Just Surviving part 1

CHAPTER 1 PART 1

In a world where your life was determined by wealth , power, and fame, every living being on this planet hunger to have this false freedom, throughout the history of mankind, social hierarchy was molded by powerful individuals along side their family, to would harness and manipulate that craving to benefit their own way of life, and the endless struggle to obtain, exploit and control this so-called authority made humans greedy to the point of personal, social, religious, economic, and cultural conflicts broke out and the war was inevitable in every known civilization and took, what they think was their noble right., For thousands of years, mankind wages a seemingly unstoppable craving for that power, Due to this humanity's beliefs, culture, and way of thinking were infused with this so-called dilutional hunger.

This insatiable hunger for power permeated every aspect of human existence, shaping their beliefs, culture, and way of thinking. It became ingrained in their collective consciousness, driving them to pursue dominance and control at any cost. As a result, societies became divided, religions clashed, economies collapsed, and conflicts erupted across the globe. This relentless pursuit of power ultimately led to a never-ending cycle of violence and turmoil in civilizations throughout history. 

as the world changes to adapt to everybody's needs, mankind is blind to the fact that our every life is fated to live in a world filled with struggles from the moment we were conceived and born.

It was the month of March the year 2000, as humanity sleeps an unknown under the blanket of the night, a surge of energy burst out of thin air and manifested a few thousand orbs in different sizes, some were huge and some were small all around the world.

it was pulsating with heat and electrical energy, when it was discovered all of mankind's scientific minds gathered together from all their respective nations to understand these newfound phenomena,

days have turned into months as leading experts study this energy hoping to gain insight into what it was and how can it help mankind and so many theories came to be heard from every known people in the world, and the study of this Orb continued for another two years and still humanity was dumbfounded to what it was,

each government from each nation decided to take precautions, for so many reasons the energy it was giving out was not harvestable by any man-made technological machine.

There was no information nor do have any use to benefit their respective nation, so they conducted systematic experiments to determine if it was harmful or toxic to any living organism.

at some point, the test was sufficient enough to state that it was not fatal even to prolonged exposure. the United Nations mandated all member countries to just conceal and contain those orbs behind steel and concrete,

some of them were left alone because they are far away and isolated from any human city and were forgotten. 19 years went by as humanity returned slowly to its daily life and return to its normal routine.

Once again mankind experiences many changes in its passing days, conflict and war broke out in some parts of the globe. Humanities' savage nature once again emerges to gain more power. And after a century a mutated virus spread among the people consuming the world like wildfire and killing thousands,

but humanity's determination to survive still prevailed thus people from different walks of life have their own stories to tell on how they survive this new plague, some were ordinary to the point you might say it was mediocre or generic at least. But others are so fascinating that they might eventually turn the world upside down.

Again, it was summer another year went by as people now regaining control over their life was in full swing, and a new profound ambition to develop and expand within several specific nations in the fields of medicine, technology, infrastructure, and military superiority was once again gaining momentum.

Some nations were lucky enough to get back on their feet, and some even gain more than what they used to have, but other poor areas of the world remain the same struggling to face the ever-changing fate of mankind. For a particular city with a population of more than 3 million people was divided into 2 social groups usually the strong and the weak.

Even before life was a battleground risking only material things that man and woman can obtain throughout their mundane days, now in some areas of the world it's more of a fight to stay alive and by betting on your own life just to get a piece of bread to eat. people would just try their best to hide to awful truth by creating a fake life in front of the camera and posting to have a great meaningful life, social media was at the forefront of this seemingly new lifestyle.

Nevertheless, it was a dream, crude, feigned, and in some cases fatal. countless people behind this way of living became addicted and saw its potential to escape reality and even earn a living, so society move drastically walked toward this path. and with the help of technology, it became apparent that even under mankind's eyes they can still dream of having a good life.

but not everybody was successful, within the glamorous streets of the city you can see, hear and feel its growth, people walking all around wearing their most fashionable attire flashing how much they are worth, showing that they are successful and all manners of their so-called life, a young woman around the age of 26, she begs her boss to give her a second chance.

