Countdown to Doomsday Begins: A Tale of Hope and Despair
Will this be how the world ends? JL and his wife, Lisa, are on the run as if their lives depend on it. And it does. Navigating through a world of famine, death, war and pestilence, they search for a safe place, as their Florida home becomes too dangerous. In Louisiana, a young woman is on the run for her life. Will their paths ever cross? Stay connected for each new chapter.
Countdown to Doomsday Begins: A Tale of Hope and Despair
Chapter 5: Fading Signs and a New Beginning
What happens when your journey to safety is riddled with relentless rain, drone attacks, and the weight of missing loved ones? Join us on Countdown to Doomsday as we explore the resilience and camaraderie of JL, Rosa, Lisa, and Marcy in the aftermath of a catastrophic hurricane. Their ride on the whimsically named "Cuban Bus" to Okeechobee becomes a testament to human connection in times of crisis. Witness Marcy's vulnerability and bravery as she navigates life without her father, while the group finds solace in a community bound together by adversity. The vivid portrayal of their journey through the post-hurricane landscape offers an inspiring look at the strength found in unity.
Ready for an adrenaline-fueled adventure? Our travelers face near-fatal explosions and fierce weather, only to find a haven marked by a faded Circle K sign, where new allies like Clara and David offer hope and guidance. A military Jeep becomes their chariot toward an uncertain future, stirring memories and questions in JL about their true destination. As they gear up for the next leg of their journey, the mysterious white bear print shirts hint at deeper significance. Join us as we unravel the stories of growth, sacrifice, and the unyielding human spirit that define this gripping episode. Share your thoughts with us at chuck@chuckwaldron.com—let's ponder the road ahead together.
Welcome back to a new chapter, as always ad-free, curated just for you. Those of us at the Leaping Cat Studio want to thank a new sponsor helping produce each episode of Countdown to Doomsday, keeping it ad-free. And now follow the journey. Before I begin this next chapter, I want to take some time to thank the listeners who have downloaded episodes. I want to take some time to thank the listeners who have downloaded episodes so far. The Distance Award goes to my follower in Helsinki, finland.
Speaker 1:Now on with the story Countdown to Doomsday, part 2, chapter 5, meeting the Cuban Bus. The driver stood next to his large state bed truck parked along the highway. He was trying to light a cigarette and soon gave up and waved them on. Come on, we've got to get going. The truck didn't impress JL. The cab showed years of scars and dents and the slats enclosing the back looked old and well past their sell-by date. Well, that's our Cuban bus, rosa said. Why do you call it that? Marcy wanted to know. Well, in rural Cuba, trucks like this drive along roads and highways and they stop for anybody waiting for a ride. The passengers simply climb up to the enclosed back and remain standing for the entire ride. I saw that when I was there, people crowded shoulder to shoulder. Rosa ran up and hugged the driver. I know we're late, peter, I'm sorry. Well, I couldn't leave without you, he said. But we really have to get a move on. There are two more groups waiting for us in Okeechobee. He laughed as he lifted Marcy up and placed her on the truck. Why didn't she give him the stink eye, jl wondered.
Speaker 1:Jl helped Rosa and Lisa up and turned to the driver. What kind of truck is this? It's a 24-year-old International. Peter laughed. Sure, seen better days, but the motor works. The brakes could be better. I try not to look too closely at the tires. Anyway, up you go, big guy.
Speaker 1:Lisa, marcy and JL sat with their backs to the cab, while Rosa sat up front with the driver. At least we don't have to walk. Jl said, trying for some levity. I feel my rump with every bump. Lisa laughed at her Bon mot.
Speaker 1:Jail put his arm around Marcy and she looked at him. I thought I was brave, but I miss Papa, she whispered. I feel miserable. Jail felt her shoulders twitch and recognized that she was on edge. You've been braver than you realize. You haven't complained once.
