Year 2050. After the Philippines finally became a progressive nation, fourteen-year-old Milo Sidaris and his parents moved into the country where the remaining islands are built into these colorful domes.
You would think life is gonna be normal for...
Chapter III: Abnormality [September 11th, 2050 Sunday] St. Michael Cathedral
His head bobbed as the elderly priest was transported to the altar via built-in autowalk. His short stature and posture allowed his long green vestments to rub against the floor. Everybody watched him move along the center aisle. Despite his old age, he almost had no trouble operating the digital Bible and flashing it on the screen behind him. The cathedral was surrounded by lush forest so it often feels breezy here, even during the balmy weather. Throughout the ceremony, Milo felt torpid listening to the religious ramblings surrounding The Red Man. He figured this puts the qualms of the public at ease. To him, calling it a "hellspawn" from the deep felt rather impetuous.
Remember when they said openly talking about this sort of stuff is discouraged?
It turns out these journalists and authorities - including religious figures, police, lawyers and the government - are the only ones allowed by law to do so. This must be how the country addresses misinformation. He could hear someone weeping from behind them. He turned around and saw a family of five looking sullen. They all wore black and one of them - whom he assumes to be the grandmother - clutches in her wrinkly hands a grey urn. He didn't have a clear sight of the engravings on it, but he remembered seeing the name 'Chris.'
After the ceremony, he and his parents went to have breakfast at the nearest restaurant adjacent to the cathedral. "Hey, son ... " Jason tapped him on the arm, "You look muzzy today." He then explained to them about the weeping family from a while ago. His dad explained that they are The Red Man's relatives. The old lady was actually the mother. This country sure does have various kinds of people, ranging from normal to the most bizarre. The more you stand out, you immediately become the talk of the town. When you think about it, this family is out here to show the public that they're grieving. Not even a funeral. If there's one thing he could never get out of his mind, it is the father muttering "So glad to finally reunite with our son after all these years."
"C'mon, dear! It's a Sunday morning. You can't let your worries spoil the day," Gladys reached out to gently pinch her son's chin.
"By the way, the school called and they told me you don't have classes tomorrow. I suppose we can visit your grandparents in Little Valencia today," Jason winked.
"That's in Circa VI, right?" Milo asked.
"Yep! I've promised my parents that they'll be able to meet you in person," his mom said. She then took out her phone to show something to him.
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The live news footage showed the bridges connecting Circa III and Circa VI (The Green Dome) slowly detach themselves from The Capital, shifting until both ends are merged together. He also sees Circa IV (The Pink Dome) disconnect its bridge and extend towards Circa VII (Lime Dome). It's like straight out of a movie. Milo looks up from the screen to ask what his maternal grandparents are like. The very first memory he had about them was via online during his childhood years in Greece.
"They're certainly one of a kind, but trust me if I say they're very charming!" his mom assured him before putting away her phone.
"We should get going! There's gonna be a long traffic jam later on and we are expected to arrive there before lunchtime."
"Looks like we're in luck, too! The gas has gone down to three cents. At least that can save a little for us to buy a snack bar," Jason said.
They all head towards the escalator behind them until they've arrived at the parking area outside. They hurried into the car upon being greeted by the rotten sniff around the streets. There was a latrine at the construction site near the area. The smell worsened due to the dank weather. It didn't take long for them to leave the place.
