The yellow bus had just parked on the bottom side of the road. The engine always turned when the horde of young teenagers came out in line, descending the two steps and scattering on the sidewalk, indifferent to the driver who was attempting to get the last college student out, softly checking that the last two passengers remained in place. They didn’t come down here and she had to make sure they didn’t. Their planned stop was still far away and it bored Karen. If they were not present, her day would finally be over and she could relax with a good butt, a good glassful, and finally a good seat under her buttocks weighed by time and sore by those damn old tired springs that the foam did not protect almost any more. She and her colleagues complained, of course. The manager promised new seats but it was three years ago now. Probably a matter of budget.

Karen licked her lips, trying to recover what was left of the nicotine taste from her last stem three hours earlier. And now, let’s go to this damn pile of old houses of wood and bricks, to let these last two leftovers of used condoms one after the other and then go back to the depot and home. She would stop on the way and go out for a short moment to consume with envy and relief one of her last white stems still intact in her blouse’s pocket, but not before. Out of the question of risking a blame if there was ever a surprise inspection to note a smell of cold tobacco on an even empty school bus.

Finally, the last girl was on the ground. Karen pulled the lever closing the concertina door. One last look at the road behind her, a hand to quickly change the station and finally tune it to that good old country music that was so relieving her after that tide of rude, rude nigger music. Karen looked briefly at her last passengers. The bus was empty but they remained glued to the common seat in the second row, indifferent to each other. The big one was staring at his screen. The other, the thin one, was visibly in trouble, his gaze fearful, lost in his knees.

However, with time, she knew that the two boys were, so to speak, neighbors. Finally, they would get off closer to their homes at two different stops because what was left of the streets of Echo could not be safe. The mother of the thin had insisted on this point with the staff at the beginning of the year.

The bus quickly bit into the shoulder and took to the tired, dusty asphalt. She turned at the next fork and took the best lane of Highway 40, heading south, finally leaving Payton and that bunch of smug blue-collar guys who thought they were white ones.

The bus radio wasn't tuned to the exact frequency, but Karen found charm in the static that underlined the hoarse voice lamenting his lost love. Echo was well over half an hour from Payton's release, she would have time to enjoy her music.

The landscape paraded in the great indifference of the driver and passengers. She kept her gaze fixed on the road, knowing by heart or almost the succession of images in her peripheral vision. There wasn't much to see anyway. Only the tourists and hikers were ecstatic over the bare mesas whose dark brown contrasted with the azure of this perpetually blue sky. Of course, Karen knew that sometimes that was not the case. But bad weather days were so rare in this southern Arizona. Even the beginning of autumn signaled its presence only by the drop in temperatures and the disappearance of periods of summer heat waves. The weather remained pleasant during the day, however, and Karen still had her blue short-sleeved shirts on.

From time to time, a track ran, of bare and beaten earth, almost parallel to the highway. Some were cut clean by berms of dry earth before they could join the latter. Moldy wooden sheds dotted the rare intersections between them. The uncultivated and dry lands were sprinkled with more or less voluminous bushes. Few trees. And most of them dead.

Karen risked a look in the rearview mirror. The fat boy of what, 13 or 14 ? was still staring at the screen of his phone. Karen turned up the volume a bit. He had his headphones on, it wouldn't bother him.

The other however raised his head briefly, his face displaying his displeasure. But he said nothing and Karen left the volume up. It was also one of her best singers who was on the radio. He looked at his friend for a brief moment, and got no reaction. The boy looked back at his feet.

"What a wimp..."

Chase looked again at his friend lost in his adventure. On the screen, he saw being manipulated a proud and arrogant warrior, tall and generously endowed with feminine forms. The true fantasy of the average teenager. Her sword slashed heads and limbs and Carl was careful not to miss the rewards that flowed from the severed bodies.

Chase turned his head and looked at the driver lost in her driving and her country song. His voice carried more bitterness and resentment than usual.

"Is it possible to change stations or at least get a clear signal ?" 

Karen lost her gaze on the road for a brief moment, surprised at the boy's intervention. There was enough confidence in the voice that with one hand she corrected the frequency. It was clear this time, and even Karen was happy to lower the volume a bit.

" Thank you… "

Chase wanted to look at his feet again but he noticed Carl watching him.

"Hey man, did you get up on the wrong foot ? You were completely withdrawn into yourself today. And now you're ready to jump down her throat it seems..."

Chase gave a slight embarrassed smile.

"Sorry if I disturbed you in your game, but it had to come out." »

Carl then seemed to remember his game and returned to his screen. To his great annoyance, his heroine was lying dead in the middle of his phone. Chase noticed.

“Sorry to have made you lose. »

Carl growled to himself and did the incongruous thing for Chase. He left his game.

"Never mind, I was going to quit anyway. »

Carl was serious, taking off his headphones and putting it in his bag.

"Do you want to tell me about it ? »

Chase looked ahead. He was in an indescribable state for him. It was so new and so scary. His whole life had literally changed. He looked at his laptop screen. The icon of his mailbox had been enriched with an additional unit. But Chase didn't need to open his cell phone to find out who had contacted him and why.

But like all morning and then all day, Chase wanted to escape reality once again. It was so soothing and so vain at the same time.

“How did the geometry test go ? »

Brave Carl. He knew Chase was upset and he didn't dare talk about it. Perhaps talking about school would allow him to find the courage to let it go ?

"Duh. I think I will have the average but not much more.

- Hey, that'll probably be better than me. I never had the fiber for math and I think I never will. »

Chase had to agree with Carl. Science was not his forte. Nor English. Nor sports. No, Carl excelled in the arts. Since he knew him, Carl showed him the strips he drew at home, as well as the portraits of his favorite heroes. Not simple copies but re-readings of these. It wasn't kindness, everyone in the band agreed on that. Even Flynn.

The fat boy wore his favorite polo shirt, green with purple sleeves, a large black "W" over the heart, and the logo and colors of SuperWolf, his favorite character. The rest was more classic. Black pants, white sneakers with a thin red stripe. Big brand. The kind of shoes Chase could never afford in normal times.

He wore a simpler outfit. A blue t-shirt with the sleeves and collar edged in black. Simple, worn-out jeans at the knees and sneakers, worser than Carl's.

Physically, the boys were also very different. Karen had smiled once, it reminded her of Laurel and Hardy, those two comedians from the past century. Carl was heavily built at the base and it obviously didn't work out while Chase was thin and lean. Carl had brown eyes and short, brown hair. His nose was round too. Chase was brown with blue eyes. His nose was a little thinner and longer.

“What happened then ? Do you want to tell me ? »

—

Body weary, mind hazy, Chase tentatively guided his hand to his alarm clock, which was making that unpleasant sound. Once the silence returned, the young teenager got up, remaining seated on the bed for a moment to try to convince himself that it was Saturday. Or Sunday. In any case, not a school day.

But yes, it was Friday and the holidays were still far away. This year, the natural course of the calendar had assigned the day of Halloween to the eve. Chase grumbled a little before looking at what had been his room for years. A pleasant place to live with its single bed, a polished wooden wardrobe a little worn but still upright. On his desk facing the window, his computer, notebooks and scattered sheets of paper, as well as two or three stale cans of coke that Chase must have been throwing away for a while. Chase looked at his bedroom floor, trying to locate his socks and his undies.

No costume this year, nor candy tour. Chase was 14 and had considered himself too old for that for two years. He still regretted it a little but hey, if he wanted sweets, he could buy them. No more wasting time on these pranks.

And then Echo was no longer the dream place for such a stroll. Chase was young but he was already aware of the small town's steady decay.

He had known since elementary school that Echo had had its heyday a century earlier. A former mining town, Echo had gradually lost its luster.

The mines were only a distant memory and solid wooden planks prohibited access to them since one of them had collapsed on these unfortunate overly curious hikers.

