After publishing the first article for the newspaper and returning from South America with some compelling material, John wanted nothing more than a rest. But there are certain topics that the first story has brought up that have been forgotten. Well, at least until now.
One of these topics is the fact that, technically, John was not single, but had been dating a girl named Katherine Morgan for years, since high school. That's right, John spent some time abroad and has not contacted her since. Of course, Venezuela's poor internet hasn't helped him much, but it's not as if he's made much effort either. To make things worse, John's mother, Britt, has not stopped pestering him about this unresolved issue.
- John, you must talk to Katherine! She called here at home when you were away.
Believe me, this is not the first time his mother has said this sentence.
- I'll talk to her. - John answered.
And it's also not the first time that John answered like that.
But the big truth is that he had not been happier with Katherine for at least a year. Not because of a lack of affinity, not even because of fights. Simply, John wanted some fresh air. Unfortunately, for him, his sky would be more congested than his nose in changing weather.
- Holy crap. - John complained. - Mom, I can't talk to her!
- Go to her house, dear. - Britt made an interesting recommendation.
- Oh, I don't want to.
- Why not?
- Because I am going to break up. And if I go, she'll invite me in, and if she invites me in, she'll invite me to dinner, and when she invites me to dinner, she'll ask me to spend the night, and if she asks me to spend the night we'll have to have sex.
That bitch!
- It doesn't seem to be worth the effort anymore.
- Try talking to her, honey. Maybe you'll work it out.
This is what she wanted, while John had other plans. Taking advantage of the subject of unhappy relationships, John saw a golden opportunity to ask:
- Mom, why didn't you ever divorce my father?
Britt didn't understand.
- How could I not get a divorce? He doesn't live here anymore.
Technically speaking.
- Yes, but you never signed the papers.
- That's true. - Britt answered, without much emotion. - But at the same time I didn't want to cause a stir in our family. You know it would be press all over the place and gossip in the condominium. So I thought it was better this way.
- Well, he has a new girlfriend.
Uh-oh. John was swimming in dangerous waters. From that moment on it was going to be a scythe fight in the dark.
- I know that. Beatriz, it looks like. I've never seen her. And I don't care either.
- Really?
- Really. I don't give a damn who your father sleeps with. It's not my problem anymore.
- Then it would be a good time to reveal that his girlfriend is about my age.
Oh, Britt's reaction to this information would be imprinted in John's memory forever. A mixture of surprise and brain freeze.
- Really? - Britt asked. - Your age?
- Yep. I met her at the academy. I wanted to ask her out. But then she said she already had an appointment. And then the next day she shows up at the network. We travel together to Venezuela.
- And you know her?
- Yes, she is nice.
Which was true. But...
- She's my dad's girlfriend.
- Holy shit.
- That's what I said too. Funny how things are.
Already wondering what was coming, John went to Katherine's house to try to make things right. It was not because he was afraid of her reaction; the problem lay in the inevitable fallout from his decision to break things off with her. But as soon as he knocked twice lightly on the door, his confidence fell faster than a drunk man on a motorcycle. Still, it could be worse.
- Hello, darling. - said Katherine, in a white blouse tied in a bow tie.
- Oh, holy shit. - John regretted in anticipation.
John is no Tiresias, by no means, but what happened next followed exactly what he told his mother moments before. Katherine invited him in. Then they had dinner. Then John realized that it was already a little late. Katherine, out of kindness, apparently; invited him in again for the night. And, of course, they had sex. Everything as Nostradamus predicted.
The next day, John woke up... In Katherine's bed with Katherine. What was he supposed to do? Well, wait for her to wake up and break up, or else get ready for round two. Of course, John chose the second option. And as soon as his girlfriend woke up, they did it again - this part doesn't need a voiceover, Pornhub and Fifty Shades of Grey are there for that purpose.
- I read your column. - Katherine turned to face him. - Very good.
- Thanks. - John bounded away.
Uh-oh. Katherine soon realized the problem.
- What's your problem?
- Oh, shoot.
- What's wrong?
- Nothing, just disappointed. What I predicted happened.
- What?
- I'm sorry, Katherine. But there is no longer any way to sustain it.
- Sustain what?
Speak up! Just say it.
- I don't want to get married.
Fortunately, Katherine reacted as a reasonably balanced person would react in this situation. But in any case...
- John, it's all settled. What are you going to do? Cancel the whole thing?
That was the idea. But as I see it...
- Look, Katherine, I know we've known each other for years, our families have a business relationship and a friendship, but I can't get married. I just can't.
- So, I'm sorry. But the deal will be scrapped.
That decision would affect much more than John's thoughts. In the past, the Morgan family had saved Keeney's company from bankruptcy. Katherine's father, David, never exactly charged the exorbitant amount that the Keeney's owed because John and Katherine were in a long-term relationship. But with the couple's separation, things might change. For this reason, John never broke up with Katherine. Out of fear of what was to come after the decision.