In a city where massive luxurious buildings have conquered eighty per cent of its land, as small businesses sprung out on every pave concrete street, and small connecting alleyways didn't escape this necessity to cater to this vastly expanding industry. and one of these needs was to provide food to those who are working within and outside of this city, as people walk by to their respective destinations, they saw a young woman begging her boss to not fire her in front of a well-known coffee shop in the district.

she was crying and asking her boss to be merciful for she needs this job to feed her young son, the owner grab her hand and drag her to the back alley right beside his shop for one single reason alone, to stop getting attention from the passing people, and was not something the owner needs right now, so with the angry tone he raised his voice and utter the word " you are useless pathetic, and you are fired!" the women cried much more and grab the owner sleeve and pull it as hard as she can, as the man was walking away from her.

this was more than enough to get the man more irritated and furious to the extent he slaps her until she fell to the ground. the owner stood there for a few minutes and lean down near her and whispered in the woman's ear ,saying "if you want the money that badly, why not sell your body" at that moment the man took out a little cash from his pocket and threw it at her face, with all the insults and disgraceful act she slowly grabs the cash on the dirty streets and held her tears while the man stood up and started to laugh hard. and then turn around and walked away.

her hand was shaking and once again tears fell from her cheeks as she places the last money in her pocket, slowly stood up, and brush her swollen face including the tears in her face. and like any other day, she travel back home with a broken heart, her feet were comparably bound in chains like she was carrying a heavy load, every single day, her skin was dry,she was also pale, skinny and tired physically, as she was entering the bus bound to the poorest area in the city.

as the bus moves from street to street picking up and dropping passengers, the young woman's mind slowly drifts into sleep not knowing what to do when her body was worn out as she wanders the dreaming world with no fear of getting hurt and not feeling sorry for her pathetic life, dreaming of those days when she was still under the care of her parents, eating enough food that makes you drool with envy. seeing her father smile every day made her feel important, those times when she would hug her mother as she tuck her into her bed at night, that feeling of warmth made her cry even went she was dreaming.

if she only knew that falling in love with the wrong person could change everything, memories of rebellion and regret swirl in her sleeping mind that warm dream became a nightmare, seeing her parents get angry, shouting, screaming, as she force this so-called love against her parents will. after that scene, the love she was hoping to last, became a prison for her, the pain of getting hit day after day was hell, and getting pregnant was even worst. she cried every day but the child in her womb was a fighter, she would just protect her belly every time her husband would come drunk and starts beating her with his belt. like a wolf, she would use her own body just to make sure no harm would come to her cub.

a few hours passed a hand touches her shoulder slowly shaking her a saying the words " miss this is the last stop" she woke up and saw the old Bus driver looking at her with sadness in his eyes. he even ask if she was doing ok. she just politely smiled and stood up and walk going out of the bus, a weak voice utter the words thank you, as the old bus driver as he nodded back to her with a soft smile.

as she steps down from the bus she looked around seeing that the tall buildings were replaced by old small residential houses and noisy people loitering around like flies, there are a lot of people and a small town that supposedly can only accommodate one thousand people, now has a million unwanted residents.

some from the poorest parts of the area were digging into garbage cans like hungry raccoons, they were from the slums that took over old abandoned factories years ago. these people were vile addicts and filthy rejects of society, some were forcefully thrown into our area by some politicians to clean their district at the expense of the middle-class citizen, who was trying their best to protect their family and home even if they are old and lack proper maintenance it was still their home and Amelia was one of those people.

holding her bag tight as she walks in the direction of a renovated 2-storey building beside a small church a few meters away from the last bus stop, the structure stood for almost 20 years located at the last bus stop before entering the nearest suburban homes in the outer city it is a privately owned establishment operated by a Priest name Taraji Tesfaye and his sisters family. when Father Taraji passed away his only living relative became its new proprietor.

the establishment is now more focused on teaching kids and giving shelter to those who were abandoned to sleep in the street. Tesfaye Orphan School for lost souls, working hand in hand with another group that spent together their time and effort to build a civic centre in the heart of South Warren that was managed by a rich and retired Chinese philanthropist.

while walking she is about to take out a small mirror inside her bag. flashes of sad memories suddenly emerge from her memory, tattered and broken living where uncertainty was inevitable under the shackles of her wicked husband who took everything from her making false promises that were never held to have a loving relationship that she hoped to have never existed. her mind and heart were fueled by that unwavering resolve to see her son grow up not like his Father, whose life was changed by lies, malice, cowardice, and greed.

thinking back she felt there was something wrong with him before, those soft-spoken tones and gentle movements were small hits that's seem to be unreal like he was auditioning for a part in a theatre play, but his charm and seduction were overwhelming it made her blind to the point of leaving her parents and staying with her newfound happiness making her believe she was the most important person in his sad and lonely life.

but after being disowned by her family and left with no wealth under her name, her husband's mannerisms finally reveal themselves to her like a wolf in sheepskin, after knowing that she was now poor, no part of her body could escape his heavy hand, he was evil but cunning he would never let anybody see his abusive side, scared to be seen as a bad individual he stood as her jail guard, doing all of the things that he insists has that right to do. Forcing and raping her after a good beating, he would say it was out of jealousy and love but she knew was it all lies.

