniel entered the bathroom. He brushed his teeth, washed his face, and went to use the toilet, but most importantly, he got dressed. By the time he came back out, Eleanor was fast asleep again. He sighed and approached her bed. He ripped the blankets off her and began slapping her legs, telling her she needed to get up and not be late. Eleanor instantly awakened and began to cry out.
"Alright, alright, I'm up, so stop hitting me," Eleanor whined.
"Hurry up and go get ready. I'll go get food for us in the meantime."
"Alright, Ok, geez. You couldn't be more gentle? What if you leave a scar on my beautiful skin?"
Daniel raised his hand in exasperation, his teeth clenched as he looked at her. "If you don't stop fooling around and get ready, I’ll--" he gritted out, the frustration clear in his voice.
“Ok, I'm going," Eleanor quickly cuts in.
Daniel puts on his shoes and proceeds downstairs to prepare breakfast, while Eleanor goes into the bathroom to get ready. Eleanor was putting on the dress she chose last night when she observed herself in the mirror and decided that the dress she was wearing was insufficient. She went to her suitcase and selected three other gowns to try on. Eleanor's grandfather returned with the food at that point, and he noticed her pulling out more dresses.
"Why are you taking out your other dresses again?"
"I feel like this one isn't the best option."
"You tried on dresses all night last night. What more do you not like?"
"I don't know; this one I'm wearing just doesn't feel right anymore."
Daniel sighed and said, "Fine, just hurry up and don't make us late. Your food will be on the table."
"Ok, I'll be quick."
Daniel commented on her statement when she snatched the gowns and walked directly into the restroom. "I highly doubt you understand what that truly means."
Daniel sat at the hotel room's little table and ate his portion of breakfast he had prepared for himself. Eleanor had not yet emerged from the restroom when he finished eating and cleaning up his mess. He checked the time and noticed it was eight o'clock. One hour before the commencement of the graduation ceremony. He sat in the chair near the window, watching the weather report.
"As you can see on the map, the hurricane is rapidly approaching Doraco and is expected to arrive by Tuesday." Because it is a category three storm, there is no need to evacuate, but make sure you remain home that night." Daniel changed channels after hearing the weather prediction to see what was on television. He noticed the time was eight fifteen a.m. and began to shout out for Eleanor. She instantly answered that she was almost finished. Eleanor was particular about how she dressed for major events, such as the one she was about to attend. As she was finishing up, Daniel informed her that he was going to call the taxi since they needed to go shortly. After a few minutes, Eleanor emerges from the bathroom wearing a beautiful floral A-Line dress.
"What do you think?"
"You look beautiful, but we have to go. It's eight forty-five, and the ceremony starts at nine o’clock. The taxi is here, so here's your purse. Let's go."
Eleanor turned her head in amazement as she was pushed out the door and murmured, "That didn't sound very genuine." They made their way downstairs, went into the taxi, and headed off.
Things were moving swiftly at the graduation venue as Eleanor and her grandfather were departing for the graduation ceremony. The air was charged with anticipation and excitement as family members and friends of the graduates filtered in and took their seats. Ushers are standing at the entrance, waiting to assist the graduates to their seats. On the stage, there were a row of chairs. Behind the chairs, a large banner with the high school’s logo was hung, serving as a backdrop for the ceremony. On either side of the banner, tall plants and flowers had been placed, lending a touch of natural beauty to the otherwise formal setting. As the ceremony began, the graduates proceeded in, the sound of their footsteps echoing through the hall. Each graduate found their designated seat, and the sense of pride and accomplishment was palpable in the air.
As Daniel and Eleanor were on their way to the ceremony, Daniel was getting restless. They got stuck in traffic as they drove about a quarter to their destination. They had waited in traffic for fifteen minutes, barely moving an inch. Daniel eventually gave up and asked the driver why there was so much congestion. The driver informs them about an accident at exit 68, the exit they were to exit off onto in order to go to the graduation ceremony. The driver notified them that it will take half an hour to reach their location. They had no choice but to wait. Daniel leaned back in his seat and gazed out the window, where he saw other automobiles bumper-to-bumper.
The graduation ceremony proceeds as Eleanor and her grandfather are caught in traffic. The stage was filled with speakers and dignitaries, each sharing words of wisdom and inspiration with the graduates. At times, the audience erupted into cheers and applause as speakers acknowledged the hard work and dedication of the graduating class. Nathaniel was seated in the fourth row of graduate students. He would occasionally glance behind him to see whether his grandfather was present.
“Nathan, are you looking for your family?" Nathaniel’s friend asked.
"Yeah, I’m looking for my grandfather, but I don’t see him."
"I’m sure he will get here in time to see you walk across the stage."