- What do you want me to do? Marry you without wanting to?
- That's right.
- That's fine. If that's the way it's going to be.
- Aren't you going to ask?
- Won't you ask what?
- Aren't you going to ask if I want to marry you?
- Oh, that's enough!
- John!
- All right, all right, all right. Damn it, somebody's got to give in here! Katherine, will you marry me?
And that was that. No music, a beautiful landscape, birds flying, ring, or getting down on one knee. John asked for Katherine's hand. Well, more or less. The only certainty that morning was exactly Katherine's answer. The "yes" that could have future implications.
A few hours later, John needed a distraction. The day had started badly, and it was not even noon yet. So many things could go wrong. And as it turned out, it is easier for a bad day to get worse than better. Because as soon as John walked through the automatic glass door of the broadcasting station, Bia greeted him with some not so good news.
- John, Kevin came to me and...
- I'm not interested. - John interrupted her in mid-speech.
- Uh, someone woke up in a bad mood. - Bia teased.
- Now you're making fun of me, right?
- Gee, what's eating you?
- Not a single bug. I'm just engaged.
- Wow. How... sad?
- Yeah, keep nagging me.
- What the hell happened, Costanza?
- Katherine. That crazy bitch. I was forced to marry her to keep her family from covering my family's debt.
- It's like one of those Western movies where...
Noticing the irritated look on John's face, Bia tried to change the subject.
- Which you are certainly not interested in. - She added.
- Thank you. - John smiled wryly.
- Look, I hate to bring you bad news, but Kevin wants another story.
- Holy shit! - John lamented. - We just wrote a story.
- It was last month.
- Don't argue logic with me, Katherine!
Wait a minute.
- Did you just call me Katherine? - Bia tried to keep a serious expression on her face.
- What? Of course not! - John didn't accept being contradicted. - Do you think I'm an idiot?
Well, yes.
- Should I answer that? Was it a rhetorical question?
Oh, John was about to have a meltdown. To avoid doing something he might regret, he went to a room specially set up for the network's employees, a kind of oasis in the desert, with a pool table, foosball table, poker table, air hockey table, video games, ping-pong table, and, of course, a cigar shop for those interested. All this to offer a little leisure in their spare time. And John didn't miss the opportunity. He took the first cigar he found, a Romeo and Juliet Puritos. He was so nervous that he made a mistake in cutting the head of the cigar. The rule says that you should cut above the shoulder, not after. And there is no way back, regrettably. Still, John managed to enjoy his brief human chimney moment, alone in the room full of entertainment. But moments later, Bia appeared to accompany him.
- Can I stay with you? - she asked.
- Better not, I'm not at my best right now. - John was sincere in his answer.
- That's okay, I'm used to that.
What did she mean?
- Is my father at the station?
- No, I haven't seen him today.
- Welcome to the club. It stinks.
- I know what you mean.
Bia then sat down next to him. She took the cigar from his hands and pulled some of the smoke into her mouth, blowing it up to the ceiling, as the manual says - never swallow a tobacco cigar, a fundamental tip for the reader who wants to enter this world.
- I don't know what to do, Bia. - said John. - I don't want to marry her. But I don't have a choice.
- You can do what Bruce Greenwood does in Double Jeopardy. Plan your own death and blame Katherine.
- Is that what happened?
- I haven't seen the movie, but as I recall Ashley Judd was arrested for supposedly killing her husband.
John smiled for the first time, but obviously for the wrong reasons.
- That's not a bad idea.
No, no, it's a terrible idea. Terrible!
- You're not serious, are you? It was a joke, John!
- I know, I know. I just wanted to see how far you'd go for it.
- Very funny. - Bia smiled wryly. - But hey, John Kramer, we need a topic. - she reminded.
- Oh, shit, a topic. Do you have something in mind?
Bia couldn't hide her "you've got to be kidding me" grimace.
- What? - John didn't understand. - In the other article I came up with the subject. And considering my state, I guess you could pick a topic this time.
- Your state? You're not dying! Not even with a disease that prevents you from thinking rationally. I mean...
- Ha, ha. Very funny.
- Shall we leave it to the universe again?
- Sure. Screw it.
And that was it. John gave up before he even tried. And, unbelievably, so did Bia.
In fact, it took several days before they came out of inertia. And the one who pushed them to turn the wheel was Kevin, furious with the lack of activity of his young journalists. Sure, he was very pleased with the article on Venezuela, the reactions were good, but praising them could be a problem, because it would put them in the comfort zone. And Kevin certainly didn't want someone like John to stay in his comfort zone, because it would be too complicated to pull him out.
- They will have a day to think of a topic. - Kevin slammed the door and walked off to who knows where.
