Category: Short Stories Blog

Categories
Short Stories Blog

“Conquering Obstacles: The Remarkable Tale of Nick and Billy”.

The sights, the smells, and the feeling of the sun upon my cheeks The question remains: Does a butterfly make a sound as it flutters by? This was the question that kept tormenting Nick day and night.

A man with a butterfly on his hand
Nick looks at a butterfly on his hand.

Nick, or Nicholas, as he was named at birth, never knew what a sound was. He was born without the ability to hear. Even though he had been told how the rest of his senses had been heightened, the smallest noise was the desire of his heart. “Why can I not hear you, Mr. Butterfly?” he thought in a brain full of sound. “Is it too much to ask to step and hear a stick break underfoot, not just the feel of it?” he asked within himself. “I do not know what sound is, but I hear it in my heart,” he thought. “What did I do wrong to bring this handicap into my life?”

Learning in school came easy for Nick. He was a straight “A” student and never even studied, but he still wanted to learn that which he felt he couldn’t. If only he could hear the tiniest of noises, he would be the happiest boy on earth. Nick’s best friend in the Sanaca School for the Deaf and Blind was named Billy. Billy had perfect hearing but was born without sight. With the language of signing, Braille, and the help of the TTY equipment, the boys became fast friends. One with sight and the other with sound, they considered themselves the great two-headed monster of the school. They were inseparable while at school and spent hours typing on their TTY phones while at their respective houses.

Man reading a book in Braille.
Billy studies a book in Braille.

The teachers felt that Nick and Billy were destined for great things, but would they be separate or together when greatness came upon them? This seemed to be a running conversation in the teachers’ lounge every day during lunch. The thought that these two handicapped children would one day be the envy of so many was never realized until years in the future.

The one thing that Nick desired so much was something that Billy possessed, and the one thing that Billy wanted, Nick had. Nick would explain to Billy the wonders of color, and Billy would return the favor by describing the simple noises that he heard. It was almost as though the two boys were one when they were together. Amazement filled the town folk as they watched the two youngsters use each other’s talents to conquer any obstacles they faced. Were these two truly handicapped, or were they the ones without disabilities?

As Nick and Billy grew into adulthood, they decided to do some scientific experiments to solve each other’s problems. They would create sound for one and sight for the other. The experiments were grueling. However, it would, eventually be successful! The nanobots were formed using the inner core of a jellyfish and a metal component to house the workings. All that was needed was a brain, so the nanobots could think on their own once they were fully programmed.

Working day and night, Nick would set the program for colors and movements needed for sight. Billy was adding sounds down to the finest decibels a normal human could hear. The nanobots were responding well, but the amount of programming needed was going to be a problem. “How can we get that much information stuffed into our nanobots?” Nick asked Billy. “This is going to be a problem.” Billy responded on the handheld TTY, “We need a better program to run this.”

Trial and error came and went, day after day, week after week, and month after month. Just about the time they thought they had it going in the right direction, a setback would show up in the program. “What are we doing wrong here?” Nick asked. “We will get it. We are hardly into this process. It just takes time,” Billy sighed.

Then, one day, while eating a sandwich at his computer, it all came together. A breadcrumb dropped onto Nick’s computer screen and covered up a small piece of code that he had been working on. There it was, in plain sight. Throwing his sandwich aside, he started typing rapidly, removing the thread of code that the crumb had covered up. Just like that, the problem was solved, and the program worked! Nick ran to the other room, where Billy was taking a nap and shook him vigorously by the shoulders. “Wake up, wake up!” he yelled. I found it. A few minutes later, they were testing the nanobots with the program. It worked! Now, the only thing was to test it on a human.

After a long discussion, they decided to inject both of themselves with the serum containing the nanotechnology. Twelve hours after the injection, Nick heard his first sound. Nick was scribbling on a pad when the lead of his pencil broke. Nick jumped in amazement and then broke the pencil in half. He heard it! It’s a miracle! Billy was so happy for his friend, but he still hadn’t received any sight. It would be another forty-eight hours before another miracle would happen.

