After the Words
Chapter Eleven: Loss
Several blue birds were happily nursing their eggs in a nearby tree just across from Bea’s apartment complex. When suddenly the building began to collapse in on itself causing the birds to chirp out in horror as their nest began shaking up and down while the ground below violently rumbled the tree that their nest was resting in. The little birds flapped their wings feverishly while hopping back and forth trying to desperately protect their eggs a fierce gust of wind slammed into the tree further threatening the bird nest as the sound of whistling echoed in the background while the tree suddenly shook forcefully sending one of the eggs tumbling out of the nest falling toward the ground to a near certain doom, a life extinguished before ever even beginning....
The roof of the charred apartment complex began collapsing in on itself the support columns had grown old and moldy from il maintenance not to mention being damaged when set ablaze and roughed up by high pressure water hoses. It didn’t take long for the collapsed debris from the roof of the building to fall through to the next floor simply overwhelming the wooden floor boards already weakened by the fire. With the added force of gravity caused the next floor to cave-in just as quickly while the sides of building began falling into itself adding more debris piling on top of each other it was a devastating chain reaction of destruction, a deadly domino effect if you will.
Inside on the 6th floor of 12 floors in a darkness filled hallway Bea spectated feeling completely helpless watching as debris rained down around her friend, her heart breaking to pieces the fear of losing Mae would be too much she couldn’t bare it. Mae was lying on her side on the wooden floor as she stared up toward the showering debris from on high, her heart was racing her eyes dilated they oddly seemed to glow lightly. “This can’t be it, no... no not like this.... I’m not ready... I’m scared.....” Mae thought to herself as she watched on paralyzed in fear she couldn’t move everything felt slowed it was as if time itself waited on baited breath. The falling debris above her ceased its motion just mere inches from Mae’s body.
“...You shouldn’t be here, this is no place to die...” A strangely familiar voice suddenly called out from within the darkness. Mae’s eyes darted around the hallway looking for the origin of the voice. Time was utterly frozen at this point yet Mae could still perceive her surroundings yet was unable to move. “Trust me I would know dying here stinks, almost as bad as that cheap whisky, damn... why do they gotta make it so gosh darn cheap.” The voice continued as a dimly lit figure began appearing as if it walked through a nearby wall to Mae’s right, her eyes focused on him her mouth hung agape in awe. It was Bea’s father he stood before Mae towering over her his translucent body glowing a light whitish blue and in his hand he held a crumpled up singed piece of paper. “Mae...” he spoke softly before knealing down toward her she couldn’t believe what she was seeing or what was happening. The old croc turned his head glancing down the hallway seeing his daughter on her knees screaming out for Mae tears rushing down her scaly face the sight of her broke his heart yet he was still relieved to see her nonetheless. “I’m sorry Beatrice... truly I’ve been terrible toward you, ever since your mom... ever since then I just, I...” the older croc spoke his voice sounding of drifting echoes into a void.
Mae struggled with all of her might just to try to move it was pointless her attempts were fruitless it was as if she was frozen she didn’t understand why though. “Wh-what is... h-happ...ening...?” Mae managed to speak her voice very weak and trembling she wasn’t even sure how she was speaking. Her body felt extremely heavy it was like gravity was pushing harder on her she had never experienced anything like this it was supernatural. Somehow with the force of her own will Mae eventually managed to turn her head just ever so slightly facing directly at the older crocodile who’s eyes widened at seeing her sheer determination. “Ple...ease... I’m.... sc..ared.... please... help m....” Mae begged as tears rolled down her cheeks she could barely see the man as her vision blurred and doubled through the tears. “Mae can you deliver this for me...” Mae listened to the man speaking with intent as she suddenly felt a hand ruffle through her side pocket of her jeans. “...and... Mae..... keep her safe for me... I... I can’t anymore, I don’t think I ever could... I... I.....” he spoke weakly his voice nearly fading away entirely. “I will.... I swear to you I will......” Mae replied as her throat clenched tightly it was almost like she couldn’t breath while everything was frozen like this, she suddenly felt a warm hand push down upon her back quickly followed by a strange rushing sensation. Time seemed like it was speeding up returning to its normal flow.