Well, John and Bia thought about the options available. Kevin apparently made the mistake of leaving them in the entertainment room. The worst that could happen would be for John and Bia to spend the day smoking cigars and playing pool. And so it happened.
- Hey, check it out. The Discovery Zone would be turning 30 this year.
John didn't understand.
- Is this a TV channel?
Bia was perplexed by John's misunderstanding.
- You're kidding, right? - Bia had to ask once more. - You don't know what the Discovery Zone is?
- I don't know.
- Discovery Zone was just the most amazing place that kids ever wanted to be. Well, at least most of them.
- What do you mean?
Bia smiled.
- It means we have a topic.
Oh.
- Discovery Zone? What do you know about?
- It closed in 2001. Financial problems? That's what we need to know. I remember I was very sad. It was like watching part of my childhood being ripped away.
- Something tells me it wasn't good.
- Of course it wasn't, you fool!
- Well, I'm sorry. I guess.
- Kevin, we have a topic. - John broke the news.
- It's about time! - Kevin complained. - What are you going to write?
- Discovery Zone.
Kevin frowned doubtfully.
- A TV channel?
- What? No! How can you not remember?
As if John knew.
- I don't know, John. Tell me.
- It's a place where kids used to hang out.
- Like an arcade?
- I think it had one too.
- Okay, whatever. Where are you going?
- I don't know yet. I'll talk to Bia.
- Well, then just say it! I can't stand you idiots fooling around anymore.
In a certain sense, Kevin was right in his rant. Bia and John had abused their right to fluff. But in any case...
- Tomorrow we'll take the plane.
Kevin began to laugh.
- Plane? You work for Jeff Bezos?
Uh-oh. John felt the irony in Kevin's words.
- I already supported your game in Venezuela. Do you really think you'll get away with it a second time?
Yes?
- I think so. - John smiled. Which irritated Kevin.
- Get a car and don't disturb me.
And that was it. John didn't exactly get what he wanted. Ideally, he would have taken a plane and saved himself stressful hours on the ground. Anyway, at least John didn't irritate Kevin to the point that they had to walk. But still, it could be worse.
Kansas City
After a few hours of negotiation trying to convince - unsuccessfully - Kevin to pay for two airplane tickets to the land of Dorothy Gale, John and Bia had to rent a car and travel across America by terrestrial means. And as said in the pilot story, renting a car with John can be a bit exhausting.
- You are not going to do what I think you are going to do, right? - Bia asked, already afraid of what was coming next.
- What? - John didn't understand.
- You'll come up with a bunch of stupid reasons to complain about the car rental company.
- Bia, you don't know what car rental companies are like! They are leeches. They try to take advantage of customers.
- So do you.
- Maybe, but we are not talking about me.
- Just rent any car and let's get out of here.
After many photos and many negotiations, John finally got a vehicle, a gray Pontiac G6, to Bia's delight.
- So, where are we going? - Enzo asked again.
- Well, Enzo, the Discovery Zone was a place of great fun for kids in the eighties and nineties. All we need to do is to go after people who were children during this period. Simple.
Yes, simple.
- Why do you find everything simple?
- Because nothing is too complicated. Why do you keep putting obstacles in everything?
- It's extremely irritating.
- Are you talking about me, John Keeney?
- Yes, I am!
Initially, John and I rented a vehicle from one of the rental car companies in Kansas City, which was extremely annoying because John is extremely annoying. To make matters worse, John was having second thoughts about the search, although he didn't put it into words. Initially, what I can say is that I am excited about the theme and what we might find on the trip.
- Why exactly are we in Kansas City, Bia?
- Because it was in Kansas City that the Discovery Zone was founded, in 1989.
- What do you think you can accomplish here?
- Maybe to find people or even the owner... Or former bankrupt owner of the company.
John held his laughter for a few seconds.
- How do you expect to achieve this?
- John, I didn't know you were so skeptical! We work for the biggest TV company in the country! Just send an e-mail to anyone and we will be answered.
- Is that what you think?
- Yes, that's what I think.
- And what have we achieved so far?
- Bollocks.
Still, it could be worse.
- I have a plan B in case our plan A fails. - said Bia.
- Oh, really?
- I was thinking of going to a parent-teacher conference at a school.
- That's your plan B? It's so stupid. So stupid that I'm afraid to hear plan A.
- You know what? I don't need to listen to this. Stop the car.
At first, John thought Bia was kidding.
- Are you insane? We're in the middle of a highway!
- John Michael Keeney! Stop the fucking car!
John stepped violently on the brakes. The front tires screeched loudly as the rubber scraped against the asphalt. Bia, furious, opened the door and simply jumped out of the vehicle.
- Oh come on Bia, cut the act!
- Shut up, John! You are extremely annoying and a soul-sucking bastard!
- Soul-sucking?
- Good-bye, John.
