part 7

(continuing from iku getting a text message after her walk with Nate.)

A couple weeks go by, iku gets her guns back, Nate introduces her to a person who can get her more guns, he’s kind of a dickhead. Nate is amazed at the skills that iku has, iku of course loves the compliments. iku got used to the place more or less. Nate is still hopeful that they can be friends instead of, well, iku being iku.

iku cooks for herself and Nate, but of course she has to mention how she’s doing this to show appreciation for helping her out, not because she likes him.

The days go by fast, iku hasn’t really given a thought of what to do next, she justifies it with “being here only for a couple weeks”.

Nate goes out to get groceries, he is thinking of what else is left to do before he gets out of this deal. He comes back to the hotel, bringing the things he bought in a plastic bag. He enters iku’s room.

She’s just sitting on her bed, her shades are off. She doesn’t acknowledge Nate being there.

Nate: (“Hey iku? … You here?“)

Nate starts walking towards iku, He notices that she’s looking at the tv.

He starts listening.

Newscaster: (…- the deaths are in the Millions, buildings mostly collapsed and the government is in shambles after this tragedy of an attack. Several neighboring countries have been hit in this attack; Along the border Croatia, Austria, Slovakia and Serbia have reported injuries from towns near. The bombing has been carried out with OFAO automatic mortars and bombs, this is comes as a shock to all since Hungary is a part of OFAO. This comes after the head organizer of OFAO - Daniel Reed has shocked everyone with a sudden retirement, the interim head organizer has no comments on this incident, Neither anyone from the Re.U.S. foreign affairs branch, the only public response was -and i quote- “The incident in Hungary - a fellow OFAO member is a horrifying example of what the enemy of us can do to a friend, for now we cannot say for certain what happened as investigation is underway. We will put out a press release as soon as there evidence of what happened.” …-)

Note: OFAO - one for all organization - the replacement for NATO after the U.S collapsed, headquartered in the Re.U.S.

iku isn’t even paying attention to what’s being said, she’s looking at the tv screen where they show the aftermath of the multiple bombings that happened. She’s using her phone with her right hand, dialing the caretaker. Every time it fails. Every time she redials. Her face is blank, no emotions, no sadness or anger, nothing.

Her phone is showing;

“hungarian”:

Dad
-dialing via satellite-

-user busy-

Nate realizes that iku is in a completely ruined state, So he tries comfort her.

Nate: (“Hey.. Come on, You’re scaring me, Are you feeling well?”)

iku doesn’t reply, or look at him.

Nate: (“Have you had anything to eat, or to drink something?“)

Nate: (“It’s gonna be —”)

iku replies in a quiet soft monotone voice.

Veronika: (“get out please. i do not have the energy.“)

She looks at him in the eye.

Veronika: (“leave me alone.“)

With a sinking feeling in his gut, Nate leaves.