Before Part 2

Then California announced their separation from the union. I took the time and made calls to Lexi, spoke at length with her and Jennie, our granddaughter. I reminded my daughter of our talk months ago concerning our possible but now present circumstances. Jen let me know she was still safe, and Governor Olsen promised safe passage out of the state for non-California residents. With his past record of lying to his people, I wasn’t holding my breath. She assured me she was going to make it home safely. We’ll see. My stomach gurgled not with fear but determination and hunger. Hunger to act but reigned in by her insistence that she’d be fine and there were only a couple days left until her flight. Typical Jen, a woman of her word, she was going to fulfill her contract with the hospital. She’s also stubborn and proud, not wanting help until she absolutely needed it. Still…

I tried Ryan at Fort Bliss but kept getting his voice mail. One night, around 0230, my phone’s shrill ring tone shocked me awake. Pistol in hand, reflexively, I answered on speaker. “Dad…Dad…It’s Ryan!” I could hear commotion in the background then shots ring out. “I love ya, Dad!” I began to respond likewise but the transmission was cut off after hearing an explosion. “Ryan!” I quickly brought the phone up closer to my face. “Ryan!” Nothing.

Shit!

Sitting on the edge of the bed, my face in my hands and pistol lying beside me. I quietly pray, “Lord, I ask for you to watch over my family, surround them with your mighty hands to protect them from the evil one’s arrows. Remind me to lean on you, accept your strength, and know I don’t have to go it alone. Amen.”

My youngest, where are you, John Luke? I fell asleep with family on my mind.

The next day, I woke up tired. Today is Jen’s travel day. To keep my sanity, I did my best to go about my daily ritual, taking my pills and vitamins. I listen to the news as I eat and feed the boys. Hundreds of sites in the south, from Florida through Texas, were hit overnight. The targets weren’t just military or police, churches were and are burning out of control.

Coordinated attacks.

Early morning texts from Jen said flights were on time and she was leaving for the airport. She would see me soon.

I prayed again.

 1100 AM, my worst fears solidified in my gut like ice. Jen sent me one last text. Frantic but to the point. She wasn’t coming home. She was trapped in California. The Chinese had invaded last night, coordinated with the attacks on Bliss, and the south.

“Boys!” They both looked up from their beds, “Mom needs us.” Their ears perked up hearing her name. “Car, now.” They didn’t hesitate and scrambled to the garage. I collected the last of my meds that weren’t already packed away and stopped. I take the time to visually take our house in, taking mental pictures. Who knows when I’ll be back? The ‘boys’ are waiting for me when I enter the garage. They eagerly jumped in as I opened the lift gate. They’re excited thinking we’re going on a trip. We are but not that type. Ash seems hesitant, but honestly, that’s Ash. Adjusting the mirrors after I take my seat and wait for the creaking garage door to open, I blow out my breath, “We’re on our way babe. We’re coming.”