- Great! Fuck off! I don't give a fuck!
John revved the vehicle and dropped her in the middle of the four-lane road, exactly in the second lane from left to right. Extremely dangerous and unsafe. Fortunately, the truck driver was sympathetic and did not run his vehicle over the journalist.
Once separated from John, Bia made her way alone to Roanoke Park, a wide open area that welcomes people of all ages from all over Kansas City. An ideal place to interview people with families and children. But for this, the young journalist needed a lot of technique to approach unknown people on the street, even more in this modern times. To prove her theory, Bia slowly approached a man smoking a cigarette on one of the benches in the square. And, of course, he fit into the 90's generation of children that Bia had remarked to John before leaving from the vehicle.
- Excuse me, sir, I'm a reporter... - Bia showed her company badge. - I'd like a few minutes of your time.
- That's fine, I guess. - The man didn't object to any questions.
- Do you remember the Discovery Zone?
- Oh God, yes, it's a shame that there are no places like this for the current generation of children, it's all about "safety" and "cleanliness" now.
- I wonder why?
- Well, kids today seem to hate to be around. It's weird.
- Okay, thanks. - Bia smiled.
After a while, Bia strangely began to miss John, but didn't want to admit it to herself. Of course, John annoyed her greatly, but she hated the loneliness of everyday life. Without John, as hard as she hated to admit it, Bia felt lonely. Her thoughts changed overnight when a boy of about nine approached her as his rubber ball hit her feet. Immediately, she noticed a cell phone in the boy's hands. Without much to do, she tried to get his attention to pass the time.
- Hello. - she said. - What are you doing?
- Watching SpongeBob.
- SpongeBob? Sounds like someone I know.
At one point in the episode, SpongeBob irritates her friend Sandy, for a change, something about land and sea creatures. Bia identified with the character's frustration. But then the little boy interrupted the episode and asked:
- What is budding?
- It is a type of asexual reproduction. - Bia replied. That one was not very difficult.
The boy was a little confused.
- What is asexual?
- It is when there is no mixing of genetic material between beings.
- Why is that?
- Because to generate a baby it is necessary the mixing of genes. In our case, sex.
- Why is this?
- Because that is the way it is, kid.
- And what is sex?
Uh-oh.
- Son! Son! - A woman ran towards them both.
- What?
- Why are you bothering the girl?
- He wasn't!
- He wasn't, ma'am. - Bia clarified. - I just wanted to ask about the Discovery Zone. I'm a journalist.
- Oh, cool.
- But he needs to learn about biology urgently.
- How come?
- Because I had to explain to him what budding is. And asexual. And sex. What do children today learn in school?
Well, after some revelations, Bia returned to downtown Kansas City. Maybe it was fate, because as soon as Bia passed a closed parking lot, she found John outside the vehicle smoking a cigar.
- What are you doing here? - Bia asked, not exactly happy to see him again.
- What's going on? Success? - John had completely forgotten the discussion from hours before.
- I talked to a guy and a kid. He said he remembers, but the kid has never heard of it. And the guy brought an interesting perspective on the current generation.
- Hmm. - Enzo groaned. - That's good.
- Don't you have anything to tell me?
John began to think.
- I guess not.
- Typical.
There wasn't much to be said, except:
- Where are we staying?
- We? What's this "we" stuff? Tell me which hotel you are staying and I'll check into one that is many kilometers away.
- Bia, stop being a child!
- Me? A child?
- And by the way, I hate to spoil your dinner, but the hotels are at maximum occupancy.
- What are you talking about?
- All the hotels in and around the center are full. There is a big sporting event in town, so the rooms are already booked or occupied.
- Stop it! Surely there must be some hotel with a room available.
- Yes, there is, but I checked the prices... - John began to laugh. - You're going to be disappointed.
- Damn it.
- Tell me about it.
- How are we going to do it?
- The old-fashioned way. We'll sleep in the car.
Bia was confused.
- Are we going to become college students?
- College students sleep in cars?
Maybe she got confused. Anyway...
- Do you want to try to interview someone else?
But Bia didn't seem very enthusiastic. She shrugged her shoulders, it didn't seem to matter. That day was practically lost. Worst of all, there was no indication that things were going to get better.
- Hey, tomorrow will be better. - he said, trying to cheer her up.
But Bia was not in the mood for conversation. As soon as it was dark, John stopped the vehicle in a parking lot near a coffee shop. It wasn't very safe to spend the night there, but with no better options on the radar... John had to improvise a bed, which had to be the back seats of the vehicle, while the driver's seat would be reclined backwards. It was not a good plan, not even exactly a plan, in truth. Still, John and Bia tried to make the best of an unfavorable situation. But as it turned out, this would be a very difficult assignment, because absolutely everything was a reason for annoyance.
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- It's very cold. - said Bia. - Would you be able to turn on the heater?