Billy was just waking up after another bad night of sleep. He leaned over to grab his walking cane and saw it was at the foot of the bed and not by his head. ” Wait, what the…? he thought and jumped out of bed, yelling for Nick. Nick came running in to see what was the matter. When he reached Billy’s room, he saw Billy standing up, facing him. “What’s the matter, Billy? Billy looked at Nick and said, “I don’t like that red shirt you’re wearing.” Nick answered, “What do you mean? I have always loved this shirt. Besides, what business is it of…?” he trailed off. “Oh, crap! You can see!” Billy smiled and replied, “We did it, my friend!” They both jumped around the room like a couple of kids, yelling, laughing, and hugging one another. Nick stopped all of a sudden and said, “We have to get back to work right now!” Billy agreed, and they both ran to the other room to do the final test on their computers. Nick ran programs to test his hearing, while Billy did a test for his sight. The rest of the day and into the night, they went through every test they could think of.

After they finished, they discovered they had been successful with all parts of the program. They wanted to come up with a name for their invention. They tried all kinds of different technical names but finally settled on the only one that fit. Their invention would be patented as “Breadcrumb”. (After all, if it hadn’t been for that crumb hitting Nick’s computer screen, it may have never been invented.)

Nick and Billy’s invention quickly became a game-changer for people with disabilities all around the world. The nanobots they had created allowed individuals with hearing or vision impairments to experience these senses for the first time in their lives.

As the news of their incredible invention spread, people from all walks of life began to reach out to Nick and Billy. They were inundated with requests, emails, phone calls, and letters from individuals looking for help to overcome their disabilities. The two friends worked tirelessly, dedicating their time and resources to ensure that everyone who needed the nanobot technology had access to it.

It wasn’t long before their invention caught the attention of tech giants and philanthropists, leading to a partnership with a leading tech conglomerate. With this partnership, Nick and Billy had access to state-of-the-art technology and research, which allowed them to make significant advancements in their nanobots’ capabilities. Their work was even recognized by the President of the United States himself, who invited them to the White House for a private audience. Nick and Billy were excited, yet nervous, about meeting the President. They had never been in such esteemed company before.

The day before their meeting, the White House called and told them that the President had requested a private demonstration of their technology. Nick and Billy spent endless hours reviewing their work to ensure that the demonstration would meet the President’s standards.

The following day, they arrived at the White House with their hearts beating in their throats. They were introduced to the President, and they got to work on giving the private demo. Breadcrumb worked flawlessly, as expected, and the President was impressed. The President looked Nick and Billy square in the eyes and said, “Gentlemen, what you have done is truly remarkable. You have given hope to the multitudes of people with disabilities. The world is a better place because of your invention.”

Nick and Billy felt a sense of pride wash over them, knowing that they had accomplished something significant in their lives. They knew that their partnership would continue to flourish, and with ongoing support and resources, they could continue to make a tremendous difference in the lives of many people.

As they left the White House, Nick and Billy felt a sense of awe at what they had achieved together. Their friendship had stood the test of time, and they had conquered every obstacle they had ever faced.

Nick and Billy returned home and, after a long discussion, decided to work on their next project, a cure for cancer.

Author’s note

I hope you have enjoyed this story. Although it is completely fictional, maybe, just maybe, it will become true someday. After all, scientific advancements are made every day. Make sure to leave your comments below. Until next time, take care, my friends.

Categories
Poem Short Stories Blog

Merry Christmas, Protectors of Freedom!

It’s that time of year when gathering with family is not only a blessing but a must. However, not all are able to spend time with their families, and many are spending time away to protect us and give us the opportunity to do just that. Of course, I’m talking about our military personnel, who will be far away during this holiday season. I remember the times that I was in the United States Navy and had to spend time away from family. Even though I was proud to do so, Christmas time was a very hard time to be away.

I want to thank our military (especially those serving overseas during this holiday season) for protecting our country. I was recently given a poem by a shipmate (Stephen Holmstrom) who served, as I did, on board the USS Charleston (LKA 113) Even though this poem was written for sailors, I believe it will hold a special place in the hearts of all our armed forces.

The poem I am about to share has been rewritten many times through the years by various people for magazines and such. I, too, have changed a few words to fit my thoughts. I have researched this poem, and as of this point, I have not been able to find the original author. For now, I will put the author as “unknown” and will change this to honor the original writer if I find out who it is. If you, my readers, know who the original author is, please let me know so I can add his or her name to the credits. Until that time is known, I will continue to show it as an unknown author. I hope you enjoy this poem as much as I have, and have a Merry Christmas!