It used to be a lively and prosperous city. Its founder, the prestigious Dwight Hendricks, entrepreneur by profession, had had a hollow nose. This region, recently purchased from neighboring Mexico, was the perfect place for the passage of a double railway line. The first, oriented north-south, already partly connected Montana to Mexico. The second, still in the pipeline, was to connect the western and eastern shores of the continent in order to spare goods the perilous journey of the Gulf of Mexico and then the long and uncertain caravans to connect distant California to the rest of the Continent.

The local lands were populated by nomadic Meseta tribes, drawn to the imposing Lake Emma. But they weren't a danger to anyone. The tribes were peaceful and even avoided the lake region despite its attractiveness with its farmland and forest that covered much of the surrounding hills.

The icing on the cake, the scouts had located deposits of gold and silver in the hills neglected by the Mesetas.

The latter had done nothing except warn the newcomers of the hidden dangers of the place. Their warnings, stemming from the traditions and superstitions of their peoples, had not been heeded, and the new city grew rapidly on the plain, with the local tribes all the more cautiously avoiding the new settlers.

Quickly, the moor was covered with roads and paths traced in the ocher earth. The tents gave way to the first wooden houses. These increased as the needs of the new population grew. Subsequently, the red brick took its place.

The first occupants were Americans from neighboring territories attracted by the gold and the work provided by the mines.

These were followed by new immigrants from the eastern coasts and then from the shores of the Pacific. Chinese immigrants multiplied as work on the new Transcontinental South progressed. Then Russians brought new blood to the horde of workers.

Of course, it was not long before the Ladies of the East saw their luck in the pleasure establishments which provided the weary workers with some of that relief so desired and necessary for the good public tranquility.

Hendricks took care of his mansion under construction that the city did not know this so frightening anarchy which very often animated the new cities. He made the local police efficient and respected. More than once the local trees were filled with these Strange and perishable Fruits which gave to the impetuous young people the examples not to follow. He donated his money to get the church up and running as quickly as possible. Finally, the authorities of the new territory of Arizona organized the administration and the city endowed itself with a mayor freely elected by the citizens.

Dwight's election was facilitated by the fact that the whole population, grateful, did not protest when only the latter stood for election and that he was elected without any difficulty. No need to disrupt the campaign of the region's largest employer with a competitor, right ?

Within a few decades, mines, cultivated fields, logging, rapid communications made Echo the focal point of Arizona.

Chase looked out his bedroom window for a moment. The rising sun was still low and the awning of the house was still useless. Light flooded into the boy's room, barely dimmed by a thin off-white curtain. Farther away Chase could see the shimmering blue of the lake in the distance and the slow flight of a few lingering ducks. Between his house and the lake, the town had disappeared. Decades earlier, the view would have been obstructed by additional blocks of dwellings of which only the outline of the ground foundations remained.

Of all this, yes, there was almost nothing left.

In a century of time, this prosperous region was struck by fate. It was as if a God, thinking that this place had been favored too much, had hastened to withdraw its gifts.

The climate became drier from year to year and the farms were the first to be affected.

Then the logging stopped when the trees either died of thirst or were cut down in large numbers. The sawmills had to part with their workers.

Rail traffic declined and the tracks were abandoned. Deprived of an outlet, the last farms, unable to sell their production, closed down. And when the mines closed due to insufficient profitability, the city was doomed.

It had been born and raised in the space of thirty years and now it was beginning an inexorable decline that was to last just as long.

The asphalt and dirt roads were now sparingly traveled by local vehicles. The construction of this new freeway had squeezed out the city of through traffic to Phoenix.

Cruel irony. Echo had over 8,000 residents in its heyday when Phoenix had over five times fewer.

But it was the latter that was chosen to become the capital when the Territory became a State. The vote of the representatives was almost unanimous despite the glory of Echo still resplendent in this summer of 1912.

It is true that in local memories, the memory of this terrible month of June 1905 was vivid.

The city, still on the rise, had been hit by a crisis of collective hysteria. The origin was unknown and still debated. Few people could sincerely believe that the death of a simple minor could have been the triggering element as the Official History said.

Only eighty two people had lost their lives in the days that followed, nothing dramatic for a city of this size. But whole neighborhoods had burned down and what was the local bourgeoisie decided to start a new life in the neighboring town of Payton.

Echo had received a pinprick in the end. But the pin was infected and the wound in the heart.

Once the roads had been built, the Chinese itinerants had left in large numbers for the Middle Kingdom. The end of logging took the loggers out of the game.

Then through traffic dwindled as the railroad tracks were slowly decommissioned, with state and federal freight leaving on trucks. The latter passed less and less by Echo when the new expressways moved away from the shores of the Lake to save a few miles of travel.

The Second World War was fatal to the gold and silver mines. The government was looking for maximum profitability and Echo's veins had become too thin for the operators. The return of peace did not bring the miners back to work.

Echo tried to survive by adapting. The lake was its last asset. It quickly adorned itself with an aquatic amusement park which for a long time remained the last card of the city.

But neighboring Payton, enriched by the bourgeois fleeing the flames of popular fury, organized and developed with the repatriated money. It was able to offer more services and distractions than her glorious elder. The park did not resist. The new Highway 40 ended up depriving Echo of its usefulness on the route from Mexico to Phoenix.

From its brief history, Echo only kept a big city center organized around the Town Hall. A few outlying districts remained, now separated from each other by the desert moor.

The streets and the foundations of the houses in ruins were still there to indicate to the inhabitants the places now deserted. The church still stood under the canopy of the nearby but empty and crumbling wood, the wood too rotten to continue to be a usable place.

There weren't enough young people in the town, so the school closed and forced them to attend Payton's establishments. On the roads, from time to time, a giant bulb on stilts indicated what was left of the water supply network. They all proudly bore the name of the town in case a resident lost their memory of the name of the place.

Chase sneered at the remnant of the town's population.

To simplify, the remaining population of the city was divided into three thirds.

The incurable optimists who would find the magic formula to restore Echo to its former glory. Among them there were former traders who had not been able to sell and had remained after their retirement in their former businesses, which often became their homes.

The pessimists, for whom the city was already dead. The only thing to do was either to leave or to drug yourself to death to escape reality. Among them were the descendants of former inhabitants. Some had jobs, but in the nearby town of Payton. Others had a moderately lucrative but fundamentally illegal activity.

And then there were the realists like Chase and his parents. For them, the city was in a state of endless agony. But it still offered some advantages such as very low rents. That was enough to keep living there.

The latter had left earlier this morning to take up their posts in Payton. Echo's house didn't look like much, but the rent had little to do with it. It was wooden, painted a white that tried to resist the ocher desert sand. On one level, with only two bedrooms and a living room that is mostly deserted and unused for lack of frequent visitors. An awning, therefore, to offer the house a space protected from the midday sun so ardent in this region of the southern United States. Chase had been assigned the room facing the street and it suited him, even if there was nothing too glorious to admire. No air conditioning, but the family knew how to use windows to ventilate the house on hot summer days and keep the atmosphere more or less livable. And then the city was less polluted and their neighborhood relatively safe. In Payton, it was either a house in an overpriced but safe neighborhood, or a house for less but where the safety of the premises was questionable. You might as well try to reconcile the two, right ? Commuters were the city's last living force.

That's how Chase's parents had set their sights on Echo, a half-hour drive away. As for security, let's say if you avoided "Tetanus Alley », it was fine.

In any case, this was the case years ago because now the situation was deteriorating with public lighting which was now failing.

Chase was sure of it. He would end up leaving here never to return. He didn't like the bigotry of some neighbors either, and he seemed to find more and more used syringes in the gutters of outlying neighborhoods.

Chase put on his underpants then zipped his pants up over his ass before finishing getting dressed. Then he went to the bathroom, opened the small white wooden medicine cabinet and pulled out a transparent orange plastic box with his name on it. He looked at the contents. Well, there was half of it left. And these tablets were quite effective. It had been a while since Chase had woken up in complete panic. Chase washed down the capsule with a glass of water before checking his watch.

