Chapter Twelve: iGet Rescued?
Carly Shay had now been trapped inside the lobby for nearly two hours. The temperature continued rising as the sun blazed. The temperature inside the enclosed lobby had reached nearly 40 degrees Celsius and with no air conditioning, the heat was suffocating. Her shirt was soaked with sweat and her skin was now damp with it. She was also incredibly thirsty as her rapid sweating meant she was losing water from her boy much faster than she was taking it in. But there was no water inside the lobby.
Outside, the dogs still circled. The hound and the huge rottweiler lay resting in the shade of a car while the husky-type dog paced outside the lobby doors. It occasionally rammed the doors and barked wildly yet the doors stayed firmly shut. Yet the same doors that kept the wild dogs out also kept Carly in. Earlier, an unfortunate ginger cat had wandered down the street earlier and the hound bolted after it barking excitedly. The terrified cat had quickly run up onto a parked van and from there climbed through a window into a storage building across the street. The cat had made a lucky escape.
She was less lucky. She had searched the entire apartment complex for exit doors but a look through windows revealed that the ground floor fire exit doors had been blocked by a crashed food transport truck which had skidded off the nearby highway. The truck had bulldozed the doors off their hinges yet had left no gap big enough for her to slip out through. Now the truck's interior was a home for rats and birds.
And the stairwell which led from other exit doors to the ground had fully rusted through. A steady onslaught of strong winds, air and rain had eaten through the paint and the metal of the stairwell. The support beams securing it to the building's right side had been weakened by rust and snapped under the weight of the stairwell and the entire stairway had collapsed and come crashing down. Now, only a mangled pile of broken beams and crumpled metal lay at the bottom.
Suddenly, from outside Carly heard barking and snarling. She started as amongst the snarls, she heard the loud trumpeting of an elephant. She scrambled to her feet, ran up towards the glass panelled doors and looked outside. A towering African elephant trudged down the street. Its thickset body rested on stocky legs, and it had a concave back. Thick grey skin covered its massive body and two large ears sprouted from the sides of its head.
Ivory tusks protruded from either side of its mouth and its long grey trunk hung down. The dogs scrambled up and began barking at the huge beast. The elephant trumpeted out of its trunk and the excited dogs bounded towards it. The elephant turned as the dogs circled around it. They barked and yapped with wagging tails.
Carly suddenly realized the behaviour of the wild dogs was playful, not predatory. They weren't hunting the mammal or even trying to drive it away, they were trying to encourage the huge animal to play along. And they would pay dearly for their mistake. A male African elephant weighing 10,000 pounds and standing 13 feet tall was not an animal to frighten.
The bloodhound jumped at the huge creature. Writhing out its trunk, the elephant slapped the dog aside. It tumbled back onto the ground, crying out in agony and lost consciousness. At this point, the behaviour of the remaining dogs changed. They barked and snarled at the elephant. It trumpeted through its raised trunk. The husky bared its teeth and the rottweiler lunged at the mammal. Now, the wild dogs were showing aggressive tendencies.
The elephant slowly backed up. The dogs barked at the terrestrial mammal and it continued backing away. Then it turned around and retreated down the street. Snarling and growling, the two dogs gave chase while the bloodhound remained unconscious on the ground. Suddenly, a plan flashed through Carly's mind in a sudden flood of ideas that rushed through her brain in rapid succession. It was risky, dangerous and she could even be killed. But this was the only plan she had that had a chance of success and she was willing to take that chance.
She exited the lobby and ran down three hallways until she reached the fire exit doors with the exit still blocked by the wrecked truck. Then she waited. Within minutes, she heard the growling and snarling. Then she heard trumpeting follow. The barking grew louder until she could hear the elephant standing at the other end of the crashed vehicle.
Her plan had worked. The dogs had chased the elephant and forced it into the courtyard at the side of the building. Now, for faze two. The two dogs ran into the courtyard. Barking, the dogs leapt and snapped at their target.
