"What the ..."
I return to consciousness with a start; the TV suddenly much louder than it had been; an advert playing dance music whilst showing flashing images of a car.
I look around, momentarily disorientated, and I realise that I must've fallen asleep whilst watching the game. The room is dark, the TV casting dancing shadows on the walls. I check my watch. It is late. Ah man, I've missed the end of game. What was the score ?
I rub my eyes then I let pull my fingers down to my beard, rubbing my face to try to wake me up. I look around again, and although I still feel groggy I can't help wondering if I should get another beer from the fridge.
No
Instead I fumble around for the TV remote. It's down the side of the couch. It always is. I change channels to the local news station, hoping to catch up with the final score of the game.
"...outbreak in several cities, the governor has now called for calm..."
No, that's not sport
I take no notice of the pictures or the sound. I keep channel surfing through the news services.
"... The President has ordered all flights to be grounded..."
Click.
"...THEY WERE EVERYWHERE MAN !"
This last outburst causes me to pause and become more focused - it is coming from a hysterical reporter whose tie is missing and his jacket is torn and covered with blood.
I recognise this guy from other broadcasts, but even so I check the station number, making sure it is definitely live news and not some spoof. It is. I watch for several minutes as sketchy and often contradictory reports are being shown.
What madness is going on ?
I get up off the couch and head into the kitchen to phone my brother.
Tommy might have more information
As I pick up the mobile I hear a loud crash coming from nearby outside. It sounds like something in the garden. Without thinking I put the mobile back down on the counter without completing the call, and walk slowly to the sliding glass door which leads to the back garden. I undo the lock and open it a crack. I listen. There are sounds of commotion coming from several directions; frantic shouts of several neighbours hurriedly packing things into their cars, shouting at each other what to take and what to leave. Tyres screeching. A very distant crack rings out. I've heard that sound enough times to know it's a gunshot.
The world has gone crazy
I close the door and go to stand back in front of the TV; the confusing advice is to either leave or stay - depending on which talking head is given airtime at any given moment. I do not know what I should do - how could I possibly ? Should I go and wake my daughter Sarah up or should to wait until morning when it make all make more sense. I walk through the house to the bottom of the stairs. I hesitate and listen upstairs. All is quiet.
Sarah sleeping soundly
This can wait until the morning I decide. Better to make a decision in the light of day.
24 hours news channels making something else seem more dramatic than it actually is...
"ARRGHHH". My chain of thought is broken by the sharp high pitched scream. It is coming from a woman on the street outside in front of my house. I rush to the front door and open it. I should not have...