“A Sailors Christmas”

Sailors in racks (in berthing area) of Navy ship
U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Jayme Pastoric. (RELEASED)

Twas the night before Christmas, the ship was out steaming,
Sailors stood watch while others were dreaming.
They lived in a crowd with racks tight and small,
In an 80-man bunk, cramped one and all.
I had come down the stack with presents to give.
And to see inside, just who might perhaps live.
I looked all around; a strange sight did I see,
No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stockings were hung, shined boots were close at hand,
On the bulkhead hung pictures of a faraway land.
They had medals and badges and awards of all kinds.
And a sobering thought came into my mind.
For this place was different, so dark and so dreary,
I had found the bed of a sailor once my vision started clearing.
This sailor lay sleeping, silent, and alone.
Curled up in a rack and dreaming of home.
His face was so gentle, the room squared away,
This was the United States Sailor of today.
This was the hero I saw on TV,
This is one of many defending our country so we can be free.
I realized the families that I would visit this night,
owed their lives to these sailors, who lay willing to fight.
Soon round the world, the children would play,
And grownups would celebrate this Christmas Day.
They all enjoyed freedom each day of the year.
because of the sailors, like the one lying here.
I couldn’t help but wonder how many lay alone.
On a cold Christmas Eve, I was on a ship at sea, far from home.
The very thought brought a tear to my eye.
I dropped to my knees and started to cry.
The sailor awakened, and I heard a calm voice,
“Santa, don’t cry; this life is my choice.”
“Defending the seas all days of the year,
“So others may live and be free with no fear.”
I thought for a moment, “What a difficult road.”
to live a life guided by honor and code.
After all, it’s Christmas Eve and the ship’s underway!
But freedom isn’t free, and it’s the sailors who pay.
The sailor says to our country, “Be free and sleep tight,
No harm will come, not on my watch or this night.
The sailor rolled over and drifted to sleep,
I couldn’t control it; I continued to weep.
I kept watch for hours—so silent, so still.
I watched as the sailor shivered from the night’s cold chill.
I didn’t want to leave on that cold, dark night.
This guardian of honor is so willing to fight.
The sailor rolled over and, with a voice strong and sure,
“Carry on, Santa; all is secure!“

Original author “unknown”

Have a Merry Christmas, Protectors of Freedom!!

Categories
Short Stories Blog Thriller

Secret Cave

       I never let my friends know about the cave, because I wanted it all for myself. Looking into the past, that was not very wise. Going deep into unknown territory, and without anyone knowing where I was; well that was just plain stupid. If, for example, something were to happen to me, there wasn’t anyone to help me. During this time of my life, I never thought about things like that; besides, I was the all-knowing bulletproof fifteen-year-old! I suppose thinking in this way is why so many teenagers end up getting hurt, or even worse, killed.

       Growing up in the state of Missouri, I found many things to see. With the woods surrounding our house, and a river close by, there is no wonder; that is where a boy would want to spend so much time. Most of my days were spent hunting and fishing, but some were for exploring as well. Most people are unfamiliar with the fact that Missouri has many caves, and I had found my very own. In the eighties, parents were not breathing down your neck, like they are today. Leaving my house at daybreak, returning after sundown, was normal for my parents. However, they were unaware of the cave I discovered.

Hidden cave entrance, camouflaged by trees

      The cave I explored was dangerous from the very beginning, because the opening was straight down. There was a five-foot drop before landing on a shelf of rock, and then another three-foot drop onto the cave floor. I used the headlamp that I used when raccoon hunting late at night, and carried an extra battery just in case. The first time I entered the cave, I did not have gloves, and learned quickly, with the cuts on my hands, this was a grave mistake. Afterwards, I always took my rawhide gloves with me when I headed to my secret place in the ground.

    Like many other caves, bats were a problem. I learned to duck down in certain areas and let the bats fly over my head. This was a better idea instead of having them ramming into me when I disturbed them. Each time I entered, I would explore farther into the blackness using a little more stored up courage.

      One day, I traveled too deep into my cave and found my courage about to get me into trouble. Luckily, my superpower teenage brain warned me, just in time to halt before I reached the point of no return. I looked around, and noticed that I was in a large room. This room had a floor space of twenty feet across and a ceiling so high that my headlamp would not shine on it. Woah, I thought, this is incredible! Walking around the room, I heard the rumble of water echoing through the room. Well, that makes sense because the river was not too far away, I thought.