Darkness consumed Mae’s vision as her eyes went black everything seemed like it was falling for a moment. A loud crash could be heard from above several crashes in fact quickly followed with a gut wrenching scream. Mae’s eyes shot open she stared up at the ceiling above her it shook breaking up as small pieces of debris rained around her it appeared as if it was about to give way and crash down on top of her. The cat girl blinked her eyes rapidly her head was swimming she didn’t recognize the hallway she was lying in, it was somehow different from how it was a moment ago. “Wh-what just happened... I... I don’t understand?” Mae mumbled as she tried to push herself up on to her feet her entire body felt immensely heavy as if she’d just gotten out of a swimming pool full of water, she wobbled back and forth while leaning on the wall for support slowly she moved forward down the dark hallway. “MMMAAAAAAEEEEE!!!!” A loud familiar voice screamed aloud the tones filled the entire building echoing all the way throughout.
It was Bea’s voice screaming to the very top of her lungs as she watched frozen completely helpless as the debris raining down seemingly fell onto her best friend it appeared to overtake her entirely. “ MAE!!! NOOO... NOOOOOO!!! MAE!!!!” Bea’s screams continued relentlessly as her voice cracked while her throat nearly split from the sheer volume of her tone. Bea slammed her claws onto the ground furiously banging them repeatedly and angrily against the wooden floor boards. “No... no no no no... NOOOO!!!” She repeated utterly enraged as tears poured from her sealed eyes her body shook with despair she couldn’t move she wrapped her hands around head trying to block out what had just happened. The building itself continued to rock back and forth as the grounds around the building vibrated. Debris continued falling around Bea who could not move she had lost it all the last shred of her will to live had been taken from her she just couldn’t anymore she couldn’t move as little pieces of rubble fell hitting her scaly back, she couldn’t even feel it, she didn’t even care. “Why... why is this happening... w-why... why.... wh...why!” Bea begged her voice low and trembling along with the shaking bullding she couldn’t understand her mind raced as fast as her heart.
Molly continued up the stairs still panting intensely. “Wheeewh! Oh man, I need to exercise more ugh!” She coughed out in between breaths sweat ran down the side of her face. Suddenly the sound of Bea’s screaming echoed down the stairwell causing a pit to form in the officers stomach. She reached the 5th floor stopping for a moment to catch her breath she managed to hear light foot steps amongst the sounds of a rumbling old building about to collapse on their heads. Molly turned her head peering down into the darkened hallway her eyes broadened at seeing her niece step out from the shadows alone and looking a bit beat up. Mae clung to the side of the wall she was covered in sweat with bruises and cuts littering her clothing and exposed body. “Aunt Molly, th-thank goodness...” Mae managed to whisper her voice very faint she limped toward her aunt. “I’ve never been so happy to see you before this is a new feeling for sure...” Mae continued with a lighthearted chuckle trying to find something to cheer her up. “Mae... Mae oh my gosh... what... wh-what on earth happened to you... an-and where is Bea, she isn’t with you?” Molly stuttered out deeply concerned for her niece as she fell toward into her arms. “We... we... w-we gotta get Bea... an-and get the fuck out of here....!” Mae stammered in between breaths as she leaned on Molly. “But where...?” - “Up!!!” Mae replied cutting her off as she pointed up the stairs. Moly merely sighed, “More stairs....!” She pouted before gathering her composure for some serious running she knew they didn’t have much time left this building had lost all structural integrity at this point as if it ever had any to begin with.
Bea remained motionless lying on the floor filling lifeless as if she had already died she knew the building was coming down around her but she just couldn’t bring herself to move. Bea simply remained alone as tears poured out from her eyes pooling onto the wooden floor. “Mae... Mae... I’m... I... s-so... sorry... Mae... I-I’m....” Bea mumbled incoherently her chest felt tight she could hardly breathe. Standing over her a faint ghostly figure of her father spectated unable to do anything his soul ached just watching. “Get up Beatrice please baby, I don’t want you to die here as well, your mother wouldn’t want this, so please Beatrice please get up sweetie!” Her father pleaded calling out from the other side as he knelt down placing a claw on her back his body jolted as he watched his claw phase right through her body. A frown fell upon the spectators face as he quickly realized she could not hear him or feel his presence.