she clench her teeth and stared blankly at thin air, thinking all these bad memories are not in the past, but she was still living in them today, at that moment she looked at her small mirror and fix herself before going to the nursing home to fetch him with a fake smile, her demeanour changed even for a skinny frail looking woman she has never forgotten how to act refined in front of those people who still offer her some help, slowly she would walk with such composure you would think she was famous or rich, in the past her waking moment was filled with wealth and luxury,

but it still resonates within her when used if needed, like a strong woman her walk was effortless, and each step was dignified you can still see her beauty under her pale and dry skin, a few steps more as she was getting closer to the church entrance the door opened and a young boy came running towards her with so much laughter and energy the young boy hugs her at her waistline like she was away for a very long long time. shouting with so much happiness, she hugs his son and gave him a big kiss on the left cheek and said those meaningful words of love and care to his beloved child like nothing bad ever happened to her. as she was about to leave, a coloured woman came into her view a few feet from the Orphan School door and greeted the young woman with a happy tone

" Hello, Amelia how was your day?"

from the looks of it, you seem tired and hungry

" care to come in and grab some light snack and a cup of coffee?"

Amelia nodded gently while looking at young Ramiel who was holding his mother's hand with enthusiasm with a wide glaring eyes signalling his mother to say yes to the offer. after a few seconds, she decides to accept her invitation. and Amelia knew the sound of her stomach growling was a dead giveaway already so she thought might as well get something to eat before going back home with him.

Miss Dolores was around thirty years old and stood five and six feet tall, her looks are of African descent and most men look at her with admiration due to her curvy body, adding soft fine mocha-like complexion and her eyes her biggest asset for one reason her eyes have two different colour, one is blue and the other one is green. Ramiel would always ask about her eyes she would just say

"Such a silly boy they are different cuz I am a witch."

Ramiel would run laughing as Miss Dolores would run after him and mercilessly tickle him until he would cry out the word please stop.

she was wearing tribal necklaces and earrings that she once told Amelia were her only connection to her ancestors. as they walk in a long corridor, four doors line up from left to right, and kids from all of those doors kids were poking their heads out trying to get a view to who was visiting Miss Dolores. the kids saw it was a pale tall woman who was a few inches taller than their teacher, a few kids were murmuring saying that even if she looked worn out and her skin no near Miss Dolores's soft skin,

The woman who was with her had long black hair up to her shoulders, her eyes looked exhausted dark circles were already visible even from afar as the kids stare at her with curiosity before long she, Amelia, and Ramiel was going inside the kitchen at the very end of the hall, at that moment the children stop looking at them but before entering their respective rooms they talk to each other and said that the pale young woman was still beautiful like Cinderella.

Some Kids in the church orphanage and nursery were taller and older than Ramiel who was turning 5 years old tomorrow morning never pester his mother about receiving gifts, he was an energetic and smart young man he stood three and three feet tall, like her mother, he was rather thin with short black hair, last year ago she always wanted to tell Amelia about the wild and amazing things her son did as they walk she mentions that Ramiel has a strong sense of belief in never giving up.

she shared one of those moments a few days ago she saw him staying outside the nursery playground just staring at the jungle gym, his attention was fixated on proving that he can finish the monkey bar exercise that he sadly failed to do before, that failure was too much for him to forget, he just stood there quietly for about 5 minutes then he climbed up the monkey bars to the very last bar step crab the first horizontal bar with his right hand and a deep breath, he dangles from the very first bar and with all of his strength he extended his left hand to swing and reach the second one but even before the tips of his left finger could touch the second bar as he was already falling to the muddy soil.

after falling he just waited a few seconds and started to look at both of his hands, opening and closing his hands 5 times and then he stood up again and walk back to the monkey bars like his life depended on it. she saw her son's determination and tried it again and again, his tenacity was beyond understanding even after falling a few dozen times on the first hold of the bar travelling to the second bar he would just do it again after falling.

the other kids saw this and were dumbfounded, not even her persuasion could not stop him from finally giving up. the monkey bars in the church orphanage playground were 5 feet tall and had a ten-bar walk, every time he would fall he would just hold in his tears and stand up and walk the beginning and climb back up the bars and start all over again, he never told his mother about she just assumed he was playing with the other kids whenever she would pick him up he was really dirty and covered in dust and dirt, so unknown to his mother he would do this right after Miss Dolores's class lesson. he would just climb those bars like a task he desperately needs to accomplish.

