Future Book Covers

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End Of The World

 January 1, 2025

Today started with sirens going. Looking out the window of my apartment I saw smoke in the distance. My phone rang and it was my uncle Marshal. Picking up I asked, "What is happening?"

"Maggie you have to listen to me," He said. "Go to your Dads room. You have to hurry go to the shelf next to the closet. You should see four leather bound journals. Do you see and have them?"

Looking on the shelf I grabbed the books and said, "Yes I have them."

"Ok my girl now go into your dads closet. At the end do you see the door next to the suits?" He asked.

"Yes I see it," I said.

"Okay open the cabinet," He said. "You should see the safe the code is your birthday."

I opened the safe and saw a bag and a gun. There was also knives and weapons I had never seen before. Uncle Marshal's voice broke through my thoughts and he said, "Maggie take everything back to your room. Take your phone and put me in speaker as you plug your phone in."

Doing what he told me I said, "Okay now what?"

"Maggie you need to listen very carefully," He said. "Its the end of the world for all the little people."

"Seriously Uncle Marshal do you mean the apocalypse," I asked.

"Yes Maggie," He said. "Those journals are going to get you to a safe point. Your Dad was a ambassador to all that was to bring the end of the world. Your necklace is your entrance to the safe zone. It will allow you and three other people into the safe zone."

"Why do I feel like there is a catch?" I asked. 

"Because my girl you have to get to the safe zone in order to get in," He said. "Till you get there you can be killed. You have limited space in your bag Maggie and you can only bring stuff to keep you alive. The weapons go in the side pockets and the journal in the top pocket. Now you will see you have a sleeping bag already attached. In the bottom side pouches there are small thermal blankets mini tents."

"Okay," I said. "I see it all."

"Now in the main part of your bag add a few 4 pants, 4 shorts, 5 tees and 3 sweatshirts," He said. "Add a few bra's, a lot of underwear but add them to gallon Ziplock bags. Now get two more bags and fill them with the thickest socks you own. Now grab another Ziplock bag and fill it with your tank tops. Push all the air out. Also grab your life straws out of your camping stuff along with your filter thermos and your extra filters. Fill it now and place it in the side top pouch and your filters and straws to the other section. Now do you have soaps that can be used for everything? Grab one or two bottles and place in a gallon bag. You also need to grab as many feminine products as you have."

"Okay done now what?" I asked.

"Go into the kitchen," He said.

"Do you still have your electric USB kettle?" He asked.

"Yes I do," I said.

"Good go get all your chargers and charge them," He said. "Then grab your USB kettle and set that to charge. While that is charging grab all the ramen packets your have. Then grab your peanut butter and all the crackers you have. That should all me in gallon bags as well."

"Okay," I said. "I still have a lot of room."

"Okay now we are adding more to your bag," He said. "Do you have canned or packaged tuna and chicken that you can pop open easy?

"I sure do," I said. "I also have jerky and a butt load of protein bars. I also have the microwave cups of soups and pasta."

"Okay," He said. "Grab tea bags and sugar packets if you have them. Is everything finished charging? Is your laptop charged?"

"Yes," I said.

"Add this all to the bag," He said. "How much room do you have left?"

"I still have room," I said.

"Good," He said. "You need to make sure you fill the rest with lighter food and snacks. Put it in Ziplock bags and keep adding until there is no more room. Remember the only way your going to be able to eat is if its cold or heated up with your kettle. Keep the kettle at the top. Let me know when that is full."

I fit all the food I could in with the kettle and said, "Okay that is done."

"Good now go back into your Dads room," He said. "Look under your Dads bed. Do you see the blue duffle bag?"

"Got it," I said.

"Okay before you open it go get the coat your Dad got you this past Christmas," He said. "When you get to your room open the coat and place it next to your bag. Lean your bag back so the part that would be along your back is now facing you."

"Done and done," I said.

"Look outside what does the sky look like?" He asked.

"Looks like we may get rain soon," I said.

"Shit we need to hurry," He said. "Do you see the zipper on the inside of your bag? Also the one along the sides of your jacket?"

"Yes," I said. 

