Chapter 14

4th December 2050

President of United States of America was leaning back in his chair in Oval office. He had just presided over a highly sensitive defense meeting. During the meeting Dr. Madison and USGS presented their findings from the extensive research carried out on his orders. The research had confirmed Dr. Madison's conclusion.

The earth really was DYING.

The Defense Counsel agreed to keep this news secret from the rest of the world for time being arguing that release of such news will cause only panic and unrest across the globe. The Defense Council knew that the news will be exposed to the world one way or another. They wanted to devise a plan before it goes out in the world.

He had his initial plan figured out. He was going to address a closed joint session of Congress, tomorrow. An emergency Special Session of United Nations General Assembly was scheduled on 6th of December 2050. All the leaders of the member countries were invited. He was expecting at least 90% presence. He was going to address the Special Session and that day everyone would receive the saddest news of all time.

Mathew was a single kid born in Oklahoma United States. His grandparents moved from Nigeria in early 1950s. He was intelligent, smart, brave, and visionary. It was his 2nd term of presidency. Mathew had three children and a very lovely wife. He had spent past 19 s of his life with Maria; 5 while dating and 14 as married couple. He loved his family. His eldest daughter was 12, son was 11 and youngest son was only 7. His parents were still alive and lived in Oklahoma.

After he became president, he put his focus on science, research, and education in general. He believed, soon knowledge will replace gold and silver and wealth of the world. It will become the greatest weapon any nation could wield, and he wanted USA to be prepared for that.

Now that he had got some time alone, he started realizing the gravity of the events of the day. When you say, "the world is ending", it does not seem as dangerous, as sad but when you imagine your loved one, your child dying, you become desperate and miserable. The more he thought, the more he became sad until he could not hold himself together. Thank goodness, his children and wife were at his parents'. He could cry his heart out.

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Dr. Madison was leaning forward on the counter in a bar alone. It was his favorite place. His phone and a large whisky jar were lying in front of him. He picked the glass and chugged the whole drink in one shot. He seemed a bit drunk. He was obviously sad.

"Hit me again." He screamed.

He looked at his phone. An app was open, and a picture of young female and an old female were displayed. They were tagged: Sadia Now and Sadia in hundred years. Looking at the picture made him cry. He cried like a little girl. Everyone was looking at him. Some were even recording as well. He was too drunk and sad to even notice his surroundings.

Past few months had been hectic and busy for him. He had been working on proving that the world was dying; he was dying, everyone was dying. He worked enthusiastically over a project that could make him world famous. He never thought about it objectively. He just acted like a curious scientist, who wanted to prove himself right. He had just proven something saddest in the history of mankind.

Due to very high sensitivity of the issue, he and his team were not allowed to meet or contact any of their friends and family. Today was last day of their curfew. However, they were instructed not to speak about the research until public announcement was made. After meeting with the Defense Council, ban was lifted. His hand phone was returned to him. He turned on his phone and there were a lot of messages from his family and friends.

He had only one daughter. She was now 19 and was going to graduate from a very famous aviation university. She wanted to become a pilot. He loved her and was very proud of her. He saw notification of message from his daughter. He smiled and opened her social media link and there he saw her picture as hundred years old lady. That picture was making him sad and miserable.

He called his wife to inform her that he will return at night and came to Bar. He had been sitting in the bar for an hour now.

Another hour passed by. He was quite drunk now. Suddenly, his phone rang. He took the phone in his hand and tried to focus. It was from an unknown number. Initially, he wanted to ignore the call then he thought that this might be from some Govt. office.

"He – Hello." He stuttered. He was quite drunk

"What?" He almost screamed. He looked at his phone in disbelief. He stared at it like if he did that, he might be able to see the caller.

"Ho – How do yo- you know that?" He stuttered again but not because of intoxication this time. He was almost sober now. He listened to the answer from the other side.

"What do you want from me. He sat up." Now he was attentive and interested. He waited for answer from other side.

"How can I trust you?" He asked. Answer from other side put a smile on his face. He wiped his face with a tissue.

"Let's meet now. Where should I go?" He got excited and stood up.

"Okay I am coming." He excitedly said.

"Keep the change." He threw some large bills on the counter for his drinks and quickly left the bar.

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