13 At the Evacuation Center, Catcade District

5th December

“The world boom as Coronavirus Disease 2019 started to spread countries to countries….”

“Another case of the virus has detected at 145th Avenue..”

“The World Health Organization already declares the world under Pandemic Outbreak upon the rising cases of COVID-19….”

“Many people of the world suffer mental health condition according to a survey cause of the outnumber cases in the world….”

“Such virus stated by some scientists is air-borne as it comes with the air, we breathe….”

I woke up from such annoying news I’m hearing. Different TV stations aired simultaneously in front of a convenience store where many people are passing by. Such a view stopped my activity on standing, and was just kneeled unknowingly.

The cold sidewalk never hindered me from listening to the current news, which made those screens the same in just a snap.

“The District of Zales shall be secured and must obtain such dinsinfection to stop the spread of the virus. People are called to closed their doors and windows upon the time of 10 in the evening….”

“The Zales District? How come?” Such news exploded as a bomb dropped in front of me. News about a certain virus never come and heard spread throughout the districts of New Cica.

What’s happening?

***

"As advised by the Capitol, people should evacuate the Zales District for a week and be stationed in this evacuation site. As the Capitol members in-charge of the virus task force investigate, answer, and find solutions to the phenomenon at hand. That's all." We intently listen despite the shocks some of my mates express.

As the officer finished and bid his goodbye, reactions suddenly annoyed my hearing.

"Are we safe?"

"Is the end near?"

"Thank God! The Capitol is fast."

Can you still be thankful that we indeed are here for about a week? Serve by the Capitol, which for me is pretty good. But totally left here, in this tent-made room bored for a week is torture. I can't hold my keyboard and have seen my monitor for a while. It gives me an incomplete life span.

As to let myself be enjoyed, I welcomed my skin to the scorching heat of the sun. Catcade District, at this part, is getting into my skin. Fewer trees stationed, the road then emits bags of dust if stepped into and unhealthy air to breathe. Are they literally saving us from the virus or pushing us to be sick?

This evacuation site tells me that built out of plan. Those pieces of equipment for cooking left unwashed, some rescued students and civilians shading under some trees, to name a few. But still, the services the Capitol giving are practiced for about decades.

While observing the vicinity, my android phone repeatedly vibrated, telling me that I'm receiving a call that I didn't expect. None of my friends will do such a thing if I have one. I should expect calls from an electric bill boy or garbage collector. At some point, they're my phone pals every week.

As I fished my phone in my pocket, the unknown number of someone emerged on the caller ID. Okay? I already set up my pals' names, and I'm baffled now about this new caller.

With doubt in mind, I answered the call without saying anything.

"Hello?" said a severe and profound voice of a woman. A woman? How come? I didn't let any women or men know my number except those forms, which I know is secured and essential, like bills, school info–wait!

"Who's this?" I asked. I already have a hint about the caller's identity, but I want to confirm first.

"This is Abella," she shortly replied. O—kay? Abella? Who on New Cica is Abella? I didn't engage a woman in my life and had some conversation with aside for that woman from the–wait a minute! What if– "The girl you're with at that cathedral."

That's it! She confirmed my assumption. So now, I have to know when, where, and how does she get my number.

"Are you still there?" she questioned. I didn't bother to answer. If she has the eyes to see that the call is not yet over, then I'm still on the line.

She heaved a sigh and whistle.

"I got your number from the school admin, and if you ask me how? I could not tell." I heard the rustling of leaves and the slow pace of walks. I think she's strolling.

"I already helping myself to be normal as I could. That's what you want, right? Before you help me?" monotonic voice she informed. I remember our deal about me helping her. She indeed did what I told her. Impressive!

"But, it's way too much for me," she continued. I want to ask why but I refrain from asking and keep my silence. "T-they're still there. E--every n--ight. Eve--ry time I close my e-eyes. T-they never changed! Technically… they grew in n-number. I—I… can't s—leep at night n-normal…ly."

And sobbing can be heard after. I'm shocked right after she says, 'they're still there'. I also felt what she experiences. They're still there. Every night. Every time I close my eyes. They never changed. They grow in number each fucking night.

"Me too. They are still haunting my slumbers."