1 The Encounter

The only thing constant in the world was "change".

Jake Tiago thought as he stared at what little patch of sky that was left uncovered.

In a city of the country known for being "The Sleeping Giant", towering skyscrapers can be seen as far as an average human neck can stretch up, Jake had to put in more effort than others, as he was only 5 years old. Tan-skinned, green-eyed, black-haired, and 3'2" child.

The city had a forest of buildings, skyscrapers for mountains, and as for water, Jake had not known where it had come from yet, his father told him it came from the freshwater found outskirts of the city, Jake could tell otherwise. He was a little bit different from the other kids, he already understood what was happening around him, and why.

Jake was dragged from the safety and comfort of Hawaii to come to this city, led by the hand of his father. His father didn't want to risk leaving Jake behind, as he did not trust other people looking after him. If Jake were to describe his father it would be strict and cold.

The streets were muddled by workers and passerby, trying to get to their own destination. As Jake was caught up in all this, he was tugged along by his father and entered what looked to Jake as the tallest building in the whole city. Almost immediately a draft of cool air hit Jake's face. He tightened his grip on his father's hand as he felt the chill to his very bones but much to Jake's dissapointment, his father's skin was cool to the touch, with no hint of warmth in it.

Like the undead. Jake thought.

Jake's green eyes roamed around, a great chandelier hung on top of the great lobby, it radiated a soft yellow glow, illuminating the entirety of the room, reaching its outermost corners. Couches of velvet, soft to the touch, dotted its marble-tiled floors. A desk clerk can be seen at the end-center of the room, at its left side were the elevators. The walls were a pristine white color, like the color you'd be greeted if you went inside a hospital room.

The people can be counted as they came and went. Strangely, they were all wearing lab coats, carrying what looked like sticks that were able to extend at least 2 meters in length. As demonstrated by a person who had willingly extended it to show to his friend as they exited the building.

"listen Jake, stay in the lobby while I go finish my business." his father gruffly said as he pulled his hand away and walked towards the elevator. Jake eyed his father, every step he took, until the elevator closed.

Now Jake was all alone. And like any curious child, he began to explore the lobby. He sat on the velvet couches, familiarized himself with the trinkets and decorations within the lobby. Until, there was nothing left to explore, at least, within the lobby.

Jake tried to go into the elevator twice but was caught by the desk clerk who only smiled at him, but Jake knew this wasn't the kind of smile that was sincere or friendly. It was meant as a warning.

I guess normal means won't work for that person. Jake thought as he sat on the couches. Though he was a smart boy, he hadn't deduced yet how he will be able to get passed the "mean scary lady".

Suddenly the entrance of the building burst revealing an inflow of workers in lab coats. Jake quickly slipped in the crowd as they rushed to the elevator. Jake was crushed by their smell and pressure. Alcohol, and not the kind you drink. Jake wasn't able to see anything during that time, he could only swim with the tides. He felt that the crowd had stilled.

"I'm in!" he thought as he triumphantly gave himself a literal pat on the back, though it was a tight fit to do so, he still managed. That lady had no idea who I was. I am Jake Tiago after all!

After a long while of waiting, the crowd slowly dispersed leaving only Jake in the elevator. He got out of the elevator seeing as he was the only one left, and immediately entered a long, half-lit hallway, with room on either sides. One can imagine as if trapped in a horror movie.

Jake moved slowly and quietly, suddenly an ear piercing scream could be heard. Jake was scared stiff in his place, not daring to move. Until he noticed that the screams came inside one of the rooms. The screams seem to be getting louder and louder, until finally, he saw its origin. It was a girl. But she was by three adults, followed by two other people behind them. One was holding a leash, while the other two were holding her arms.

What did that girl do to be mistreated this way? Jake thought breathing heavily as he witnessed the scene. They were going to pass through where Jake was hiding. Behind a potted plant.

As they passed through, only the girl noticed the boy who was hiding behind the potted plant. Upon seeing this the girl struggled harder and screamed more. As if she was begging the boy to save her.

Or warn the adults that an intruder has trespassed their domain. Jake thought. He saw how scared and hurt she was. Her complexion was as pale as a ghost. Bruises as far as Jake can see on her rag-clothed body. Her neck was red, with blood stains on the white collar. Her hair was unnaturally long, and ungroomed for what seemed like a long time, and her eyes were blue, yet red from crying. Jake could clearly see she was suffering.

Jake felt sorry for her. He stood up, balled his fists, and gritted his teeth. He knew what he had to do, and he needed to do it now and fast. It was his only chance.

He walked away.

Tears were spilt as both of their paths intersected, only to be passed by, not being able to see each other again. Maybe.

What could I do? Help the girl? How? In what way? What could I, a 5-year old snotty-nosed brat, do? Would I even be able to successfully free her? If I did, what will I do afterwards? Hey dad! I rescued a little helpless girl from the clutches of bad people, please praise me! And then what? I'm sorry... I'm so sorry I couldn't help you. No, it wasn't couldn't. It was didn't. I'm sorry I didn't help you. I-I was afraid of the consequences, of both our situations, if ever I made the other choice. You can blame me all you want. It was for the best anyway, probably. It will only save me the trouble and yourself the false hope. I can't say that we will not meet again. But in time, if I ever have the chance, I'll explain myself. I know your name, I'll never forget. Melissa Beige 03.

Jake thought these things as tears sprung from his eyes freely. As he entered the elevator, he was greeted by a startled crowd. Who didn't know what to do in case a crying, sobbing child suddenly entered the elevator, out of the human testing floor. They remained quiet, they didn't want to get involved in that floor. The elevator stopped at the 1st floor and the crowd immediately dispersed. Leaving the sobbing child behind.

Jake's father was waiting at the lobby for Jake, reading the newspaper and drinking something out of a mug, probably coffee. He saw Jake crying inside the elevator, not making a move to get outside. Mr. Tiago, Jake's father, folded his newspaper and coffee, placing it in its rack, he walked towards his son and yanked his arm.

"I told you to stay in the lobby" Mr. Tiago said in a cold manner, ignoring the fact that his son was crying, doing- rather experiencing - god knows what.

They left the building, and the suffering girl in it as well.