So early ?

Hey, he had time to take a look at how the world was going after all.

Chase returned to his room, his bag ready on the floor against the desk. He turned on his computer and consulted his favorite sites once updated.

Online gaming sites, the weather. Sun and warm weather still, but falling temperatures in the evening.

Chase then felt that familiar slight tension tugging at his lower intestines. He felt his pulse quicken and his breathing quicken. Once again, his instinct was signaling itself. Chase smiles. He still had time.

Chase unzipped his pants and pulled down his undies. He plugged in his headphones, put the earphones in his ears and displayed his favorite site well hidden in the list of online games.

The image of the day interested him. This embracing couple, naked and composed of a male pair, encouraged him with their intense and virile gaze to click on the button to launch the long extract. Chase did not yet dare to buy such films but as soon as he had his own credit card...

Chase smiled as his gaze focused on the screen, his ears filled with long, deep, manly sighs and his hand...

Alright, no need to draw a picture.

In the master bedroom, Sybil was finishing up her blouse and getting ready to put her pants back on. The ever-young woman looked at herself in the wardrobe mirror, sizing up her hairstyle and face. Her brown hair was short and always neat, a simple brush stroke would be enough to overcome the few flyaways. Her husband was still on the bed, lying down, a silly smile on his face, quietly catching his breath wearing only his underwear now.

"Do you think the kid heard us?" 

Jason looked concerned in the direction of their son's room. Sybil shook her head, a small smile on her face.

“At this time he is already on his way to catch the bus. »

Sprite, Jason stood up and hugged his wife from behind, his nose glued to the back of her neck.

“Mmmm good idea to have taken this Friday off, no ?

- It’s our anniversary, it's worth it and it's a change from routine. Do you have things planned today ? 

- Isn’t it up to the husband to provide for this sort of thing ? After all the man hunts and protects and his wife and his little one not ?

- One more sexist remark like that and in a few weeks you won't be saying no to a new couch..."

Sybil's voice was filled with sweetness, freshness and humor. She nevertheless withdrew with tenderness the hands of her husband who trailed at the top of her thighs. One last smile and she zipped up her pants. Jason put on his disappointed face, exaggerating his reaction. It worked sometimes.

"Later, if you're good." »

Jason retreated to the foot of the bed where he began to pick up his things. Sybil went down the hallway, running her hand through her hair one last time. She noticed that Chase's room wasn't completely closed off.

This kid. Once again he ran off to catch his bus. She then walked towards the bedroom. Friday was laundry day and knowing his son half of his dirty things were probably still strewn on the floor.

She looked at the floor as she pushed open the door, remembering the painful moments her foot had experienced when Chase left his small and viciously angular toys on the floor a few years ago. Satisfied that she saw nothing dangerous, she entered.

And then she had the feeling of having passed into another dimension. Her heart seemed to explode in her chest surprised by the sudden surge of adrenaline. It took her breath away.

In front of her, she saw her son, seated with his back. The screen clearly visible, and its content too. Her brain couldn't process the information, it seemed so incongruous to her. The image, its meaning. Information reinforced by the movement of the hand between his thighs, the open pants, the rhythmic and rapid breathing. She understood everything.

But it seemed so unreal to her.

Wasn't Chase her little baby, born last week in her eyes ?

She didn't say a word, initiating a retreat when it happened.

The door creaked.

The sound from the earphones must have been weak because Chase, startled, turned his head and his face turned white. His face, inhabited by pleasure, changed instantly and in turn displayed a mixture of disbelief and panic. His first instinct was to reach for the screen to hide it. The arm got caught in the wire of the helmet and the latter came loose. The speakers took over automatically.

"MMMmmm yes, I love to smell it Mario... Louder yes !" 

Sybil looked back at the screen. Chase was no longer able to think, his whole blood system was filled with stress and panic. Chase barely took the time to zip up his pants. He already had his shoes, he grabbed his bag and did not hesitate to push his mother aside to flee noisily outside. Sybil could already see her son's tears of fear rolling down her cheeks.

"Chase, wait ! »

Her call, her cry, was ignored. The front door slammed shut. She ran to follow him but driven by fear and shame, Chase was already crawling into the bus waiting for him in the street. Chase was the only passenger to be picked up at the venue, the bus drove off and ignored Sybil's calls.

Still overcome with emotion, Sybil watched the bus pull away and round the corner. She returned home. Once inside, she cradled her head in her hands, trying to think rationally and piece together the chain of events. Jason, still in his undies, was walking down the hall.

"But what happened honey ? Why did Chase run off like that ? I thought he was already gone. »

She remained silent and pointed to the open door of her son's room.

Jason walked in and immediately understood. Chase had panicked and tried to turn off his device but instead the image just paused. Jason could admire his son's messy belongings and on the screen the two naked men visibly trying to operate an experiment in human reproduction from male participants.

"I'll take my cell and call him. I can't imagine his state of mind now. »

Sybil's voice showed her apprehension. Jason was left to him, dumbfounded, in front of the screen. He closed his eyes for a moment, breathing quietly. He remained calm, a thin smile on his lips.

" Well. I think it's dead for the grandchildren. »

—

The bus continued on its intended route and now exited the freeway, taking the exit ramp. They had just passed the remains of the old water park, which had closed in the 1970s before reopening in 1982. Two years before the completion of the Highway 40 which permanently isolated Echo from major traffic routes south of Arizona. Needless to say, the park had closed down for good barely a year later. You could still see the metal and concrete figurines that adorned the now empty pools or supported the slides. They now baked slowly in the setting sun, the colors changing from year to year, replaced at the base by more colorful and much less becoming graffiti. What had been a plump walrus figure had long since lost its head. It was slowly crumbling to the bottom of the empty, split basin. It was accompanied by a recumbent statue of a green mermaid, cut in two by the rage and the desire for destruction of some band of pre-teens who had come to escape their boredom.

There were only five minutes left before Carl reached his stop. The boy looked at his friend with big curious eyes. Chase was avoiding his friend's gaze, biting his lip nervously, barely relieved by what he had just said.

Something so intimate and so ridiculous at the same time. Of course, Chase purposely omitted information about the gender of the participants.

"Dude, I always check my lock before...well you know." 

Chase looked at Carl.

"Carl, my door doesn't have a lock.

- In this case, yes, it sucks. »

Outside, the bus traveled among the best preserved ruins of the ancient city. The buildings there were of red brick and you could still see the Art Nouveau decoration of the old Crimm's hotel which now had lost its roof the day its frame had finally given way under the joint assault of gravity and termites. . It was surrounded by other buildings in equally poor condition. We sometimes guessed the name or the function of the former owner. The Byrnes Pharmacy was distinguished by its name, the paintwork of which resisted time best. But the doors had been barred with wood and the windows had been shattered for decades. The road itself was unimpressive, with its cracked asphalt that had probably not been renovated since the 1960s.

As a sinister reminder of the past, some buildings still left traces of the fire that devastated the city more than a century ago.

As the bus got closer, Chase felt his knees thrash, his nervousness showing in the uncontrollable bouncing of his right leg. Carl couldn't miss it and Chase put his hand on it to stop the uncontrollable movement.

" You knew ? He's also the one who likes to take it in the ass. »

That was how some would see him now. He wouldn't be that "nice but boring boy at times." 

The worst part was that his parents would probably think that. And in addition, the day of the anniversary of their marriage.

What a nice gift they had just received. Well done Chase.

Chase looked at his phone, then at Carl. Chase hesitated to pursue this conversation, which was so strange for him. He needed to talk to someone but he didn't know if Carl was the right person. It was so intimate. And then Carl didn't seem in a hurry to continue. It happened often between them since the drama of the lake, four years ago ?

Chase mentally reviewed who he could talk to.

His parents ?

No, definitely not.

His grand-parents ?

They lived in Montana and Idaho. In some ways on Mars. And they only had relations with them during the holidays.

