Long Tale Press

Chapter One: Fall 2020 and The End

For Christians around the world, the End came as predicted-----with a clashing of cymbals, trumpets and shouts of joy! The sweeping up of men, woman, children and pets was accomplished in a split second and afterwards Maria recalled words from scripture that defined that fantastic day: "Behold, I come quickly!" Rev 22:12 If she hadn't been looking out the window at that exact moment, she, like others, would have missed the most important "exit" of man and woman kind, but looking out windows was something she did religiously.

There was joy and rapture for those who taken in the clouds but for those who lived on the "dark side," and for those who remained behind, there was "weeping and gnashing of teeth." And, oh, what was to come!

Agoraphobic and alone for twenty some years, Maria was used to-but didn't like--the solitary feelings that came from being separated from others. Now, with those left behind without the comfort and love of loved ones, she wondered how they would survive, how they would handle their "aloneness." She pondered that for herself, too.

At forty-two, she felt blest with a deep and abiding faith in God and her Bible. This faith in an all-knowing and caring God would keep her going; of that she was convinced. But still she pondered, "Why, dear Lord, was I left behind? Why was I not taken to Heaven?"

Hours and days after the Rapture, she searched her heart and mind for answers to those questions, but nothing came to mind. Being captive in her home for years with such an affliction, she would soon learn fearful truths about herself and society and be a captive audience to the ever-growing, dark side of her neighbors.

Maria often searched her mind on when the agoraphobia began. She recalled that when she was just 10 years old, she was left alone one night to take care of her younger brother-Tommy, while the rest of the family went to a nearby drive-in theatre. While alone, she thought she heard someone trying to break in at the front door and her anxiety grew so strong, that she came close, to having a psychic break-or so the doctor said when he examined her the following day..She was never the same after that and seldom went anywhere unless someone "older" went with her.

It was on the fourth day after the Rapture that she saw something unusual out her living room window....One by one, she saw her neighbors cautiously come out of their homes and look up to the sky. "They look so lost and so alone," she thought. She could see from their gray faces, expressions of fear, desperation and aloneness. Now, she thought, they would know what it's like to be alone and frightened. But, she admitted deep inside of her that she wouldn't wish such fear on anyone. Not being able to go outside and enjoy the day, and being fearful of the night, was a terrible cruelty and so inhuman.

Her neighbors kept staring up at the sky that day-as if hoping for another way out and then one by one began murmuring with one another. Her doors and windows were closed; so she couldn't make out what they were saying. She could tell by their faces that fear was changing their very being. In fact, she thought, they really didn't look human anymore. Kind of like zombies-pale, fearful and looking for someone to hurt or kill.

Later, she saw police and ambulance cars driving down the street. Lights were flashing and horns bellowing. She noticed then that the people began retreating to the sidewalks and then began shouting, "Help us! Don't leave us here! Do something, please!"

The police looked dumbfounded, slowly got out of their cars and tried to console them but it seemed that nothing helped to ease them of their fears. In fact, the police began pushing them away, as if frightened of their appearance and behavior. Seconds later, they returned to their cars and drove off to most likely another fear-driven neighborhood.

Then Maria noticed another uncanny stillness with the huddled group. It was an unnatural quietness, the same kind of quietness when children are doing something they shouldn't be doing...They acted as if they were empty of all emotion and feeling-like zombies, not knowing what to do or where to go. The silent group remained huddled but every now and then, slyly looked around; acting suspicious and quite odd. It was a scary and uneasy scene to watch but Maria couldn't help but stay glued to the window.

Then, something else odd happened. The people in the large circle began forming a long line and then quietly but purposely, began walking down the middle of the street. With quiet resolution on their faces, they began walking towards town. Their purpose known only to them but she could tell the end result would not be good.

"Where were they going?" she pondered. 'And would they come back?" With so many abandoning their home, she felt more alone than ever.

Days later, she thought about Annie, her best friend and neighbor. She hadn't heard from her since the rapture. If she were taken, too, her life as she knew it, would be over, soon.

Annie was angel, an angel who took care of her groceries every Tuesday and always had time to chat. This was Tuesday. "Surely, she would come as always!" she mused. After all, Annie was her only connection to the outside world. Hoping against hope, Maria anxiously waited for the visit.