she and the other kids would just watch him cheering him on with claps and words of encouragement, all 14 kids became more interested in what he was doing, rather than spending their free time playing among themselves. the kids just stop playing and sat in front of the jungle gym and started to place a bet on how many days Ramiel would last. silently a food desserts bet started to gain momentum, names were being listed down by the eldest, some betted 3 days' worth of desserts others a week's worth. the kids couldn't contain their excitement there was a huge disserts pot was waiting for the winner.

until a low tome voice said she will bet a month of her type of dessert in the betting pot the kids look around and saw their teacher leaning downward toward them with a nasty maniacal stare, the eldest of the orphan just wrote down her name trying his best to calm his trembling hand and place the bet in a month's worth of her creamy mouth-watering cookie snacks that he would finish the said task in nine days. the young bet master looked at her and extended a handshake to seal the deal., both of them laugh and waited it took him a total of 3 days to finally finish and accomplish the 10-bar climb walk at the height of 5 feet, one hour per free play time every day and he finally conquered it on the third day, a loud thundering cheer burst out from the pot winner shared his winning dessert to him. he was happy and surprise that he could finally taste and eat the free cookies.

Miss Dolores ended the story as Ramiel's mother Amelia was laughing so hard. that tears were falling from her eyes due to the joy she was experiencing. then he ask "are you ok mama?" she answered back with delight

" I am just so happy son."

he held his mom's hand more firmly as they enter the orphanage kitchen. while Miss Dolores was busy preparing a small meal for Amelia, the two sat at one of a few large dining tables, enough to accommodate forty people, the mother, and son were talking about the things he learned in class and the little adventures that the kids were doing early that morning.

the aroma filled the kitchen and made his nose twitch like a dog following that tasty smell he saw Miss Dolores was cooking some soup and a few pieces of bread. this made Amelia's stomach growl, even more, he heard it and decide to put his ear near his mother's stomach. at that very moment, she smiles and stares at her mother with a mischievous giggle. Amelia suddenly got embarrassed as two bowls of soup were placed on the table. she asked him to get the basket of her chocolate cookie stash for them to share and eat.

while eating she asked Amelia about her day and was curious about why she was early today. and she openly answered her with a sad look on her face, after a heartfelt conversation she stood up and went to the nearest cabinet in her kitchen and took out a small box, and placed it on the table Miss Dolores asked him if he could go to her office right next to the kitchen and get her small leather red bag it a keychain of a Smurf on it, with excitement he stood up and casually walked toward the room.

while away Miss Dolores opened the box and took out a necklace and held Amelias' left hand and place the said necklace on it saying this is a gift from her mother back when she was still young, it was a protective necklace that luckily helped her many times against danger. and told Amelia to always wear it and just accept her gift as a way of thanking her for all the help she and her family gave before.

Amelia was a bit hesitant but after she told her the reason, she gladly accepted it as soon as she put it on her neck, young Ramiel came back into the kitchen and went up to Miss Dolores, and with a big smile he extended his arm and showed her the bag. she leans forward and took it from his hand and patted you, boy, on the head, he was happy but a little confused, he thought there was no reason for her to ask him to take her bag because there was nothing important in it just a small notebook and a metallic old ball pen that she hardly use at all.

she saw the mischievous look on his face and said if he opened her bag and peek what was inside, he looked back with a salute, and then he said yes without even thinking twice and told her that his curiosity was too blamed. she kisses him on the forehead and openly said to him Curiosity is one of the most permanent and certain characteristics of a vigorous intellect you are a very lucky woman to give birth to this little rascal.

and their conversation continues for more than an hour after all that laughter and sharing Amelia helped her clean the dishes, young Ramiel was helping in his small way by wiping the plates and handing the dry plate to Miss Dolores to be placed back in the cabinet.

as soon as they were all done Ramiel wipe his hand and held her mother's hand once again as they were accompanied by Miss Dolores back into the orphanage door. as the mother and son walked out of the door Miss Dolores placed both her hand on their heads and spoke a Latin Phrase. Ramiel looked back as to what does it mean, Miss Dolores said it was to protect them from harm.

Ramiel waved back Amelia said thank you and bowed her head. it was already past five o clock in the afternoon while walking further and further away from where she was standing, while looking at their back a shadowy image emerged from Miss Dolores's back and whispered something to her that made her shudder in dread.

she wanted to run toward them and stop them from leaving but she knew the things she did today were already stepping beyond the rules of l'Assemblée Infâme. she bite her lip causing it to bleed a little and just stared at their back as they slowly vanish from her sight.