Carl ?

Maybe. But he was fiddling with his phone now.

Jenna ?

Chase didn't know that. She should have been in class today, but she was conspicuous by her absence. Chase promised himself to find out about her later. But she was a possibility, yes.

Flynn ?

Certainly not. The boy didn't hide his own homosexuality, he knew it well, but he was so snippy, so frank and so unfriendly at times that no, Flynn was not a good choice.

Jeremy and Clint ?

Are you kidding me ? Jenna's brother had barely come to school since his twin's suicide and his sidekick would barely be able to advise him on the best local Meth to buy.

Terrence ?

The poor boy. He was kind, helpful and friendly, but the slightest mention of anything having to do with sexuality made him feel so uncomfortable… It must be said that he was only 13 years old. Chase even doubted that he would ever go through puberty.

Chase sighed. There was Leo left.

Leo. The most stable and helpful boy in the gang. In addition, he had this role of protector that he took very much to heart. Especially since Sydney died.

Sidney. Maybe he would have been the best choice. But Chase was still unable to suppress that sinister quiver in his lower back when he thought back to the sight of his drowned friend.

Sydney dead, so there was still Leo. Go for Leo then.

And he also had the prettiest ass.

Chase mentally slapped himself for having such a thought at such a time. Leo was a good choice. A little older than him, an already paternal tone despite his 16 years, and a habit of serving as a moral compass and psychological support when one of the members of the group needed such help.

And then he had been his first real friend in elementary school. And Chase's thumbs were already tapping a message against him.

"Can we talk for a moment ?" 

Only about thirty seconds passed but the answer was ominous.

" I'm busy. An emergency ? »

"I have some worries on my mind. Could we meet like now ? »

" Maybe. »

Leo seemed busy or distracted. Probably already in the middle of a conversation with one of the players of the football team. Short answers were his trademark. Since he had bought his pick-up, he no longer took the bus with them. It made Chase feel like he was starting to pull away from everyone.

Anyway, Chase had wasted his time.

The bus now crossed the unused rails of the old Transcontinental South, which once linked the Atlantic to the Pacific, saving goods the wrath of the Gulf of Mexico. This track, like the others in the county, had been disused for decades and no one had spent a single dollar to dismantle the unnecessary tracks. Chase's anxiety grew now that the bus came within sight of the dirt road that led to Hendricks Manor.

Chase's phone vibrated instantly. Finally an answer from Leo ?

Oh no.

“I took gorgonzola from Payton’s market. »

Chase's eyes widened.

It was from Flynn. Chase decided to play the game of the wrong recipient.

"Sorry Flynn, they were out of cream then ?" 

« It's a kind of cheese, hick." 

There yes, it was Flynn in all his glory.

"Why talk to me about cheese ?" 

The conversation seemed to end there. Chase gently nudged Carl who looked at him.

"Is it okay if I come down here with you ?" 

Carl thought for a moment and answered in a low voice.

"Are you sure ? Karen has always creeped me out and she doesn't seem to be in a good mood. »

Chase didn't have time to answer that the bus was stopping along the road.

"Carl, this is your stop !" 

The fat boy mustered up his courage and what little manly voice he had.

"Chase is going down here too ma'am.

- It’s true ? Do you have permission from your parents ? »

Chase looked quickly at his friend, then at the driver. Carl slid down the bench seat and quickly rummaged through his bag as Chase caught Karen's eye.

" Yes. By the way ma'am, any news on your son Keith ? I haven't heard from him for months. »

Keith was Karen's son. Her only son. That hadn't stopped her from kicking him out with a bang the day the teenager had made her understand with what seemed to be cruel and raw words that just like Chase, he would only share his sheets with other men.

"I haven't had for a year and that's not going to change. He’s dead for me. »

Karen's voice carried all the sincerity the forty-year-old woman could exude.

Things hadn't gone well indeed. Keith had then been seen with Brian.

Brian. That name alone was scary. Everyone in Echo was scared of this guy. Many stories circulated about him but the police, at least among those who remained honest, had not found anything to rid the city of this sinister character. If Keith was in a relationship with Brian, then he was mixed up in sordid affairs.

Or he had terrible taste in guys.

"Well, are you going out then ?" 

Carl, with a gesture, closed his bag and slipped a folded sheet of paper into Chase's hand. The latter stood up to let his friend pass before following him, trying to look innocent.

"Yes, we are coming. »

Carl slipped into the aisle barely wide enough for him and got off the bus, walking down the aisle at a slow pace. Chase confidently held out the sheet of paper. Carl was skilled and known in class to easily falsify any type of school document. Like what skills in art could lead to many things. Karen didn't take the paper but Chase's wrist which winced in pain. She spoke, calm and determined.

"I've been doing this job since long before you were made in the balls of your fathers. I know all about your most hackneyed stuff and I have very good hearing despite appearances. I also know that your friend is good at cheating. We all know that in the service. »

Karen released Chase's wrist. The sheet of paper fell to the floor. An authorization from Sybil Hunter, with her proper signature. Chase couldn't even breathe.

Outside, Carl saw that something was wrong and began to waddle in place nervously.

“However, I appreciate your care for my family even if it is not sincere. And then I saw you stressed the whole way. Shake like a leaf and act like the world has just come crashing down on you. Something terrifies you about yourself, doesn't It ? You're not the first to have to deal with this kind of thing. »

Karen bent down and picked up the note. She looked at it, made a ball of paper and threw it in a small basket at her side.

“Kids like you are often the first victims of this stuff. »

Chase didn't dare interrupt Karen's monologue. But his face showed a form of understanding. Outside, Carl had buried his fists in the waist pockets of his polo shirt.

Karen's voice was surprisingly maternal. Chase was ready to listen to her and trust her, but he knew what she had done to his son who was like him. This put his sincerity into perspective.

“I know that a bus driver is not in the front row to collect confidences. But if one day the need takes you, know that I may be able to help you okay ? »

Chase moved his head fleetingly. Karen took it for a tacit agreement and smiled.

"Go now, your buddy is going to find oil by trampling the ground like that. At least you mess less with those jerks Jeremy and his buddy. Good thing to see these two dropping high school in the end, less trouble for me. »

That was enough to make Chase's smile genuine this time.

" I know. Thank you anyway. It would be hard anyway to do worse than them.

- You’re welcome, and tell your friend that his fly is open, it would be stupid for him to pay a visit to the station if a cop sees him like that. »

Karen spoke loud enough for Carl to hear. Blushing, he closed the garage door, seeing for himself that his orange SuperWolf underwear was indeed visible.

"See you Monday then kids !" 

Chase jumped relieved out of the bus, which didn't wait to set off again around dusk. It only took him a few steps to join Carl in the dark. The street was deserted, deprived of passage and of houses too. Yet we could see the traces on the ground, memories of wooden buildings burned or destroyed by time. There were not enough dwellings left to justify the presence of public lighting in the area. The Moon was already up and partially compensated for the lack of Sun.

"Man, if you knew how much I can't wait to get my license and a car. »

Carl picked up his phone and started texting.

"I'm telling my parents that you're spending the evening with me. Would you like to troll with me the noobs who clutter the 3D Fight forums ?

- Are you still on this game ?

- Hey, I treated myself to this new avatar, the Mexican wrestler, it would be silly to let him rot, wouldn't it ? Plus I took the "big boobs" option and called it Mammary. »

Carl seemed pleased with his purchase, a smile dressing his face as the boys walked down the path to Hendricks Manor.

"How much did you spend this time ?

- Not that much. »

Chase was talking while looking at his own phone, a new message had been received.

"Message for my aunt. Recipient error. Damn big fingers. But you understood it. »

Flynn, again, and a good explanation for the previous exchanges.

“15 dollars I believe. I just took what I needed. »

“It happens to me too. »

"With your canary knuckles ? »

"That seems like a lot to me, especially for clothes that don't exist.