She waited for hours and then it dawned on her, that Annie would not be coming. Her mind began to race...."What would she do without her help? How would she get food and medication?" There was no one else to count on....Well, she thought, there was just one other...

Andy Taylor! He lived at the end of the street; and sometimes came to visit her. He was always so caring and helpful. Yes, maybe Andy could help! "But, how to get a hold of him?" Then she thought, "He doesn't go out often and has a hard time walking. How could he possibly help me? It would be like the blind leading the blind."

The only way to reach him, she pondered, would be to watch for him at the window. Since she did that often and daily, her chances were good she would see him. He often took walks in the neighborhood. Yes, that's how she would reach him, when he took his walks! She would wait, yes she would wait and watch. Surely, he could be of some help!.

So, she stayed glued to her window; hoping to catch a glimpse of him. He was usually so routine. Why, one could set their clocks by Andy; he was so on time! So, she waited.....

Two days went by without a soul in sight. Many in the neighborhood, had either become housebound or had left for parts unknown. From the lack of lights glowing inside their homes, she knew that many had left. The streets were now deserted and gone were the familiar outside noises. There were no children laughing, or playing outside; no more children riding bicycles, no cars, no lawn mowers....Simply put, no one could be seen! It was spooky, and just plain scary!

Then about ten days later, on a Saturday, she saw a lone soul walking down the middle of the street. It looked like Andy but it wasn't...It was Glen Walker and that was not good. He was the meanest man on the block, maybe the whole town. Certainly, he would be of no help. She wondered what he was up to....No good, she thought..

"Leave him be," she thought. 'He would just as soon walk over my dead body than help me."

As predicted, Glen walked by her home, without even a glance her way. She could tell that he saw her at the window, but totally ignored her image, just as always. "What a mean man!" 'Keep walking, you ignorant cuss! Don't need or want your help!" She couldn't help her thoughts on him, for he had been indifferent and cruel to her many times.

Then, she saw someone else walking down the street. This time it was a woman...And, it looked like Helen Trumbell. Indeed, it was Helen! Helen could help. Helen at least waved at her whenever she walked by, or when she was on the way to buying groceries or visiting a sick neighbor. She seldom stopped at Maria's house but always seemed interested in Maria and her aloneness.

As usual, Helen looked toward Maria's house, saw her at the window and waved. She appeared to be nervous and in a hurry and almost didn't catch Maria's act of distress. Maria waved and with her hands and anxious face, beckoned Helen to stop and talk.

Helen noticed the startled look and waving hands and even though she was in a hurry, she cautiously walked toward Maria's front door. She arrived breathless for she was concerned with what Maria might want. She knew, too, that with the Rapture, Maria surely would need something.

In seconds, she was at Maria's front door. In seconds, Maria opened the door. "Hi, Helen. Thank you so much for stopping by. Sorry I interrupted your walk but I need help. Everything is in a mess for me. The lady who used to help me with groceries and medicine has been taken or left and I am so alone and without help. The Rapture has taken so many! Helen, do you think that you could help me? I'm so afraid, and I need help. I can't leave my home; of course you know that... And, Helen, my nerves just can't take it! I was hoping Andy might stop by but I haven't seen him and I told have his phone number...Oh Helen, what should I do?"

Helen could see that Maria was upset; and with good reason. Like other couples, she was without her husband, He had been taken in the Rapture and she, like Maria, knew what it was like to be alone but with two teenagers to care for, she had reason to continue on... Goodness knows, she was doing her best to continue on-she had enough for food and clothing. She was thankful that she still had her debit card. It was still being accepted in most stores and would help keep them going for awhile...Maria wouldn't understand her sufferings; she was in a world of her own...

"Helen, I hate to ask you but there is just no one else I can turn to. I realize that you have your family to take care of, but could you find it in your heart to do me a favor? I need some groceries and medication--just some necessities and it would be great if you could get them for me.."

"Yes, I can do that, Maria. I'm going to the market to get some things. It wouldn't be hard picking up some things for you, too. Do you still have that cart you used to loan Mary across the street? That would help a great deal when bringing the items home. And of course, your debit card, too."

"Sure, let me get them for you. Will be right back."