- I would have to start the car. I don't want to be out of batteries tomorrow and be forced to call the insurance.
- John, I'm cold! - Bia raised her voice.
- What do you want me to do? Blame Greta Trunberg who said the earth would be about 7,000 degrees hot in 10 years.
- You are really an idiot. Why is everything a joke to you? You can't be serious at any time.
- Bia, this is not life or death here. Just lie still and go to sleep! If you can't, then it's not my problem.
- Fine! Then be quiet too!
- It's impossible!
- Why not?
- Because you're talking and I have to respond to you!
- Ah - Bia shouted. - You are so annoying.
- Why do you keep talking?
At some point Bia saw something moving outside. It could be a person, or a wild animal, or even an alien. All she could tell was that this thing was moving between the shadows of the lampposts and slowly began to take away Bia's calmness.
- John, John, there's someone out there.
- Bia, we are in a parking lot next to a street. Of course there's going to be someone outside.
- No, you moron, I'm talking about someone spying on us!
- Maybe they think we are those teenagers who date in the car.
- John, would it be possible to go somewhere else?
Okay, even John thought that was a bad idea. Still...
- Bia, just lay down there. First, the cold. Then, people spying. Unless we are in the alternate reality of that movie The Cabin in the Woods, just try to ignore it.
It wasn't easy, but Bia managed to partially ignore the sounds and voices that haunted her from time to time and made her blood run cold. She had no idea what time it was, nor if she was going to survive the cold. In a move of desperation, she wanted to ask John a dangerous question, but she didn't know if she would have the courage.
- John...
- Are you still cold? - John anticipated the question.
Ouch. How about now?
- Yes, I am. Shivering.
- Do you want my blouse?
Bia was surprised.
- Yes, I would. But what about you?
- I'll be fine.
- But it's very cold, John.
- Don't worry about me. Just make sure I'm breathing once in a while. If I'm not, just throw my frozen body in the street.
- Like Jack in Titanic? - Bia started to laugh.
- Exactly.
John removed his shirt and handed it to Bia.
- You smell like your father.
- Okay, now you're really messing my night.
And, indeed, Bia got more comfortable, but soon she worried about John, who, despite trying to cover himself, was shaking because of the cold. So it was up to her to make an unlikely move.
- John, come back here. - Bia suggested.
- And where are you staying? - John asked a fair question.
- You cover me.
Uh-oh. Danger, John thought.
- Why?
- I can use my body heat to warm you. If we let the blood from your arms and legs rush back to your heart too quickly... Your heart could fail.
- Isn't that The Day After Tomorrow?
- How did you know?
- I remember the dialogues from the many times I have watched this movie.
- But seriously, John. I can warm you up if we lie down together.
- It looks like a trap.
Oh, and I thought the narrator was the only one who thought of this.
- What could I do with you? - Bia asked.
- I was going to say kill me in my sleep, but being in this position and under these specific circumstances, that would be the least of my problems.
- Very funny.
But despite all the red flags being pointed out, John decided to listen to Bia for the first time on that trip. He went to the back seat of the vehicle and hugged her as she had instructed. In fact, science did speak louder, because as soon as John hugged Bia's warm body, he soon felt warmer and could fall asleep.
- You know... We could go to the trunk. - Bia made one last suggestion.
- What a stupid idea, Bia!
- We were having a nice time, but obviously you were about to ruin everything. I fucking hate you!
The next day, things were a little better, but not so much better as to make the trip more pleasant. As soon as he was awake, John did not find Bia in the vehicle. Unless she had been eaten by a very, very silent bear, she was gone without a trace. Apparently so. Only minutes later, Bia returned with two cups of coffee on a cardboard tray.
- Good morning. - she said. - I brought the coffees.
- Coffees? - John was confused. - I prefer cafe au lait.
- A latte? Are you gay?
- What? What does my homosexuality have to do with my drink?
Before he could complete his sentence, John interrupted his speech when he realized that Bia was trying to knock him down metaphorically.
- Very funny. - John smiled wryly. - Anyway, thanks. I would love to burn my tongue and the rest of my internal organs.
- That wouldn't be a bad idea.
Oh, John needed to change the subject.
- Did the Discovery Zone guy answer?
- No.
- Do you think he will?
- Honestly? No.
- Well, then what do we have?
- Not much. Almost nothing. But we have a text I made when you kicked me out of the car.
Wait a minute.
- I didn't do that. - John denied it. - You had a tantrum and left voluntarily.
- All right, all right, John. - Bia didn't want any trouble.
- I was thinking of going to the mall. We might get lucky. A sample survey.
Bia soon became suspicious.
- Do you even know what this is?
- Of course. I am a journalist, remember?
Well...
- So what is it?
- You don't know?
- No. I don't know.
But John didn't seem totally convinced of that answer.
- Yes, you do.