The elephant bellowed and whipped out its trunk. But its defensive actions were not driving the dogs away. The dogs lunged at the elephant's hind legs. It turned and rammed the trucks' backend. The large vehicle was very heavy; around 5,000 pounds but the giant mammal weighed twice as much.
African elephants were the largest terrestrial animals on the planet. Rumbling, the elephant pushed with all its strength. Slowly, the tyres began to move. The iron vehicle creaked and the metal groaned as the truck slowly shifted forwards. The elephant trumpeted and shoved as the dogs barked at it and snapped at its back legs. Back in the building, Carly grinned as the vehicle moved forwards. Joy and relief flooded through her and she punched the air triumphantly. She turned and walked down with the truck slowly following her as the panicked African elephant shunted it from behind. It trumpeted. Now the entire truck had been pushed into the building. The vehicle barely fitted inside the building complex. The truck sides scraped the hallway walls and its roof brushed the ceiling.
The vehicle picked up speed until they reached another adjoining hallway. Carly ran down the second hallway. The elephant stopped shoving the truck, turned and followed her. Its feet shook the floor with each step and it produced low rumbles as it moved. She had to run fast to avoid being trampled as the fleeing mammal moved very rapidly for its size and mass.
Behind it, she heard the growls as the dogs pursued the elephant. As she finally emerged back into the lobby, she grabbed the clicker, unsealed the doors and the doors swung open. She ran outside and down the steps into the fresh air. Behind her the elephant thundered down the stairs and headed off down the street.
She heard it trumpeting as it slowed to a walk and ambled away. Then quickly, before the dogs could run through the open entrance. She slammed the doors shut and sealed the entrance with the clicker. Less than a minute later, the two dogs raced into the lobby.
She stepped back and smirked in satisfaction as the wild dogs spotted the closed doors and struggled to stop. Their claws slid off the floor and they spun out of control. The Siberian husky skidded and slammed into the glass panelled doors. The rottweiler also ended up in a heap at the doors before standing up again. The Siberian husky reared up and barked at her. She smirked at it and it dropped back. The rottweiler dog snapped its jaws and barked at her. She ignored the snarling dogs and walked away. The wild dogs were locked inside the building. If they tried to turn around the end of the hallway was blocked by the truck and, unlike the male elephant, they didn't have nearly enough power to move the huge vehicle. Now, the dogs would suffer the heat and starve to death.
She walked down the street and headed back to the apartment. She silently promised herself not to tell anyone about the incident, not even Brad or Spencer. She felt anger at Sam and Freddie for inadvertently getting her into this situation. But knew deep down this was not their fault. They could never have known that she would encounter the lioness and run from the wild dogs into the apartment complex lobby. Thankfully, as she neared the apartment complex there was no sign of the African big cat. Only a handful of rotting bones and a skull remained of the dead dog.
Covering her nose against the foul scent, she hurried up into the lobby. The cool blast of air conditioning instantly cooler her down. The sweat on her skin instantly cooled and the sweat soaking her clothes also dried out. Feeling relieved, she hurried up the stairs towards her apartment. She was very hungry now and needed food urgently. She unlocked the door and walked into her apartment. There was no sign of her older brother. Her dog jumped off the sofa and ran over to her. He barked happily. Smiling, she patted him "Hey Titan. Do you know where Spencer is?" He barked at her. She laughed "Never mind, I'll just get some food."
She walked into the kitchen and opened the fridge. After fixing and eating seven chicken sandwiches, with lettuce leaves and mustard she was finally satisfied. She drank water from the sink and walked upstairs to take a rest. She patted her dog and headed up.
She lay on her bed and listened to music on her MP3 player for about thirty minutes when Titan began barking from downstairs. She walked out of her room and looked downstairs. The family dog stood and barked at the front door. There came knocking followed by Freddie's voice "Carly? Are you there?" Sam's voice followed "Yo, Carlotta open up! I know you're in there. I can hear your dog!"