While Helen waited, she scanned Maria's home. Clearly, her home had the look of one who had lived a solitary and lonely life-books and folders stacked high and everything in its place. It was an orderliness that defied understanding. What a waste of life, she thought. "How could anyone live like this...so alone, without anyone to talk to?" Helen had always been a very social person, so Maria's lifestyle was incomprehensible to her mind. She decided not to tell her that her husband, John, was taken in the Rapture. It would only add to Maria's feeling of helplessness and aloneness. Besides, she had much to do that day and just wanted to get it done and go home. Shopping was no longer an enjoyable event. No, it was filled with angry, desperate people who had little money, no family and a government ever-watching and knowing.

Maria returned with the cart; her expression now filled with hope, and happiness--sheer happiness in finding someone on earth, and a person who understood and cared whether she lived or died.

"Here it is, Helen and still in good shape. Could you stay awhile and talk before you go? It's so nice talking with someone like you, someone who knows me. Not many people even know I exist, do you know what I mean?"

"Yes, Maria. I understand. People are more distant now than ever; even neighbors who used to care about each other; they no longer care. And so many are gone...I'm finding that those left behind are so negative and fearful. I'm very fearful just to go downtown to the stores. Many are hurting or killing others-just to get some food or clothes. It is awful!" She began to cry.

Maria never was good at showing compassion for others but Helen was so distraught and had always waved and said "hello" when she passed by. She did her best to console her...

"Oh Helen, it must be awful! I can't go out like you, but I see a lot of on TV. So many are acting like animals...pure animals! Like you, I wonder, why were we left behind? Did we do something wrong? I keep asking myself the same questions...over and over. I mean, we knew the end was coming; it's in the Bible. You and I have been living a righteous life...I don't understand why we were left behind?!"

"Maria, if I knew the answer to that, obviously I wouldn't be here but maybe we were left to help bring others closer to God and maybe redeem our own lives...I just don't know!"

Both were crying until Helen replied, "Well, I'd better get going. The stores have been very busy these last two days and with so many people pushing and shoving; it's down right scary! A neighbor I've known for years pushed me until I almost fell down! I can't believe what has happened to people...Oh well, I'd best be moving on."

"I understand. Here is a small list of things I need and the government debit card to pay for it. If they won't accept it, then I'll pay you cash for the amount when you come back."

"No problem, Maria. I'll be back in about two hours. Lines may be long. So, I'll see you when I see you..." As soon as she left Maria's, she returned to her hurried pace.

"Bye, and thank you so much!"

She watched as Helen walked down the street. Not far behind Helen were several other older women; all of them walking hurriedly but looking lonely, empty and frightened..

The hours went by at snail's pace, as Maria waited for Helen. She read and reread the many catalogs that were pilled neatly in the living room corner. It helped to pass the time. And time was really all she had. .

The mailman was late; more so now than ever. It had to be because of the Rapture, she thought. Nothing was for certain, or on time; absolutely nothing! So, she waited...

Maria could hardly wait for him to slip the mail in the box and move on to his next stop. She loved going through the mail because it gave her something to do; it filled her life a bit and that felt nice... In fact, she made it a point of ordering almost any type, size or content of a catalog. She was thankful that the mail was still being delivered; that her magazines were still coming through. It was one of the few things one could count on these days. But lately she hoarded away many of the catalogs, for she knew the postal service soon be ending and then one of her favorite pastimes would be over... Yes, it was just a matter of time.

Before opening the door, she cautiously looked through the peephole, then carefully opened the door, looking first looking to the left and then to the right. She always made sure that no one was walking her way, for that would be frightening and push disturbing images that would last all day.

She slowly pulled the mail from the box and quietly closed the door. After the door was closed, she once again felt safe and secure..

Maria sat down on her very old but comfortable sofa. Happy with the contents in her hand, she now could now take some time and peruse the catalogs at her leisure. In the small bundle she also found a curious letter. She noticed that it didn't have a return address. She would save the opening of that one for later. Could be a problem or maybe somebody wanted something. These past few days it seemed everyone was asking for money or a debit card and would say or do anything to get it. Oh, how she hated problems! That always meant confrontations and that kind of stress made her go round in circles....

About an hour later, Helen returned with the groceries. She didn't have to ring the doorbell or knock on the door, for Maria had been peering out her large bay window looking for her and checking on the neighborhood..

Helen walked in, looking tired and stressed. She said that the stores were jam-packed and everyone was panic-buying. Since the Rapture, everyone was frenzied and out of control. She was glad to be back and by her posture Maria could tell that she was weary and just wanted to go home. Maria didn't bother with amenities, but thanked her for her help. She did ask and received, her phone number. Later, she placed the number underneath her phone. Minutes later, Helen left and began walking toward her home. She was weary with life and how awful people had become and was not anticipating the energy and nervousness of her children..