"Good open the duffle bag and put as much of the cash as you can in the bag and the side of your coat," He said. "See that fanny pack in the duffle? Stuff it with your ID, passport, credit card your Dad gave you and as much cash as you can get in it. Make sure your laptop, Phone and bag are ready. Go get dressed. Wear your running shoes and layers. Like shorts with joggers or jeans over it. Wear your bra a tank top and a shirt. You will need to wear the coat I am guessing the snow will start soon."

"There is still cash in the duffle what do you want me to do with it?" I asked.

"Take as much as you can and stuff it in the pockets," He said. "Your Dad made sure your jeep has good tires and that's good because your about ready to get out of here. Leave everything because shit is going to hit the fan."

I finished getting dressed and put my tooth brush and hairbrush in my hiking bag. When I was dressed in layers I said, "Okay everything is ready to go."

"Good if you have money in the duffle bag still bring it with you," He said. "You are going to use the cash as often as you can. Also some of the monsters can and will take bribes."

"Where am I going?" I asked. "Could I use my swords they hook onto the bags?"

"You need to go to St. Augustine," He said. "Yes bring your swords you may have to use them. Put me on blue tooth and make sure you have your necklace on."

"I never take off the necklace," I said walking outside and locked the door. "But I will make sure it stays on. Uncle Marshal its freezing."

"I know Maggie," He said. "Your Dad wanted to be with you when this started but when we got the call he was moved to the safe zone. My job is to meet up with you and get you to the safe zone when we can. When your not traveling you need to read the journals Dad wrote."

"Okay," I said. "Will anyone know what's going on?"

"Things will get worse in the next few weeks," He said. "They will either be saved by god who I am sorry to say is a selfish prick or they will be hunted."

"Even children?" I asked.

"No," He said. "Children will be made into slaves. If people can be useful they will be enslaved. If not they will be used for sport or other things."

"My God," I said. "How many people will be allowed to the safe zone?"

"One million people," He said. "With the max allowed from each of the necklaces it will be four million allowed. Listen Maggie your a strong girl if you see a corpse check for necklaces. You can gift them. I will tell you only twenty thousand people and their families were moved to the safe zone immediately and out of the twenty thousand only eighteen thousand made it. The monsters are on the look out so keep your necklace hidden."

Getting into my jeep I put everything in the front seat next to me and said, "We are so close to the equator why is it so cold?"

"Because hell freezes and heaven or the safe zone with warm," He said. "Okay kiddo you want to get to Marvin's Tavern in old town St Augustine for your first stop. I will check in with you in a little bit. I love you, Maggie."

Starting my Jeep I headed to the gas station and went inside to pay for gas. When I got out of the Keys I went to Chick Fila and grabbed a quick meal paying with the cash from my duffle bag. When I got to a on ramp there was a abnormally tall man in a sheriff uniform. I leaned into the duffle bag and took out a handful of cash and stuck it under my leg. He made the car in front of me pull over and I saw another officer walk to that car. When he walked up to me he said, "Good morning Miss. The toll to leave this road is $50." 

I took $50 out handing it to him and said, "Of course officer. I hope you have a great day."

Taken the money he asked, "Going anywhere special?"

Smiling I said, "Oh I broke up with my boyfriend and this was the last of my things at his place in the Keys. I am going back home to Dads place in Jacksonville."

Nodding he said, "Carry on."

As he walked away I took some more cash out and placed it in the mug in my spare cup holder. As I did so I heard a scream and saw the officer pull a child from the back of the car. I rolled my window up and drove off. When I was far enough down the road I called uncle Marshal.

"Hey kiddo where are you?" He asked.

"Out of the keys and on my way to St Augustine," I said. 

"Are you okay?" He asked. 

"No," I said. "I had to do my first bribe. The car before me I guess would not pay and they took a child."

"Maggie I know its not in you to not jump in and fight but you need to stay inconspicuous," He said.

"After they took the child what happened to the family," I asked.

"They would be let go until there is nothing else they can take," He said. "I am about to get on the road I should be meeting you around Denver but its bad here. Before you get to St Augustine fill up your tank as much as you can. Do not leave anything in your jeep Maggie and keep that duffle bag with you as long as you can unless you can get it into the back pack or fanny pack.. Also if you can wash your clothes at the Inn. "

"I will," I said.