- No, I don't.
- Come on, Bia, you want to make that up for me?
- I'm not making it up, you fool.
Discussions aside, following an episode of I Shouldn't Be Alive, John took Bia to the Kansas City Plaza. His idea was to have as many people as possible in one place to get as many answers as possible. His plan obviously contained a few flaws, but for someone who has nothing, anything goes a long way.
After some complaints and futile arguments, Bia began her research. She cut out a newspaper report from the time and used it to arouse people's curiosity. Some were surprised, others simply ignored it and went on with their lives. John did the same. And slowly the bad luck streak disappeared like an evil spirit in a church.
- I also used to work at one of the Discovery Zone networks. - said a man of about 35 years old. - Best part about the job: most of my co-workers were hot chicks. Worst part: cleaning up the urine and vomit in the tubes. Oh, and listening to the Lion King soundtrack on a continuous loop for an 8-hour shift.
- Oh. - John smiled. - But Elton John wrote the Lion King soundtrack!
- Eight hours, man! Eight hours!
I wish I could listen to Elton for eight hours and still get paid, John thought.
Some time later, Bia joined John again to share the results.
- So? Did you get anything?
- Yes, something about cleaning vomit and beautiful women.
Cleaning puke? Beautiful women? Sounds like a rave, but for kids.
We went to a shopping mall in the heart of Kansas City. Many people retain an affectionate memory of the Discovery Zone, as most were still children when the playground was in operation. Despite the most varied answers, some information was repeated, such as the questionable cleanliness and the disgusting habits of the children.
- We now need to do some research on the place itself. - John said. - Supplement the text with information, like we did in Venezuela.
- Ah, that's easy to do. - Bia didn't create any obstacles. - There is a library nearby.
John didn't understand what Bia wanted with this.
- Bia, the 90's weren't that long ago, you know?
- What do you mean?
- Why do you want to go to a library? All the information we need is on the Internet. We just need to do some exploratory research like any idiot would do.
- Except that few idiots are journalists like us.
- I disagree. Have you seen the level of news on these opinion blogs?
John had a point.
- All right, John. Let's do it your way. It's your company and your material. Screw it however you like.
And on second thought, John had a point again, since all the necessary information was just a few clicks away. But Bia's idea was not totally dismissed, since they needed computers to write on and a quiet place to think.
- Look, Bia, Blockbuster even bought a percentage of the company.
- That explains a few things. - she said, not taking this information too seriously. - John, try to research why the company went bankrupt.
- All right, babe.
Bia stared at him for a few seconds.
After a quick search, Bia found something that could be very useful for her article.
- Look, there is a group of people on Facebook that keep memories of the Discovery Zone. What do you think?
- Try talking to the boss, the owner, whatever the maintainers are called these days.
Bia was intrigued.
- How old are you? 60?
- Maybe then you'd be my girlfriend.
Oh, that's a cheap shot.
- I get the hint.
- Hint? - John started to laugh.
- Anyway, you dork, I'm going to send her a message. I hope she gets back to me as soon as possible.
Luckily, luck was on their side, because instantly the woman named Brittany answered Bia. She said that the next day they would be holding a get-together event at Jacob L. Loose Park.
- John, we have been invited to the event. I've already put the location on your cell phone, so you don't have to worry.
- I am not worried.
Once again, John searched for a hotel to spend the night, but with no luck. However, John's search brought results. Or rather, result. A profile page with no photo, but a beautiful apartment in the heart of Kansas City could be what John and Bia were looking for. But the description of the place didn't sound very reliable.
- I don't know, Rick, it sounds fake. - said Bia.
- Oh come on, Bia. What could possibly go wrong?
John and Bia followed the address to an old and very ugly building. But John didn't want to build his comment on first impressions, so he walked to the front gate with an open mind, initially without judgment.
- Hello, dears. - Said an elderly woman as she greeted them with a terrifying smile. - Welcome.
From that point on things got really weird. Bia pulled John's hand to change his mind, but the idiot didn't even think about the possibility that this could be a trap.
- It's only for a night. - John tried to calm her down. - Nothing bad is going to happen.
Then, John was startled when he bumped into the head of an animal stamped on the living room wall.
- It's a deer. - she said. - It's Fred.
- It doesn't look like a deer. - Bia remarked.
- Bia, shut up. - John tried to disguise it. - If she says it's a fucking deer, then it's a deer!
Still, it could be worse.
- Where are we going to sleep? - asked Bia, still horrified by the apartment.
- In this room. - The older woman pointed.
But John was confused. There was a larger room right next door, apparently unoccupied. But the explanation made John's blood run cold.
- It's my son's, John.
- Does he live with you?
- He's right over there.
It was Bia's turn to be confused, because there was only a wooden doll on the single bed in the room.
- You've got to be shitting me. - said John.
