Chapter 2 - Flashback

16 HOURS AGO -

"That's it. That's the one." Dirk Steele said at the appliance store.

While technically, he was in the electronics division of the store, to an unknowing eye, it would appear to be the television capital of the world. Every wall that surrounded them was at least ten feet tall. On each wall, dozens of screens were currently on display with the same video playing in perfect synchronization. Big screens, small screens, wide screens, and full screens all differentshapes and sizes. From the endless selection of TV's, Dirk had his mind set on one particular set. A Sony Bravia 40 inch 1080p Widescreen LCD. Right at that moment, Dirk could have sworn he heard the slightest voices of angels singing from heaven.

"No no no, Dirk, you are like a child shopping for a Christmas tree. The moment your eyes stop on the biggest and brightest tree, you are dead set on getting that." Leo tried to explain to his best friend, but he knew his words were going through one ear, out the other.

"What's your point?"

"My point is this TV is way too expensive. I'm not going to allow you to spend three grand on a TV that probably won't even work that great. Just because it's flashy, doesn't mean it is as good as it looks."

"Actually," A voice came from behind. It was a customer service representative. He continued to talk, "It is as good as it looks. We've gotten one hundred percent positive feedback from our customers. This really is top of the line." He ended his speach with a genuine smile, and awaited their response.

Dirk looked at his friend with puppy dog eyes.

"We just can't afford it," Leo tried explaining to Dirk again, "I'm sorry."

Dirk looked down, and turned to the employee. After a moment of sulking, Dirk gathered himself, looked up to the worker and said, "We'll take it!"

***

PRESENT -

Leo had been walking for a good hour now. For the first time in his life he began to experience fear. Real fear. The kind where you honestly don't know what to do. He'd even been imagining voices now and then. Maybe if you want something so badly, you begin to believe it exists, like people on the other side of the rainbow, waiting to help you. Though his hopes for getting rescued continued to dim. Sweat trailed down his brow, the temperature had rose to almost 110 degrees in this tropical forest. For the past hour, he had been walking through either trees, or tall grass. He had removed his shoes and had been walking barefoot. The grass between his toes felt cool and refreshing, but every now and again, he had to walk over unconfortable rocks.

He had no idea if he was walking in circles, or going in the correct location. According to the slight movement of the sun, he was headed east, and before too long he knew the sun would be setting. Wherever he was, it wasn't the funnest place in the world, and he knew that. He knew at any second a wild animal could jump out to attack. He also had to be extra careful around poison ivy, in forests, poison ivy could be anywhere.

All of these fears had left Leo paranoid. He knew that if he wasn't so paranoid, he wouldn't be watching his every step, and he would probably be at his destination by now. Safety first! His mother always taught him. Always buckle the seatbelt, say no to drugs, walk away from fights. While his mother always saw him as an obediant child, the other kids always laughed at him for being a momma's boy, and never being dangerous enough. If they could only see him now. Alone in the woods, with no real sense of direction. Before too long he'd have to become a savage himself, hunting animals down in only a loin clothe...okay now he was just being dramatic.

Just up ahead, Leo noticed an end to the woods. A clear opening. Just like any other would, he ran as fast as he could, and ran into the opening. He couldn't believe it, he was out of the woods and in a neighborhood. A community of houses that ran around in a circle. Though there were no cars, and no people to be seen anywhere. He began to wonder if it was a ghost town. Though ghost towns are more barren then this place. These homes were kept way too nice.

Even if it was an abandoned neighborhood, Leo thought that he could at least take shelter in one of the houses. Maybe there was even some food left over. Though he continued to hope for the best, and rang the door bell of the first home. There was no answer. So he decided to walk over to the house next door and ring their bell. The door opened ubruptly, and Leo was shocked to see who answered, it was an Other from the TV show "LOST", Tom.

"Is there something I can do for you?" He asked with a low truck driver tone, giving Leo the stink eye.