As the sun slowly sets, Amelia and Ramiel were travelling homebound, a few people who knew them whispered and talk among themselves with animosity as the two walked down the streets coming from the orphanage Amelia ignored them and just asks what was his favorite thing to do while he was at Miss Dolores place, he just nods and said a few words but to her delight, he told his mother the best part of being with his friend was when she picked her up after his lessons, he shared a lot of things with her mother, most of them were silly and full of childlike wonder, from imaginary adventures to reading a book to helping other kids do some chores. this conversation helps them get distracted from the long way home, after twenty minutes Amelia stood in front of her house carrying her tired son on her back.

as she gets her door key an old couple sitting on their porch wave their hands at her and smiled at Amelia it was her neighbors Mr. and Mrs. Liu Chen, they were around seventy years old but still looks very healthy and energetic for their age. they were both around five feet tall and most of the time speaks Cantonese than English when they argue. they called out to Amelia to join them inside their house so they can rest comfortably and not always think about what could happen went they are both alone and sleeping inside their home, It was like their second home, the two were too tired to reject the offer so she place her key inside the bag and went over to Mr. and Mrs. Lu Chen, they were both welcomed with warm open arms.

ever since Amelia moved in right beside them, they never hesitated to knock on her door even especially whenever her husband comes home and gets infuriated and starts beating her up, her husband would stop hitting her if he knew there was somebody that might get evidence of his abuse. even if Amelia's husband stood six feet tall and Mr. Tang Lu Chen was only five feet tall he would bring his wooden cane and starts swinging it at him, the senior couple had filled so many police reports stating that there was domestic violence against their neighbors. even ask Amelia to just get a divorce. Amelia would beg the old couple not to act harshly she knew doing this might trigger something more than just the random domestic beatings, she fears for her newborn son's life.

but no police report nor a restraining order would stop Amelia's husband from illegally entering her home, so the couple usually sat on their porch and gave out signals if they spotted her husband in the area this became a daily routine and became one of the reasons why Amelia and Ramiel were Still alive was with the help of the Liu Chen.

the Liu Chen have a small vegetable garden in their backyard and every weekday they would knock on her door asking if she wants some vegetables and Mr Tang would ask Amelia to help them harvest some sweet potatoes. while Mrs. Mao would take care of the young 4-year-old boy before.

Mr Liu Chen's first name is Tang and his wife is named Mao. Mr Tang was a bit chubby and had a mole right beside his left cheek and white hair. he liked Ramiel whenever he would visit them to help with their chores like harvesting potatoes in the garden, Mr. Tang would notice his curiosity and eagerness to know things about their Chinese Language and Culture. when he turned 5 years old he casually slowly walk up the stairs with Mr Tang while he was sitting on their porch drinking Green Tea.

Ramiel then politely ask what was he reading, Mr. tang was surprisingly happy to see the young boy and ask his wife to bring some snacks, Amelia would seek out her son if she could not see him within the premises of their home, she knew there was one other place he could go so she went at her backyard to peek at the backyard fence to see if there somebody at the Liu Chen patio.

if there was no one there she would gather some courage and personally visit the Liu Chen's home, there Mrs Mao would wave at her even before she could say anything and Mrs Mao tap the top of the chair right beside where she was sitting and offers Amelia a cup of tea, and with a smile she assured her little boy was safe and touring the house with her husband and sharing all her Mr Tang exploits when he was young, the boy eyes would always grow wide as he listens attentively to all Mr Tang stories.

the two old couples understood what Miss Dolores saw in the young boy, so they both decided to help him expand his knowledge of all aspects of life including the old Chinese culture. for the past few months, Amelia and Ramiel would always come over to the Lu Chen's home to help out and got to see how the couple live their daily life like clockwork,

it was already morning Amelia s about to get off bed went Mrs Mao opened and knocked on the door and ask if they are already up because breakfast was getting cold. the couple is eager to accept the two in their home as an excuse for them to see Ramiel and protect them whenever her husband suddenly shows up at their home.

February 17. 11:50 pm

and last night was one of those moments, a few minutes right after the mother and son settled in one of the Chen guests' rooms, a loud bang was heard over Amelia's. home Mrs Mao took a glimpse at her right window facing beside Amelia's home, there she saw a drunk man and heard him shouting asking her to forgive him, this went on for a few minutes and when nobody answered the man got furious and started to kick the door hard enough for the rest of the neighborhood to hear and finally react. at this exact moment, the angry man knew this was not the right moment to get into a difficult situation, and going to jail again was not an option, so then and there he stops what he was doing and left Amelia's front door.

Chapter end