Speaker 1:Where are we going now? I know I heard that Rosa lady and you had a long talk. Well, we're first heading to Okeechobee. We have to meet people like us from South Florida, miami, fort Lauderdale and West Palm. Rosa said there are over 30 people waiting for us. I'm starving, lisa said.
Speaker 1:Jl banged on the back of the truck cab to get Rosa's attention and when she leaned out the window he asked her about food. The Sacred Resistance volunteers at Okeechobee have tents erected in the city park. Everyone, rosa said, will get fed. Before we head on, marcy looked up at JL. Before we head on, marcy looked up at JL. It wasn't exactly a smile, but far from her stink eye. Sitting between Lisa and JL, marcy was soon asleep as they approached the Taylor Creek Bridge.
Speaker 1:Peter the driver eased the truck across a makeshift bridge. His three passengers in the back were now standing to see if they were going to make it. And Jay outlet out a long breath Whew, unbelievable, the guy's a magician behind the wheel. With growing daylight they could see the impact of the hurricane on the landscape. High winds and temperatures had combined with the drought. Jl saw where the asphalt melted and buckled in the combination of heat and rain and petered her over round spots where the roadway warped or sagged too much for safety.
Speaker 1:Arriving in Okeechobee, some downtown buildings seemed intact, but it was clear they too suffered from fire and abandonment. The driver told them stories about watching houses, buildings, even dried out trees, burst into flame Spontaneous combustion. They called it Look, jail. Lisa pointed to a group of people standing under a large tent with the sides rolled up. The tent canvas billowed with each gust from a feeder band as the wind threatened to lift it from the ground. Come on down. Rosa was at the rear of the truck holding a ladder. First thing, ladies, then you JL. The toilets are in the next tent. They've hung screening to provide a modicum of privacy and you'll get used to the smell. They try to add chemicals to reduce the odor, but it really doesn't help that much. To Lisa's surprise, a young woman gave them soap and a small basin of water. That's more valuable than gold. She whispered to jail.
Speaker 1:Tables spread with food were their second surprise. Young girls and boys stood around the table holding down anything threatening to blow away. A man who seemed to be in charge began speaking Hemos preparado un festín, se que a la guna. Okay, I'll change it to English. We've prepared a feast. I know some of you haven't had a healthy meal in a long time, and we have chicken, rice and tortillas. Enjoy the food. Ask a volunteer wearing a green vest if you need help. Gloria, adios, glory to God, I'm Osias.
Speaker 1:This area is still home to immigrants from Mexico and beyond. Many came from climates inhospitable for agriculture. I didn't ask them how, but they somehow grow food even in this horrid heat and drought. He took Marcy's hand and bowed Maybe there's some roasted pig left. He smiled as she ran off to where he'd pointed.
Speaker 1:She told Lisa and JL as she left I'll bring some back. We've made it, lisa. Jl was pacing. I'm sorry I dithered so long about leaving. Look at Marcy, she said. I know she misses her father terribly, but she's making friends and smiling. For the first time since we left, jl heard Lisa's voice choking. She reminds me so much of our daughter, vera. At that age, jail put his arm around Lisa.
Speaker 1:July 18th 2020, a day forever etched in our memory. Vera was one of the first COVID-19 deaths. I miss her. So, jl, but Marcy needs us. Now you can tell. I know she can't replace our daughter and we can't replace our father, but Marcy deserves a future. Rosa walked up to them and broke into their supercharged emotions. We'll be leaving when it's dark.
Speaker 1:It's all arranged as soon as this truck reaches the intersection with the former Highway 27. There you will meet your new guide. What about you? Lisa asked. I never go further. I'll go back now. And there are more that need my help to get away from that evil place. What about marcy? Jail wanted to know. We want her to be with us, rosa. Well, I heard she's assigned to another group. Well, who's in charge? Jail demanded he will and he walked to a smaller tent where the organizers were meeting. He waited for the opportunity to break into the conversation. He said I'd like to meet whoever makes up traveling groups. They assigned marcy to another group. He was close to shouting.