Smiling, she shook her head and walked down the stairs "It's okay boy. It's just Sam and Freddie." She told Titan reassuringly. The dog fell silent and walked off into Spencer's bedroom. She opened the door and grinned "Hey! Come in." Her friends walked in and sat on the sofa. Freddie spoke up "I'm sorry if we seemed a little rude earlier." She smiled "Freddie it's fine really. I was fine on my own."
"What did you do?" Sam asked "I ate lunch, listened to songs and sat with Titan." Freddie frowned "Why didn't you hang out with Brad?" She looked away "Um no reason. I just didn't, um feel like it. My dog was better company." Sam rolled her eyes "Alright Carls. I know you're lying." Freddie nodded "Yeah what's up?" Her two friends looked at her with concerned expressions.
"I had an argument with him." She admitted finally. Sam's eyes widened "WHAT! But Carly, you and Brad never fight!" "Well we did this time." She said. "What was the fight about?" Freddie asked "Well it was after the wolf attack. We were cleaning up his apartment and while he was cleaning, I was looking out of the window at the city and it had changed so much, it kind of got me a little upset. He asked me what was wrong and I ignored. I didn't even look at him. I just walked out." Sam cringed "Ouch." She nodded sadly. "Exactly and now he's going to hate me." "He won't hate you." Freddie told her and she sighed Freddie, he will. I hurt him."
"I don't hate you Carly. I could never hate you "said a familiar voice. Carly gasped and spun around. Brad was stood in the entrance, leaning against the doorframe. Her expression showed pure shock while he stared coolly back at her. His face showed no emotion. Freddie and Sam looked shocked. Carly turned to her friends "Did you know he was there?" They both shook their heads.
"Brad, I-I didn't mean. Well what I mean is-"He walked up to her and pressed his lips against hers and cutting her off. Her eyes widened in surprise but then she relaxed and leaned into the kiss. After a moment, they pulled away and she looked into his eyes "You're not mad at me?" He shook his head, smiling slightly "I never was." "Oh." She said. Freddie and Sam grinned. "We'll leave you two alone." Freddie said and the pair exited. Then the two grinned at one another.
She leaned in and captured his lips with a sweet kiss. Their passion took over and they fell back onto the sofa, making out. Their family dog walked in and stared at the pair for a moment. He barked but the pair paid him no attention so the shaggy yellow dog slipped out unnoticed...
Outside, a long, sleek and silvery grey car pulled up outside the apartment. The driver door was opened and Spencer climbed out. He opened one of the rear doors and pulled out three bulging bags of groceries. He walked up to the glass doors of the lobby and kicked the door open. As he walked up to his apartment, he passed Gibby and Guppy walking back to Mrs. Benson's apartment with their dog on a leash. "Hey Spence." Gibby said. He nodded "Hey Gibby." "Hey Guppy what's going on?" "Happy birthday!" The young boy replied. Gibby rolled his eyes and Spencer grinned. "Alright see you Spencer." "Happy birthday!" Guppy repeated happily. He nodded at the two as they walked off. The trio split up and Spencer returned to his apartment.
As he walked up, he spotted his Labrador wandering around the hallway. He frowned as he spotted the dog "Titan? What are you doing out here boy?" The dog barked and padded up to him. Feeling confused, he noticed the door to his apartment standing wide open. He clicked his fingers and the dog followed him obediently as he walked up to his apartment with groceries in both hands.
As he stepped up to the door, a shocking sight met his eyes. His beloved younger sister was lying on Brad's stomach, lip locked with him. Their eyes lay shut as they kissed passionately. Brad's arms were wound around her waist and her arms were wrapped around his neck with her hands tangled in his hair. His blood boiled and adrenaline flushed through him. "Carly! Brad!" He yelled angrily. The couple sprang apart and Carly tumbled onto the floor while Brad bolted upright. They both stared at him with flushed faces, crumpled clothes and shocked eyes.
The disappointment and hurt reflected in her brother's eyes also upset Carly. Gradually, the anger drained from his face and he pointed to the door without a word. Titan sensed the mood and barked at them. Unprotesting, Brad rose to his feet and cast both Carly and Spencer an apologetic look before leaving. Spencer shut the door, dumped the grocery bags on the kitchen table and walked into his bedroom, shutting the door behind them. Their dog whined and went off upstairs leaving Carly alone in the front room silent apartment with the door wide open.
