The Rule of Three-Diary Entry #1-DIARY TRAILER

The Rule of Three

Diary Entry #1-Adam

Day 1

 For the first time in years, I saw stars. I guess some things just disappeared with our use of technology. The air smelled strongly of barbecue with a hint of Cigar, Herb’s cigar. It would’ve been a  peaceful night with no honking of cars. The typical Adam would be sitting in front of the TV instead of out on the street in complete darkness with a baseball bat, however it’s not a typical day so far.

 Even though I hate to admit it, but I am scared. Dad is thousands of miles away in Chicago and Mom hasn't come back yet from the station, like I predicted. The first night in years to be spent without electricity or any technology bound to keep her in the station until the morning. I don’t see any point in staying, so far all technology that associate with a computer has broken down and with the computer the emergency department also collapsed with no function phones. Some kind of virus has invaded our computer system and made all cars and phones or any modern technology  unusable.

 The blackout had started in our third period, our study hall. I was helping Todd not to flunk another assignment and Todd as always was ranting on and on, attracting the eyes and giggles of girls across the computer lab. Suddenly, the entire lab went blank, lights were off and computers all displayed a blank black screen. Electricity shortages happens all the time, but this time something was different.

  Due to the fact that there is no lighting and electricity, we’re were dismissed early from school, of course Todd being Todd was beyond excited of the fact that his assignment wasn't due today. I was just planning on how I will have to pick up the twins from their school as Mom will probably be at the station dealing with this little problem, when I saw Her walking with Chad. Again Lori is walking with that IDIOT, of Todd just couldn't pass up the chance of embarrassing me. I mean, What does she even saw in him? Tons of stinking’ money and a snobby attitude? I mean, Come on! After, finally Todd away from Lori, we headed for the parking lot. Then, a miracle happened, while all the newer cars at school was hacked by the virus since they have a computer system in the car, every car in the school except for my ‘70-something Omega is dead. As if I am in a strike of luck, Todd waved Lori over to give her a ride home.

     I picked the twins up from their elementary school, Danny and Rachel were buzzing with excitement on our new situation. I manoeuvred through the sea of dead cars through the street, a few older trucks and cars drove by, giving me a slight nod as we’re in some secret club. Lori’s house is all the way out of our town, she lives out there in a farm with both of her parents and If I could get any luckier, Lori invited us back for a ride on her horses.

      As we get closer to the house, Herb, our next door neighbour was standing in the driveway waiting for me. Although in his senior years, I always suspected that he was a spy who was stationed around the world. Oddly enough, he told us that he has a generator in the basement and the twins could go get a bowl of Ice cream and some DVD. Mr. Herb pulled me aside and asked for a favour, I guess I shouldn't have been surprised with Mr. Herb acting all secretive. However, I never thought that the favour was a ride to the little plaza just outside of our neighbourhood.

      We pulled up to the pool store, it’s sign is flipped to Closed. Mr. Herb got off and banged at the door until the manager came running and unlocking the door. Apparently, we came all the way here for Chlorine. He took out a wad of cash consisting at least $2000 dollars. Everybody looked surprised, even myself. Although, after years of living as a close neighbour with Herb, I ought to have known that he is a man of miracles. By then, it occurred to me that he might be going crazy. The manager looked at me as if questioning his sanity, however I have no doubt that Mr.Herb knows what he is doing. It also occurred to be that Mr.Herb does not have a pool of any sort, unless he decides to drop chlorine in his bath, there is no reason why he would need $2000 worth of chlorine. He told me later on that, apparently with our electricity all gone, no water will come from the pump and there is a limited supply of drinking water. Chlorine prevents water-borne disease and makes water drinkable. His answer seems to indicate that this shortage will last longer than expected. I admit, the situation did look a bit hopeless, people were milling around with no shoes around the street and abandoned vehicle inhabit most of the streets.

      I was surprised when 42 bucket of chlorine and other assortment of tablet, crystal and stick chlorine fitted into the old Omega. As the lid went down with a grudging sound, which made me question whether the lid of the trunk will fall or not. It was frightening as you look up from your trunk and saw 6 man twice our size in crumple suits cornering you and the elder. They taunted and threatened us to take the Omega as it was the only car in sight that was running. As if 6 grown man in crumpled suit cornering wasn't frightening enough, Herb zipped down his jacket and revealed a gun. With a somewhat bored and confident voice, he told them to back off. I've never seen 6 grown man ran away like a embarrassed puppy. However, the incidents still causes goosebumps to rise from my arms, as if for a brief moment I saw what is truly behind human nature and all the niceness.

      Mom sent word later on that everything was fine and she was to return later that day. Brett, a rookie police officer was assigned to our neighbourhood to patrol. Herb insisted to guard the entrance to the neighbourhood and soon after midnight I decided to check up on him. With a baseball bat in hand for protection, I headed out to the post. According to Herb, he has been handing out water to those who walked their way back home from the city. In exchange for the small act of kindness, gossip, rumour and new from the outside world was brought to him. There has been murder, mob and act of terrorism. Everyone seemed terrified, as if a serial killer could jump right out and stab them in the back.

The real question is, Is this what we have come to? One night without electricity and the world seems to turn into a nightmare. Except in nightmares, you wake up.