As the ceremony drew to a close, the graduates were called to the stage one by one to receive their diplomas. It was a moment of pure joy and celebration as each graduate walked across the stage to receive their hard-earned degree. Finally, it was time to call the fourth row. The students got out of their seats, walked to their right, and then proceeded directly toward the stage. Eleanor and her grandfather had finally arrived while the students were making their way to the stage. After thanking and tipping the driver, they took off. When they arrived at the auditorium, Nathaniel's name was already being called out. Due to exhaustion, Eleanor was slouched over and gasping for air after running to the auditorium where the ceremony was being held. When Eleanor heard her brother's name being called, she took a deep breath, stood up, and faced the platform. He looked different. He was taller and more mature, but she could still recognize him with his iconic dark brown skin, blond hair, and green eyes. Eleanor had not seen her brother Nathan in over four years. There had been a time when they were inseparable, like two peas in a pod, but that was a long time ago. However, after their parents passed away, they grew apart completely. Daniel was relieved that they arrived in time to witness him walk across the stage. He was pleased that his grandson had matured into a fine young man.
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
Nathaniel noticed his sister and grandfather standing in the back as he walked across the platform. He was overjoyed to see that his grandfather had come to his graduation but surprised that his sister was there as well. He received his diploma, shook hands with the school's president, principals, and other officials, and posed for a picture. He quickly came off the stage. The ceremony was a huge success, and now it was time for the parents to celebrate with their children. They were provided drinks and allowed to take photographs. Nathaniel was wandering about, looking for his family. They eventually found each other in the midst of the crowd. As he approached his sister and their grandfather, he could feel his heart racing. He could see that Eleanor was looking at him, and his nerves only intensified. He felt a mix of emotions: nervousness, guilt, and regret. He had missed her terribly all these years but didn't know how to reach out to her. Daniel goes to give a hug to Nathaniel.
"Ahhh, my grandson, congratulations! How have you been? I've missed you much," said Daniel as he gave Nathaniel a great big, sturdy hug.
Nathaniel cracked a smile and said, "I missed you too, granddad. How was your flight getting here?"
"It wasn't too bad, but I almost missed it because of your sister here."
"I'm sorry, I didn’t know we had to drive 2 hours to get to the nearest airport."
"It's because you woke up late and took forever to get ready!"
Eleanor was feeling nervous as she saw her brother. When Nathaniel walked up to Eleanor, she felt a knot form in her stomach as he approached her. Nathaniel wanted to hug Eleanor to make up for all the lost time, but he was unsure if she wanted the same. Would she be cold and distant toward him? Or would she reject him outright? For a moment, they just stared at each other. Nathaniel hesitated for a moment before moving closer to Eleanor. She was hesitant too, but as he opened his arms for a hug, she tentatively stepped forward. "It’s good to see you again, Nathaniel said. Eleanor felt conflicted but was happy when she went in for a hug. As Nathaniel and Eleanor hugged each other, their grandfather watched on with a mixture of emotions. He had always hoped that his grandchildren would reconcile their differences, but he had never imagined that it would happen like this. He felt a sense of nostalgia wash over him as he saw the siblings embrace after four long years. It reminded him of the times when they were younger and would play together in the backyard. He missed those days, and he had always regretted that he couldn't do more to prevent the rift between them. As Nathaniel and Eleanor let go of each other, their grandfather approached them with a smile. He could see they were still a bit awkward around each other, and he hoped that this was just the beginning of a new chapter in their relationship.
Eleanor's stomach began to churn as Nathaniel and her grandfather were talking. Both Nathaniel and Daniel stared at Eleanor as they heard her stomach grumble for food. They exchanged glances and agreed that they should go have some of the refreshments that the school had provided. Eleanor, Nathaniel, and Daniel ate their fill and took photographs to commemorate the occasion. Nathaniel's classmates spotted him in the far distance and approached him. They took pictures with him before saying their goodbyes and going their separate ways. Eleanor and her family exited the school premises and brought Nathaniel to his dorm. He needed to begin packing his belongings in order to leave the dormitories for good. Before they parted, Daniel suggested they go sightseeing tomorrow to spend some time together as a family again. Nathaniel and Eleanor looked at each other, surprised by the sudden proposal. Nathaniel had lived in the city of Doraco for four years. He was familiar with and had seen all of the tourist attractions. He glanced at Eleanor, trying to figure her out. Eleanor glanced at Nathaniel, aware of their estranged relationship. She wanted to go explore the city, but she wasn't sure if Nathaniel would be willing to go if she was there. Daniel could tell they were both unsure of each other, so he made the decision for them.
"Ok, no one is answering, so that settles it. We're going on a tour of the city. Everyone in agreement?"
"Yeah, we can do that," Nathaniel exclaimed.
"I’m really hoping to see the beaches," Eleanor mentioned.
Daniel was relieved that they had both agreed. Eleanor and Daniel said their goodbyes to Nathaniel and returned to their hotel to prepare for the day ahead of them.
Monday, June 12th, 2006, 9:30 a.m.
A new day began with Eleanor, Nathaniel, and their grandfather going sightseeing.
"I don't know why you decided to waste money on a tourist company when Nathaniel decided to come. He could have shown us around. Nathaniel lived here for four years," Eleanor Bickered.
"Now, he may have lived here for four years, but he can't possibly know everything in this city. The tickets say our seats are on the top of the bus. Let's go before the bus leaves," Daniel retorted.
