Source...
Part 10: Recap
Nathan opened the door wide as Ophelia stepped inside, a frown covering her face. Instantly, he sensed their predicament had worsened.
"The situation is more dire than we first thought," she blurted immediately, then turned toward the bedroom, continuing, "have they been behaving?"
What an odd question, Nathan thought, shaking his head as though not understanding what was being asked. "As much as our understanding of behaving is," he replied quickly, then expanded his answered. "They seem much quieter with those seed pods if that's what you mean. He paused, then remembered her statement.
"Why do you say the situation is much worse?" he queried, not really wanting to know how serious it truly was.
"Our neighbor, Isiah, theorizes that there are numerous children scattered about. Perhaps all over the country."
"Do you all trust him to keep this thing quiet?" Nathan spoke softly as if he thought Olivia and the male could hear from the bedroom.
"As much as we can trust anyone who has encountered these children and those seed pods. And God knows what else that's buried around these parts." Ophelia gazed out the window as far as her eyes could focus on the landscape. But she couldn't see much other than the weather broke for her thoughts were with Herman and Isiah.
"They left to contact other farmers, so I came to check on the children," Ophelia stated, breaking her gaze. The walk had weakened her knees. Nathan noticed and moved aside as she reached for her cane, then leaned heavily on it, lumbering toward the bed room door.
The bedroom visit didn't last long.
With a worried glance, she tapped her cane against the wooden floor. Still looking downward, she stated matter-of-fact, "if we're not going to report them to the authorities and let them handle it, then we're gonna need more numbers and weapons to defend ourselves."
*Nathan cringed. He hadn't anticipated a confrontation, let alone a shoot out for his survival over this mess he found himself entangled in. He rudely interrupted to disguise his trepidation. "What evidence? the pods? the children? And who are we defending ourselves against? The authorities or those who we believe will return for what they left here?"
"The matter of AN-15." she replied with a stern stare directly at Nathan.*
"What the hell is AN-15?" He threw his hands up. "Don't tell me that other neighbor has discovered something else for us to worry over!"
"We believe that the mineral, with a symbol of "P" for Phosphorous, is what the children were digging for. Atomic Number 15 is the designation for this mineral. It's believed why they glowed after eating the pods. One of our researchers stumbled on to it. The evidence is all there in our notes. Sadly, he died during his research."
"Of natural causes I hope" Nathan retorted, suspicion covering this expression.*
"We didn't believe it was from natural causes, but we can't prove it." Ophelia paused, spying Nathan curiously as if to gauge his understanding and reaction. Their eyes met, so she jerked her head away.
"We can't rely upon the action of two children to gauge the intentions of an entire alien race. At least I don't think so." Nathan frowned, attempting to sort out the odd feeling that enveloped him moments earlier while studying Ophelia. Something was off.
"Just reporting what we discovered is all." Still avoiding Nathan's stare, Ophelia shrugged her shoulders as if relenting. "Anyway, it's time for me to head home."
Immediately came a knock at the door. Nathan opened to find Herman, Isiah, and six other farmers huddled on his front porch. Ophelia didn't leave straightaway, instead welcoming the neighbors she recognized.
Nathan also welcomed his neighbors in. Although the living room was spacious, all refused to sit, electing to stand close to the door. "You all want to see the children?" he offered.
"No need," Buford replied. "I have one of my own. Been in my basement for a while now. Like yours, docile as a lamb. But I suspect underneath is immense power." He surveyed the other members, then continued, "just my assessment is all."
Ophelia had taken a seat, an unusual quiet surrounding her, although she listened intently.
"We need to evaluate the threat and decide whether to handle this ourselves; or, coordinate turning the children over to the authorities, as I suggested yesterday," Herman proposed.
Once again, reviewing the information in Nathan's home and the books Ophelia brought with her, discussion ensured. Heads nodded in the affirmative; others, with negative gestures. Ophelia explained the possibility that the beings were seeking Earth's precious mineral, Phosphate. She began.
"It appears to me that the solution is simple. Do nothing. Keep it quiet, else risk a public uprising because the authorities will surely place all of us in jail for withholding those children. Mark my words, whoever brought them to Earth and left them here will return sooner or later."