Chapter Two: The Letter

As Maria put away the grocery items, she anguished, "What if something should happen to Helen?" Deep inside she knew Helen was one of the very few left that cared about her. She absolutely needed Helen but she realized that that friendship could end anytime. Nothing and no one could be counted on; only the good Lord.

With grocery items put away, she once again returned to her catalogs and for a brief time escaped into a fantasy world of clothes, trinkets and unnecessary but cheap home items. Flipping through the many pages of worldly goods, she began to relax..

About an hour later she decided that she would examine the strange letter. She lifted the letter, gently tore it open and began reading:

"Dear Gentle Reader,

I know of your condition and would like to offer some help. Being agoraphobic must be troublesome and anxiety-ridden. I would like to offer you some assistance---but in return I must ask something of you.

I would like to move in with you. I am a likeable person, with qualities few people have. I could help you and you could help me escape a situation that is hurting me.

I could act as your companion and do what you need to have done. And, with the Rapture and everyone so selfish and needy, I could take away the loneliness and fear.

If this is agreeable to you, please call me at 775-8478.

Your Secret Admirer,

Ken Abernathy

Maria was shaking as she put the letter down. She thought, "Who was this Ken Abernathy and how did he find out about her? Was he someone to be trusted or was he an opportunist looking for a quick deal, free food or something too hideous to even think of?" She was skeptical and afraid; not just because she knew nothing about him but that he seemed to know so much about her!

She sat there and thought out loud, "I can't have a man stay with me-someone who I know nothing about! What would people think but worse yet, what does he want? And, how did he find out about me?"

Many fearful thoughts swirled through her brain. Maybe he would come some night and break in or pose as someone innocent during the day and worm his way in and then do her harm. Her mind was filled with "what ifs."

She got up and began to pace up and down her living room floor. She paced for a good thirty 30 minutes and then came to a decision.

"That's it! I know what I'll do!" She began smiling and if anyone would have seen her at that moment they might have said, "That can't be Maria! That woman looks in control and way too happy!"

She continued her thinking out loud, "The next time Helen walks down the street, I will ask if she and her family would like to move in with me! It would help us all and provide security for everyone! Yes, she might like the idea. Course, they would all have to understand and respect my privacy and everyone would have to pull their weight with housekeeping and such....Surely, it won't hurt to ask..."

The rest of the day was peaceful and serene. Later, when looking out her bay window, she saw few people outside walking-most likely on their way to a store. Course, that was not unusual, considering the spectacular event that occurred just days ago. She went to bed early that night and was just about to fall asleep when her phone rang...

She saw by her glowing bedside clock that it was 10:45. She let the phone ring three times before answering....

"Hello? Maria? Is anyone there?"

Maria listened nervously and tried to think of something to say. The voice was male, with a deep, nasal quality that at once made it scary and foreboding. For some strange reason she wanted to answer but instead, returned the phone to its cradle.

She lay in bed nervous, wondering who the nasal voice belonged to...Maybe it was Ken Abernathy.

Then, the phone rang again. This time she let it ring seven times before answering...Again, the voice cried, "Hello? Hello? Please answer! I need to talk with you!"

For a few seconds there was nothing else; only some deep breathing--the kind people do when they're trying to find the courage to speak. Then after what seemed an eternity...

"Hello, Maria? This is Ken Abernathy...Did you get my letter?"

After pausing for a few seconds, desperately trying to regain composure and keeping her words from slurring she replied, "Ken Abernathy? Who are you and why did you write to me and now calling me so late?"

"I'm sorry to disturb you but I need your help, desperately! It's a matter of life and death!"

Maria was scarred-first the letter, now the phone call and this person named Ken Abernathy, saying that a life could be in jeopardy....But, whose life? "How should she reply?" she thought. After all, maybe he wanted to kill her and then take over her home."

"What do you mean, a matter of life or death!"

"Now don't go bizerk on me! I need a place to stay and I'm almost out of money. I didn't sign up for "The Card" so I can't buy or sell anything! You know what that's like!"

Maria's nerves were getting worse by the minute....This whole thing was turning into a nightmare!