     Something caught my eye in the middle of the room. As I walked to the center, I found a rock pedestal coming up from the floor, standing three feet tall. The base was a foot wide and grew to two feet in diameter at the top. It was concave at the top and had water in it, resembling a pedestal bird bath sold in garden stores. I had to laugh at the thought of the bats using it to get cleaned up for their night out.

       I stared at the top of the pedestal for a long time. All of a sudden, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a drop of water land in the center of the small pool, creating a ripple effect. I looked up to see where the water had come from. As I shined my headlamp, I could see that the ceiling overhead was not as high as the rest of the room, and my light reflected off the bright line where the water was running. So this pedestal is a stalagmite being built one drop at a time. Now that really got my attention. So where is that drop of water originating from, I asked myself. I did not realize that I had said that out loud until the echo of my own voice made me jump.

     I dipped my finger in the water and tasted it. The liquid had a strange taste, and I thought better of putting anymore in my mouth. Afterwards, I walked to the far wall of the cave and started making my way around the room. About halfway, I found another opening, just above the floor. This opening was almost directly across the room from where I entered. Shining my light down this passage, my skin crawled; my nerves were shaking, and I wasn’t sure I could venture on. This would be difficult for me; in a space so small, and I would have to inch through on my belly. I was already heading into it before I could think better of it. I wiggled on my belly for fifteen feet or so, like a snake. To my relief, I was then able to get to my hands and knees. I crawled another thirty-five feet before it opened up to the point that I could stand.

     The sound of rushing water grew louder, drowning out my fear, and ramping up my curiosity. I shuffled along, with the feeling of walls closing in. Another hundred feet and the sound of water turned into a roar! Should I continue on or do the smart thing and go back? Once again, the teenage brain took over, and I decided to go on. That little voice in the back of my head started warning me, If I die here, my body will never be found. I had to locate that rush of water, (my pride taking over where the fear should be). Three hundred more steps, and it was all worth the danger. The tunnel led me into a room ten feet wide. The rushing water grew louder, which made me clinch my teeth. But for now, my eyes see and made the noise go away.

Waterfall hitting different rock shelves as it falls

     There was a waterfall in the middle of this cave! The water dropped fifteen feet from a hole in the ceiling, disappearing into the rock below! The shape was fascinating, for it reminded me of an old cowboy standing in the rain. On the top shelf, the water splashed on a ledge as rain ran off a Cowboy’s hat to the ground with his head turned down. From that point, it fell to a small shelf of rock in the middle. As the water landed on the second shelf, it reminded me of a championship buckle that a rodeo Cowboy would wear. From this point, the water split into two separate streams. This finished the rodeo look off for me, showing the chaps the cowboy was wearing. I cannot explain it in any more detail than that. Maybe that’s just the way I have seen it because I like going to the rodeo, and seeing the Champion wearing that humongous belt buckle.

     I wanted to put my hand in the rushing water, but my courage had left me. (What if the rushing water pulled me under the rock floor?), I thought to myself. I spent quite a bit of time in awe, but finally the echoing sound of the waterfall became more than I could handle. It was time to go back. I worked my way out of the cave and headed home. That night, I dreamed of what I had witnessed.

     After a good night’s sleep, I decided not to tell anyone of my experience. I am not sure why, other than I want it all to myself. I visited my cave a few more times after finding the cowboy waterfall. Every time I went back, I found the pool of water on top of the stalagmite, but I was never able to find the passage to the cowboy waterfall again. I guess it will have to live in my memory. If I had a cell phone in my pocket back then, (like we do in today’s world), I would have taken pictures of my discovery. Tomorrow, I will watch the rodeo at the fair grounds, and I will pay close attention to the Cowboy wearing the championship belt buckle, and it will remind me of my grand adventure.

    The truth shall stand that I alone will possess that memory. Furthermore, I alone know where the opening to the cowboy cave is. I covered the main entrance to the cave before moving away. I will leave the hint that it is within twenty miles of the little town of Fair Grove. If you should stumble upon the opening, make sure to let me know, otherwise, I shall go to my grave with knowledge of the entrance to my secret cave.