The next morning, the blazing yellow sun lifted over the horizon and evaporated the cold mists of the night. Birds began to sing and the cries of nocturnal big cats on the hunt were replaced by the chorus of barks and snarling from wolves and wild dogs. Overnight, a downpour of rain had left all the buildings drenched and had further damaged the rusting cars, bridges and structures.
Trees and plants would benefit from the rainstorm however and it seemed that a new lake was forming near the city centre in the shopping mall's central parking lot where the ground formed a natural pit. Weeks of consistent rain showers had led to growing puddles that had merged to form a big lake where animals now gathered to drink and feast. Rusting cars and trucks parked in the lot had already been partially swallowed by the rising water and would be underwater within the month.
Lampposts bordering the central car park would be next; they would be swallowed by the lake in less than a year. Already the posts were surrounded by grass. Within a few years, even the classy stores and buildings around the city centre would be partially underwater.
Elephants were already heading down to the new lake to drink. Horses also crowded near the water's edge, neighing and snorting. Cattle and goats lowed and bleated as they pushed and shoved in order to get to drink. Even escaped zebras gathered and mingled at the water's edge. The noises ranged from whinnying of horses and zebras to rumbles from elephants.
Dogs and wolves were also slowly gathering in the region. Many hid behind cars or trees while others waited inside the deserted buildings and shops and observing their targets through display windows or holes in walls and doors.
The dogs barked and often charged for the horses, cattle and goats and many would then flee. Eventually, the wolves retreated to find a less crowded area to stalk prey. The elephants were less bothered and simply trumpeted if any dogs got too close to the herd or the youngsters.
Back at the apartment complex, Carly awoke and sighed as she remembered the drama of the previous night. Dinner had been tense and rigid with literally no conversation. Spencer had simply cooked dinner, eaten, washed his dish then fed his dog and gone off to sleep. Titan had curled up to sleep on the living room floor. She had eaten, washed up and drifted upstairs to fall into a deep but not peaceful sleep.
After getting clean and dressed, she went downstairs. Titan greeted her and his long tail waved. Ignoring the dog, she looked into Spencer's bedroom. The room was messy but empty. She searched the apartment but could find no sign of him. He had gone out. Titan barked at her. She turned and the dog slavered hungrily.
She poured food into his bowl and put the bowl on the floor. As he ate, she went out and shut the door behind her. She walked up to the end of the hallway and gazed out of the double glazed windows. Hawks sailed through the air and a horse galloped down the street neighing in alarm. Close behind, three wolves ran after it barking and snarling.
She headed for Brad's apartment straight away. She knew that for the relationship to work, she had to sort things out straight away. She knocked on the door and a voice called "Who is it?" "It's me. Let me in." A short silence followed. "Carly. Are you sure that's a good idea?" She sighed "Brad, please just let me in." At last the door opened to reveal Brad standing behind the doorway.
He looked uncomfortable. "Oh, um hey Carly." He said awkwardly. She smiled and walked inside. "Listen Brad about yesterday. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have left the door open then Spencer would have to had knock or use his keys which would give us time. And I shouldn't have let my dog out. Spencer was angry about that too because he could have gotten lost or hurt. It's my fault."
He nodded "Carly its fine. That was my fault too. I should have realized that making out in your front room was not a good idea. Your brother was sure to walk in or Gibby or Mrs. Benson or anyone. It's my fault too." The couple smiled and hugged. Carly nodded "I think we should not spend time in my apartment for a while though." Brad nodded "Yeah. Do you want to go down to the park?" "And feed the ducks?" Carly asked. He nodded "Okay sure!" Grinning, the pair left hand in hand. Brad locked his apartment door and they headed down to the local park.