When Nathaniel swiftly boarded the bus, Eleanor groaned in dissatisfaction because she wanted to see the beautiful beaches of Doraco, but the bus was not touring that part of Doraco today. Daniel was the last to board. The bus brought them all across town. They visited Criton's statue in Uzrona. The Doraco Wildlife Preservation National Park, the Acostin National Museum of History, and many more locations. The bus would stop at tourist attractions so that those on the trip could stroll around the area or take photographs with their families before continuing on the tour, which Eleanor and her family did. The first segment of the tour was completed.
The tour bus came to a stop in a shopping district so both the tourists and the tour guide could take a break and have lunch. Nathaniel was tasked with finding and recommending a restaurant for lunch. They dined at a restaurant that featured Native Doracian cuisine.
Nathaniel picked Leaf Coffeehouse as their dining destination. They provided traditional Doracian food. It was about a five-minute walk from where they were. When Eleanor and her family arrived, they noticed a green and beige building.
Nestled amidst its surroundings, The brick building stood out among its surroundings as a compelling combination of colors and textures. Its exterior featured a unique layout, with the bottom piece decorated in a deep shade of green and the top portion in a warm and inviting beige. The deep green bricks at the foundation provided a sense of rootedness. The brilliant green color coated the building's base, providing a sense of freshness and vibrancy. The beige bricks above provided an air of beauty and timelessness to the building's exterior. Their gentle and earthy tone oozed warmth and embraced a sense of relaxation. The roof, which crowned the building, stood out with its sleek black finish. The black roof added an element of modernity, complementing the traditional charm of the brick structure. Adding to the building's charm, greenery cascaded down its walls, breathing life and vitality into the scene. Vines and climbing plants embraced the bricks, their leaves creating a beautiful tapestry of nature's touch. This unique brick building, with its striking green and beige combination, black roof, and vibrant greenery, captured the eye and invited contemplation. The Eclair family entered the building.
A bell was hung above the entrance so that when someone stepped in, the bell would ring, alerting the staff to the presence of a new customer. It was a quiet establishment with a welcoming atmosphere. It wasn't substantial in size, but it was one of those small family-run restaurants. When they entered, they noticed that there were already a few people seated and eating. Three groups with families, two dining alone, and one that appears to be a group of friends sharing lunch. Daniel approached the counter, which was immediately visible as soon as they went in. Behind the counter was a powerful, tall, black-haired man with a pleasant grin on his face. He welcomed them with a cordial welcome. The family answered in an amicable way. The waiter recognized them as foreigners the moment they stepped in. He inquired about Eleanor and her family's enjoyment of the Doracian attractions. They exclaimed that they were having a great time, and Daniel struck up a discussion with the muscular waiter. Eleanor and Nathaniel just looked through the menu. After a while, Daniel ended the conversation and asked if they could order their meals. Eleanor placed an order for the Doraco garlic chicken soufflé. It's a meal made with flour, baking powder, and minced chicken seasoned with garlic and other ingredients, as well as cheese. After baking, it has a light and fluffy texture. Nathaniel ordered Tilapia Florentine over rice. It's a fish meal with spinach and a touch of lemon on top, served with rice and string beans on the side. Finally, Daniel had the same dish ordered as Eleanor. They had a good family talk while eating their lunch.
Daniel questioned Nathaniel about his experiences in Doraco and his plans for the future. Daniel only heard of a few career choices Nathaniel was interested in, but Nathaniel never told him what he had decided on. Eleanor did nothing but sit and listen. She was lost in her own thoughts. Her grandfather started to talk about past memories and suggested that she and Nathaniel hang out together like old times. After Eleanor heard that, she snapped back into the moment and focused on what her grandfather was saying.
"Grandpa, I don’t think it’s such a good idea to keep pushing," Eleanor disputed.
"Sure, why not," Nathaniel added.
"What?" Eleanor said in disbelief.
While shrugging his shoulders slightly, Nathaniel replied, "Hanging out together... I’m up for it."
Eleanor let out a small sigh and said, "Ok, fine. If he’s ok with it, then I guess I am too."
Just like that, it was agreed that Eleanor and Nathaniel would hang out tomorrow. Daniel wanted to go visit his childhood friend, so he thought it would be a great opportunity for Eleanor and Nathaniel to spend some time together and hopefully mend their relationship. After they ate, they paid the bill and went back to the bus. It was time for the bus to continue its route to finish the other half of the tour. By the time the tour was complete, it was nighttime. Nathaniel went back to his dorm because he had to finish packing up his things to leave the dorms. Eleanor and her grandfather made their way back to their hotel. When they got to the hotel and were in the elevator, Daniel got a phone call.
"Hello?... Oh, hey there. What’s going on? Why are you calling me from this number? … What? … Alright, alright, I’ll do what I can. I’ll see what I can dig up and I’ll be there soon."
Daniel hung up the phone, his expression tense. Sensing something was wrong, Eleanor immediately asked, “What happened?”