"Ken...I don't know you! Why would I want to take in a total stranger? Especially with what's happened and everyone acting crazy! No! I can't and I won't take in a total stranger and that's that!"

She was shaking but she felt compelled to listen on. There was no way was any man going to stay with her, especially someone she didn't know. She couldn't begin to imagine the anxiety she would feel, if she allowed a stranger to stay with her...

But he persisted..."Please Maria, just for awhile, at least until this Rapture thing has died down and besides I do know a friend of yours....a Mr. Andy Taylor? I know that you know him and that he's a good man."

Maria persisted. "Yes, I know Andy. But, what has that got to do with anything? You could have found his name in the phone book and be using it just to get inside my home!"

"No, Maria. I know him. He's my uncle and he talks with me a lot. He's told me a lot about you---about your illness, why you can't go outside, why you're so afraid of everything..." He went on and on until....

Maria interrupted, "If Andy is you uncle, why don't you stay with him? I know he's a lonely man and that he has plenty of room."

There was a pause on the line for about 20 seconds and then..."Yes, I know he's lonely but my family doesn't visit with him often because he is quite tempermental. He does know that we love and care for him. We always remember his birthday and visit with him on the holidays. Please, just talk to him, Maria and he'll vouch for me! Please, won't you at least do that for me?"

"I don't know. Let me think about it. If I see him in the neighborhood; he used to walk every now and then. But, Ken, I don't even know if he's still here!" She paused for awhile and then said, 'Let me see what happens the next couple of days...If I do see him, I'll motion him over; and see what he has to say about you. That's all I can promise."

"Thank you, Maria! You won't be disappointed. In the meantime, you can reach me at 775=8548, when you've made your decision." He hung up and that's when panic struck her heart. She went to the bathroom and quickly poured out her anxiety pills. She absolutely hated such phone calls! No one calls at night unless they wanted something. That was a cold, hard fact.

Then she recalled that she had Andy's phone number. He gave it to her years ago when they were talking one cold December day. She went to her desk drawer to find it. She would call him; yes she would give him a call. Waiting would not be good. She needed to know...

She sat down on a dining room table and dialed the number...It rang four times before Andy finally picked up the phone....

"Hello?" Andy sounded tired and not up to talking...

"Hello Andy? This is Maria. Hope I'm not disturbing you. I have a question..."

"Sure, Maria....What can I do for you?" His voice was steady but she could tell he was anxious. A person's voice always gave away what was going on inside.

"Andy, do you know a Ken Abernathy? He says that you are his uncle; that you know him well. Is that true?"

"Yes, I know him. Unfortunately, he's my nephew. What does he want? Is he hitting you up for money?"

"Why do you ask that, Andy?"

"Because that's usually what that boy wants! Is he bothering you?"

"Actually, he is! He wants to stay with me! Says that he will help me out in exchange for room and board. He knows that I'm agoraphobic and all alone. That alone gives me pause. What should I say to him? You know me, Andy. I just don't deal with many people. How should I handle him?"

"Don't give him anything! He will take everything you have and then throw you out!" Andy practically shouted his words through the phone at Maria. So loud were his words that she had to hold the phone way back from her ears. It certainly was a violent response; not what she expected from Andy.

"I appreciate your candor, Andy. I had reservations about him from the very beginning. Now I know what I need to do..."

"Good! And, if he gives you any problems, let me know! I know how the handle "the boy;" for he's upset me and my family hundreds of times!"

"Thanks, Andy. I appreciate your candor and help, more than you know...By the way, how are you doing? Being left behind is scary, isn't it? Most of my neighbors have been leaving and the ones staying, are acting strange and desperate. Soon, I fear, I will be the only one left on this street."

"Yes, it's a fearful time but we must hold fast to our faith in God, Maria. We mustn't give up, Maria. This is the tribulation and the Rapture that was prophesized years ago, but if we stay close to Him, and do what's right, we may be taken up, too!"

"Thanks, Andy! I think I needed to hear that but it's still scary not knowing what's going to happen from day to day. So many are being robbed, killed and their homes taken. You can't help but wonder who is going to be next. I've noticed that most of the TV and radio programs are reporting only violence and little about what you and I should do to survive this! Course, the media has been doing this for a very long time, haven't they?...Well, I won't keep you. Please Andy, feel free to call or stop by anytime...Maybe we could help each other with the loneliness and fear?"

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