Flumes Vol. 6: Issue 1, Summer 2021 | Page 64

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“24 hours. Just wait and see.” Trevon continued. “Or you can come with me.”

“What are you talking about?” Alfie asked.

“I’m headed up north. Just past the highway. There’s a little community that has shunned social distancing and even technology to an extent. I’m headed there. I’m supposed to meet Anselmo and we’re going to go there together.”

“That’s if they’ll even take you. Hundreds might be headed there, that is if the rioting and looting don’t destroy everything.” Alfie said starting to buy into it.

“Why 24 hours?” Juan asked although he felt like he already knew.

“The riots will begin.” Trevon said. “There might be some light looting already. But people are thinking it’s nothing serious.” He held his hands out, “Nothing to worry about, but wait when they start realizing power might not be coming back on.”

The sun felt hot on their skin. Juan turned back subconsciously thinking of his mother and then considering the heat and everything going on, he realized it wouldn’t be 24 hours, more than likely, it would closer to sundown.

***

Two.

Dating had almost become a science. Juan had made it to stage 4 with a woman, but never stage 5. He smiled at himself as he packed a duffle bag and thought about stage 4. They both were tested and had been shown clear of the virus that ravaged the world around them. Then the dating app, which it came out later had been connected with owning resorts, arranged a resort

meeting.

“Mijo?” his mother called from the doorway pulling him out of his revelry.

“Yeah, Ma?” He said not turning around but scanning through his room to see what he needed.

“I don’t think I’m going to go.”

“Come on, Ma, we have to go.”

“Why? I don’t know these people. I don’t know if what they say is correct.”