“It was Jeff, the library director," Daniel said, rubbing his forehead. "The library got broken into. They stole five thousand dollars' worth of electronics and another two thousand in books."
Eleanor’s eyes widened. "How did that happen?"
“I don’t know the details yet,” Daniel replied, his voice steady despite his frustration. “I’ll have to fly back home and find out. First, I need to book the earliest flight.”
Eleanor instinctively moved to start packing, but Daniel raised a hand to stop her. “Hold on, I’m actually going to need you to stay for a little bit. I was to go see Michael to pick up some books he wanted to donate to the library, but I won’t have time to get them and send them back home. I’ll need you to do that for me. Will you?"
"What? But I want to go back home too. Plus, I don't want to be here in Doraco alone."
"It’ll only take you two days tops to do all that, and you're not alone. Your brother is here."
"....Right," Eleanor conceded, though her tone carried a hint of suspicion.
"You will be fine. Plus, you can come back together when you are done. Also, I would recommend staying and enjoying the trip since you don't travel often."
"....That's true.... Ok, I guess I'll stay for a while longer. I did want to see the beaches here."
"Ok, help me pack up my things while I look for an early flight."
Eleanor packs her grandfather's things as he books an early flight for tomorrow.
Tuesday, June 13th, 2006, 9:30 a.m.
The next day comes, and just before Daniel leaves for the airport, he tells Eleanor to be careful and to watch her surroundings. Eleanor reassures him one last time, and he goes inside the taxi to go to the airport. Eleanor calls Nathaniel to see if he still wants to meet up, and he agrees. "So, what do you want to do?" Nathaniel asked.
"We can do whatever you feel like doing," Eleanor said.
"What about the beach?" Nathaniel inquired.
Eleanor was pleasantly surprised that Nathaniel remembered what she said since she thinks he doesn’t care about her.
"Alright, yeah. Let's go to the beach."
"Alright, I’ll head over to you."
Eleanor and Nathan go to the beach together. Eleanor really wanted to go look at the beach because Doraco was also famous for its clear waters. When Eleanor and Nathaniel arrived at the beach, they saw the vast expanse of the ocean that stretched out before them, shimmering in the bright summer sun. The waves crashed gently against the shore, and the sound of its movement was soothing to their ears. The water was a clear, mesmerizing shade of blue. The beach was lined with palm trees that swayed in the gentle breeze, casting shadows on the sand. The sand itself was pristine, a soft, powdery white that felt cool under their feet. As Eleanor gazed out at the ocean, she felt a sense of peace wash over her. She took out her phone and begun to take some pictures of the beautiful view. Nathaniel made his way into her viewpoint unknowingly while he was looking into the distance. She began taking both pictures of the view and her brother. As Eleanor was taking the pictures, she remembered the good times they had shared as siblings before their relationship took a sour turn. When Eleanor was gazing at the stunning view of the beach, her mind became clouded with mixed emotions. She felt happy to be spending time with her brother, Nathaniel, but at the same time, she couldn't help but feel some resentment towards him for their past. She felt a pang of indignation mixed with nostalgia. She wished things could go back to how they were before; however, the resentment she still held towards Nathaniel made it difficult for her to forgive him completely. She knew she needed to move past their past conflicts, but she couldn't help but feel conflicted. She felt like she was in a catch-22 situation.
As Nathaniel walked along the beach, he couldn't help but feel a sense of tranquility wash over him. The beauty of the scenery was breathtaking, no matter how many times he had seen it. He found himself lost in thought as he took in the picturesque view. As he turned to see Eleanor, he noticed that she had taken out her phone and was taking pictures of the beach. A sense of shyness washed over him, and he looked away, feeling self-conscious. He knew that Eleanor had always been good at capturing moments.
They became hungry and decided to go buy some food. They chose to dine at the Latte Lounge café. They arrived and were placed at a window seat with a view of the city's hustle and bustle, with visitors, locals, and little children running around enjoying their summer holiday. Nathaniel inquired of Eleanor about their grandfather's whereabouts after they had placed their order. Eleanor realized she had entirely forgotten to inform Nathaniel that Daniel had returned to Soriano to handle the robbery issue at home. She then continued to tell Nathaniel what had transpired the night before.
"How come you didn't go back with Granddad?"
"He wants me to collect a rare collection of books from someone he knows, so he asked me to stay back to collect them, which I did this morning. He also said it would be good if we spent some time together," Eleanor said as she picked up the cup of water that the waitress had placed on the table.
"Why didn’t he just get them shipped? We don't have to spend time together. It would have been better if you went back with Grandpa."
Eleanor's hand stopped midway before she was able to drink the water, and she said, "Is that so?"
At that moment, Nathan knew he had said something that anyone would take the wrong way. He saw the look on Eleanor's face. Eleanor sighed and put the cup down on the table.
"Well, I wasn’t originally going to come, but Granddad convinced me to come. Saying that you wanted to reconcile, you changed and matured a bit, but I guess some habits die hard."
