THE BOX
Interlude
Twenty years of searching and I hadn’t come across one interesting find. I had given my life to the road of discovery and this was how it thanked me; an empty pocket and a fast track to living on the street. The only reason I wasn’t there yet was because my younger brother had allowed me to live in his cabin out in the woods.
“I don’t get much use of it anyway,” was what he said when he realized my exploring business was going downhill. “So I’ll be glad to let you live there. Get my money’s worth out of it.” I had told him he didn’t have to and that even if I did accept there wasn’t much I could give as rent. But he wouldn’t back down, “Nonsense, I know how much you love to explore so don’t worry about rent ok? I have plenty of money to spare brother.” I still didn’t like it but I knew there was no changing his mind no matter how hard I tried. So now every morning I’m out exploring the land around me and nights when I come back to the cabin my hands are cold and empty as always.
Chapter 1
Another night with cold fingers. It was hard to believe I hadn’t given up exploring yet. Any normal person would had walked away by now, realized this was a worthless profession wasting precious time of their lives. So why hadn’t I found a new career to follow? What a stupid question to ask myself, I knew exactly why I hadn’t. My life was built on curiosity, so to give up the attempt of discovery would mean throwing away a part of me. And that was obviously something I couldn’t do, I’d rather die. But enough wallowing in my misfortune, its morning and that means a visit to the city.
As time went by I had created daily routines. One of those routines was that when in the city I would go though the mall strips and see what the teens of society had to say about old superstitions. Only, to my dismay, it seemed as though no one was fascinated with things like that anymore.
The city had always been a good place to hear stories on rare objects or legendary items lost to past events before, but my dreams of being a famous discoverer were now slipping away with every year that passed. No one cared about ancient findings anymore unless they got a cut of profit. And with my discovery streak, agencies wouldn’t fund me. The only place that wasn’t a complete bust when searching for information was down by the flower shop. It was where aged women seemed to gather to gossip and smell the new flowers in bloom. However, there were three old women that were always there, Mrs. Shivers, Mrs. Belling, and Mrs. Rose. These ladies were some of the kindest people I had met since I moved into my brother’s cabin. They were always such a big help in finding information on a new expedition I could try. Although they didn’t have much to say the past few days there was always Mrs. Belling that had a treat to share with anyone who happened to stop by. It’s sad to say but most of the time they supplied my dinner since they were the last place I visited before going home.
“Good morning ladies and how are things today?” I said taking a seat by a bushel of roses. I could tell that the shopkeeper had just watered the flowers because the aroma of wet soil hung in the air. I let a sigh just low enough for no one to hear. Coming just after the flowers being watered meant twenty minutes with some goodies to share. I thought about leaving and maybe catch some conversations outside but the ladies had noticed my presence and it would have been rude to leave.
“Oh, well hello Robert. Everything’s fine with us, nothing really exciting going on though. It saddens me that people are beginning to keep to themselves now-a-days. What‘s an old lady like me to do if people stop talking about each other?” Mrs. Shivers said observing a sunflower in the corner of the small store. I had to chuckle at her statement, she truly was a busy body. But even so I wouldn’t feel complete if Mrs. Shivers wasn’t here to talk about someone or something, having one of her outrageous feathered hats wobble atop her head as she spoke. “Aw cheer up Mrs. Shivers, there’s still a little daylight left, I’m sure there is someone out there itching to spill something juicy.”
“Ah yes, one can only hope Robert.” Mrs. Shivers said with a smile, Her blue floppy hat tilting to the side, making the feather just graze the petal of a tulip. “By the way Robert,” Mrs. Rose said quietly; she was such a soft spoken person. “How’s your hunting going, any exciting discoveries so far?” The small women look at me with hopeful eyes. She had so much faith in me and expected to see something every time I stopped by. I hated to disappoint such a sweet old lady but what else could I tell her?
“Nah I’m sorry Mrs. Rose nothing today…as always.” I couldn’t help but sound upset about the last part. That’s when Mrs. Rose placed her hand on my shoulder. “Don’t feel down Robert. You have plenty of time to find something; you’re only thirty-eight, and very talented for someone your age.” These women acted so much like my mother but I knew very well that if I hadn’t found something yet it would be hopeless to think my luck would change. I couldn’t say that to Mrs. Rose so I just agreed and excused myself to get something to drink from the store next door.
When I had come back there were now three women in the flower shop, not counting the owner in the back. “Hello Mrs. Belling, how are you today?”