Suddenly footsteps could be heard from behind coming down the hall Bea she didn’t acknowledge them at all. Bea couldn’t hear them she wasn’t in her right mind set anymore she just wanted to die at this point nothing more would have been acceptable. “Beatrice!!!” A familiar older voice called out to the downed crocodile. “Bea!!! BEEAAAA!!!!!!” A loving yet terrified voice followed soon after. Bea’s ears were ringing as the building was quaking and shaking the floor boards under her felt like they could give out any second. “Bea!” The voice called out as a soft hand pressed against Bea’s right shoulder startling her causing her to jump she glanced up and behind. Bea’s visioned was blurry and doubled hell it was tripled by this point, her eyes widened her pupils dilated and shook as she stared at the blurry figure of Mae whom was offering her a paw up off the ground. Molly stood beside her niece supporting Mae whom was leaning against her holding the young feline up keeping her structurally sound unlike this building.
Bea stared awestruck confused as to what she’d just witnessed her ears continued to ring her heart practically pounding out of her chest. Sweat ran down the crocodiles face mixing in with her tears as she grabbed Mae’s paw firmly squeezing it tightly she couldn’t believe it was real. “I... I... I d...don’t...” Bea tried to speak. “Come on we gotta get the hell outta here!” Mae screamed at Bea as she pulled her up on to her feet. The croc stood wobbly a bit off balance which wasn’t too surprising honestly. Molly grabbed her hand leading them down the stairs they moved in a hurried fashion naturally as this building’s clock had rung its last. Racing down the stairs they went as the ceiling above began to give way with very precious time left to get out safely.
Bea’s father remained a somber expression evident in his face yet it slowly shifted to a small smile. He had watched his daughter’s expression change entirely the moment Mae came into view, he knew he’d made the right choice. “I hope she makes you happy Beatrice, all I want is for you to be happy my little angel! I’m sorry that I couldn’t have done more, I wish I could’ve reached out to you just one more time, I wish...” the fading older crocodile spoke his tones diapering into the void as his image dissipated a few translucent drops fell splashing onto the floor as the ceiling quickly followed.
At the front entrance of the building the glass door suddenly shattered to pieces as multiple bullets pierced the glass running it through rendering the glass door a pile of shards on the concrete. Officer Molly moving as fast as she could manage while carrying her niece on her back she dashed out of the building hopping through the destroyed doorway. Bea quickly followed as the building finished collapsing behind them she jumped propelling herself through the doorway while rolling on the ground and into the middle of the road quickly covering her head as bits of debris shot out of the building some smalls pieces hitting her in the back. The croc on the ground panted breathing heavily listening to the intense deafening sound of the crashing building just a few yards away her ears continued to ring. Bea turned her head to her right seeing Molly ducking down behind the car just a few feet from her she decided to barrel roll towards them figuring it would be safer.
Bea sat on the ground behind the car her back pressing against the rear tire she turned her head staring intently at Mae who lied on the ground panting heavily her clothes were torn to pieces she had fresh bruises and cuts to add to her old ones. Mae smiled widely seeing the beautiful sun overhead though it was short lived as a massive cloud of dust quickly over took the three girls cowering behind the police cruiser. Bea’s head throbbed as the piercing ringing began to calm she closed her eyes the scene of Mae being consumed by the falling debris played on repeat in her head. The crocodile breathed heavily trying to catch her breath she coughed harshly the smoke and dust was very intense tightening her lungs. Molly peered out from behind the car watching as the now collapsed building settled she could hardly see through the fog of dust. “It’s a real good thing the streets were empty this could’ve been a whole lot worse than it was!” Molly spoke her voice still trembling they were very fortunate to get out alive.