Speaker 1:Hearing all this, a young man walked over. He was tall and JL thought the man looked like an illustration of Ichabod Crane. Like Ichabod, this man was tall, exceedingly lank and his arms dangled out of his sleeves. I'm Jesse Martin, in charge of this operation. The man opened his notebook. Who are you asking about?
Speaker 1:Jl explained the situation with Marcy's father. She escaped with me and my wife, lisa Martin nodded and made an entry in his notebook. I didn't know. People who know each other are my top priority. I've just changed her assignment. With that. He tore a page off, handing it to JL. Show this to Begley when you get to Highway 27.
Speaker 1:Lisa was clinging to Marcy when JL reached back and he waved the paper and shouted Everything's fixed, we stay together. They were crying when the shout came to board one of the two trucks taking them to the next stop. Jl was thankful the three had ample room to sit. He had expected they would have to stand all the way to the next stop. The new driver did his best, weaving past sinkholes and debris from the hurricane force winds.
Speaker 1:It hasn't stopped raining. It hasn't rained for years. Someone said no, it won't stop. I never thought I would say it. Somebody else said I want this rain to stop. The truck lurched and JL pulled Marcy close. It won't be long. He tried to reassure her. The rain seemed to blow sideways in the powerful gale. The open slots on the sideboards offered no protection. Lisa and JL snuggled close to Marcy between them, shielding her from the worst of the weather. Jl noticed Lisa crying and knew she was thinking about Vera, their daughter.
Speaker 1:A white-hot flash overhead preceded the sound of the blast. White-hot flash overhead preceded the sound of the blast Drone attack, the driver yelled it was a close call. He turned the truck suddenly into a field that had turned to mud Everyone out. Twenty bedraggled souls, twenty one counting. The driver jumped from the truck to stand in the muck and ooze Move. The driver shouted Get away from the truck. Stand in the muck and ooze Move. The driver shouted Get away from the truck. Everybody ran as fast as possible and made it to the swale along the highway, diving into the brackish water just as the truck exploded.
Speaker 1:Another drone attack. The driver said what now? Someone yelled Well, it's only two more miles. We walk and count ourselves lucky. I picked up an alert about the drone attack just in time to get us off the road.
Speaker 1:When JL looked at Lisa, he realized she was close to going into shock. Quickly, marcy, you take Lisa's hand and I will take the other. We have to help her. Waves of rain swept over the group but there was no complaining. As they approached a hill, a man said you know a little bit of trivia. Some claim this hill is the tail end of the Appalachian mountain chain. Nobody seemed to care about that fact. The driver told them the weigh station was just over the hill, half mile more. Jail heard Lisa's difficult breathing. Come on, hon, you can do it. We will rest soon. You can do it, we will rest soon.
Speaker 1:Marcy started talking to take Lisa's mind off their walk. I met a girl back in Okeechobee. She told me her quinceanera I think it was called was coming up soon. She told me it means the celebration of a girl's 15th birthday. It's the day she changes from a girl to being a woman. She talked on and did her best to distract Lisa from their predicament. She squeezed Lisa's hand and looked up what's a period, lisa? That girl told me I would know when I get one. Papa never told me anything about that. Lisa laughed. That's a conversation for another day.
Speaker 1:Approaching highway At 27, they saw a faded circle K sign. When they arrived at the next destination, the driver directed the refugees to an abandoned building. Its orange sign had a white circle with a faded letter K in the center. Jl remembered stopping for fuel at the station before everything turned shitty. A woman greeted them, smiling and waving. We all heard about the drone attack. You don't have to worry now. That was the limit of their range. You're safe now. I'm Clara. Welcome to this stopover on your journey.
Speaker 1:Jl found a chair. He and Marcy helped Lisa sit and, with a bit of a rest, lisa's breathing was returning to normal and JL didn't want to admit to himself how worried he was becoming about her. Clara the woman then ushered them to a larger tent next to the building. Help yourself to sandwiches and fruit. Find a table. You'll find a sign with your name on it. You will meet your new guide and hear instructions for the next part of your journey. We have some smaller tents, one for each group traveling together.