- That's John. - Said the woman. - That's my son.
John, the journalist, stared at Bia, who frowned.
- Oh, now you're worried? As I recall, you were the one who said there was nothing to worry about!
- Of course I made a mistake!
- Oh, too late for that!
- Do you want some dinner? I made chocolate chip cookies with walnuts.
- No, thanks, my friend and I just had dinner outside.
- Oh, you're so skinny. You need to eat, kid.
To make matters worse, the old woman did not take no for an answer. Seconds later, the kitchen oven made a bell-like noise, which almost scared John to death for the second or third time.
- Holy shit! - John jumped up and grabbed Bia.
- Get off, John! - Bia complained.
There was no way out. John had to taste the cookies, as Fred's head spied them with his dark eyes. What could he do? Go running off like the Flash with Bia in his arms? That was too heroic. So, John tried one of the cupcakes. And as it turned out, this would be a risky and important decision for the upcoming events.
- They are very good. - said John. - Appetizing. Tasty.
- I'm glad you like them. - Said the old woman.
- In fact, I think I'll have another one.
- Have as many as you like! I made them for you. Will you have one too? - asked the old woman to Bia.
- No thanks, I'm allergic.
- Oh, too bad. More for me. - John smiled.
It didn't take much longer before Bia got really worried. By the end of the night, John couldn't stand to eat cupcakes anymore. All he wanted to do was sleep anywhere, even if it was on the floor. And then, John simply passed out on the sofa.
- What the hell? - Bia didn't understand a thing.
- Your friend slept. - said the old woman.
- I'll take him to bed.
But who said that would be an easy job? Dragging John's body into the bedroom, Bia thought about simply dumping him on the floor and going to sleep. Meanwhile, she complained all the way from the living room to her bed.
- What the fuck! I'm not getting paid for this!
But then, as soon as Bia put John to bed, she noticed something strange. His breathing seemed shallow. Something was terribly wrong. Maybe the old woman had ulterior motives, maybe John's digestive system was similar to a five-year-old's, or maybe it was something else altogether.
- John! John! You old ass! Wake up!
But John wouldn't wake up at all, neither by screaming, rocking him, or slapping his face. To make things worse, Bia was startled to find John spying at her through the window with frightening eyes.
- Enough! I've had enough of this shit!
Suddenly John began to move, but he still looked faint. His body began to respond to her commands, although very slowly.
- Bia, what happened? - John began to formulate complete sentences.
- That's what I'm trying to figure.
- I think it was the walnuts.
- What? No, you idiot! The old woman did something to you.
- It's like that story of John and Mary. What's that fable again?
- I think I prefer you unconscious.
- By the way, how did I get here?
- Do you really want to know?
- Nah, it's not important.
- And then there's this maniacal puppet spying on us non-stop.
- That one? - John pointed.
In some bizarre way, the John figure appeared in both of their rooms. Bia leaped and screamed endlessly, the old woman rushed to check what was causing the yelling.
- Don't come any closer! - Bia shouted. - Don't come any closer! Or else... - She picked up the doll on the floor. - I'll kill it!
- Bia, you're out of your mind. - said John, strangely calm.
- Shut up, John!
- Don't talk to my son like that! - The old woman complained.
- No, that's my John, you crazy bitch! Not that doll!
- Bia, did I ever tell you that you look gorgeous in anger? - John didn't seem well.
In a normal situation, Bia would have asked why he made that statement, but at that moment, not even John's nonsense was going to make her lose her mind.
- Let us out! Now! - Bia demanded.
- I can't do that! - the old woman complained. - I haven't even had dinner yet.
- What?
- Bia, you're too sexy. - said John. - My father has very good taste.
- What have you done to him? He''s talking rubbish.
But...
- Actually, he looks the same but different.
Heaven knows what Bia wanted to say. But suddenly she decided to do something on her own. She went after the old woman, who fell to the ground. The two started fighting and rolling on the floor. A plant pot was thrown far away. Bia tried to use the pieces of glass to puncture the old woman's face anyway. During the fight, John noticed that the doll sat right by his side.
- Hey, do you always come here? - John asked the puppet.
To get away from the old woman, Bia grabbed her arms and threw herself forward. She ended up hitting the stove with her knee. Oh, that would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Bia turned on the gas and waited. She wasn't sure what was about to happen, but she needed to think of something fast. Finally, the old woman came up to her and hit her with a chair. Bia fell to the ground and received several strokes. Bruised, there was no escape for Bia. That would really be the end. But before she gave up , John appeared from behind and slit the old woman's throat, and she fell into her own pool of blood. Still shaken, Bia hugged John tightly, like good friends. But then another problem emerged.
- What a funny smell. - John mentioned.
- Are you still talking trash? - Bia simply forgot what she had done moments before. Until eventually...
- Oh, shit! - Bia remembered. - Run, John! Run, John!