"Ella, I’m sorry I--"
"Don’t get me wrong, I was looking forward to seeing you again after so many years when you wouldn't even bother to contact me or answer my messages. I guess I was that much of a nuisance to you, like my so-called friends... I'm leaving."
Eleanor began to walk away, but Nathaniel grabbed her arm before she could in a desperate attempt to get her attention and explain what he meant by what he said.
"No, Ella I didn't mean it like that! I’ll be going back home soon, so we’ll see each other a lot, and you're alone at the hotel, so what if--"
Before Nathaniel could finish his sentence, Eleanor tugged her hand out of Nathaniel's grip.
Eleanor had a pained expression on her face as she walked away. Nathaniel realized that he had messed up. He ruffles his hair and lets out a sound of frustration with himself. He quickly follows Eleanor because he wants to make sure she gets back to the hotel safely. Eleanor quickly walked to the nearest taxi pickup spot when she realized Nathaniel was following her. She slowed her pace, waited for Nathaniel to get closer, and turned around.
"Why are you following me?"
"To make sure you get back safe."
"I'm not some little kid that can't handle myself. I can get back on my own, so stop following me like a stalker and go back to your dorm."
Nathaniel watched Eleanor walk away, his heart aching with sorrow. Eleanor returned to her hotel room, feeling lost and alone. She kicked off her shoes, placed her bag on the floor, and climbed into bed. She wondered if she should have returned home with her grandfather. Perhaps then she would not be feeling so heartbroken. She closed her eyes and fell asleep, hoping that the next day would be better.
Nathaniel had returned to his dorm room. When he opened the door, he noticed his roommate, Jayce, packing his belongings. Nathaniel moved over to his bed and collapsed face down.
"Back so early? It’s only 5 p.m.
"My sister..."
"What about your sister?"
Nathaniel contemplated a bit as to what he should say.
"Tell me. What did you say to her?"
Nathaniel told his roommate what had happened. Jayce had been Nathaniel's roommate since they first started attending Marble Hills High School. He is Nathaniel’s best friend and the person he confines in. After Jayce had finished listening to Nathaniel's story, he let out a big sigh.
"Of course she’d be hurt. You made it sound like you didn’t want to spend time with her and you would rather she go back home so you didn't have to."
"But I didn’t mean it like that."
"Did you forget already that you rubbed some of the guys the wrong way when you first met them? We’ve been friends for a long time, so me and the rest of the guys understand what you mean, but it took us some time to understand the meaning behind what you say. I’m sure it’ll be the same for your sister."
"Uh, I want to go back in time."
"You need to think before you speak when you're talking to your sister and with people you just meet. Next time, explain that you have the best intentions before you make your statement."
"I’ll try calling her tomorrow."
"Make sure you apologize properly. She seems like such a nice person."
For a change of pace, Nathaniel decided to take a shower. When he came out of the bathroom, Nathaniel's phone began to ring. He pulled his phone from his pocket, and he noticed a number he didn't recognize but answered anyway. When he responded, a woman's voice on the other end answered. She notified Nathaniel right away that his grandfather had died in an accident. The words hit him like a physical blow, leaving him breathless. The news reverberated through his being, piercing his heart. His hands shook as he clutched his phone tightly. He could not believe what he was told. He hung up the phone and proceeded to call Jeff, his grandfather's director. When Jeff answered the phone, he confirmed the news, as he too was at the hospital where Daniel’s body lays at rest. In that moment, the world stood still, and Nathaniel felt a profound emptiness engulf him. Memories of his grandfather flooded his mind, creating a bittersweet concoction of love and loss. He thought of all the shared moments, the laughter, and the wisdom his grandfather had imparted throughout the years. The weight of the news settled heavily on his shoulders, making it hard to breathe. As he disconnected the call, Jayce asked him what happened, as he could see the terror and shock covering his face. Nathaniel told him that his grandfather had died. Jayce asked if he needed a hug and Nathaniel walked over to him and embraced him. When Jayce quickly embraced Nathaniel, he patted him on his back gently to help console him. Nathaniel felt a wave of emotions wash over himself. Before he could even shed a tear, his sister Eleanor came to mind. He thought about how she must be feeling and how she was alone.
Eleanor woke up when the sky had a soft, golden hue that enveloped it, casting a warm glow over everything it touched. The fading light illuminated the clouds, creating a backdrop of pastel oranges and gentle pinks. The city lights began to cover the whole city. She got up and saw that the time was 7 o'clock. She decides to go take a shower before looking for a flight back home. She felt she had no reason to stay in Doraco any longer. She stepped out of the tub, dried herself with a towel, got dressed, and walked out of the bathroom. When she was outside the bathroom, she checked her phone. She noticed she had one missed call from an unknown number, but they left a message instructing her to contact them back as soon as possible. She dials the number again, and a woman answers.
"Hello, I saw that this number had called me, but I missed it. What was it that you wanted to speak to me about?"
"May I know who I am speaking to?"
"My name is Eleanor Éclair."
