Chapter 042

I enjoyed the sunlight as I walked though the city streets. It was a beautiful day the sun kept everything perfectly warm and the breeze kept everything perfectly cool.

It was nice to enjoy, thinking that I wouldn't mind taking by a longer route home I decide to walk through the city's park.

I make a left turn at the lights and walk down a couple blocks to see a big metal gate towering in front of me. I walk over to the man who was manning the booth right next the gate and asked for entrance.

The man nodded his head with a smile and gave me a wristband telling me that I have to be on my best behavior.

I walk up to the metal gate and and it lets out a buzzing noise when I get close enough. I put out my wristband and the gate scans it. Afterwards a beep sound rings out and the gate opens slowly.

When it finishes opening the slight breeze becomes a strong wind, it surprised me I almost fell down. I laughed a little bit and went inside.

And what I saw was a beautiful meadow filled with flowers and walkways. A few trees scattered across the field. A few family's enjoying each other's company watching the day go by.

Without wasting anytime I start walking through the park. I passed by people saying hello or giving me a tilt of their heads. I return the gesture. Anytime I had the chance.

"Hey Michael why didn't I visit this park more often? It's beautiful here really takes my mind off of things."

"It really does look beautiful, not as much as me sure. But almost."

I smile, glad that Michael's still the same as ever. I find a empty bench and sit down.

Enjoying the nice day I stay on the bench for awhile. Watching people walk past me. Then someone decides to sit next to me and pull their newspaper in front of them.

I look over and squint my eyes because the sun was extremely bright without a cloud in the sky, I look at the newspaper and see a article about a fire that took place yesterday.

It immediately interested me so I asked the old man who sat next to me if I could read the newspaper after he's done with it.

He said sure and handed it to me and gave me a smile. "It's nice to see young people still interested in reading newspapers. Back in my time about 20 years ago you would see everyone reading them. Gee, how I miss the good ole days." He kept talking about the good ole days, so I grabbed the newspaper from him and started reading the article.

[On July 07 2025 a house was brutally burnt down and they found a burnt body. The body has not yet been identified, and there has not been any suspects found.]

I put the newspaper down and let out a sigh. I couldn't find anything in there about me, or about who died. I guess they still haven't figured out Anderson was the one who died.

I suddenly freeze... I look at the newspaper again and look at the date. It's a week ahead from today.

The old man next to me suddenly stands up. "Well I guess you don't need that anymore right Jake?" He leaned over and grabbed the newspaper I put down. "Just make sure you keep it under wraps next time." He then walked away in a slow but purposeful manner.

After he left I stood up abruptly and asked Michael a question. "Michael… Do you remember if I gave my name to the man?"

"I-I don't think so, what about you?" Michael said.

"No I didn't. He just knew, should I try and follow him?" I feel Michael nodding his head and told me to start running.

I take off running in the direction he left to see if I can find him anywhere. It takes only a few seconds and everyone I ran by looked at me shocked at how fast I ran.

After looking for a few more minutes I make it to the other end of the park without seeing a glimpse of the man I saw from before.

I keep going and leave the park through the metal doors and feel the breeze and fresh air leave as the doors slowly close, I look back towards the park with a little regret. But decide to move forward trying my best to try and find that old man. But after a couple of hours I still couldn't find a trace of the man. Even more hours pass and after checking around the city as much as possible, I gave up on looking.

"I give up, Michael theirs no way I can find him now." I said

"I wouldn't worry about it. I have a feeling that you will see him again." Michael said with a overwhelming amount of confidence.