CHAPTER TEN

From her window, Angel saw a familiar figure approaching and when it became clearer, she quickly rushed downstairs. It was her brother, Tom. She watched his towery figure enter the front door. She wanted to watch his eyes and capture his emotion but he was not giving her the chance. As she hugged him, she wondered if he had resolved things with their father. She hated herself for putting him in such unsafe situation. The last few days had been tough for her too and she had been wondering if he was okay. Her brother however had something else to tell her. He made her sit down by the sofa and started to speak. As he narrated to her the reason why he had come to the house, Angel realized how their lives were about to take the unexpected turn.

Tom explained to her that in the next few days according to the report given by the government, young men like himself were going to be recruited to the army. The only different thing about them being recruited was that this was not any other war. Due to the internet shutdown, countries had been struggling to regain what they had lost. They had employed the best IT experts to try and rebuild the internet. Tom explained that this had however not been met because USA, the world super power, had been preventing it for a long time. According to New York Times, the scientists had predicted an impending solar storm that was soon going to happen. To avoid much distraction, they had partnered with major states to cut off any communication through satellites and disrupt internet cables. This was however made to be temporary, just to give time for the scientists to monitor the impending solar storm.

There were countries that did not however agree with the USA and its allies. They saw this as a plan for the US to control major economies of the world and steal major resources without the "all seeing" internet. Among these countries were Russia, Iran, China and many African countries. Many African nations powered by the spirit of Pan-Africanism were against this. There were threats among the major conflicting countries Russia and USA. Some had whispered that the countries were ready to use nuclear weapons against each other. Each had the motivation enough to destroy as much life for its interests.

As Tom explained all this to Angel, she found herself struggling to accept that she had to say goodbye to her brother to serve in a foreign military, especially one participating in the global power game. She knew that Tom was torn between duty and family. He did not however have the decision to make because it was mandatory for every young man to fight for his country in the global war. The Kenyan government which was siding with Russia, was already starting operations to train the young men. She pondered on what power she had to make the world better for their family.

In the next few days, many young men availed themselves pushed by both patriotism and fear. When the day came for Angel to say goodbye to her brother, her heart sunk. Their father who had not yet apologized for his behavior, called them at the dining table. He opened the book of Luke and read;

Jesus told them, "But now, if you have a moneybag, take it with you. Also take a traveling bag and if you don't have a sword, sell some of your clothes and buy one.

Mr. Mwabili went ahead to explain to them that, the world was dark and these were the end times. He said that with the tensions everyone was supposed to be ready to spill blood in order to save their lives. As Angel sat listening, she wondered whether the blood he was talking about was his mothers or the young girls he continued to forcefully traffic in the North West part of Kenya.

As Tom went to his room to wear to wear the uniform for a cause to which he had not planned, Angel remembered their shared history, the laughter and unspoken understanding between them. Tom returned with his face showing an expression of his determination combined with the vulnerability of youth in the face of the unknown. Angel, Zuri and unexpectedly Mr. Mwabili stood in a circle and hugged him tightly. Tears flowed as none wanted to let go. A knock disrupted them and they all slowly walked outside. Angel's heart skipped when she saw the serious-looking soldiers standing outside.

The reality of t moment hung heavy in the air and she looked over to her brother.

"Do not worry guys it is not like it's the first time I have served in the army," Tom said trying to make the moment seem lighter.

Angel's mind was full of doubts, uncertainty about Tom's future and fear of the unknown. She tried to push the thoughts back and smiled back at him.

"Go well son, make your country proud," Mr. Mwabili said with a hint of sadness.

During her time there, Angel couldn't shake the feeling that her life was slipping out of her control. Their estate had been replaced by a grim reality. She looked over to see their neighbor, crying holding her son as well. War was on the horizon and young people were being torn from their homes like chess pieces in the biggest game imaginable.

"Take care, Tom," Zuri finally spoke.

"You too," Tom said as he patted her hair.

Footsteps echoed down the quiet street as Tom, other young men and the soldiers walked away. Their estate once full of life, now stood still, as if holding its breath. Angel felt a deep sense of loss and fear of what lay ahead and she wondered why the most important people in her life were being taken away from her. As the specter of nuclear war hovered above them, casting a shadow over an already tense global landscape, Angel found herself faced with a heartbreaking farewell.