DAR, 2020
Leo, Patrice, and SJ searched for Rayhan for 30 days without success. Their hearts started dying a slow death, shedding each hope like leaves until one day there will be none. No hopes. Nothing remains. They were at SJ’s home. Not the one in Masaki but the one in Mbezi. With Isla still in a coma, she didn’t spend much of her time at Masaki. She’s in conflict with Freddie. Freddie knew something was wrong but SJ refused to talk. Maybe she was protecting him but maybe he deserved to know. As the saying goes, Stay faithful or stay single.
They spent most of their time watching television. They hoped if Rayhan had the files, he would release them in the mass media before the general election. Before Christos plants another president who would do as Christos wishes. Every day was the same, no news and no Rayhan.
It was the final campaign day. There was no more hope left.
“Christos wins again.” Patrice said.
“It’s not over.” SJ said.
“Do you really believe that Rayhan is out there?”
“What I believe is Christos has no files.”
“We don’t have files too. That makes Christos a winner.”
“Without files, he can’t kill us.”
“After election, he’ll expose our new identities. Don’t forget we’re wanted people.”
“Let’s have faith in Rayhan.”
“If he was alive, he’d have contacted us.”
“BREAKING NEWS…” The voice of a female reporter caught their attention. Leo raised the volume. “Mr. Fabian, a president who was announced to be assassinated 38 years ago has reappeared.”
“Holy shit..!” SJ said.
The three stood involuntarily.