Chapter 15: News, Concerns and departure.

News Anchor:Good evening, I'm Larry Thobster, and welcome to tonight's broadcast. We start with a weather update from our meteorologist, Fred Malei, who has some concerning news about the coastal regions. Fred?

Weather Man:Thank you, Larry. We're currently tracking a series of severe storms along the coast, with wind speeds increasing rapidly. Residents in these areas should prepare for potential flooding and power outages. The storm system is expected to intensify over the next 24 hours, so please stay tuned for further updates and take necessary precautions.

News Anchor: Thank you, Fred. In other news, there have been some strange occurrences around the world that have scientists and experts baffled. Reports indicate that continents are moving closer together at an unprecedented rate, leading to significant changes in weather patterns. For more on this, we go live to our field reporter, Patrick Rast, who is on the ground with the latest. Pat?

Field Reporter: Thanks, Larry. I'm here with Dr. Sandy Texan, a geologist who has been studying these unusual tectonic movements. Dr. Texan, can you explain what's happening?

Expert: This is truly unprecedented. We're seeing tectonic plates move at a rate that hasn't been observed in millions of years. The implications are far-reaching, from increased seismic activity to altered ocean currents, changes in climatic regions, even the simple change in maps is disastrous, ahh the border conf-( she was cut off)

Field Reporter: Thank you, Dr. Texan. Now, let's hear from some local residents. Sir, what are your thoughts on these developments?

Local Resident 1: It's really the end times, man... like the Bible said it, bro. Have you seen the military recruitment posters? That's the first sign—wars and rumors of wars. The second sign is the change in humans. People have become more wicked and immoral. It's only a matter of time before we start hearing about some particular groups of people claimingthe mantle of "saviors" who will supposedly guide us to a brighter future and changes in astrology as we know it-

Field Reporter: Thank you both for your insights. As you can see, there's a mix of fascination and concern among the public. We'll continue to monitor these developments and bring you the latest updates. Back to you, Larry.

News Anchor: Thank you, now onto other stories, "Can your pet kill you?" Reporter Bob Quadilapanser has....

Gerald muted the news...

The television played on in the background, the news anchor suddenly switched topics from a worldwide concern to domestic drama. Evelyn, Jess, and Gerald sat in the living room, their attention divided between the broadcast and their own thoughts.

Jess cradled the baby gently, rocking him back and forth in her arms. The baby gurgled softly, his tiny fingers grasping at the air. Gerald, sitting beside her, couldn't resist poking the baby's foot, eliciting a small giggle from the infant. Despite the light-hearted moment, a shadow of concern crossed Gerald's face as he listened to the news.

Evelyn sat close to Neville, who had been laughing and answering passively to the conversations around him. His demeanor seemed unaffected by the gravity of the news, but Evelyn could sense an underlying tension. She placed a comforting hand on his arm, her eyes searching his face for any sign of distress.

Teresa remained quiet, her gaze fixed on the television screen. Every so often, she shot glances at her son, Neville, her worry evident in the furrow of her brow. She could see the dullness in his eyes, a stark contrast to the smile he wore.

"Did you hear that?" Gerald said, breaking the silence. "Continents moving closer together... It's like something out of a science fiction movie."

Jess nodded, her eyes wide with concern. "And the weather changes... I hopeit doesn't get too serious." She looked down at the baby in her arms, her expression softening with maternal worry.

Gerald chuckled softly, though it lacked genuine amusement. "It's just another thing to deal with, I suppose. Probably will end up being nothing. You might even find that the continentsmoved a centimeter close... haha" he said trying to calm his wife.

Evelyn squeezed his arm gently. "But this is different, Gerald. This could change everything. And the wars part... borders disputes... ahh I hope everything turns out fine."

Teresa finally whispered, her voice filled with concern. " I really hope so."

The room fell silent again, the weight of the news settling over them like a heavy blanket. The baby let out a small cry, and Jess rocked him gently, her eyes never leaving him.

Neville glanced at the wall clock and sighed. "It's getting late. I should head out," he said, standing up from the couch.

Gerald immediately got up to see him out. "Let me get you an Cab," he offered.

Neville shook his head with a small smile. "No need. I'll walk until I sober up a bit, then I'll catch a cab."

As Neville bid everyone goodbye, Jess turned to put the baby to sleep, gently rocking him as she hummed a lullaby carrying him to the bedroom. Gerald, feeling the need to freshen up, headed towards the bathroom for a shower. This left Evelyn and Teresa alone in the living room.

Evelyn watched Neville leave, her eyes filled with concern. Once the door closed behind him, she finally spoke up. "Do you think he really forgave everyone?"

Teresa remained silent, her gaze fixed on the floor.

Evelyn continued, her worry evident. "He rarely shows his extreme emotions. After what happened with Jess and Gerald, he just took his things, left his number, and said, 'Call me in case of emergencies.'"

Teresa sighed deeply. "I'm to blame for it... I should have been a better mother," she said, her voice trembling. She was referring to Neville's aversion to showing emotions, but Evelyn misunderstood, thinking Teresa was talking about not being able to stop Gerald from what he did.

"We can only hope he forgave us... all of us, so we can move on from the dark history," Evelyn said softly.

"We cannot change the past... huh?" Teresa muttered to herself. Seeing her so downcast, Evelyn tapped her shoulder gently.

"When you feel like talking, I'll be here. After all, we are bound by a grandson," Evelyn said with a reassuring smile before standing up and heading towards the guest room.

Teresa was left alone in the living room. She stared at the empty space where Neville had been sitting, her heart heavy with regret. She reached for another bottle of wine, determined to drink the night away, hoping to drown the sorrow that had settled deep within her.