Mae weakly turned her head looking over toward Bea who was dealing with some fresh trauma she’d have PTSD for sure after this, Mae sluggishly move a paw gently placing it on Bea’s knee. “Bea...” Mae spoke followed with a light chuckle. “Bea I’m still here, w-we’re still here..... you are still here... Bea!” Mae uttered as she pressed her paw into the crocs’ knee her claws lightly poking the crocodile’s skin. Bea blinked her eyes rapidly as she glared at the feline laying on the ground beside her. Bea didn’t understand why or how or even who for that matter she couldn’t comprehend in that moment. She could feel the felines’ claws begin to dig into her skin penetrating her scales about to draw blood similar to a finger prick. Tears swelled up overflowing from the crocodile’s eyes and within an instant she could hear once more within an instant she lunged forward toward onto the feline on the ground kissing her firmly on the lips as she wrapped her arms around her back pulling Mae up into a loving stranglehold of an embrace. Mae kissed back pressing her lips against Bea’s she was so happy that she could she thought for sure that her time had come that her ticket had been punched.
Molly glanced down to her niece who was lip locked with the gator she chuckled before reaching for her walkie to call in for support. Releasing their lips from one another the two girls opened their eyes at the same time they gazed into each other’s eyes losing themselves looking for if not but just a moment of peace. Bea noticed something strange though she’d seen it once before a long time ago she didn’t know if it was real or not. Mae blinked slowly taking in the sight of the smile on the crocodile’s face she loved seeing it. Bea noticed a light glow a hue of silverish blue illuminated around Mae’s pupils it seemed like it was slowly fading with each blink Mae took. Bea raised a claw gently caressing the feline’s soft cheek feeling her soft fur between her fingers. “I’d... I... I thought... I’d lost you...!” Bea spoke her voice trembling Mae’s smile slowly shifted downward at hearing how defeated she sounded. “I... I honestly thought I’d lost me too... hehe..... I still don’t quite understand what happened... I...” Mae replied her head still spinning from the entire ordeal. Mae began chuckling softly followed by light coughing the dust cloud was starting to subside a little bit slightly improving visibility. “I’m just glad to be out of there...” Mae uttered in between coughs. “Well we’re never going back.” Bea replied as she raised up while glancing over the police cruiser staring at the destroyed building that was once her home now just a mere mound of rubble and debris on the ground.
The loud blaring sound of sirens echoed down the streets drawing near. “Finally, the cavalierly, it’s about time.” Molly spoke reassuringly while pushing herself up onto her feet to greet the reinforcements as they arrived on scene. Mae stared up to a tree overhead rays of sun light shined through the tree leaves she sighed a massive sigh of relief taking in the beautiful sight if not but just for a moment, her eyes began to broaden at seeing something suddenly falling toward her. “Wh... what the...” Mae stammered lowly as she sluggishly raised a paw reaching up toward the falling object it looked rather tiny she hardly noticed it. Mae’s eyes transitioned to a light silverish blue once again as everything around her seemed to slow down. The whisking breeze halted the sounds of the sirens faded out the leaves swaying back and forth ceased entirely as Mae exhaled for just a moment. The object gently fell into Mae’s raised paw as she carefully scooped it out of the air her soft paw pads were an excellent cushion. Everything sped up as Mae drew the object near her sight line. The blaring sirens continued as Bea glanced down once more to Mae who stared perplexed at a tiny egg in her paw. “Ummm... Whatcha got there, lunch?” Bea joked followed with a little chuckle. Mae’s eyes now returned to normal she starred up past the egg in her grasp noticing a small bundle of twigs in one of the tree branches with a mother bird who was glaring down at Mae from high above.
Mae began to sluggishly push herself up off of the ground her body felt very weak and very heavy. Molly and Bea immediately took notice and moved to Mae’s side to help her up. “Whoa whoa easy there slugger, I know you may think you’re tough but you gotta take it slow!” Molly instructed while she held Mae’s arm as she nearly slipped falling forward. ”I’m fine guys just a little off balance is all, nearly being crushed by a building will do that to you...” Mae joked lightly. Bea cleared her throat. “No I’m pretty sure that makes you dead, not off balance you dolt!” The croc shot back. “Ehh same difference!” Mae replied as she shook free from Molly’s support as the feline neared the tree a few feet from them. Mae smiled softly while staring up to the nest in the tree as the little blue bird slowly fluttered down to greet the feline. “Hey there little guy, or ehh girl...” Mae spoke softly as the bird merely glared daggers at the feline unable to understand her. Mae weakly raised her paws up toward the bird hovering in front of her she opened her grasp revealing the egg resting on her paw pads safe and sound. The little bird chirped frantically as it swooped down quickly grabbing the egg and returning to its nest. Mae smiled at the family of birds reunited and happy at last Bea stood beside her merely watching on in pure bewilderment and amazement. “B-Bea... I... I need to tel--“ Mae uttered softly though she came to a halt her throat ached feeling dry and coarse as she turned to face Bea while loose leaves shook free from the tree above falling dancing around the feline who’s eyes began to broadened in sheer horror.