"Oh yes, Ms. Éclair. I did try to contact you earlier. Before I tell you why I am contacting you, you may need to take a seat. I had called your brother earlier, and he has been informed as well. I am calling you to inform you that your grandfather, Daniel Steward Eclair, has passed away due to a hit-and-run."
"What?" Eleanor lamented in a faint yet shaken voice.
Eleanor's phone falls from her grasp as she loses her grip. Eleanor's heart skipped a beat at that moment. Eleanor could hear the woman on the other end of the phone calling out to her, ever so faintly, as she began to recall a memory from the past in which she and her parents were involved in a car accident. She remembers the screeching of the tires and the sound of metal scraping against metal. Filling the air as two cars collided with a sickening thud. Glass shards and metal fragments littered the inside of the vehicle as it spun out of control and came to a stop in a crumpled heap on the road. Barely conscious, she saw her parents, lifeless and still, slumped in the front seats. Their bodies were twisted and broken from the force of the collision. As the memories fade past, her world becomes a blurry, hazy place as she struggles to catch her breath. Her heart races like a runaway train. Pounding against her chest like a hammer against an anvil with a force that feels like it might burst through her ribcage at any moment. She couldn't help but think about her grandfather's twisted and broken body, like her parents in the past. The air felt thick and suffocating for Eleanor, making it impossible to get enough oxygen into her lungs. She felt dizzy, so she kneeled to the ground with her legs tucked beneath her body. Her large toes were positioned closely together and flat on the ground. She curled up into a ball and embraced herself while sitting in that position. She felt disoriented, and her thoughts raced and became jumbled. The world around her felt surreal and distorted, like a funhouse mirror that twists and warps reality into unrecognizable shapes. She felt like she was being swallowed up by an abyss of fear and helplessness. Despite her best efforts to control it, the panic attack seems to have a life of its own, twisting and turning like a wild animal that cannot be tamed. It took all of her strength and willpower to ride out the storm, waiting for her panic attack to subside and for the world to come back into focus. Despite her moment of immense stress, she remembered what her therapist taught her to calm her breathing and regain control. After Nathaniel heard the news of his grandfather's passing, he quickly called Eleanor. Eleanor picks up the phone, her voice trembling with emotion.
Eleanor sniffles and mumbles, "Hello?"
"Eleanor? Are you okay? I got a phone call about Grandpa, and, um, he died.
"I know. I got the phone call too."
Eleanor began to tear up. Her voice began to quake as she hunched over on the floor while gripping her shirt against her chest. In a shaken voice, she said, "I... I can't believe he's gone. I refuse to believe it."
"I know, Ella. I can't believe it either. I'm devastated too." Nathaniel paused and thought about what he would say next because he knew he had to tread very lightly with what he said.
"I know you don’t want to believe it, but Jeff confirmed it. He even sent me pictures because I too couldn’t believe it. I’m coming over to you."
"No!" Eleanor yells.
Eleanor hung up abruptly after Nathan felt a knot in his stomach as he thought about what had happened. He was shocked that he had heard that his grandfather had died, but he was more concerned because he could hear Eleanor on the verge of tears. She was not one to let people see or hear her cry. He felt guilty that he was part of the cause. He had distanced himself from her for nine years and avoided her for four years, ignoring her calls and messages until he heard from her no more. He realized that he had hurt her deeply when he saw her again at his graduation, but he couldn't bring himself to face her. The guilt was overwhelming. He knew that he had been avoiding Eleanor because of his own insecurities and fears, but he had never imagined that it would hurt them so much.
He grabbed his keys and burst out of the front door, the sound of the slamming door barely audible over the howling winds. The air was thick with the force of the approaching hurricane, rain pelting his face like sharp needles. His heart raced as he ran down the flooded street, his feet splashing through deep puddles. The wind whipped at his clothes, making it hard to keep his balance, but he pushed on, desperate. The sky was a swirling mass of dark clouds, lightning flashing in the distance, casting eerie shadows. He ran as fast as he could to the taxi pick-up, though the storm threatened to rip him off his path. Panic clutched his chest tighter with every gust, his mind racing with worst-case scenarios. Finally, soaked to the bone and breathless, he arrived at his sister's hotel, the storm raging harder as if echoing his own fear. A lot of people were trying to take the elevator, so he headed for the nearest staircase. He ran up four flights of stairs and got to Eleanor's hotel room, panting and out of breath. He banged on the door, yelling out her name.
"Ella, it's me. Open the door!"
Eleanor picked up her head and turned her head towards the door. As Nathaniel called out to Eleanor, he could sense her hesitation and reluctance to respond. However, his concern for her well-being overpowered his doubts. As the door creaked open, Eleanor’s eyes were red and swollen. Nathaniel’s heart sank at the sight of her, so vulnerable and broken. When Eleanor opened the door, her emotions were a whirlwind of conflicting feelings. She was happy to see that her brother had come to find her. However, Eleanor was afraid of exposing her raw emotions to someone she hadn't fully reconciled with. Part of her wanted to push him away to protect herself from further hurt, but another part yearned for the comfort and support of the last person she could call family. When she brushed away her tears, she noticed that her brother was panting heavily and was obviously out of breath. She could tell that he reached her as swiftly as he could. Nathaniel approached Eleanor and gave her a hug with an expression of sorrow in his eyes. Eleanor gently pushed him away and then went to lie down in her bed. She remained silent the entire time. Nathaniel takes a seat at the edge of the bed that their grandfather used to sleep on.