We hung up and I continued to drive and around noon I was thirsty and needed gas so I pulled in and paid for gas. I prepaid and after I pumped I would run in if I needed to get change. After I stopped and filled at the local Buckee's. I was lucky the pump took cash and I filled as I went. When I was done instead of going in I went to McDonalds and grabbed some food and drink. The rest of the day went peacefully until I got to a gas station right outside of St Augustine. I pulled up to a pump and a man appeared and asked, "Do you need to fill up miss?"

Nodding I said, "Yes I do I need to top her off."

"Okay Miss," He said. "So you are aware its the cost of the gas and a twenty dollar service charge."

Nodding I said, "Of course."

He smiled and said, "I will be back with the amount in a moment." 

I looked at my Maps while he was pumping and when he came back he said, "That will be $68.20 Miss."

"Does that include my service charge?" I asked.

"Yes," He said. 

I handed him seventy dollars and said, "Have a pleasant night."

Taking the money he said, "Thank you same to you Miss."

After another thirty minutes I pulled up to the gate of Marvin's Tavern. A man standing there asked, "Do you have a reservation?"

"Yes I do," I said. "My name is Maggie Montgomery."

Looking at a list he said, "Hello Miss. Did you have any run ins today?"

"One as I left the Keys," I said. "They took a child. Then as I just got gas where they charged a service charge for pumping gas."

"Well Miss you can drive the Jeep around the loop to the fourth spot," He said. "If anyone followed you they cannot see your Jeep."

"Thank you," I said handing him ten dollars. After parking the jeep I grabbed all my belongings and went into the tavern. 

Walking up to the counter the gentleman said, "Maggie?"

"I sure am," I said.

"My name is Marvin and I own this place," He said. "Ready to get settled for the day?"

"I sure am," I said.

"Well your Dad paid for your room already," He said. "They will be starting dinner service if you want to eat here. I would suggest with what is happening you stay close. Check out is at noon and there is a washer and dryer in your room so you can wash any dirty clothes you have. Trust me when I say wash what you can as soon as you can. That way they cannot track your natural scent." 

"Do you have any other advice?" I asked.

"When you shower put on what you will be wearing the next day," He said. "Sleep with your clothes on with your shoes next to your bed. When washing your clothes make sure you do not fall asleep until you know they are clean because if shit hits the fan while your sleeping you may need to grab your bags and run. Keep it all attached to your hiking bag."

"So when we go to bed our phones and clothing all need to be packed away," I said.

"Yes," He said. "But remember to keep your phone handy in a pocket as well. Charge it before you go to bed."

"Got it," I said.

He gave me my keys and I stopped by the bar and bought a small laundry detergent. Looking at the menu I ordered food to have delivered to my room. When I got to my room I took out my laptop and pulled up the security cameras in and around my apartment. I saw a man sitting on my couch. Checking my other camera's I saw a few others in the kitchen and my Dad's room. I switched on the microphone and heard the guy say, "James I thought you said the chick Maggie would do anything to stay safe. Where the fuck is she?"

M ex walked into the room and he looked different he had horns on his head. He looked around and said, "Relax man she is probably at work and we will surprise her when she walks in."

I shut the connection and put the laptop away making sure the cord was wrapped neatly. Taking my phone out I set it to charge and got out a clean outfit. When my food was delivered I took it and placed it on the table. Letting the food cool I took a quick shower and put my clothes in the washer. While they washed and dried I ate my food and pulled the first journal my Dad had written.

Dr Maggie,

If your reading this the end of the world started. By now you should be in St Augustine heading towards Anchorage. If things go well you will meet Marshal in Denver. But there are many things you need to be careful for in your travels. Your next stop if going to be in Cypress Creek Wildlife Management Area. Call them and tell them you want to use your credit for tomorrow for the lodge.. This is important if they tell you the lodge is closed you need to go down and tell Marvin the Area was compromised. He will find you a new area. 

Maggie Montgomery- Main   Marvin's Tavern in old town St Augustine

Uncle Marshal-