The shocking sound of an explosion erupted from seemingly out of nowhere the collapsed building wasn’t done with them yet it seemed as the grounds began shaking once more rubble from the collapsed building shot up into the air it was like a volcano had gone off. A gas line underneath the building must’ve been exposed from all of the falling debris it’s no wonder that a spark had caught the escaping gas resulting in a devastating explosion. Molly Bea and Mae were all taken off guard as well as the arriving first responders and fire fighters who watched on in terror. The fiery explosion sent several pieces of rubble and glass as well as smashed bits of concrete flying toward them everyone quickly scrambled for shelter hiding behind their vehicles. The entire town of Possum Springs shook as the piercing sound echoed throughout the valley while a flock of birds bounded off of some trees in the forests surrounding the town they squawked loudly. Just as Mae sluggishly motioned to duck down behind the police cruiser a few pieces of rubble fell from the sky hitting her on the back of the head. For a single instant everything around Mae slowed down she suddenly felt lighter all of a sudden as her vision grew distorted and hazy before ultimately fading to black. The feline stumbled forward immediately losing consciousness as she fell face first onto the ground. Blood quickly began to pool onto the hot pavement around her as she simply lied their motionless shards of glass and bits of rock and glass penetrated her skin protruding out of her back. “MAAAAEEEEEEEE!!!!” A female scream suddenly filled the air nearly outpacing and overtaking the sound of the explosion that shook Possum Springs to its core.
Meanwhile just a few miles outside of the town center in the middle of a beautiful field of greenery surrounded by towering trees the remains of the destroyed overgrown well subtly shook free a few loose pieces falling from the top of the small mound of mossy rubble tumbling down into the swaying tall grass below. Germ obliviously sat on his back porch relaxing listening to music with earbuds in as he swiped through photos of Rabies on his phone he cackled at an image of the adorable feral creature hanging upside down from the bridge. “Germ dinner is ready!” His mother called out loudly however the short bird couldn’t hear her he was preoccupied in his own little world. In the distance smoke gradually ascended over the horizon nearly blocking out the sun as blaring sirens echoed loudly throughout the surrounding forests.
Elsewhere in the middle of town near the epicenter of the explosion only a few blocks away Selmers was baby sitting the local children. “Hey what did I say, no jumping on the couch... if you fall it won’t be just your legs that will break...” Selma shouted she was trying to make a little extra cash when suddenly her entire house shook violently dry wall and paint crumbled falling from the ceiling while up above on her roof Mr Chazokov was star gazing startled he nearly fell shaken by the sudden sound and fearsome quaking he instantly dropped low to his stomach clinging onto the roof for dear life.
Down the street inside the Borowski house Stan stepped in through the front door having just gotten home from work he quickly tossed his coat aside. “Dang earthquakes, hun I’m home!” He called out with a look of utter exhaustion visible on the old feline’s face as he motioned for the couch while holding his back that ached painfully lately it had begun acting up and bothering him most likely from years of hard labor.
In the kitchen Candy hummed happily while stirring a pot of bubbling hot spaghetti sauce. “Kay, dinner is almost ready... Mae and Bea should be home soon, Molly said she was going to pick them up from the hospital.” Candy spoke relieved to finally have her daughter home safe and sound at last.
Upstairs Stan’s father’s old cherry wood grandfather clock suddenly clang aloud as a small deformed bird shot out squawking horridly startling Stan who just wanted to relax.
The loud ringing of a telephone erupted soon after filling the unprepared and once quiet peaceful household.
Candy reached for landline attached to the wall she twirled the wire between her fingers.
“Hello?”
Chapter End
