Break From Chaos Ended (Page 29)

~~~(POV: Dannon Mayer)~~~

~~~(Location: Umatilla County, Oregon)~~~

~~~(Date, Time, Year: May 27th, 7:25 AM PST, 2022)~~~

~~~(Current Age: 21 years)~~~

The morning sun shines down on the ranch as I finish ensuring the animals are all fed. The last three days have been one of relaxation for me. Nothing major that requires my attention has happened, and it's been nice to get away.

If only the military and reporters constantly surrounding and monitoring the property weren't around, it'd be like the old days when I hadn't revealed myself to the world yet.

I get off Bullet near the stables and let him into one of the gated pens. Plenty of room and a path that leads to an open area for him to run around. In my celebration that morning chores are finished, I move toward the East fence line.

Placing my boot on a rock and leaning my arms across the top row of wood. The sun bouncing off the mountains to the Northwest. 

After a couple of minutes, soft footsteps approach from behind. Before she arrives, the familiar sound of Mom's heartbeats tells me who it is. She stands next to me in her own set of working clothes. It's been a while since she's worn them.

She's a day trader, so she's usually on her laptop or computer. The last time she worked on the ranch was when I was gone after high school.

"How ya doing, sweetie?"

Her hand glides up and down my back, giving her best supportive and concerned voice. The world is curious about what I'm doing. Since I haven't left the ranch in three days, people are already criticizing that I should be helping people.

It's not like there haven't been bad things happening. Most of the things that have are events I don't think I should interfere with.

"I'm fine."

My two-word answer frustrates my mother. I couldn't speak for parents since I'm not one, but I've heard how mothers, in particular, hate how uncommunicative their children become when they get older.

Given everything Mom sacrificed for me, she deserves better than a few words. I wonder what it would've been like to grow up with a father. But I ruined that with my unique circumstances. 

There are a lot of things I ruined for both of us due to my true heritage.

"Okay, okay. Don't tell me. I'm just worried about you. You haven't been yourself since the garbage truck, and you've hardly spoken to me. Let alone anyone else. I'm scared you're shutting everything out."

Is that what it looks like from the outside?

I guess I wouldn't know. It's not like people spend time thinking about what they look like from another person's perspective. Or maybe it's just me who does that. Well, that's not entirely true. I wouldn't have revealed myself to the world if that were the case.

"I said that I'd help anyone or any people that cried out for help, including those involved in war. What surprises me is no one has yet, and I don't know why. There haven't been major natural disasters or accidents on a large scale for me to do anything."

Instead of the short two or three-word answers, I explain what's really on my mind. I don't want to jinx it, but nothing has happened in the last three days. It won't last forever, but there isn't anything to do other than live my normal life.

Mom takes a step closer and leans her head into my arm. The height disparity prevents her from reaching my shoulder. Being 6'6 with boots on causes some issues like that.

"Well, I've been thinking about an idea. One that I know you'll probably say no to, but I thought I should bring it up anyway."

There is a moment of silence as I hear her voice hesitating about whatever she's about to bring up. I don't know what it could be, but I have some guesses.

"Maybe having a social media presence is a good idea."

There is concern, hesitation, and contemplation in her tone as she drops that bomb on me. Before all of this started, I forsook social media. I still do. I don't like it and never want to be a part of it.

She sees my confused and frustrated look. Her expression softens as a small, knowing smile takes place on her lips. She releases a small sigh as she looks away at the cornfield in the distance.

"I know it's something you're against, Dannon. But if people saw and heard from you outside news outlets, it would go a long way toward people accepting you. You don't have to talk to them directly, but maybe a YouTube channel would be good."

She sees that I'm not gonna respond anytime soon, so she gets on her tippy toes and has me bend to the side since she can't do it unless I allow it. She kisses the side of my head and heads back to the house.

Leaving me alone and thinking about what she's brought up. What she's talking about is recording what I do and then uploading it.

All the social media platforms aside from YouTube have always repulsed me. YouTube may be the only safe place I have that this could work. If I set aside my hatred for social media, and think about it from what good can come from it.

Mom is right.

"A lot of good can come from people seeing what I do from my perspective..."

I'm not making a decision today, but I should think about it. Dismissing it because of my feelings is something an immature child does, and I'm trying to improve.

Sure, I'm 21, but that doesn't mean I have all the answers. Nor should I.

I hope this break I have lasts a little longer.

~~~(POV: Eloise Mayer)~~~

~~~(Location: Umatilla County, Oregon)~~~

~~~(Date, Time, Year: May 27th, 10:37 AM PST, 2022)~~~

~~~(Current Age: 38 years)~~~

Dannon is making himself a snack in the kitchen, and I'm watching CNN. They're still talking about Dannon, but now it's about where he is and why he's not helping with specific events.

It's as he said.

He won't help those in war and oppressed unless they ask for his help. Ask him for it. It's the only way he's crossing that line.

As a breaking news segment begins, my thoughts are pulled from what people say about my son. A picture of a huge cruise liner in distress appears on the screen. I pick up the remote and turn up the TV so Dannon can hear, too.

"In the last 40 minutes, the Saint Crista has collided with a rouge iceberg in the Atlantic Sea. The massive ship will sink in 2 hours at the current water intake rate. Rescue attempts by the US military are underway, but the nearest fleet is 5 hours away."

The picture changes to live videos of some passengers recording what's happening. People are screaming and panicking. All I can do is cover my mouth as I hear something that sends chills down my spine.

"Dannon!! Where are you!?! Help us!! Please!!!"

The teenage girl who is streaming calls out for my son's help, questioning where he is and why he's not there helping. As those words leave her lips, things drop into the sink. The next moment, Dannon stands beside me, watching the TV.

"Help us!! We're going to die!!!"

The desperation and despair in the young girl's voice force me to dry the forming tears in my eyes. I blink as I turn to look at Dannon, but he's already done.

KKKRRRRRRAAAAAABBBOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMM!!!

The entire house shakes as I fall off the couch and roll toward the coffee table. Windows break, and echoes of the booms ring through my body. It takes me a second to regain my composure, but I sit up and lean against the foot of the couch.

"Don't worry... He's coming..."

My words calmly and gently leave my lips as I watch the TV. He'll be there any moment. They'll be safe.

It does worry me in the back of my mind. People will see that when this girl called out to Dannon directly, he showed up. If people around the world in war or oppressive areas learn this, it's only a matter of time before they do it, too.

I stand up from the ground and start walking around the house. Every single window has been broken, and a small sigh escapes my lips. I make my way to the closet and pull out a dustpan and broom.

"He always makes sure not to leave with that kind of power... Be gentle, Dannon..."

That was one of the loudest and strongest takeoffs my son has made. I don't think he wants to waste a second.

I know he's already made it there. So, while he's saving lives, I should clean up all this.

"Been a while since I had to use this broom."

Takes me back to the times when Dannon was still learning to control his power. Simpler times.