Dan Belova, “‘Good Old’ Hall’s”

“GOOD OLD” HALL’S

Dan Belova

Jack’s mother spotted the housing area on the map and headed towards it. Jack followed closely behind. When they entered the room, disappointment flooded Jack’s heart. Similar to the lobby, everything looked lifeless and surreal. The floor was the same, the furniture was run-down and looked uncomfortable, and the ceiling light shone a bright, eye-straining yellow. “This is a hellhole,” Jack’s mother expressed. Jack set down his backpack and began unpacking. A few socks, some shirts, two pairs of pants, a laser pointer . . . Horton . . . Jack shed a single tear. Horton was a stuffed elephant that had been given to him on his 4th birthday by his grandma. It still smelled like their house, slightly ridden with smoke. I miss her. “Mom, this bed feels like a pile of rocks!” Jack’s mother sat down next to him and put her arm around his shoulder. “It’s the best we can get, Jack.” “I don’t wanna be here anymore.” “We’re much better off here than we are outside. That disease is deadlier than the black death.” Jack laid his head on his mother’s shoulder and she ran her fingers through his hair. Suddenly, a voice echoed throughout the housing area. “Lights out!” It was Zeon. He approached their room and stared Jack down. “I’ve got my eye on ya, kid.”

That statement kept Jack up all night. Can he see me? I doubt it. Jack turned to face the window and gazed at the night sky. The stars seemed a lot prettier at 4:00 AM than at any other time he’s seen them. They shined bright like rhinestones. The view from the foggy window wasn’t the clearest, however. I want to see them up close. Jack quietly rose, grabbed his laser pointer, and sneaked out the room. Jack headed out of the facility, making sure no one was there to see him. Every turn, every step: they felt like such a relief, and yet like such a mistake. Finally, Jack had made it to the lobby. The security guard was deep asleep. This is my chance! Suddenly, a loud noise pierced Jack’s ears. He hastily turned, only to find out he’d triggered a security system. Out of sheer panic, Jack slammed his right hand over his ear and frantically pointed the laser pointer in random directions. A familiar voice rang out from inside Old Hall’s. “What the hell are you doing, you idiot?” Jack could barely focus on the situation because of the blaring alarms, but he managed to spew out a few words. “I-I don’t know! I’m sorry! Please, make it stop!” Zeon grabbed Jack by the arm and dragged him inside. They were met with a large crowd of concerned people. “Run, everyone! Run for your lives!” Zeon yelled. Without thinking, Jack scurried up to the fourth floor to wake his mother. Panting, he shouted. “We have to get out of here!” “What’s wrong, Jackie?” Jack didn’t know what was wrong. Then it hit him. Gunshots. “The security robots! They’re goin’ nuts! Run honey, run!” A

random woman’s voice rang out. Jack and his mother took off, sprinting towards the stairwell with the speed of sound. What have I done? I’m so stupid! Stupid, stupid, stupid! Jack threw the laser pointer on the ground in frustration and continued running. However, he quickly realised someone was running straight into his mother. She stumbled back, andBANG! Jack found himself frozen in fear. His mother fell to the ground, her burgundy blood spilling all over the marble flooring. Jack’s life flashed before his eyes; going to the park with her, his birthday celebrations, their trip to Las Vegas. He began to sob. To his surprise, however, someone grabbed his wrist and yanked him towards the exit. It was Zeon. Jack fell onto the cold, hard concrete, but at least he was safely outside. He laid on the ground, breathing heavily. Time felt so slow, and yet so fast. He sat up, tuned out the gunshots, and stared blankly as two rivers of tears streamed down his face. However, Zeon surprised him with a hug. “I’m sorry kid, I really am.” “What are you sorry for?” “I bumped into your mother.” Jack was absolutely livid. He shook a little. “I did so much wrong in my time here. Maybe, if I’d just been a little less hostile, this wouldn’t have happened. These robots were not necessary . . . I should’ve known when I lost her.” “Lost . . . who?” “My wife. A similar accident happened here at the start of this

mess. She was gone so fast.” He began to cry. Jack hugged Zeon back. They both stood up and Jack looked out into the sunrise. Zeon grabbed Jack’s hand and began to walk away from the building. “I’m gonna take good care of ya, kid. I promise.”

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