All men frowned at her suggestion. After a long moment, Herman spoke, a wild look in his eyes. "And how will we keep the children hidden until whatever time in the future the beings return to claim them?"
"I have an idea, if you all want to listen." Ophelia surveyed the group, then continued, "keep all together in a safe place we designate," she proudly announced.
"And who's going to be in charge of finding, securing, and tending to this 'safe place' you envision?" Herman demanded, shaking his head violently as a loud quarrel broke out among the group. Without warning, the bedroom door opened. Olivia and the male peered into the living room before entering.
"See! How do we even know those children aren't dangerous and planning to kill us right now if we don't do what they want?" Herman shouted.
Buford's hands flew up in response. "Personally, I don't believe the children are our problem. The ones who brought them here and will return is the danger not only to us but all on our planet. If it's Phosphate the beings want, it's out of our control anyway. We, on the other hand, can easily hand them over to the beings when they return without any bloodshed."
Nathan broke in, unsure of the response he'd get. "I suggest we take a vote. Please, I beg you, consider the global reach before voting your conscious. The children watched as each adult raised their hands.
When all votes were cast, six had decided to turn over the children to the authorities the next day. Ophelia, Nathan, and Buford voted to remain silent. At the last moment, Isiah changed his mind, opting to handle the situation themselves."
The vote was cast. The decision made. The majority had spoken.
A hushed silence fell over the room. Each adult, once a familiar face, glanced furtively at the other, then at the children, silently considering the consequences of his and her choice. Nathan's knees abandoned him as he plopped down on his couch. The nice illusion he maintained hoping the situation would end peacefully had crumbled into reality.
"You all are making a terrible mistake, I guarantee it," he replied solemnly, his eyelid lined with tears.
Now, Part 11:
The situation wasn't at all what Nathan had been led to expect; especially from Herman. Disillusioned, Nathan's hands flew to his temples as he paced the floor, careful to avoid eye contact in his quest to find a way not to turn over Olivia to Herman whose eyes gleamed as if a reward only he knew of was offered.
All eyes turned to Nathan. Were they expecting a hearty handshake? Grudgingly, with lips pressed tight, he managed a bitter smile. Breaking eye contact, he covered his face with one hand. A heavy sigh followed.
The urge to be alone with the children rushed to the forefront.
Immediately he issued with a hand gesture, "I think our business is concluded," before jamming his hands into his armpits and shooting a hot glance at Herman. Ophelia, recognizing his agony, shuffled toward him and stood by his side. It was pointless to plead, her own eyes offered as she rubbed Nathan's arm. The margin of victory was too wide.
Cowards, all of them! Nathan raged silently. He turned toward the children. They just stood there staring at the adults.
"There's still the issue of coordinating the date, time, and place to hand over the children," Buford blurted, annoyed that more planning hadn't been discussed after the vote.
"You all can decide amongst yourselves. Let me know," Nathan answered, then continued, "I'm drained. I need to rest. The children aren't going anywhere tonight."
All filed from Nathan's home whispering and murmuring as though more confused than when they arrived.
None was more confused than Nathan. Unable to identify his feelings, he sat razor stiff on his living room couch. Crossing, then uncrossing his legs, comfort escaped him as he replayed the events surrounding Olivia that past year. A feeling akin to horror overcame him.
He admitted that terrified was also the only feeling he could muster when first discovering Olivia. Ridding himself of her should have been his goal. But now, all he desired was to protect her. From the outside world, he was certain. From what else, he didn't know and could only imagine the worse.
Two weeks passed before Herman called. The date was set. Summer solstice was chosen. Nathan marked his calendar for June 20th.
His assumption that Ophelia already knew was confirmed as the phone rang. "A sad day indeed," Ophelia agreed, her voice hoarse. He replaced the telephone on its receiver absentmindedly. After tending to the children and providing them with seed pods, he stepped outside and stood on his front porch. His canine refused to accompany him.
Oddly enough, the animal didn't react negatively toward the children. He'd been docile ever since Olivia was discovered. In fact, he often slept near the boards leading to the cellar as if offering protection.