A huge explosion destroyed the apartment as well as the entire floor. The old building began to wobble. The structure was not going to hold together for long. So they both ran to the street. The fire consumed the building until it collapsed seconds later.
- Holy shit! - John said. - Michael Bay would be proud of that scene.
A while later, with the sun already burning people's hair, a police car isolated the area with yellow tape to prevent curious people from approaching. Despite her fear, Bia wanted to know the results of the search and some answers.
- Did you get anything, officer? - asked Bia.
- Nothing yet. - said the policeman. - This building has been abandoned for years.
- Worst Airbnb in history. - John started to laugh.
- Wait a minute. Abandoned? - Bia paid attention to this detail.
- Yes, no one has lived there for years. Why were you guys there? Are you those internet teenagers who film abandoned places?
- God, no! - John denied it.
- You didn't find any bodies? Nothing at all?
- Not for now.
Even with more questions than answers, Bia thought it was better to forget the subject altogether. What was she going to achieve by investigating all that anyway?
- Hey, we need to get to the meeting. - John reminded.
Completely dirty, sweaty and without decent clothes.
- We need a shower. - said Bia. - And clothes. Do you have any ideas?
But then she remembered.
- You know what? I changed my mind.
- Why?
- You're asking me why?
- Okay, never mind.
- It was your brilliant idea to stay at "Nana's" house!
- Nana?
- The grandmother from The Visit.
- I've never watched.
- Whatever, John. My point is that listening to you is a really bad idea. So, no, I don't accept any more of your opinions or ideas.
- It's a little unreasonable, but okay.
That's it. Judged, sentenced, hanged. But they still haven't solved the clothes problem. All Bia wanted was a shower. The rest would not be such an apparent problem. In theory.
- So, what are you going to do? - John asked.
- I don't know. - Bia was honest.
- We can go like this.
Bia couldn't believe her ears.
- I'll pretend I didn't hear it.
- Okay, fine. What's your plan?
And after lots and lots of thoughts, Bia and John managed to find a place to take a shower. After all, work had to continue, even after that bizarre night of freaky events.
And that morning, the pair were finally able to join the Discovery Zone online fan group. As Bia predicted, most of the people were no more than forty years old, probably children by the time the business kept its operations going. Brittany welcomed them in a friendly way with a hug, but Bia was not comfortable with affection after the night before. Anyway, the two were able to mingle among the other people and get material for the text.
- In that place children could be children. It was very nice. - Said a woman to John.
- I slept with many divorced and married mothers frustrated with their husbands because of the Discovery Zone. - Said a man much younger than the woman interviewed earlier by John.
- There should be a Discovery Zone for adults.
- I remember the colorful slides, the ball pool and the food. - Said another woman.
Far from John once again, Bia was more successful, as she managed to find a person who was on the front line of the company. Interestingly, his name was also John and he introduced himself as manager to the journalist.
- I was the manager of one of the California headquarters when I lived in the state in 1992.
- Really? - Bia was impressed. - And what do you remember?
- It was a lot of fun. The kids, the toys, the parties. Everything in that place reminds me of childhood and being a child.
- How many venues were there in the country?
- More than 200.
- But what went wrong? - asked Bia.
- Some factors of the time. Financially, it was impossible to keep all 200 stores running. Well, it is important to remember that the concept of the Discovery Zone was to attract children. And children... Well, they study on weekdays. So the audience was limited to weekends.
It made sense.
- So on all other days the place was empty?
- Pretty much.
- And what was the other reason?
- Video games started to gain popularity. Places like the Discovery Zone became obsolete, because few changes were made to keep the place attractive.
- Anything else?
- The quality of service began to drop. As well as costs increased considerably because of their business model. In fact, despite the fond memories of everyone here, the Discovery Zone did not last long.
After a bizarre night, which events could only be explained by Ed and Lorraine Warren, we went to a Discovery Zone fan meeting at a park in Kansas City. As expected, most were over thirty, with children and families. Another thing in common were the fond memories. Everyone there, in some way, remembered the moments lived on those colorful toys. It was fun to hear people's stories and funny moments, even after so many years. Even though I had never been in a Discovery Zone today, I felt part of those memories, even though they were not exactly mine. After all, I was also a child once.
- So, what did you think? - John is waiting for Kevin, his boss, to give his opinion.
- It looks like Arsenal.
John was disappointed.
- Come on, Kevin! It's very good. Very good.
- You should know by now that I won't praise you gratuitously, you silly bugger!
- It's a shame, because it's really good.
- It's much smaller than the other one.
- You should know better that size is not important. Also, the Discovery Zone lasted for only five years, Venezuela technically exists to this day, so there's not that much to say.
An obvious lie.
- Why do you lie to me, John?
- It is the most obvious way out for me.
- Forget it. Be ready for the next one.