Meanwhile, Gibby sat on the sofa in Mrs. Benson's apartment eating crisps. A science fiction film called Planet of the Apes blared on the TV and Gibby sat watching. This was the life. Everyone else was out. Mrs. Benson had gone grocery shopping with Freddie and Sam and Guppy was with his grandfather playing board games. He had plenty of crisps and soda. This was the life. His dog lay resting on the living room rug.
Suddenly SirLicksALot raised his shaggy head and whined. He paused the film and looked at his faithful dog "What is it boy?" The dog got up and barked. Gibby got up and opened the door and there stood Spencer. "Oh hey Spencer?" The older man nodded, trying to smile but failing. "Hey Gib. Is Mrs. Benson here?" He shook his head "Nah sorry. She went out." He frowned at this "Oh. Well when she gets back can you tell her to come to my apartment, I need to talk to her." He nodded "Sure thing Spence." "Thanks Gibby."
As he turned to leave, Gibby spoke up" Hey is everything okay?"" He nodded "Everything's fine Gibby. Don't worry." Then he walked away. Gibby shrugged and shut the door. He sat down on the sofas and continued watching the film.
Down at the local park, Carly and Brad sat side by side on a rusting bench in front of a large pond. They had taken some bread from Brad's apartment and sat tearing the bread into pieces and throwing it to the ducks and geese cruising on the water's surface. They talked and laughed.
Suddenly a loud rumble startled the pair. They spun around as a hulking rhinoceros walked pasty. Its bulging body rested on thick legs and grey hide covered its huge body. Two long horns protruded up from its snout. The rhino snorted as it trudged along, occasionally stopping to crop the grass. They sat totally still and stared at the huge mammal as it lumbered past and off down the street. Once it was out of sight, they turned to each other and cracked up laughing.
Then they kissed. It was sweet and full of passion. When at last they pulled apart they smiled at one another. "I regret to say it but I think we should go back now." B rad said quietly. Carly nodded and the couple stood up. She took his hand and they walked back to the apartment complex.
As they approached their apartment they let go of each other's hands and Brad went back into his apartment. She opened the door and went into her apartment. Spencer sat at the kitchen table eating a chicken pie. Titan ran over to greet her and she patted the dog as it panted. She smiled at her older brother "Hey Spencer." He looked up at her "Oh hey Carly. Listen can I talk to you?" She felt slightly apprehensive but he didn't look annoyed so she nodded, walked over and sat down at the table.
"Carly about yesterday, I'm sorry I got so annoyed at you. You're 16 now and you're old enough and responsible enough to make your own decisions. Brad is a responsible, mature and understanding guy. He's good for you but I'm your older brother and your legal guardian. I don't want any accidents happening. We can't afford it in this empty city. I'm sorry but, but Brad can't come to the apartment for at least a week and you can't go to see him. I think the two of you need some time apart."
"To make sure of this I'll be at home all day for the next few weeks. Mrs. Benson will be cleaning and doing our shopping and Freddie agreed to clean my car. I don't mind if you hang out Freddie, Sam and Gibby but not Brad, not for a while at least."
Carly's eyes widened "What! Spencer no, that isn't fair!" She protested. He sighed "Carly please-""No you can't do this!" "I can. Mrs. Benson will be watching you too and so will Gibby's grandfather." "This is not right. Brad shouldn't be punished for my mistakes!" "Well he will be. I'm sorry Carly but I've decided." She could see the pain in his eyes. It was hurting him to do this but now her boiling rage took over. She turned and strode upstairs, into her bedroom and shut the door.
Spencer shook his head and turned to his Labrador dog. "Let's go Titan time to walk." The dog barked as he pulled the leash off the coat rack and tied it to his collar. Opening the door, he walked out with Titan secured on the lead.
As he passed the Benson apartment, he knocked on the door to let Mrs. Benson know that she needed to watch over Carly. He walked down the stairs and out onto the street. Dusk was on its way. He had to walk Titan quickly. It was too dangerous in the city to be out at night in the total darkness. The dog leapt up and yelped excitedly. Spencer pulled him under control with the lead and Titan panted excitedly as they walked off into the gathering gloom.