Categories
Short Stories Blog Thriller

“Killer instinct” Hide in the shadows

Julie was working in a clothing store at the mall and ringing up Mrs. Johnson on the front register. “How are you today, Mrs. Johnson?”, Julie asked (with that fake smile she had become accustomed to using). “Oh, I guess things could be worse, I just can’t keep up with the fashions these days,” the old lady responded. “Of course not, when you’re in your eighties and trying to look sixteen again,” Julie thought to herself. Julie bit down what she was thinking and replied, “I couldn’t agree with you more, ma’am.” Mrs. Johnson gathered her bags and headed to the door. About this time, Julie caught a glimpse of her new boyfriend, Rick, coming across the mall to meet her for their afternoon lunch. She hoped so much that this boyfriend would be better than the last. So far things had been going along really well.

Her last boyfriend was very controlling and treated her more like a dog, than a girlfriend. Jim never allowed her to have a thought of her own. Every time she tried to voice her opinion about anything, he would tell her how wrong she was, and she would be better off letting him do the thinking. This went on for about six months, and she started feeling lower and lower every time she seen him. She finally had enough of the verbal abuse and broke it off with Jim, last month. Jim didn’t seem to take it well, but Julie just stayed clear of him, and it seemed to have blown over. Julie had met Rick about two weeks after the breakup, while getting a soda at the restaurant that Rick worked in, across the mall. Jim had made Julie nervous about boys, but Rick seemed to be a gentleman and besides, he was so darn cute! She had decided to throw her heart out there one more time, with hopes that it wouldn’t be stomped on again. So far it has been great with Rick. He treats her like a princess, unlike the dog, Jim had tried to create. It is so different to have someone hold a door for you instead of letting it swing back in your face, she thought. When Julie has something to say, Rick clams up and allows her to speak her mind.

Julie held down a little squeal of joy as she turned to her co-worker. “Beth, I’m going to take my lunch break now.” Beth glanced back over her shoulder and saw Rick heading into the store. “Of course, you are! I see your knight in shining armor heading this way,” Beth said with a chuckle. Rick came in with a big smile on his face, carrying a box with burgers, fries and two large sodas. “Are you ready for our mall picnic, my queen?” Rick asked Julie. “Oh, I guess so,” she responded, without looking up from her cash register. Rick’s heart sank a little, “is this how she thinks of me?” he wondered. Beth spoke up with a laugh, “stop torturing the boy, Julie!” As Julie looked up, the young man saw in her eyes, how excited she really was to see him. She ran to him and planted a kiss on his cheek, grabbed his hand and led him to the break room in the back. Beth yelled after them, “Don’t worry about me, my prince will show up some day.”

The young couple went into the break room, Rick held the door for Julie, showing the gentleman he was. She thanked him, and they sat down at the table. Rick sat the box of food and sodas down, offering Julie hers first. They talked about what their plans were for the weekend while enjoying their lunch. “How about we go to the movies?” Julie asked. “I’m sure you’d like that new thriller that just came out. It’s about a guy going after a girl that dumped him!” She spoke. Rick laughed and answered, “So you like thrillers then?” Julia thought for a moment. “I like to be surprised and not know, what’s going to happen next,” she said. Little did they both know how they would be part of a thriller, and not just watch it on the big screen.

Halfway through lunch, while talking about their weekend plans, a loud popping noise rang out and the couple looked at each other with amazement. “What the hell? That sounded like a gunshot,” Rick gasped, as he jumped to his feet. Julie answered, with a shaking voice, “I’m scared Rick, what’s going on?” Rick went to peer out of the break room door. He saw a person wearing black clothing, holding a shotgun. Rick slowly closed the door, but before he could latch it, Julie pushed the door open a little to look for herself. A small gulp came from Julie as she saw what was going on in the store. Another shot rang out, and Julie stifled a scream by quickly putting her hands over her mouth. There were people being killed, and blood was splattered everywhere. “Oh, my God!” Julie cried with alarm, as another person was shot and dropped to the floor.

Beth, the cashier at the register, had been hit at point-blank range. Her stomach exploded when the blast found her midsection. As she fell to the floor, Beth was sure she would not live to see the end of her shift. Two elderly patrons clothes shopping for their granddaughter were the next to fall. The man’s head disappeared from his shoulders in front of his wife. The wife didn’t have time to think of her husband, as her chest cavity imploded within seconds. Both would not make it home from this shopping trip. Mall security heard the shots and called the local police station, before checking on the scene. This short time-lapse was probably the only thing that saved the security guard, who was first to arrive, as he looked around the corner into the shop. The blast rocked the door frame beside his head and shattered glass, which showered down on his face. If he had been five seconds earlier, the gunman would’ve been in direct line with the guard, a center shot lined up. As the SWAT team showed up, the gunman was making his way down the aisles of the store. He was looking for Julie. Julie didn’t know it, but if the gunman’s plan was successful, today, she would die, and he would kill himself, so they would always be together. “I will have her, and anyone who gets in the way shall also follow us to the great beyond!”, he spoke out loud to himself. The man in the dark clothing was searching for his next victim in the clothing store. He loaded more shells into his pump shotgun with the ease of someone who knew how to use this particular weapon. The reason behind his rage, was still a mystery to everyone unfortunate enough to be in the store.

