Chapter 24
A month passed in a blink, many things were set in motion, from activating various contingency plans to securing resources, and the once frazzled memory from transmigrating into this body had mostly been restored, fragmented memories slowly solidifying like curdled milk.
If I had not been the original author with a somewhat good memory, a blessing and a curse, I would have been helpless many times, lost in the intricate web of this world I created.
Sigh, but I wanted to live so this one must continue moving forward, no matter the cost.
Many things have changed though. I could say it is me, the original author, but I doubt it is only me; something else is at play. Like every fictional author, I am paranoid and in some cases weigh the pros, cons, and neutral, the scales constantly shifting.
There is no way I would only think about good and bad when there is always a grey area, nuances in between.
The little thing had gained some weight, chubby cheeks and a double chin, and his features have become even more exquisite, a true Saint Michael descendant, a miniature angel. I was proud, I had to admit, of this child.
The things were packed in sturdy, weather-resistant crates, and the people who arrived had been extremely meticulous, double-checking every item against a detailed inventory list.
Doctor Su spoke in a low tone, her voice extremely professional, her eyes sharp and assessing. “Your confinement was excellent, you followed the regimen perfectly, your body has recovered well. In six months from now, you can come for a check up to make sure everything is going well.”
I nodded silently, lamenting, sigh, it seems I will still have to come here, still trapped in this charade of normalcy. Well, everything should be finished by then, the preparations complete.
“Thank you, Doctor Su,” I said with a tight lipped smile while holding the little thing, the weight of him comforting and grounding.
“We’ll see you then, Miss Mi,” she replied, giving a small, almost imperceptible bow of her head, her gaze flickering to the baby before returning to me.
I turned away from her, focusing all my attention on the bundle in my arms. He gurgled softly, completely oblivious to the world around him, his tiny hand grasping at my finger, a surprisingly strong grip.
“Are you ready, ma’am?” one of the men asked, his voice polite but firm, eyes alert, scanning the surroundings. They were efficient, which is what I liked and wanted. Those who waste time can only die faster.
“Yes,” I said, my voice barely a whisper, laced with anticipation and dread. “Let’s go.” There was a private lift accessible only to those in the VIP ward. This was to prevent media and other unwanted mishaps from happening to the new mothers who were distinguished guests. The first time out of my rooms since I previously only wanted to focus on the child and recovering.
My steps were sure as I moved forward, the marble floor echoing with the click of my shoe, a rhythmic beat against the silence. The wide leg pants fluttered each time I moved, hips swaying with each step. I had gained some much needed weight, after all I am a mother, and I like this size; it was more healthy especially for a woman who was 1.8m tall.
In the underground garage a dark sleek SUV waited, its tinted windows reflecting the dim light.
A seat was provided in the back to place the child thinking of his safety, securing him I took a seat beside him, while two of the other males sat on the opposite side and two others in the front which included the driver.
The car slowly drove forward, I turned my gaze to look at the surroundings, tall buildings, busy streets, the cityscape blurring past, a stark contrast to what awaits…sigh, it was so similar, yet so fragile.
“Miss Mi, will we be returning to the old house?” Rekuren asked, his voice breaking the silence.
“Yes,” I replied leaning back and closing my eyes but extremely alert, every sense heightened, ready for anything. From city D to village F will take more than nine hours, adding a few stops by the way, a carefully planned route to gather supplies.
“Miss Mi, we will be arriving at the first stop soon,” Rekuren announced.
“Alright,” I said sitting up and reaching for the diaper bag to prepare the formula first. I looked at the little one who stared up in space and smiled, his eyes wide and innocent.
One of the males passed me the flask filled with hot water and the other the formula, both in sterilized containers. I mixed them all efficiently and then fed the child.
“Rekuren, your family, have you begun to move them?” I inquired.
“Miss Mi, I have,” he replied passing taking back the flask and placing it in the bag, his expression unreadable. “And Curren?”
“My mother is already in the village, overseeing the preparations.”
“Good, remember that all family members listed are accepted, no more. Any with grievances are not welcomed, loyalty is paramount.”
“Miss Mi understood.” Curren.
“Of course, Miss Mi,” Rekuren.
Satisfied I leaned over and fed the little thing, a satisfied smile gracing my lips.
For the remaining time I said nothing further but simply looked at my surroundings while looking down at the map. All of these such routes, I would have to memorise if I wanted to avoid certain areas after the world ended, escape routes and safe havens etched into my mind.
To be a good samaritan I also informed the government and those across the world.
At least I did. If I did not try, it would be boring otherwise to watch everyone suffer in despair without understanding anything much. Of course because some people tend to be greedy, I spread it across major platforms, anonymous posts and leaked documents, sowing the seeds of panic and preparation.
The vehicle came to a standstill, in a smooth motion I picked up the car seat and walked forward.
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