Carly lay on her bed. Her eyes were full of tears and her chest ached. She knew these next few weeks would be lonely and difficult for her and especially for Brad. He would be miserable and upset without her. He lived alone in his apartment and at times when he was alone, there would be no one to comfort him. Freddie, his best friend, could offer advice and reassure him but that was it. Sam and Gibby could only offer company at certain times.
She lived with Spencer and so she could rely on him for support and comfort when her friends could not be there for her. Suddenly from downstairs, came the creaking of the door and the sound of footsteps followed by barking. Spencer was back. "Carly?" He called out "Carly, you there?" Still full of rage and hurt, she remained silent. Moments later, Titan ran into her room and barked loudly.
Then he ran outside and barked from the top of the staircase. "Okay thanks boy." Spencer called. Annoyed at the family dog, Carly shut the door and ignored Titan's whines and scrabbling at the door. Eventually, he lost interest and ran downstairs.
Nearly twenty minutes passed then Spencer called out "Carly. It's dinner time." Carly chose not to reply but hunger drove her out of her bedroom and downstairs into the kitchen. Titan ran up to her for attention. She was no longer annoyed at the dog and patted him but avoided looking at her brother. She sat down to eat and immediately her brother sat beside her. She didn't speak or react but simply continued eating.
"Listen Carly about today, I don't want to upset you but I just can't have anything happening to you." He explained gently. At last, Carly looked at her brother and spoke steadily "I get it but I don't understand why Brad has to suffer too." "It's because if I do let you spend time with him you'll end up kissing or making out again and it's not like I can sit there watching you every time you two hang out."
Carly sighed at her brother "Spencer nothing will happen between me and Brad. I promise." She said patiently. "I know Carly but until I intervene I can't feel secure so please understand." Looking weary, he got up and sat on the sofa. He turned on the TV and began watching a science-fiction film titled Avatar.
Feeling frustrated, Carly exited the apartment and Spencer started after her "Carly where are you going?" "Out." She replied curtly." You can't, there are predators out there!" He grabbed her arm. "Listen I know you're annoyed but don't go." At last, she sighed and walked back inside, shutting the door behind her.
Outside, evening gave way to night. The growling and barking gave way to loud calls from lions and the trumpeting of elephants and beneath the cacophony, the usual trill from insects and frogs continued.
That night, Brad lay in bed in jogger bottoms and a ragged sweatshirt with the blanket over him. His eyes were wide open and he could not get to sleep. Mrs. Benson had visited earlier and explained the situation. He'd become really upset and angry and nearly shouted at her but had kept his temper in check. This wasn't her fault and he didn't want to irritate Freddie by shouting at his best friend's mother. He felt longing for Carly, to hold, her comfort her and be with her and he felt sympathy for her because this was also his fault in some ways.
He felt anger towards Mr. Shay for keeping them apart but at the same time he felt respect for the care and consideration he showed towards his younger sister. He also felt anger towards Mrs. Benson for agreeing to help Mr. Shay by watching him. She didn't have to help him. It was Mrs. Benson he was most annoyed at. He had eaten dinner, watched a DVD of Ice Age 2 and fed Kiki, his pet parrot. Now he lay in bed unable to sleep. Finally early the next morning, his mind gave in and he slipped into unconsciousness.
The next morning, he was startled awake by cawing. He opened his eyes and groggily sat up in bed. Throwing back the blankets, he slid off the bed and trudged into the living room. Kiki screeched and flapped his wings. "Shut up." He muttered as the bird continued squawking. He picked up the bird cage, opened his door and put the cage on the floor outside his door then shut the door. He would bring it back in once Kiki stopped screaming.
Thirty minutes later, he woke up. Sunlight streamed through the window and birds were singing outside. From the streets below, he could hear snarling and growling as dogs and wolves roamed the city streets. He suddenly remembered Kiki and walking to the door he opened it and picked up the cage, carried it inside and put it back on the living room table. The bird croaked indignantly.