Nathan glanced up at the night sky that was aglow with bright city lights in the distance. A blanket of stars that stretched to infinity stared back. His ears pricked as occasional sounds of animals and bird broke the night' silence.
Bleak came the weather forecast. Storms were predicted later in the week. But instantly, several drops of rain landed on his cheeks. He flinched, for on his right, streaks of lightning turned the skyline white as if splitting in two and predicting what was to come.
The universe had laid out the plan for us, he reasoned. They will strike first and take back that which was confiscated. But they abandoned the children, knowing full well that humans wouldn't know or understand what they were dealing with. But what was the plan? he wondered, searching the stars trying to think of reasons the children were left on Earth to fend for themselves.
For a moment he froze. In the blink of an eye, he caught a bright glow burst among the stars. A spaceship like the ones on the Friday night fright movies depicting robotic aliens.
He shook his head fervently attempting to dislodge the image and rubbed the back of his neck while a a thousand questions raced back and forth through his mind. Several long moments passed.
He drew in a deep breath. Anger rose up from having to abide by a decision he knew wasn't in his best interest. Those fools will get us all killed. He beat his fists against the porch banister then gripped it as he rocked back and forth while suppressing a scream.
The next second, thoughts of wanting to flee and hide away jolted through his body. The urgent sensation of things moving too quickly for him to process left his hand shaking. "I wish Matilda were here", he lamented.
Images of what-could-be flashed through his mind as he understood that his wife would have known exactly what to do. A flawed reasoning, perhaps, as he instinctively also knew that it was Ophelia who was at the core of the situation. He shuddered at the thought.
Nothing worried him more than Ophelia. Even her phone call earlier left him torn as if identifying with her. That she was conflicted was evident. Ridding herself of the situation that bore fruit after years of research should have been her primary objective.
Still, questions rose why she would side with him on keeping the children hidden. What benefit would she gain by doing so? Did the answer lie in the pasture? It must, he reasoned. I'll return without her and retrace my steps. Tomorrow won't be soon enough.
He hadn't realized how long he clenched the banister. Releasing his ashen knuckles from the rail he spotted even in the dark of night, he turned and headed inside, no closer to an answer for his dilemma.
[to be continued]
For my theme, I was inspired by and utilized the @daily.prompt's publishing of 6 february 2025, @mariannewest's Freewrite Writing Prompt Day 2639: a nice illusion;
30 May 2025, @mariannewest's Freewrite Writing Prompt Day 2752: split in two
25 May 2025, @mariannewest's Freewrite Writing Prompt Day 2747: in the fold
23 May 2025, @mariannewest's Freewrite Writing Prompt Day 2745: global reach
9 May 2025, @mariannewest's Freewrite Writing Prompt Day 2731: familiar face
28 May 2025, @mariannewest's Freewrite Writing Prompt Day 2750: a stray bullet;
18 May 2025, @mariannewest's Freewrite Writing Prompt Day 2740: knowledge
6 May 2025, @mariannewest's Freewrite Writing Prompt Day 2728: don’t relax;
28 february 2025, @mariannewest's Freewrite Writing Prompt Day 2661: directory of lost things; and
25 february 2025, @mariannewest's Freewrite Writing Prompt Day 2658: museum of odd things
SOURCES:
a) JustClickindiva's Footer created in Canva utilizing its free background and images used with permission from discord admins.
b) Unless otherwise noted, all photos taken by me with my (i) Samsung Galaxy 10" Tablet, (ii) Samsung Phone, & (iii) FUJI FinePix S3380 - 14 Mega Pixels Digital Camera
c) Purple Butterfly part of purchased set of Spiritual Clip Art for my Personal Use
d) All Community logos, banners, page dividers used with permission of Discord Channel admins.
e) Ladies of Hive banner used with permission of and in accordance with the admin's guidelines
f) Thumbnail Image created by me in Canva.
g) "Flames." What is Apophysis 2.09. https://flam3.com/
If translation included, I use DeepL to assist my readers.
Thanks for your patience an understanding.
Si se incluye traducción, uso DeepL para ayudar a mis lectores.
Gracias por su paciencia y comprensión.
Please Vote for our 
