CHAPTER 1: Warning Signals

{Diary entry of Samson Walker, Jan 1, 2016}

[BEEEEEP! 8.00AM]

I threw the alarm clock against the wall to try to get it to stop, but it continued ringing. Finally submitting, I got out of bed and turned it off. Damn, even on new year's day I have to go to work. Well those that don't work don't eat.

I went into the bathroom brushed my teeth and took a cold shower. As I got out of the shower. The cold water was refreshing and reinvigorating as it got me out of my lethargic state.

Going back into my room I put on some clothes and I stuffed my work clothes into my bag. It's already 8.40 am, I have to hurry if I don't want to be late.

I took a quick look in the mirror to ensure I had no problem with my dressing. Looking back at me was a guy who looked to be in his late teens or early twenties, black curly hair, brown eyes, light chocolate brown skin and about 5ft 10". I was wearing a grey sweater ,blue jeans and a pair of black converses. I also had a pendant on my neck, a parting gift from my mom. I took it off and put it in my bag, I didn't want to accidentally leave it on when I changed for work.

I went to the kitchenette and I saw some plates in the sink. I guess Dani had school today. I smelled a a bit of gas in the air. I immediately noticed that Dani had forgotten to turn of the gas when she was done cooking. I turned it off and opened the windows.

"I guess no cooking for now"

I sighed. I went to the fridge and took out some leftover takeout noodles. I ate about three forkfulls before I threw it in the trash. I checked my phone and saw it was 9.00 am.

I'd better be on my way to work.

I took the bus and got to work right on time.

"I thought you'd be late again."

said a guy as he approached me. It was Neil, my best friend, my only friend. After everything that's happened in my life I can say that he's one of the few things that makes me almost smile. He's a bulky guy, about 6ft, with beefy arms, fiery red hair and green eyes.

"If I did, the boss would have my head"

I replied.

"Yeah, the lady's always on her period."

"Shutup, you don't know if she's somewhere near, what if she hears you."

"Wouldn't be the first time."

"Mister Morrison, Mister Walker, I see you have time to have some chit chat. I hope you're not doing it while your on my clock."

said a lady in her forties who had once again gotten the drop on us.

"Sorry ma'am, we'll get to work."

Neil and I immediately responded.

I work at a packaging company. I just carry the cargo from the truck to the warehouse and vice versa. Neil also has the same job. It's not the fanciest job but it helps keep the lights on, well in part at least, I've got two other jobs to supplement it.

"12 noon, finally break time."

said Neil as he sat on some boxes and pulled out a cigarette.

"You know you shouldn't smoke, there's stuff in here that's very flammable."

"Don't be a wet rag, I'm only trying to keep warm, don't you know how cold it is."

Yeah, New York does get quite cold this time of year. I took out a cup of coffee I'd bought just as our break had started and drank.

[BEEEEEP!]

It was the bell signaling the end of our break. Neil and I got up and then suddenly...

[BANG!!!!!!!]

The loudest sound I've ever heard rang through my eardrums. The world turned white and I fell down.

When I came to, I could hear explosions in the distance. I saw Neil on the floor beside me. I checked, thank goodness, he's alive. Then it struck me, Dani. She went to school today. Her school is downtown, and it's in the same direction I hear explosions. I have to make sure she's okay.

"Sam, is that you... what was that noise"

said Neil as he groggily got up.

"I don't know, but it looks like we weren't the only ones that heard it."

I replied as we saw other workers strewn all over the premises.

"Some of them are starting to wake up, come and help me round up the ones still out cold."

"No... I can't, I have to check on Dani, she went to school today."

"Well then, you're not going to be able to get a bus in this situation, here take my car."

"Thanks man, I'll pay you back."

"I never said I was giving it to you for keeps... be safe man."

said Neil as he gave me one of his classic bear hugs. For once I actually hugged him back.

I took his keys and raced to the parking lot. All that was going through my mind now was that I had to find Dani and keep her safe.