He brushed his teeth, urinated and put on a shirt and clean trousers then ate breakfast and fed Kiki some peanuts before deciding to go out. Normally, he would first go to Carly's apartment so they could go together but today he straight away left the apartment complex and headed down to the park. To his surprise as he got closer to the park he saw that Sam and Freddie were sat on his bench. They were talking, laughing and feeding the swans that swam on the lake.
Feeling somewhat jealous, he turned to leave when Sam spotted him and called out "Yo Brad where you going? Get over here!" He thought about ignoring her and walking off but there were few other places in this part of the city to go that hadn't been flooded by the new lake or weren't full of predators and he was feeling lonely anyway. Maybe he would feel better after spending time with his friends.
He turned and saw Freddie waving at him. He waved back and walked over. The pair sat on the bench holding hands and smiling. "You okay?" Freddie asked simply. He nodded I guess I mean I miss Carly and I want to hold her, kiss her, comfort her. I want to be with her, I'm annoyed at Spencer but I respect his choice and I hope we can be together again soon but for the moment I'm okay." Sam looked bored "Listen do you wanna sit with us or not?" Freddie scolded her "Sam!" Brad smirked "It's fine I'm used to it." At this she cast him a smug smirk and Freddie rolled his eyes. Brad smiled; spending time with friends was improving his mood.
The trio sat and talked and joked. They were startled when a grey stallion galloped past and several wild dogs went racing after it. About twenty minutes later, an elephant walked past and the group stayed silent until the giant pachyderm had gone.
As the sun rose higher above the Earth, the temperatures rose until Brad said "I'm hungry. You guys?" Freddie nodded and Sam rubbed her stomach. "Alright I'll go get food. You guys stay here." They nodded and he stood up "Be careful." Freddie called and he nodded as he began the walk back to the apartment.
As he walked, he saw a feral black and white cat heading across the street after a mouse and three wild dogs feasting on a dead cow. He instantly recognized the dog's breeds. There was a German shepherd, a pitbull terrier and a mangy hound. The shepherd barked as he passed and the snarling terrier bared its teeth. He shook his head. This was an ironic twist.
In just a few months, family pets and zoo animals had become killers in a world without owners and animal trainers. He walked up into the apartment and sighted Mr Shay coming down the stairs. He froze and upon spotting him Mr. Shay stiffened slightly "Hey there Brad." "Oh hey Mr. Shay. How's Carly doing?" "Oh yeah she's fine. Are you okay?" "Oh yeah, I was just hanging out with Freddie and Sam. I came back to get some lunch." "Well okay but be careful yeah." Sure thing Mr. Shay." He turned to leave when the older man called out "Oh and brad?" "Yes Mr Shay?" "One more thing; my name is Spencer not Mr. Shay." Then he smiled "Okay Spencer."
Then Spencer jogged down all the way down the stairs. Maybe he wasn't so bad after all, Brad thought to himself as he headed up to his apartment to get food. Little did he know back at the park, his friends were in danger of being attacked…
Freddie and Sam sat on the bench facing one another. They talked and laughed, paying no attention to their environment. They kissed and joked. But the scene was not as tranquil as it appeared to be. They didn't hear the ground shaking or hear the low rumbling and snorting. The next few blocks were all but empty.
The wolves and wild dogs were staying quiet. They prowled on the edges of the suburbs. Birds were taking flight. And the creatures were hiding for good reason. Huge grey feet shook the ground, long trunks brushed the floor and huge ears fanned the air. Dozens of zoo elephants were heading their way. They marched along the highways and let nothing get in their way.
Rusting vehicles blocking the road were simply shoved aside like toys and trees growing on the streets were carelessly toppled. Fences were pushed aside and any wild dogs that ventured too close were deafened by a bout of trumpeting from the adults as they watched over the calves and juveniles.
These escaped giants were coming together from all over Seattle and the adjacent countryside to join together in one huge herd and were heading for the city centre. The reason for the elephant migration was not clear. Why were they coming together? And why were the herds heading for the city centre? Would Sam, and Freddie snap back to reality and leave quickly enough?