- Well, the wrestler's mask was bundled with the pants, I didn't have much choice. »

"I'm with Carl and I'm going home with him Flynn. »

"Did you notice that the girls' hairstyles were actually all the same? It was by confusing two participants that I realized this. The programmers didn't go crazy for this game."

“I heard Jenna was in trouble. Something caused by his brother but I don't know more. »

A modern-day marvel, Chase was chatting live with Carl and virtual with Flynn on completely different topics. Who said technology dumbs us down ?

“At least they say they are girls. I'm just trying to stand out, what's the point otherwise ? It's supposed to be a social game, why want to be ignored by being so boilerplate ? »

"I want to stay away from my old folks for now. I'll go see Jenna to find out more. »

"That's why I have another account. With a more happening character everywhere. I created it after your last visit. »

"I was thinking of going there tonight, the last time his stupid parents weren't accommodating. Do you think you can handle Jeremy if he's here ? Not to mention Clint."

Chase then felt like a surge of hormones.

"I don't care if those jerks will be there or not. »

“He looks like a primate, well-built, with scars all over and an albino face. It's based on a weird dream I had lately. »

"Look, I don't know if I'm supposed to tell you about this, but Leo is going to a kinda clandestine party tonight. If you want to see him, he'll be there. You go or not, it's your choice. »

"Anyway, I mostly went to the most popular places in the game with him. »

" An evening ? In Echo ? The last time was for the presidential election, right ? »

“I believe they celebrate the Dia de los muertos. You know, Latino Halloween. I heard the scariest guys would be there. The old Parson Garage. You know where it is, right ? »

"It's like you said. There were only housewives barely able to line up two original sentences in a row. But I managed to find myself off the marked trails. Some still are and aren't listed in the game's official list. It's funny. This is where I found the weirdest stuff. »

"Leo didn't tell me about it. Are you going ? »

“The stuff we put out ironically, but in real life, you know ? And then there were these houses. Like real houses you see, not those usual virtual places in games. And these people lived there, with their virtual families. With even their avatars in screen shots as photos on the dresser. It was chilly. I think there were quite a few foreigners. »

"I'm still working and then I'll go to Jenna's. What do you think kid ? »

“There were two mares in this house. Everything seemed normal except for this Arabic-style decoration. »

"I'm curious and I fuck you. »

"And on the TV there was this slideshow with the baby pictures. Once in the nursery there things got really murky. I was talking about trolling and going to write "I ate the baby" on the walls but I don't know. It's such a strange mix between the weird and the sad. Hey, are you listening to me ? »

Chase snapped out of his trance immediately, gazing away from the screen and trying to adjust his vision to his new vanishing point.

" Um yes. I was just texting Flynn, sorry. »

Chase smiled his handsome stupid face, taking his hand in the cell. Without realizing it, they had arrived at the mansion.

The house was by far the largest and most beautiful in the city. It flaunted the Hendricks fortune without showing it hostility to the hilltop population. There were no gates or guard dogs. Just a gate and a stone wall absolutely incapable of resisting an intrusion. The family was not credulous at this point, the interior was strewn with alarms of all kinds and connected to a central alarm. Of course, by the time the security guards arrived, would-be thieves would have had time to empty the safes if there were any, but the police would have a collection of portraits and views of the culprits that would ensure they spent the next few years without having no worries about housing and food.

The style suited the region well, with the Hendricks ancestors choosing a hacienda layout when rebuilding the mansion. During the Great Riot of 1905, the old mansion had burned down from top to bottom and only the cellars had survived. The family hadn't given up like many would have and the mansion had been rebuilt, leaving behind just the ugly Victorian design of the old wooden building.

In the 1990s, Carl's parents had added their personal touch by opening up these glazed spaces, providing the first floor with large windows that allowed a view of the lake in the distance below. What a shame that the wart that Echo had become was in the foreground.

"And he answered you ?

- Strangely yes. »

By day the mansion looked like a great ocher stain on the dry hillside from the town, and by night it was shrouded in amber light. Admittedly, Carl's parents had good taste.

"Looks like there's a party going on tonight.

- In general ? Or here at Echo ? 

- Around yes. It is on the occasion of the Dia de los muertos. Guess Leo can't miss that. »

Of the gang, Leo was the only immigrant. All the young people were from Echo or the surrounding area, Leo was from El Salvador. His parents had immigrated legally, had taken over a garage that had a very good reputation. Leo was 5 years old the day he arrived and he didn't speak a word of English. It had since been settled but under the influence of emotion his vocabulary returned to his native Spanish from which he had kept a good accent.

It was cute when you thought about it.

“I understand he was invited. I think Flynn would like to go but his evening is already busy. »

Carl looked pissed off.

“I asked them if they had a plan for the evening and they told me they had nothing planned…”

Carl did not hide his confusion, his disappointment.

"I understand it's mostly Payton guys coming. If so, we don't know anyone.

- Apart from Leo and Flynn ! Damn, this looks like the best party we've had here in months and we're sidelined ! »

Carl looked around, time for him to calm down.

"But hey I'd rather spend the evening playing with you Chase. But I'm disappointed here. »

Chase understood Carl's feelings. His best friends were starting to hide things from them ?

"It's in the old Parson Garage. You know, on Road 65.

- It seems to me to be organized in the middle of nowhere this thing. Maybe it's a rave ?

- It’s not Leo's style but we can't rule anything out. »

Silence fell. Carl was looking at his house, Chase was looking at Carl.

"We should go I think. »

Carl turned around, surprised. He scratched his head, chuckling a little, embarrassed, as if Chase had asked him if he could put his hand between his legs.

“First of all we are not invited. Then we are in the middle of nowhere. Finally, it's a Latino party. What if we weren't welcome there ? Both of us only have WASP blood…

- Well, Léo will be present for sure, he can let us in. Then, we are from this nowhere. Finally, it's not a funeral evening and we don't insult anyone by eating tacos or tortillas despite our origins you know. And then it's in an abandoned garage. I don't think they care where the participants come from. »

Carl listened and nodded.

"I don't know yet. I'm still curious. You can see. At worst we stop, kiss Leo and try to survive like Flynn at a scat party. At best we make a passage, we kiss Leo and they have a hell of a buffet. I'm willing to kick your ass in exchange for cheese quesadillas.

- I advise against it…”

Chase's phone vibrated again.

" I have to go. Try not to suck too many cocks along the way. »

That was all Flynn, yeah...

Chase expected it.

“Flynn always knows how to give good advice, yes. But I don't know if you'll resist the temptation. »

Chase turned his head and saw Carl reading over his shoulder. He sneered. Chase sighed as he turned off the screen.

" I'll do my best… "

Carl picked up his phone.

"Is it time to lie ?

- And it's your fault. Okay, any preference ?

- Say you have to work on a night landscape drawing.

- Done. We will leave our bags in a box in the garage, no one is going there at this time.

- Before we go, we'll go to Jenna's, I want to know if she's okay.

- But it's the opposite of Parson’s !

- I know, we'll go through the moor. I tried to call her but no answer. She must have had her cell phone confiscated. »

Carl grumbled but he couldn't argue with Chase.

"Flynn told me his parents weren't cooperative.

- When were they ? I didn't know it could get worse. I don't like to say bad things but they are the perfect definition of trailer trash.

- I know. But Jenna is not like them, she deserves attention. »

Carl fully agreed. The boys went to the garage to hide their bags. Carl took the opportunity to take a look at his bedroom window, which shone with an unwelcome screen-lit blue in these times of required energy savings. Chase thought his computer had probably disappeared from his office, and his computer innards dissected. It made him clench his fists reflexively, feeling his anxiety kick in.

Do not think about it. That's the secret.

The boys left and the deserted streets they crossed were less and less well kept. The asphalt was replaced by dirt as they approached Tetanus Alley.

Of course, this was not the official name of the neighborhood or the street. It was Flynn who had named the place that, and indeed the town had been seduced by the biting irony.

