Killer Card

Morning breaking news reported that the personal assistant of Mr. Zeyn had released an apology to the public, stating that Mr. Zeyn was possessed by a weird creature. This revelation meant the photo was not edited. News like this created fear in the public, and now I speak to the manager of Science Scene.

"Mr. Ali, the tension is high, and everyone wants to know: Is it possible for a human being to be possessed by alien species?"

"You've got aliens inside you," Mr. Ali responded. "It sounds crazy, and for nearly a century, science steadfastly refused to believe it. Mitochondria, tiny bodies that swarm inside almost every one of our cells and supply them with power, are actually descendants of a separate life form: a free-living bacterium not unlike many of the little terrors that surround us today."

That was it. The mayor had to step in. Every media platform wanted to get hold of Zeyn. The rate of unemployment, the sanity of the city, and even weather podcasts were all fixated on the headlines: "There is an Alien in the City of Beliz."

Mentally, Zeyn was prepared. He spent the entire night contemplating and planning how to tell his story. Instead of holding many meetings with all the journalists, he decided to go on a public television news podcast and say his story once and for all. Journalists from other news platforms would be allowed to ask questions.

Media personality Shan opened the session. "Good afternoon everyone across Beliz. Here we have Zeyn, a victim that got possessed by an alien species. Zeyn, good afternoon. How are you?"

"Tense. I am trying, thanks, and you?"

"I am doing just great. Now, without wasting any time, please share with us your experience of the encounter with this species and how your eye turned red."

"Well," Zeyn began, "as normal, I was in my office, and all of a sudden, a black shadow was on my window. I didn't take heed of it, thinking it was a reflection of a cloud. The next minute, a venomous human being sucked my neck from behind and then disappeared. I lost all my energy, and just like that, my eye turned red."

Shan continued, "Alia from Stay With Us News Podcasts would like to know how the creature appeared."

"He had features of a human, but he was green, and both his right eyes were red. He had a tongue that stuck out like venom. I'd compare him to a lizard."

Shan trembled and tried to compose herself. "Do you have CCTV in your office?"

"Yes, but I disposed of it when the photo of myself was all over the news. I was scared and decided that I wanted nothing to do with it."

"Any consequences or changes you have seen in your body after being struck by that alien?"

"Nothing much. My eye turned red, and that was all. My energy was low. My PA Layla helped me a lot, and now I believe I am fine. But I will not back out from looking for that creature. It must be found for the security of the people."

After giving his speech, Zeyn left. When he got home, his gate was crowded. He had to get into his mansion with the help of his security.

"It looks like this dorm belongs to both of us," Zeyn said.

"It pisses you that I enter and leave as I please!" Layla retorted.

"I did it. And I am proud of you, Layla."

"It's not over yet. So now, what is next?"

"For the Andrews to contact me."

"Do you think they will?"

Smirking, Zeyn replied, "The underground world is threatened. They think they are exposed. They will contact me for sure."

As he was speaking, his phone rang. Trembling, he answered, "Layla, Layla, it's them..."

"Shhh, put it on speaker."

"Zeyn?" a voice on the other end asked.

"Yes."

"It's me again, Mrs. Andrew. Do you remember me?"

"Yes. How may I help you?"

"The question is how I may help you! You said on the podcast that you wanted to search for the alien!"

"Yes, but I have limited resources to do so."

"You have seen a lot. For now, lay low, okay? I will arrange a meeting so we can talk this out."

She dropped the call.

"Is that all?" Layla asked, visibly upset.

"Baby steps, Layla. We will get there."

"Please, this meeting, make it a public place."

"I know you're concerned, but these people have power. It will surely not be a public meeting."

"I don't think they will invite you into their personal space. You are a human being to them."

"Do you think they are not human? All along, I thought they were people who lay low and control the city."

"We are deep within. Why would people want to kill an alien? And how do they know of creatures with red eyes?"

Zeyn trembled, realizing he might be wrong about the Andrews. Just then, Madam Williams made her presence known.

"Zeyn, have you lost it? Why lie to the media?" she demanded angrily.

"Ma, please calm down."

"Do you know the calamities you have caused? Now people will live in fear, thinking that there are things haunting the city." She turned to Layla. "Oh, and you are a bad influence on him. Since he met you, his life has been a roller coaster. From one scandal to the next. If he dies, baby girl, his blood will be on your hands."

Madam Williams left. Layla thought about it. She knew Madam Williams was right. Ever since she stepped in, Zeyn had no peace.

"Tears rolling down her cheeks, Layla said, "Zeyn, it was a pleasure meeting you. But our chapter ends here. She is right, you lived a peaceful life, and when I stepped in, it was dark. You had to deal with a lot. I think it's time I get out of the picture because you deserve peace that I do not seem to serve."

Running, Layla left the room. With that, Zeyn felt shattered. He felt all alone again. Thunders struck in a clear, sunny sky, a reflection of Zeyn's sadness.