Sanctuary

I need to get away. Away from Andy. Away from Cathedral. Away from myself. Andy and I both looked at each other in astonishment. I gave him a quick kiss and told him I would see him later tonight. I forced myself to calmly walk to the door. Left foot, right foot, repeat. Slow. Turn he knob. Leave the house. As soon as I was outside, I ran. I ran as fast as I could without thinking. Through the woods. I ran for a long time. Still in my church dress. When I got to the creek, I sat on my knees. I put my hands on the shiny rock and let the flowing water continue to wash over me. As I thought of the Birdcage.
Birdcage.
Birdcage.
Birdcage...... Birdcage......... Birdcage....................
birdcage.birdcage.birdcage.
Birdcage.

This isn't possible. Andy and I brought down the Birdcage operation. Years ago. We destroyed all evidence of it, to prevent another uprising.

Years ago an operation started up in Germany, and the idea quickly spread itself to a group in the US. The simplified idea was to depopulate the Earth. Biochemical bombs were the first line of attack. They would create through scientists an incurable disease that led to death and would spread quickly. They had about 10 of these bombs. They would place one in the ten most major US cities. Depopulating the big areas first. The second line of attack was the idea of mass murders, with the group's name clearly written on the attack. Multiple mass murders, over two years. To gain a sense of fear from the group. Then they would have their own rise to power, and would make what was left of the US more easily controllable.

Birdcage.

Before I knew it I was hyperventilating, and I grew lightheaded.

"Breathe, baby."

I heard the familiar deep voice I knew too well behind me, and soon felt Andy sit behind me, putting his hands on my shoulders. He was saying something but I didn't hear. All I could hear was birdcage.

Notes