Tetanus Alley was a neighborhood everyone avoided unless they had a very good reason to go there. Like a mistress or a dealer to meet. Sometimes at the same time.

A century before, it was a neighborhood of decent single-family wooden houses, home to the city's middle class. Part of it had burned down during the Riots. The other had slowly declined to become a neighborhood inhabited by the homeless.

The municipality had razed the remains but they had rebuilt the place with recycled materials and they remained. The municipality had given up the fight. This resulted in a mixture of solid houses, sometimes with just a concrete base, finished in wood or with sheet metal. Chase and Carl could use the reflections of the moon to determine the materials in question.

Jenna was lucky. His parents' house was one of the few in relatively good condition, solid and all. There was even a rickety fence to delimit a property that had no legal basis. However, the house had experienced a serious incident. A fire that had damaged the roof and it was no longer waterproof. The low humidity of the place had preserved the appearance but one of the rooms was no longer habitable according to Jenna. Chase found the event symbolic of the whole town.

Turning his head, Chase could see in the distance under the moon the silhouette of the old schoolhouse, which was slowly surrounded by bushes that were beginning to undermine the two stories of red brick from their roots. Chase had never set foot there, the school having closed twelve years before, for lack of the number of students required to justify its operation. Yet another remnant of Echo's former glory. Chase wondered if the shiver he felt was due to this vision or to the first frosts of early November. The moonlight allowed him to see in silhouette the scrap metal depot of the old landfill or further on the precarious stack of metal cans filled with varied and unknown waste. It was probably best not to get too close.

Chase looked at Carl, whose hesitant step he had noticed.

" You’re ok ? 

- Man, I never come here in broad daylight so now…”

Carl was out of his comfort zone. Chase smiled, thinking that this area usually didn't extend much beyond his bedroom.

«  Have you ever gone to see Jenna at night ?

- Not without Leo or Flynn around. I might as well tell you, if a perv shows up and wants to stab me with a syringe, I'll use you as a human shield.

- Meth is smoked, not injected.

- If some psycho throws himself at us with a glass pipe, I'll use you as a human shield. »

Chase smiles. Carl was sincere but he made fun of any situation. It was his way of dealing with stress. This, however, encouraged Chase to pay more attention to his surroundings. There was no wind and the bushes or tall grass remained motionless, diffusing their nocturnal scents into the night. The Moon made the dark blue night even more diffuse around her.

The boys left the ruins of the school on their left.

“ People here hate me. »

Chase turned his head. Carl showed his neutral face. He could not, however, erase all sadness from it.

"If you're talking about Jeremy and Clint, they're just loudmouths. The others hate everyone in general.

- This is not what I mean. You heard Karen right ? It is as if it expressed a general and hidden feeling.

- Well it's just...

- Don’t tell me it's just her. What she said, I have heard elsewhere before.

- You’re a fat rich kid with a weak character. It makes you an easy target.

- My parents are fucking ice cream vendors ! How can you hate ice cream vendors ?

- Maybe it's just intolerance. »

Carl waved his arms above his head, ranting about his feelings before letting them hang down his sides in his quiet moments.

"I'm talking about lactose intolerance. »

Carl showed his surprise before putting a hand over his mouth to keep himself from laughing like an asshole. He then put his hands back in his pockets.

Chase smiles. Carl was a childhood friend and probably one of the best he knows apart from Leo. This boy was usually calm in general but alone with Chase he became more open and expressive. Training with him was a real pleasure.

"Perhaps it has to do with your ancestor ? The founder of the city. There have been so many rumors going around about his son.

- Maybe yes. Sodomy and mass crime tend to happen here.

- And what do you think is the worst ? »

Carl looked at Chase.

"It depends who you ask I believe." »

Another smile shot at Chase. They were now approaching Jenna's house, skirting the flimsy fence. They could already hear the sounds of everyday life coming from the poorly closed door. A sound of TV on and chairs pulled up. Chase then noticed that Carl was out of sight. He turned his head. He had just stopped walking, his head down.

"Can you handle the situation Chase ? They don't like me at all. »

Chase had to admit that Carl was right. No need to add oil to the fire.

"I'll wait for you here if it's okay with you.

- Of course man…”

Carl smiled, stepping back a bit and pulling his phone out of his pocket.

Chase walked over and knocked three times on the door, not so hard as to risk ruining the hinges.

Chase immediately smelled that usual smell of stale beer and that loud sound. Chase didn't say a word about the plastic wrappers piling up in one corner. An overweight man in an undersized t-shirt and patched sweatpants stood in front of him. No socks or shoes.

And obviously no foot baths for a while either.

" Yes ?

- Hello sir. Jenna is here ? Can I speak to her ? »

Matt Begay was a symbol of this city. It illustrated all that origins, bad choices and a hint of bad luck could do to a man in this city. Matt had had ambition but his mistakes and his bad encounters had made him throw his future into oblivion. He wanted to do good by joining the local police. But his zeal clashed with his superiors who did not want to make more waves than necessary. Today, he was just what the people of Payton thought the townspeople were. A wreck just letting itself live by avoiding harm to others. Except to his relatives.

"Ah it's you Chase. Jenna is in her room. »

Almost bald, the forty-year-old headed into the kitchen from where the sounds of preparation and cooking were coming out, now ignoring the young boy. Chase greeted his wife out of politeness as he passed but didn't linger.

Matt made a point.

"She still has her chores to do and she's grounded, so she won't come out." »

Chase nodded.

" Understood. I just have things to tell her. »

Three more steps and Chase passed by the living room. The latter was equipped with an unfolded sofa bed and a television far too expensive for their official budget. A wiry teenager turned his head, wearing only his boxers, glaring at Chase with a hostile eye. Obviously, the living room had become his bedroom judging by the clothes scattered on the floor and school things on a table that should not have been used for a while.

"Come and see with my sister if you're a fag or not ?" 

Jeremy wasn't even looking at Chase. The latter knew that it was the usual kind of teenager's punchline, he could not know, he felt nothing. Chase just flip him a bird in passing. Jeremy replied in the same way without taking his eyes off the screen.

Chase rounded the corner and was surprised to see one of the doors lean against the wall. He was trying to ignore what could make the linoleum so sticky under his feet.

The bedroom door was open. Plus, it was cheeky. Looking closer, Chase noticed an addition. A lock, awkwardly installed and as the door was against the wall, useless.

Out of politeness, Chase knocked on the door, peering shyly inside.

A girl's room, and much better maintained than the rest of the house. By the window was a bed covered with a faded but clean red blanket. Below, Chase guessed a pile of books and probably manga. It was common knowledge that Jenna loved manga. Tops of clean old stuffed animals decorated the furniture. On the right side of the room, there was a shelf loaded with clothes and a table next to it, loaded with books and notebooks. What caught Chase's attention was the oddly placed hot water tank in the opposite corner despite all logic. But given the neighborhood and the construction conditions of the place, this was not surprising.

« Jenna ?

- Hey, Chase. »

The young woman turned her chest, ignoring her homework spread out on the table.

She had dark hairs, thin and slender, with brown skin, a legacy of her local Native American branch. A fine nose too but already fully feminine. She constituted a real anomaly by her presence, spreading her charm and good humor in this place. Chase also sensed his strong will. This rose in the middle of the mud was very pungent. More so in the presence of Flynn.

"You weren't in class today and I got worried. No answers on your mobile too. »

Jenna spun around, now facing Chase, seated with her hands on her knees. She had green shorts salvaged from a military surplus sale at a discount and a bolero of the same shade. Jenna was feminine but pink ponies had never been her thing. She seemed to have long since paid no attention to the gurgling of the reservoir. It was time for the dishes. It surprised Chase that they were doing the dishes.

Jenna reached into her bag.

"I…see your door had a problem.

- Dad didn't like me trying to have more privacy here. I'll find another way. »

Chase couldn't stop a small smile from appearing.

"And school ?

