SURVIVAL PART 14: Talent?

A few days in a hospital room, and Jace was good to leave. By then, Kaleb was already out and walking. As I passed the door of the hospital wing, a strange man stopped us, and asked me to come with him. He said that his boss wanted to meet me and talk. I could tell from his jacket that the said man was a federal officer. Why would the federal boss want to talk to me? Was it about Jace? Was it about us surviving alone for so long? I didn’t know.

I went with him, asking Jace to wait for me at the beds that were allocated to us in the dorms of the shelter. All the others were already there. I still wondered if it was such a good idea to let Jace go and face the group alone after what had happened. I was worried about how Ryan would react to him being back with the group. I just hoped they wouldn't start fighting each other.

I proceeded to a small office deep inside the underground building in which we were. It was quite small, with very few lights, and grey walls all around. There was a big office table made of wood, behind which there was a turning chair where the man was sitting. When he turned around, I saw a very fit, quite tall man. He had black hair and was wearing what seemed like a uniform, with federal engraved on the back of his jacket.

He welcomed me in, and asked me to sit down, before ordering one of his men to bring us some water. He started by asking me my name, how I was feeling and whether I was well settled. He then started asking me questions about us surviving.

Man – I need to know Quesiyah. How come a group of young, inexperienced students managed to survive in such an unfriendly environment? We saw the videos from the city cameras. We saw you fight terrorists in a parking lot, and even kill some. You have been kidnapped, and I assume tortured, seeing the marks on the boys’ bodies. And you’re still alive? all of you?

Me – Sincerely sir, I don’t know. The first fight was purely instincts. Then we did some training. One of our friends, Ryan, and I have some past history in martial arts. We taught the others, we learned how to shoot, and eventually we put all this into practice. We had no idea what we were doing. We just wanted to survive.

Man – Yes, and you did. But some of your friends to whom I’ve talked told me that you led them. They described to me in detail how you guided them, the guarding tours, the fighting, the way you behaved throughout your journey, it’s quite impressive and unreal at the same time. I mean how old are you, 19?

Me – I’m 20, now, and I understand. The guy who kidnapped us also said the same thing. He asked me if I was working for anyone, and I said no. I really don’t know how we managed. I’m just glad we did.

Man – Yes your friend Kayra, I believe, described to me how it was while you were there. So that terrorist is your boyfriend’s father? And he lied to you? And you’re still his girlfriend?

Me – I know how it sounds, but Jace only lied because he wanted to survive and was scared. If you knew him like I do, you’d know he’s a good person. He wouldn’t hurt a fly.

Man – Oh don’t worry I believe you. What I meant by asking you all this is that I believe you have a talent. Not many youngsters can lead a group of students through a war and make it out alive.

That would be the second time during this whole war that someone told me I had some talent. A talent for what? Killing? Was that even a good thing? I did not want talent, I just wanted to survive, but it seemed like this war brought in some unknown, hidden abilities of mine.

Me, hoping to end the conversation – I understand sir, and sincerely, I’m just glad it’s all over.

Man – the thing is, my dear, it’s not over. This shelter won’t last forever. At some point, we’re going to have to evacuate everyone from the country. This place is just a temporary solution. We don’t know how long we can keep it hidden. Eventually, we’ll get discovered and, well, you get the picture.

Me- why are you telling me all this?

Man – because I want your help, Quesiyah.