Speaker 1:Clara patted Marcy on the head as she walked by. It was enough to earn one of Marcy's killer stink eyes. It was enough to earn one of Marcy's killer stink eyes. They told us to look for polar bears Polar bears. Marcy spotted the sign first. There she squealed a bear. Why is it painted white? That's what Clara told us to look for. Our new guide will meet us there. Lisa said oh, there he is. He's cute. Marcy added with a giggle.
Speaker 1:Jl walked a few steps behind and noticed the young man's T-shirt. I've seen that logo before when he touched Lisa's shoulders. Do you see that drawing on his shirt? I know I've seen it before. I think that man at the tiki hut on the river back in White City wore a similar patch. I guess that's where I saw it. Look, several guys are wearing shirts with a design like that.
Speaker 1:When the young man stood unfolding his lanky frame, he wore a broad smile. My name's David. I know you must be tired, but let's talk for just a moment and then arrange a place for you three to get some sleep. He must be at least three inches over six feet. Jl thought the padded chairs around the table felt comfortable, especially after riding in the truck.
Speaker 1:Marcy tried sitting straight but soon began fidgeting and with a low, keening moan the girl cried Is Papa dead by now? David took her hand and he asked her to tell him about her father and as Marcy talked between sobs she said he was smart and strong. They beat him almost to death during the second wave of riots. He never got out of his wheelchair. Afterwards she tried out a brave face. I may be just a kid, but I know all about the death notice he got. That's when we prayed together for the last time and then he told me to find two people named Lisa and JL. Go with them. My father told me I want you to have a future, marcy. Her sobbing changed to sniffles and Lisa pulled Marcy's chair alongside, motioning for the girl to join her. We're safe now. Your papa will always be in our memory. We won't let you forget him.
Speaker 1:Jl turned to David. What happens now? I don't want to mislead you. It won't be easy. David mentioned for the three to lean in using a low voice. We will follow traces of the Appalachian chain in Florida and Georgia. Your next guide will meet you at Brasstown Bald. That's the highest point in Georgia. You're kidding? Jl said it wasn't a question. I'm told your destination beyond that is special Few. Make it, I will get us to the ball, our next stop. From there your fate will be in other hands. Why a polar bear? Marcy asked. Staring at the sun, I heard someone say when you see a real polar bear, your pilgrimage will be over.
Speaker 1:Marcy considered what the manager said and decided it made little sense. How long will it take us to get to this mountain in Georgia? Jl visualized a map. How far is it? 600 miles Back in the day, jl. We would drive there in less than nine hours. We'll leave at first light tomorrow. It will take us much longer this time.
Speaker 1:What about checkpoints. What about the militia? We'll be on back roads mostly. The hot spot is Atlanta. We'll give that place a wide berth. There will be lookouts for us along the way warning us of any danger. There will be homes where we can rest and get meals. The sacred resistance is our way of standing up to that man in the White House. I'm so tired, lisa said. David led Lisa and Marcy to a tent lined with cots and when he returned he and JL talked about transportation. It will get us there, david assured him.
Speaker 1:The next morning at first light, jl, lisa and Marcy watched their guide, david, drive up in an Army Jeep that was surplus Three 25-gallon fuel tanks strapped on the back. This is it, david said. We will have enough fuel to get to our halfway stop. We can refill at that stop. Built to be rugged, jl new jeeps, designed and built for the army in World War II, were reliable and easy to repair. But this is gonna be an uncomfortable ride, he remembered from his army days. It's better than walking, david said, as he told him to get in. Where will we end up? Jl couldn't get that question out of his thoughts. Why did they give us shirts with white bears imprinted? Thank you for listening to another episode of Countdown to Doomsday. What's in store for JL, lisa and Kat in their next episode? We welcome your comments and you may contact us at chuck at chuckwaldroncom. Narrated by me, chuck Waldron. Produced by Edna Francis.