Chương 21: Next Steps
With a sigh, Andrew pushed himself from the windowsill and walked towards them.
"I'm sure you've seen the news about these portals appearing everywhere. Though we can't be entirely certain what's happening, it's best to assume the worst and prepare for it, don't you think? What if these portals continue to pop up? As far as we know, they're more concentrated in urban areas, for reasons unknown. What if we accidentally end up in one of them, like Luke and Rose did? Would we get away with our lives?"
Mrs. Kepler paled at his words.
"But that's not the only thing we need to worry about. Let's assume that Luke isn't the only one who's gained some kind of ability. Given the current state of public order, it's hard to say if things will remain peaceful."
Andrew's words hung heavily in the air, their implications sinking in. The possibility of widespread chaos and danger was becoming increasingly real.
"And that is all nothing in comparison to the worst possible scenario. Apparently, dangerous creatures live on the other side of these portals. So far, none have come over to our world. But what if they do?"
Rose glanced around the room, noting the varied expressions of concern and contemplation on everyone's faces. She was actually surprised by Andrew`s accurate description of the future that was still to unfold. Though she always knew that he was very smart, it was still remarkable that he had already grasped the key points so early. Except for the last point everything was quite accurate, or-?
Squinting her eyes Rose tried to think of the last months before her death, but everything was shrouded in fog. Had creatures come over? She didn't think so…
Glancing at Andrew, Rose decided to reassess her attitude towards him. Despite being Ethan's best friend since childhood, she had never warmed up to him. His cold, detached personality had kept her at a distance, and she'd even felt he was taking her big brother away from her, sabotaging their meetings whenever she could.
Now, however, she was grateful to have someone so intelligent and loyal by her brother's side for the challenges ahead. Even in their previous life, Andrew had remained steadfast, accompanying Ethan on all his missions and providing unwavering support. Rose realized her own contributions paled in comparison.
Thinking on how to stir their conversation into the direction that Rose wanted, the silence stretched on between them.
But the it was Luke who first began to fidget around. When he opened his mouth he asked the question, that probably every one of them had on their minds. "Then, what are we going to do now?"
It was Mr. Kepler who answered, "We'll visit my sister in the countryside. We were already considering this before Luke vanished. Her farm is isolated, with few people around and fewer portal sightings. For now, it's the safest option. We can stay there and monitor how the situation unfolds."
Andrew nodded. "That's wise, Mr. Kepler. Rural areas seem less affected by these phenomena. It'll give us time to gather information and plan our next steps."
"Us?" Mrs. Kepler asked, puzzled.
"In these uncertain times, it's better to stick together. We can support and protect each other." Though Andrew answered her, his gaze remained fixed on Mr. Kepler.
Mr. Kepler nodded thoughtfully. "I see no issue with that. More capable hands improve our chances of navigating this crisis. But you'll need to provide for yourselves."
"Of course," Andrew replied, glancing at Ethan, who nodded.
"When do we leave?" Luke asked, his voice a mix of excitement and apprehension.
Mr. Kepler checked his watch. "We should aim for first thing tomorrow morning. That'll give us enough time to pack essentials. The roads might be congested with others fleeing the city, so an early start is crucial."
Rose listened silently, seeing no need to interject. It was as if an invisible hand had guided their decision exactly as she'd hoped. Following the script of their previous life would be beneficial, allowing her to maximize the use of her knowledge. It might give them the edge they needed to survive.
Though she wasn't looking forward to traveling with the Kepler family again, this time should be different. Her brother and Andrew were accompanying her, after all. She wasn't just some useless baggage they could order around and look down on anymore.
After setting the exact time to meet in the morning, the Keplers returned home to prepare.
Rose heaved a sigh of relief watching them go, but then caught Ethan's gaze and inwardly groaned. Now it was her turn to get reprimanded. Putting on a remorseful expression, she turned to her brother.
"I'm really sorry. I know I shouldn't have left the house…"
"Where were you planning to go?"
While she had anticipated a scolding, his question caught her off guard. Without a proper answer, she could only look away. She couldn't very well tell him she was heading for the portal, could she?
Seeing his sister's reaction, Ethan could only inhale and exhale deeply. He placed his hands on her shoulders, struggling to maintain his composure.
"Rose, please, I beg you. From now on no going it alone, alright? It is too dangerous. I don`t know what I would have done if I were to lose you."
Hearing how she had nearly died, it was as if a knife had been plunged into his heart and was twisting.
"Mhm." Rose nodded, feeling her eyes turning hot. This was worse than scolding. She could clearly see and feel the pain she had caused her brother, even though she had vowed to do better this life.
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