- I had stuff to do here and I took a day off. I've already made up the lessons, don't worry. Do you have your cell ? Can I borrow it for a moment ? »

Reflexively, Chase didn't ask a question and instantly handed her his phone. It was Jenna. The young woman exuded an aura of authority over those around her, but she used it wisely. She was like a big sister to the group, looking after everyone's well-being, just like Leo. Chase smiled, remembering having considered Leo and Jenna as real parents, him, Carl and Terrence as the children and Flynn as the annoying cousin.

"Who do you need to write to ? »

Jenna was already sending her message.

"You don't care about that and I won't have to lie to you. Or click on that "recently downloaded" button. "

Chase winced a little.

"You can sit on the bed. »

He could only obey. It was Jenna and she already had an answer, to which she was already replying.

"I would still like to know what's going on.

- In general ?

- You know what I'm talking about.

- Nothing out of the ordinary here in Heaven. »

Messages flowed by, almost as quickly as they were received.

"By the way, how are you ?" 

Jenna was trying to be less rude.

" I'm fine. »

Jenna could see that the more sincere and honest answer was different. But Chase didn't want to fuel the subject with a "my parents caught me this morning with my pants down to my ankles." They know I'm a fag, I don't want to go home and that on their wedding anniversary. That didn't stop Jenna from seeing him.

"I see no. Do you still have sleep paralysis attacks or new hallucinations ? I told you. You should talk more about it with your shrink. She is there for that, without judging. Hiding things from those around you is very bad. It reinforces negative emotions and it can become a real vicious circle. »

Chase didn't have time to feel more disturbed than he was. Jenna had hit the bullseye as usual. It was clear that she had a strong disposition to read others. His attention turned to the sound of a pebble hitting the window. You could see the top of Carl's head. He waved a hand at Jenna, who returned the compliment.

"Carl didn't want to come in.

- I understand. »

Chase stood up.

"By the way, have you heard of a party ? Tonight at Parson's on the 65 ? Leo has to go.

- Mm no, yet I saw him this afternoon but he didn't say a word about it.

- He didn't pass the information on to us either. We plan to go take a look. Would you like to sneak out ?

- Without a door, my departure will not long be ignored. I prefer not to take the risk. »

Jenna then handed the cell back to Chase who didn't miss the "cleared history" written on the screen.

" Thank you. Hope you get your door back soon.

- One way or another, I will get it. And thanks for the cell. »

Chase headed for the exit. He passed Jeremy once again on his bed. Matt was sitting there too, his eyes glued to the screen, his hands greasy with cheese tacos.

Hey, Carl might have come in if he had known there were cheese tacos.

Chase met Carl outside and the two set off for Road 65.

Before the highway, it was, along with Road 34, the direct route that connected Mexico to Payton before merging with Road 59 which led to Phoenix via Pueblo. The traffic there was intense and there was no shortage of commercial establishments.

But Highway 40 had been planned and despite the city's complaints it was quickly completed. The only concession, the construction of an exit ramp to serve the city and its moribund amusement park. Unfortunately, this was not enough and the road was mainly used to allow the faster movement of the inhabitants towards Payton. Sad symbol, the sign indicating the exit of the highway had fallen, the screws victims of rust. Bars, diners and garages had closed one after another and it was now easy to walk the road without encountering any traffic.

Carl stared straight ahead, trying not to think about his phobia anymore. It hadn't surprised Chase to see Carl back off like that. He had always suffered from anxiety, and Sydney's death had reinforced his phobia. It was already a great feat to see him follow him to an unknown party.

"I can't wait to get my license and my car. I already said that, didn't I ?

- Yes.

- 65 is 3 miles away right ?

- We’re still going to cut through the moor. It will be half as much. We will be all warmed up to ravage the dance floor.

- Do you think we're going to dance ?

- It’s possible.

- Like in the movies and all ? »

Chase didn't answer. He led the way through abandoned properties, taking care to avoid those that displayed indoor or outdoor light to avoid any unwelcome encounters. Chase and the group didn't have much party experience. The young population of Echo must have been about thirty people and if we discarded those who spent their time navigating shady business, there weren't many people left. Of course, they had each wanted to celebrate their mutual birthdays to strengthen their ties and forget a little that their world was very narrow. Last year, Leo's father left them a beer each for the evening.

“I always imagined high school parties like in the series. Guys and girls sitting on sofas smoking.  - But at Echo, nothing is done like elsewhere, you know that.

- They turn to Meth you think ?

- Do you really think Leo would go to such places ?

- No, not for a second. But I didn't think that one day Leo would be invited without telling us. »

It was a defensible point of view.

"Do you think Leo doesn't think we're cool anymore ? He's in high school now after all.

Man, I think with what we've been through, it doesn't matter anymore. »

Chase agreed. He was surprised that Carl could come up with something so profound.

Carl stopped then, hands on his knees, catching his breath.

"Are you okay, man ?

- Yes. Just a little tired. We must be walking 50 miles now. »

Chase smiled at Carl's exaggeration.

“A bench would be nice.

- The city does not have the money, you know that. But I'm sure that at Parson there is plenty to rest.

- Yes. Sticky chairs, the seat wet with weird stuff.

- I’m sure you won't notice it after a minute.

- I visualize the thing. Leo will actually be there alone naked wearing just a Neoprene mask bathing in about fifty rubber ducks on the ground.

- I had such a dream once. And I think I saw Flynn more in the role. »

Carl winced at the mental image he had just inflicted on himself. He resumed his journey and Chase took the opportunity to mischievously nudge him.

It could be seen that they were now on 65. The asphalt was of better quality. Arizona had seen things big because despite its abandonment the ground of the 65 was practically intact.

Empty and deserted, but intact. The road was still workable but he knew no one wanted to avoid taking the freeway to take an older, more touristy route. Everything that had been attractive here was slowly decaying and rusting. No, nobody wanted to go through Echo anymore, and even more so since everyone had a GPS. No one got lost and came here with a paper map anymore.

The boys were now walking along the old trailer park. The occupied locations were only occupied by wrecks with broken or tagged windows. The administrative bungalows were completely closed off with a large barricade. Even the graffiti looked rusty now, a sign that what was left of the young population had better things to do than smear paint on the walls.

Chase then recalled that when he was 10 years old, Flynn and Sydney had convinced him to engage in an exercise in defacement of public property on an abandoned wall. Chase had accepted, had tagged the wall and then took refuge in tears in the skirts of his mother accusing himself of this so atrocious crime. The only thing that could relieve him was to have come back and tried so hard to erase this misdeed.

Chase looked at Carl. His mind was obviously elsewhere. Chase felt cold sweats run through him. On the bus, they barely talked about it and Carl showed no curiosity about it.

Was it a good time here, in the middle of the night ?

Chase considered it. He should stay here at least three more years before leaving for college and hopefully never come back here.

"Carl...

- Yes ?

- I told you what... What happened this morning.

- Yes.

- I haven't said it all.

- Man, I don't really want to have details. It is important ?

- Yes.

- What’s this ? »

Far ahead, another half a mile, the Parson. There were intermittent lights. Chase took a deep breath.

“It was only with guys. »

Chase could guess the change on Carl's face from the moon. To his surprise, his words came out easily.

" Truly ?

- Yes. From the beginning.

- Girls…

- Don’t do anything to me. I only want guys.

- Are you sure ? I know how down to earth you are...

- Completely yes. Carl…

- Yes ?

- I feel better. It's strange but yes. I feel good with you. »

Carl's voice sounded surprised. But Chase noticed no hostility. Until there…

"Not too well I hope. Although for you the boobs don't do anything to you..."

Chase could see in the clear night Carl running his hands over his personal tits.

"Did you have to do that one ?

- Fuck yeah ! And it looks like Flynn's last piece of advice was on point..."

Chase grimaced.

" He knows it ?

- You’re the first one I'm telling.

- Damn, man... It's heavy I must say.