“What are we going to do?” Julie asked. “We can’t stay here, there’s no way out except that door, and he will be here soon!” Rick replied. Once again, Rick cracked the door open and peered out. Looking from one side of the store to the other. Rick observed, just to the right of the break room door, a big display with all kinds of long dresses on it. Underneath and to the left would be the only place to hide. The darkness, created by the long dresses, would give them their best chance.

“You must be quiet, Julie,” Rick whispered. “I’m so scared! He just killed them! I don’t see Beth!”, she said sobbing and in near panic. Rick put an arm around her and touched her lips with the other hand. “I will protect you, but you must be quiet, do you understand?” Rick whispered in her ear. Julie nodded her head in agreement. “Good. We are hidden and the cops are coming. I hear them yelling at this psycho case,” He whispered, “That nutcase seems to be slightly distracted. This is our chance. Do you see the display of dresses to the right?” Julie nodded, as she seen where he was pointing. “When I say go,” Rick said, “we are going to stay low and get there as fast as we can. “Ready….GO!!”

Woman hiding in a shadow
Just be quiet

Rick and Julie made their way quickly out of the break room, over to the display, and slid to a stop under the dresses. They were hiding and waiting as the gunman worked his way to the back of the store, shooting anything that moved. They could hear the captain of the swat team yelling for the man to stop and asking what he wanted. The gunman finally responded, “She broke my heart and I have nothing left to live for! She must pay!” Julie recognized the voice and couldn’t stop herself from yelling out, “Jim, is that you?” The gunman swung to the left towards the voice. He fired his weapon in the area the voice came from. The shot clipped off the top half of the big display, they were hiding under. He was only a few feet from them. As he got closer, ready to shoot, again Rick’s own killer instinct kicked in! He grabbed a pole, used for hanging clothes, and thrust it into the stomach of the attacker, dropping him to his knees. A shot fired into the ceiling and debris showered down as the attacker jerked the gun up in pain. The gunman, Jim, fell to the side, dropping the weapon and grasping for the pole, protruding from his gut. Rick and Julie leaped from their hiding space. Rick kicked the gun away, out of the reach of the attacker. Julie knelt beside Jim. “Why, Jim, why?” She screamed and sobbed at the same time. “You were in my dreams, tormenting me, Julie!” Jim gasped, “I can’t live without you! You broke my heart.” As the officers surround him, with a deep guttural, blood bubbling gurgle, he breathed his last.

“Are you alright, miss?” an officer asked Julie. “I may never be alright again.” Julie responded. Rick rushed to her, and they embraced. He noticed she flinched. Rick wondered if she could ever hold him again, or if this tragedy would destroy their relationship as well. Will she wonder if I might have a killer instinct towards her someday? After all, I was the one who killed Jim, Rick thought. Just then, Julie looked into Rick’s eyes and said, “I don’t think I want to go to that thriller movie anymore. Is it okay if we have a picnic instead?” Rick saw in her eyes the love she had for him had just grown stronger. “I think I’m done with thrillers myself; I’ve had all the shooting I can stand for a lifetime,” Rick answered, “Let’s get out of here, I believe I’m getting off work early today, besides my lunch break was over half an hour ago.” Rick smirked. Julie hugged him tight, knowing this man would always take care of her.

The couple walked out of the store, hand in hand. As they passed the restaurant, that Rick worked at, he yelled inside, “Send me my check, I quit!”

Two weeks later, a reporter saw the young couple crossing the road. He stopped them on the other side and asked Rick and Julie if they would tell their story about the incident at the mall. They both looked at one another, then back to the man and answered in unison, “What story?” and walked away. Rick and Julie were married six months after the incident, and never went into or talked about the mall again. They made a pact to never watch any kind of thriller movie again, besides, they had lived the real-life version of one and had no interest in reliving it. Hollywood could never come up with ideas that would out do what they had lived through already.