The Beginning of the End by Lorana Hoopes (readict txt) 📕

knew this was wrong, but again I didn’t speak out because I didn’t think it was that big of a deal.

“However, now I understand why it was. Now I understand why the media had to drum the fear of this virus up even if they did it by fudging the numbers. It was so you would take their vaccine. Now, I’m going to be honest, I hadn’t done a lot of research on this vaccine until a few days ago, but I am convinced that no one should take this vaccine. There are many reasons, but let me just share one.”

Candace moved closer to the bed and held the camera out so that Anne would be included in the shot. “This is my friend, Anne. She took the vaccine a few days ago and the next morning, her body began to shake. It started small with just her foot, but now, as you can see, her body shakes uncontrollably. She is not faking this, and at this point, I don’t know what’s wrong with her or how to treat it. Please, if you won’t believe me, do some research on the vaccine. Look into mRNA and watch the other doctors who were braver than me and put out videos much earlier.”

Candace moved her finger to end the video, but then she was struck with one more thing. It was reckless to say it, but so was everything else she had just said, so she might as well go big. “One last thing. The disappearances that happened months ago were not from aliens or Russia. That was the rapture. Those of us who remain were left behind and if you’re not up on your Bible theology, what comes next is the Tribulation. I believe we are in those times and it will probably only get worse. Find a Bible, find a church, go to TruthSeekers.org and learn. We may not have much time left, but we can save our souls.”

She pressed the button to stop recording and turned to Anne. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to get preachy at the end, but I can’t be silent any longer.”

“Do you really believe what you said?” Anne asked, reaching out her hand.

Candace took it and nodded. “I do.”

“Then I want to as well. Tell me what to do.”

Candace smiled and reached for the nearby chair. She had let her friend down once, but perhaps she could give her the best gift of all.

“I’m so glad today is over, but I don’t know how I’m going to avoid this vaccine,” Katie said as the girls put their books away for the day and grabbed their bags.

“Me either,” Lily said. “My mom doesn’t believe me when I tell her it might be dangerous. Do you think we’ll have to leave?”

“Leave our parents?”

“If we have to,” Lily said and shut her locker door. “Look, I don’t like it either, but Raven is working on a place for everyone in the future if they force the vaccination. We can always go there.”

“Yeah, I suppose you’re right-”

The sound of violent retching cut her off, and the girls looked toward the staff lounge where the noise appeared to be coming from. The room, while for the teachers, was rarely closed as it also held the copy machine and the extra supplies. Except for during lunch, the door was generally propped open, and the blinds covering the small window were open. Now, however, both were very much closed, but someone was clearly in there. Someone who sounded as if they needed help.

“Do we check it out?” The trepidation in Katie’s voice matched the feeling racing through Lily’s body.

“I don’t know.” A part of her thought they should. After all, it was the nice thing to do. If she was sick, she’d want someone to check on her. But there was this part, this tiny voice in her head, that was screaming this was a bad idea and they should just leave.

Before either of them could decide, the door opened, and Mr. Dagon stepped out. His eyes widened as he caught sight of them. “What are you doing here?”

“We were on our way out,” Katie said in a shaky voice, “and we heard someone vomiting. Was it you? Are you okay?”

For a split second, a look of fear or anger flashed in Mr. Dagon’s eyes, but as quickly as it appeared, it was gone, and his cool demeanor was back in place. “Yes, sorry, I swallowed something that didn’t agree with me. I’m sorry to have alarmed you. All is well.”

But all didn’t feel well to Lily. For one thing, he still seemed a little nervous. For another, she wasn’t sure she bought his story. Vomiting was considered a symptom of the virus. Could he be sick and trying to hide it? While that was possible, what bothered her the most was that he kept the door closed behind him. As if he was hiding something or someone. She wanted to push the issue, but the voice in her head roared louder.

LEAVE!

“Okay, well, glad to know you’re okay. See you tomorrow.” Lily grabbed Katie’s arm and pulled her toward the exit, not daring to look back until they reached the front door. As she pushed on the metal bar, she spared a final glance, only to see Mr. Dagon still standing in the same spot, watching them. The creepy image reminded her of an Edgar Allan Poe story, and she quickly turned away.

“What was that about?” Katie asked when the door closed behind them.

“I don’t know, but that was NOT normal.”

Katie sighed. “I’m not sure I even remember what normal feels like anymore.”

Lily knew that feeling all too well.

“Lily, Katie, you okay?” Raven stepped back and ushered the two girls in. The fear on their faces sent her own heart thundering in her chest.

“We’re okay,” Lily said. “We just had a weird experience at our school.”

“Do you want to tell me what happened?” Raven didn’t relate to