“Good to see you again Robert. I’ve been fine, but here, help me pass out these brownies, I also brought some sandwiches. Oh, just remembered, I had heard something interesting this morning.” Mrs. Shivers’ head shot up from a bouquet of flowers when she heard Mrs. Belling speak. Never had I seen a women her age move so fast, she was by my side within seconds. “What was that you said Sara?” Mrs. Shivers said to Mrs. Belling with wide eyes. It was fun to see Mrs. Shivers this way; gossip to her really was like candy. Mrs. Belling had to let out a laugh too before she answered. “Calm down Maureen it isn’t really that much really, just a little gossip about the government.” Now she had caught my interest.
“What about the government Mrs. Belling?” My eyes never left her as I waited for an answer while passing a piece of brownie to Mrs. Rose. She was the only one not really interested; she never did like the government. “Well it all started when I had decided to make brownies and realized I was missing the brownie mix…” Oh great it was going to be one of those stories. I loved these old ladies to death but at times they tended to make a short story just a little too long. There were times when the whole story needed to be told in order to make sense but doubted the brownie mix was that important to the government story she was planning to share. Oh well might as well listen, there was nothing else I had to do.
Chapter 2
The story actually didn’t last as long as I had thought and before I knew it she had made it to the actual point of the whole story, the government. “When I had left the store I heard these two men, most likely in their twenties, talking about the government and you know how I like conspiracy. So I took a seat on a nearby bench pretending to read a book, a prop I carry just in case I hear something juicy. The taller of the two men spoke first asking if he had heard the news. The other guy of course hadn’t and so the tall male continued with the news. They were saying how the government is working on a new weapon and how it possibly could be biological. The friend didn’t believe him and asked how he could get information like that. The tall fellow then said he had a friend working in the government and was saying how he was afraid of how the test subjects were reacting to the device. ‘No one should go through that’ he had said quoting his friend working from the government. He didn’t go into anymore detail then that but thinking back I really wish he had. Oh Robert I don’t like the sound of that weapon, isn’t the U.S. powerful enough?”
I couldn’t answer I was in shock for two reasons; one, that weapon sounded just bizarre and two, this was my chance. The ultimate discovery, I would find out about this secret weapon the government was making and then my life would surely turn around. No longer would I have to live off my brother I would finally be able to pay him back. The very thought gave me chills, I had to start this mission first thing tomorrow but now I needed some rest. Besides I didn’t want to seem too excited in front of the ladies, they seemed a bit worried about this, especially Mrs. Rose. When I turned to say goodbye her eyes were filled with the most fear.
When I got home it was the first time I didn’t feel like I came back empty handed. It may not have been a physical thing but I knew I was going to find something amazing behind the government’s curtain. And tomorrow would be the beginning of my new life. Finally things were turning out for the best.
~ ~ ~
The next morning I saw the world through new eyes. Everything was full of color and today I wouldn’t fall into normal routine. Instead I first stopped down town where Mrs. Belling was yesterday and hopefully those two guys would be down there. I knew chances were slim but it was the best place to start with. To my surprise there was actually someone there. There was only one so I couldn’t judge by height weather or not he was the right person. I wouldn’t let this stop me though; the only way to find out was to ask. So I took a breath and walked up to the young man.
“Hello there my name is Robert Ponzoid. I was just wondering if you were here yesterday when an old lady had walked in.” The boy looked at me strangely but answered, “Umm yeah why? Look if she got hurt or something I wouldn’t know anything about it. She was perfectly fine when I saw her leave.” I shook my head and told him not to worry. “I was just curious of the conversation you were having with your friend that day. You won’t be in any trouble I’m just curious.” The boy shook his head saying that he wasn’t allowed to say anything and that he was already in trouble with his scientist friend for telling one of his other friends.
“Please I’m begging you, I need to know at least where they’re doing all of this.” I grabbed him by the collar with both hands but when I noticed what I was doing I instantly let go. “Look I’m sorry but I really need to know what you know. I’m an explorer and I plan to find out what the government is doing.”
“I’m sorry but all I can say is that what they’ve created is just cruel and I can’t imagine going through what some of their test subjects are being released to.” He turned and began to walk down the street turning his head over his shoulder to tell me one last thing. “Look I’d like to help you more but I’m in enough trouble with my friend as it is, and if I spill anymore they might just test on him.”
Although I hadn’t gotten much from the kid I didn’t give up. Dark secrets like this normally resided in dark places so I searched allies. There where a few people here and there but none that would have any information on government affairs. “There was my door opening to a happier life and now it closes.” I said searching my sixth ally way. And like all bad days go the rain started to fall down. “AH just perfect! Might as well head home before I catch a cold.”
