章節 15: Chapter 15: Why Did Humanity Go Extinct
In the training center classroom of the Methodist Association, Elena flipped through the training materials distributed by the teacher. She recognized individual letters and most of the words, but when they formed sentences, she could not understand their meaning.
The teacher explained the operation of the computer software on the podium, which was like a foreign language to her.
This was free skill training provided in cooperation with the Methodist Association and the Wesleyan Society for their believers.
Because there was free food distribution at the end of the training, Elena managed to stay awake despite feeling sleepy.
The food was enough for tomorrow's breakfast; adding in that idiot Martin, it would save at least $6.
Harris wanted to apply to college; even attending a cheap public one would be costly.
These complicated difficulties made Elena's head feel like it was going to explode.
Finally, when the training ended, Juliet from the neighboring table asked, "Are you going to the support group meeting tomorrow afternoon?"
"I haven't decided yet." Even with her thick skin, Elena found the situation absurd.
Juliet was enthusiastic: "Come on, let's go together. Mrs. Jennifer is hosting the meeting tomorrow afternoon and she's bringing gifts."
Hearing about gifts, Elena held back the curse words bubbling up and said, "I'll think about it and give you an answer tomorrow morning."
The support group meetings organized by the Methodist Association happened every week.
After collecting her food, Elena left the training center. The headlights of a Ford flashed, illuminating the night. She ran over and got into the passenger seat.
Martin started the car and glanced at her, "Got some good stuff?"
"Of course!" Elena placed the two large paper bags in the back seat, "Who would listen to these idiotic courses without the stuff?"
Martin commented, "Learning some skills could help you find a stable job."
Elena replied, "I just want to make money."
Understanding her family situation, Martin said, "I got a job from the boss that needs extra hands. If you do well, you can earn at least $500."
This was an expense calculated separately by the club.
Elena thought about last time: "Would Harris break his arm again? I'm okay with that."
"No need for such harshness," Martin said casually, "Are you familiar with anyone from the Methodist Association?"
Elena shrugged, "Well enough to talk. They are extremely conservative people."
She recalled what Juliet had mentioned: "The Methodist Association is having a support group meeting tomorrow. It's rumored that an important person named Jennifer will be hosting and bringing gifts. Let's hope it's not some crappy paper cranes or lucky stars."
Martin thought for a moment, "Will you take the job? If so, attend the meeting tomorrow."
Elena countered, "You want me to attend that event?"
Martin laughed, saying, "Yes, help me out. Network with some people. Invite them to the club for free food and night parties..."
Elena said, "I'll call Monica. With free food and a night out, you won't need to convince them."
The Ford entered the Clayton community. Martin drove into the backyard, stopping at a spot where James was buried.
The tires pressed down the ground firmly.
There was no resistance from James, which meant they did the right thing.
...
Close to noon, Bruce parked the pickup truck, carrying a pile of newspapers and materials, entering the Beast House.
Except for the idiot Ivan guarding the porch, the club only had the fool Martin inside.
Bruce placed his stuff on the circular stage and asked, "Why do you get to order me around?"
Martin tossed him a can of beer, opened another for himself, and said, "That's the difference between a smart person and a civilized person."
Bruce sat on the stage, "They're all betting how long until you get on this stage."
Martin boasted, "When I dance, it's terrifying. One backflip, and the Earth would explode, causing the extinction of humanity."
Bruce finished his beer, tossing the can accurately into the trash: "I realized for the first time that someone could be as shameless as you."
"That's because you haven't seen enough," Martin also threw away his can, then took out two sets of pens and notebooks, handing one set to Bruce: "Stop nagging, just do what the big boss Martin says."
He grabbed a pile of newspapers and magazines: "Atlanta's major newspapers, radio stations, and TV stations all have news hotlines with rewards for news tips. Write down all the media contact numbers; big boss Martin will make you rich."
"We can't break the law; we are civilized people!" Bruce complained, but his hands moved quickly as he got to work.
...
In the northwestern part of the Atlanta metropolitan area, adjacent to Marietta, Elena met Juliet and entered the local Methodist Church branch.
They went to the large meeting room, where seven or eight people sat in chairs arranged in a large circle.
The conservatively dressed Jennifer waved them over to sit down.
A few minutes later, five more people arrived in the meeting room.
Jennifer, hosting the chastity support group, said loudly, "You wish to purify your body and mind, to become the pride and glory of your families. I am proud of you all!"
She looked around, "So who will start?"
A girl around twenty was the first to stand up, recounting her experience.
Juliet followed and then, while sitting down, gave Elena a meaningful look.
Elena was mentally preparing herself, avoiding habitual cursing, and slowly stood up. In the encouraging eyes of everyone, she said, "I want to share a painful experience that haunts me like a nightmare. I hope, with your help, to cleanse this impure memory."
Jennifer smiled warmly, "Child, please speak up boldly."
Elena tried her best to act as she practiced with Martin, widening her eyes in terror: "One night last weekend, my friend and I accidentally entered a bar called the Beast House on West Street. Everything there was so crazy..."
She racked her brain to describe the decadence of the Beast House and its negative influence on her companions.
At some point, Jennifer took out a pen and notebook and asked, "West Street? The Beast House?"
Elena confirmed, "Yes."
*****
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