"Ella, now that Granddad is gone, we only have each other."
Eleanor laid in her bed with her back turned to Nathaniel. She said nothing to him. They stayed in the dark room, not uttering another word to each other where Eleanor silently cried herself to sleep. When Eleanor fell asleep, Nathaniel got out his phone and began searching for the earliest flight back home. He picked up a pen and a piece of paper from the hotel room's coffee table. He left a note for Eleanor.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14TH, 2006, 8:47 A.M.
Eleanor awoke the next morning without seeing Nathaniel in the hotel room with her. He was nowhere to be found as she searched around the room. She notices the letter he left her, stating that he went to finish packing his belongings and for her to pack hers. They had a flight to catch that night, so Eleanor started packing her things. Nathaniel returned to the hotel and went to see whether she had begun packing. Eleanor's belongings were by the front door by the time he unlocked the hotel room door, and the room had been cleaned. Nathaniel goes in search of her as she exits the bathroom. Nathaniel asked her if she had eaten anything all day. Eleanor said no. Nathaniel looked at the time on his phone and saw that it was 2 o'clock p.m.
"We should get going; we have a long drive ahead of us."
Nathaniel took Eleanor's baggage, and they rode the elevator down to the lobby. Nathaniel's cab was waiting for him. While Eleanor checked out of her hotel room, Nathaniel helped the taxi driver load Eleanor's belongings into the trunk. They got into the taxi and drove off to the airport. When they got to the airport, they saw the chaos that came with it. Long lines of cars and people hurrying to unload their luggage because they could not stay parked up on the side for long. Eleanor and Nathaniel unloaded their luggage from the trunk and paid the taxi driver. They entered the airport. As soon as they entered the airport, it was a scene of chaos and confusion. People rushed past each other, their faces etched with worry and frustration. Suitcases and bags were scattered haphazardly across the floor, as if discarded in a moment of panic. Announcements blared over the intercom, but they were drowned out by the din of conversation and the sound of luggage wheels clacking against the tiled floors. The air was thick with the smell of coffee and fast food as people rushed from one gate to the next. In one corner of the airport, a family huddled together, looking anxiously at the flight board. They clutched their passports and tickets tightly, as if afraid that they might disappear if they let go. A group of businessmen in suits hurried past them, talking loudly into their phones and typing furiously on their laptops. They seemed to be in a constant state of motion, as if racing against time itself. The lines at the security checkpoints were long and winding, with people jostling and pushing to get ahead. Eleanor and Nathaniel had to join that chaos to get to their flight terminal.
After clearing security and before boarding began, Eleanor and Nathaniel decided to grab something to eat, having gone the entire day without a meal. As they wandered through the airport, Eleanor spotted Gateway Grub, her favorite fast food spot, and they decided to settle there for a quick bite before takeoff. In the crowded airport food court, Eleanor sat at a small table with Nathaniel. Her eyes fixated on the tray of food before her. The array of comfort food--two burgers, a mound of crispy fries, twelve chicken wings, and a small apple pie--was a stark contrast to her demeanor. The vibrant colors and enticing aromas seemed almost out of place against the backdrop of her somber mood. The bustling noise of the airport faded into the background as Eleanor took a bite. The food was meant to be a balm for the deep ache inside her, a desperate attempt to fill the void left by her grandfather’s sudden death. The familiar taste of the burgers and fries offered little solace, and the once-enjoyable flavors seemed distant and muted against the weight of her sorrow. Every bite was devoided of the joy she usually found in food. Her thoughts swirled with grief, replaying memories of her grandfather’s voice, his laugh, his steady presence in their lives. The food in front of her was an attempt to push away the crushing emotions, a way to find comfort amid the storm of loss. But even as she ate, the relief she sought remained elusive, each bite a hollow gesture against the backdrop of her inner turmoil.
Across from her, Nathaniel watched with a growing sense of helplessness as he ate his chicken sandwich meal that came with a medium fries and drink. His chest tightened at the sight of Eleanor's slow, deliberate eating. There was no enthusiasm in it, just the repetitive motion of someone trying to cope. He knew this was her way of managing the overwhelming sadness, but it pained him to witness it but all he could do was watch. His gaze lingered on the food, a physical manifestation of everything he couldn't give her: comfort, reassurance, peace. He longed to be more than just a silent observer in her grief, but words failed him. Nathaniel, though, was not untouched by their grandfather's death. Despite his calm exterior, the loss had struck him deeply, though his way of coping was vastly different from Eleanor’s. He hadn’t allowed himself to grieve fully yet. His instinct was to compartmentalize the emotions, shoving them aside to deal with later. He felt like he needed to be strong for his sister. Their grandfather had been an anchor, a figure of stability and wisdom. The void his passing left was enormous. He thought of their last conversation, the quiet moments of advice, the things left unsaid. It was hard to accept that someone so steady, so reliable, was simply gone.