Chapter 3
I turned the dark corner up ahead and there was another ally way. “They do say seven is a lucky number.” So I proceeded down the gloomy street and for luck started to turn into the ally. I had just stepped foot on the dark pavement when I saw something fly from a car window and crash into the trash cans. “What was that all about?” I asked myself curiously walking to the trash cans. It was a box. Made of wood and on the corners were steel plates. I turned it in my hands and observed it carefully, there was nothing really special but it did have a lock. I tried to open it but it was locked. I thought of leaving it but as always curiosity got the best of me. Also I didn’t really want to think things out while I was still in the rain. So I scooped up the box and made my way back to the store where I had left my car.
Once home I went to the study. There I sat with the box sitting on my desk, I wanted to change since the rain was chilling all the way to the bone but I needed to open this first. I had a career in lock picking long ago but never did I think it would come of use. I took a bobby pin from way back when and began to work on the box. There were a few clicks here and there but it didn’t seem to work. An hour had passed and I began to get fed up with it. I lifted the box and slammed the edge of the lock on the corner of my desk. ‘Pop’ the lock busted open. I gave a victorious smile before I began to open the lid. At first I had seen nothing but then something moved, it was a small bug. “Well that’s a downer. But why would someone throw it out? Why not just squash it? Oh well.” I started to close the box disappointed at the discovery. That’s when it happened, the insect attacked me! I stood in horror tipping the chair behind me. I went to smack it but it was gone. Staring closely at my wrist I found a small hole. “Did it bite me?” I looked around hoping to find it but then I got a crawling sensation in the area where I was bit. It was then I realized it was inside me. All sense of thought left my body, I panicked. My arm went numb and I couldn’t move. All I could do at that moment was stare at my arm and watch a tiny lump work its way up until no longer visible. The feel of having something inside me sickened me. And the feeling was too much for my mind to comprehend causing me to pass out.
When I awoke I went straight to the box. Searching for some kind of evidence as to where it may have come from. Fumbling with it something fell onto the wood floor making a tinging sound. I looked down and found a piece that resembled a key. There I saw a symbol it was of an eagle holding two scrolls. It was somewhat like the presidential seal excusing the two scrolls. “I wonder if that one guy would know about this.” I headed for the door but stopped when I felt a quiver on my shoulder. I tried to block the thought; it would disturb my thinking process too much knowing there was a bug in my body. Especially not knowing what it was capable of.
Just as I hoped the kid was outside the grocery store, this time with a friend. Like before I walked up and said hello. “Look mister, I told you I can’t help you.” I shook my head at him saying he had too help me. He stared at me puzzled and asks why. “Because I have a bug inside me and I think you would have an idea as to what it can do!” I couldn’t stay calm anymore. There was no telling what would happen to me and how long it would take to happen. His friend stared at me in horror and whispered to the kid I was holding. He then wiggled loose of my grip and pointed to his friend. “This was the scientist I told you about he can help you.” I walked up to the new stranger and introduced myself, asking his name in return.
“Names Jerry Cruces, I’m a scientist for the government and you are in for a lot of pain. I can’t be around you for too long so here is a copy of my notes on the bug that has attacked you. It’s up to you as to what to do from there.” He handed me a yellow envelope and when I had gotten home I read the document. It talked of suffering beyond human comprehension but said if spread it would end the world before any knew what hit them. I couldn’t let such a thing spread throughout the world but like anyone else I wasn’t fond of pain.
It took a while but I had made my decision. I wasn’t much good to the world as an explorer but surely I could make use of my body by saving the world from damnation. It was all planned out. The notes had said the speed of the effects of the bug varied with each subject so there wasn’t a minute to spare. I would write three letters one to Mrs. Rose, one to my brother, and then I’ll end with one grand letter that would be shown to the world. I went to the study and picked up a pen starting my first letter:
Dear Mrs. Rose,
I understand you had much faith in me and that one day I would stumble upon something wonderful. Well I have finally discovered something and I can truly say it has changed my life…My body is being taken over by a small insect. The story Mrs. Belling had said was true and now I am paying for my actions. I yearned to find something worth talking about and now they will be my last words. You were a loving person and it was a pleasure meeting you and the other ladies. I pray just that my death saves you all.
Your Loving Friend,
Robert Ponzoid
“Well that’s one, only two letters to go. Hopefully I can finish them in time.”
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I have a cool cover page but sadly my computer isnt cooperating with that so maybe later ill be able to put it up^-^ Also this story acually connects to a previous project i had done. It was a letter writen by this exact charater but now i went a little more in depth so i might later i would like to post the letter up here as well