The airport’s chaos seemed like a distant hum, a backdrop to the quiet tragedy playing out between them. Each wrapped in their private sorrow, they sat together, the food a temporary distraction from the deeper pain they both carried. Nathaniel wished he could reach across the emotional distance between them, to offer her the comfort he struggled to give even to himself. But the gap between them felt as wide as ever, and for now, they remained two islands of grief, side by side but worlds apart. He hoped that with time, she would be able to find peace and healing and that they would be able to face the world together as a family.
An hour and 30 minutes passed by, and they finally got onto their flight. Soon after, they hear the pilot announce over the intercom that the plane was going to take off. The plane was up in the air at its maximum altitude after 15 minutes. Nathaniel asked a flight attendant for a blanket. Eleanor had fallen asleep, and he wanted a blanket to cover her since inside the plane was a little chilly due to the air conditioning on board. The flight attendant brought over the blanket, and Nathaniel carefully covered Eleanor as she slept. Eleanor wakes up after 45 minutes. The pilot started to talk over the intercom, saying they would be facing some turbulence. Soon after, the plane shook violently as it encountered turbulence. Passengers jolted in their seats, their seatbelts keeping them from being thrown about the cabin. The once-calm atmosphere on the plane was now filled with gasps and nervous chatter. The next thing Eleanor and Nathaniel heard was the captain's voice booming through the speakers.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. I regret to inform you that we are currently facing an unexpected and dangerous weather situation and the plane is currently losing altitude."
The passengers' hearts skipped a beat as the captain continued to speak in a calm and collected tone. Oxygen masks dropped from the ceiling, and people were instructed to put them on. Passengers with children had to put a mask on themselves first before they put the mask on their kids. The pilot continued to speak.
"I want to assure you that our flight crew is well trained and experienced in handling such situations. We will do everything in our power to ensure your safety."
The captain instructed the passengers to fasten their seatbelts and prepare for a crash landing. The overhead compartments rattled, and loose items tumbled down to the floor. The sounds of clattering and banging added to the already overwhelming noise of the plane's engines. The cabin crew hurriedly secured any items that had come loose and quickly returned to their seats, strapping themselves in tightly. As the plane tossed violently, dipping and swaying, Eleanor’s stomach twisted with dread. Her fingers trembling as they gripped Nathaniel’s hand. Her breath was shallow, her chest tight. The passengers’ screams grew louder, amplifying her terror. The plane jolted again, a sharp drop that sent her stomach lurching upward. And then came the deafening boom. Eleanor's thoughts spiraled uncontrollably, frantically racing through a bunch of scenarios. She couldn’t shake the image of the plane bursting into flames, of the ground rushing up to meet them in a fiery end. Her body felt frozen, yet her mind was frantic. The necklace around her neck that her grandfather had given her, felt like a heavy weight against her skin. It was all she had left of him, and now it might be the last thing she’d ever hold onto. Her hands instinctively flew to the necklace, her fingers wrapping around the pendant as if it could somehow shield her from the inevitable.
"Was this it?" she thought. "Was this how it all ends?"
Next to her, Nathaniel's heart raced, pounding in his chest so loudly he thought it might drown out the panicked cries surrounding them. His grip on Eleanor’s hand tightened, but it was less to comfort her and more to anchor himself. He glanced at his sister, saw the fear in her eyes, the way she clutched the necklace she was wearing.
"It's going to be alright," Nathaniel said, his voice barely a whisper, strained and filled with uncertainty.
He didn’t believe his own words, but he had to say something. Eleanor couldn’t hear him. She was lost in her own fear, her heart hammering in her chest as she stared out the window. The sky outside was now an endless blur of dark clouds and chaos, the earth somewhere below, waiting for them. The necklace grew warmer in her hands, but she barely noticed. Her thoughts were consumed with what would come next.
Eleanor’s grip on the necklace tightened, her eyes locking with Nathaniel’s in that moment. For an instant, she saw his fear reflected back at her, but behind it, there was something else. A quiet resignation, as though he had already accepted what was to come. But then, the necklace pulsed. A light, bright and blinding erupted from it. It filled the cabin with a strange, almost ethereal glow. Eleanor’s breath caught in her throat as she looked down at the pendant, the light growing impossibly bright, like a beacon cutting through the suffocating darkness. The screams around them faded, replaced by stunned silence as passengers turned to stare, shielding their eyes from the light. Nathaniel looked down at the glowing pendant, his mind struggling to comprehend what was happening. He reached out instinctively, but the light enveloped them both before he could even form a thought. In the midst of panic and terror, the light became all-consuming. A magic circle, intricate and ancient, appeared beneath them, the symbols glowing in sync with the light. And then, in a flash, they were gone. The terror in the cabin was left behind, as Eleanor and Nathaniel vanished into the unknown.