- If you are talking about yourself I agree yes… I knew you would be big enough to take this.

- And your parents ? What do they think ?

- They saw it this morning...

- Oh yeah that's right, shit. Good thing I have a lock... Your parents don't knock on the door ?

- Normally yes, but I understood that they thought I had already left.

- Mine are less and less there.

- It’s great isn't it?

- It’s okay.

- I don't think they took it well. It's been bugging me all day.

- I’m sorry about that man, you know. »

The two friends then lined up on the lower side. A car passed and drove away towards the Parson garage.

"It still feels weird. I never would have imagined this. By the way, does that mean I'm allowed to say the F-word now ? I mean, if my best friend is gay, I have the right ? Anyway, I hope you're not going to be a mini-Flynn. I have enough trouble dealing with the character of the original.

- If you yourself don't become a Flynn and you don't abuse it, I don't see why I would say no...

- I think that's the best news of the day... I'm finally going to be able to talk to those forum kids about it. »

Chase sneered. It was getting chilly and Carl took the initiative to get back on the road. The first coming out was over.

The two boys were warming themselves as they walked. Good thing they both had pants on and not shorts.

" You know…

- Yes ? »

Carl had taken the initiative this time.

"Sometimes when I feel really bad...

- Yes ?

- I imagine things. I like to pretend..."

Carl turned his head away.

"No, forget it.

- Come on, say.

- I can't say that, it's too dumb and silly.

- I just told you I was gay and caught jerking off. I can't imagine anything worse.

- Didn’t you actually hear anything ?

- In-ears.

- Very effective and too dangerous man…

- I know. So ? »

Carle buried his fists in the pockets of his polo shirt.

"Oh shit. I have a girlfriend. Imaginary. And she excites me to death.

- Oh yes…

- You said it. I'm good at imagining things and she has an effect on me.

- She is good ?

- Yeah, awful. Short stature, silver hair, gray eyes, athletic body, D cup and 10 inch cock. She is awesome. »

Carl had spoken as quickly as possible.

" Eh ? You said what ? After the boobs...

- She is awesome.

- No, just before !

- Do we really have to release everything now ?

- No, you are right. I think that's enough for the evening. »

Chase was fully aware of what Carl had just said. But he sensed the boy's embarrassment, his embarrassment. It was better to leave the subject for another moment. After all, Carl had taken it well, he deserved a little indulgence. The boys resumed their walk.

"Carl.

- Yes ?

- You are not weird.

- Thank you.

- I felt so alone. Two months ago I posted an ad in Payton List.

- Eh ?

- I described myself as an 18 year old looking for a guy to talk about this, nothing else. Something like that. I'm not dumb enough to meet just anyone. I put a photo of me taken at Payton's pool. I censored the face, I blurred it and I said to myself that with my torso I passed for older than I am.

- That didn't work huh ?

- Do not talk to me about it. Moderation fell on me after a few hours. I thought they were going to send the cops to me. But they just took down the ad and blacklisted me.

- Didn’t we go to see SuperWolf, the movie ?

- It was that day yes. It hasn't been the best quarter of my life.

- And the movie sucked. It was crazy yes. »

Silence reigned for a moment longer. Carl broke it again.

"I called her Danicka. She also has glasses in everyday life and she does not open her mouth when she smiles. Her thing is video games, comics and clothes. »

Chase thought that aside from the clothes and the glasses, Carl was talking about himself.

“When I draw, it is with her that I have the most inspiration. She is my muse in a way. One thing I dared not hope for.

- It’s great for you. She looks like a real classy girl. It would be more…better if you had a real girlfriend but for now that should do the trick. »

Chase enjoyed making Carl smile.

"I think the same for you. Have a real boyfriend I mean. »

Carl looked at the floor.

“Damn, it feels weird to say it for real. Dude, thanks.

- You’re welcome. »

They finally arrived at the garage much to Carl's relief.

When it closed three years ago, Garage Parson left its last clientele in the care of Garage Alvarez. The previous owner then did something that few people at Echo would have thought to do. He took care of the city by emptying its fuel tanks and pouring concrete into them. Since then, the gray rectangles had been decorated with wreaths of wild grass which delimited the tombs of the vats. This did not go so far as to demolish the buildings, which remained almost intact. Under the concrete courtyard, the pumps remained in place but without electrical power. The bay windows were whitewashed and the door handles locked with padlocks. Needless to say that these padlocks jumped quite quickly, the empty places being invaded by the local youth who made it a festive place. Concerts were given by groups whose notoriety did not go beyond the desert but they remained the only cheap distractions of the place. The two floors were almost empty of any furniture, but tables and chairs had remained there after each meeting and the place took its final configuration.

We entered through a double door that led to an old workshop and then the vast room housed the groups or the DJs depending on the day. A generator had been brought in and it had never been taken out of it, each organizer being required to provide the necessary fuel, all of this being understood. Along the wall were the tables laden with food and drink. The entrance was free because in fact it seemed that nothing that was brought had been paid for anyway according to the local forces. The latter were conspicuous by their absence. After all, the organizer did not forget his donation for the works of the police. Why bother these good generous boys after all ?

Chase and Carl looked around the garage. There were already about ten vehicles more or less well parked on the dry moor, but little movement. High school students a priori. A muffled sound came from the walls of the garage which grew stronger with each door opening. Chase could recognize a kind of gothic rock. In total agreement with such a Dia of Los muertos.

Carl felt less comfortable. Chase understanding this, he felt the same.

"I don't think I've seen a guy I know.

- Me neither. Everyone must be inside. We just have to enter to see if we spot Leo easily. Do you know what to say to him when we see him ?

- Hi sounds like a good start to me.

- I think so too. »

But the two boys did not move.

"Man, how about a rave ?

- Do people still have Rave Parties ? Didn't it die with the last century ?

- I don't know but I have some bad satanic vampire cult vibes with this music that come to mind. Do we check the rear exits before entering ? »

Chase didn't have time to respond.

A "Boo!" came from his back. Carl jumped and shouted his surprise in a pretty girlish voice. Behind him, a kind of folded white sheet writhed with laughter. Carl was trying to catch his breath and Chase was trying not to humiliate his friend any more with his laughter.

“Whatthehellwasthat ??? »

Carl turned around. The young ghost sat up and Chase felt his broad smile under the sheet.

« TJ ? But what the hell are you doing here ? »

Chase recovered. Terrence was the youngest member of their group. Barely 13 but a strong aversion to insults and rudeness. Everyone made an effort when he was around. Of all of them, he was the most innocent and everyone wanted to keep him as intact as possible for as long as possible.

Of him, Chase could only imagine his still childish face under his costume.

"I'm sorry Carl, didn't expect to scare you so much !

- We’ll discuss it when my heart starts beating again...

- What are you doing here TJ ? And why this costume ?

- Mom left me about three minutes ago. We saw you on the road, we didn't stop because you were almost there. But hey, it got you some exercise. »

Carl felt that this remark particularly concerned him.

" The suit ? Mom took back the one she made for me for my 10th birthday to go faster. Because of my activities at the Church, I could not do Halloween yesterday. To thank me for my volunteering, Mom quickly inquired and got wind of the evening. I didn't know you were coming. 

- Same for us… »

Chase could well imagine the pleasure TJ derived from the prospect of such an evening.

"That's nice of your mom but… Well that's okay.

- It’s great anyway. I had never been to such a party before. »

Chase looked at TJ. The innocence of this boy was disarming. He obviously didn't know what trouble he was getting into. Neither was his mother, that was obvious. He stood close to Carl to speak to him discreetly.

"We'll keep an eye on him while we look for Leo ok ? At worst, we can leave him with him long enough to bring her back. »

Carl nodded quickly. Out of the question to leave such a potential victim alone in this lair.

“Flynn told me Leo would probably be there too.

- Oh good ? I haven't heard of it. »

Ah, at least Carl and Chase weren't the only ones being ignored.

"Let's go and look for Leo guys ?" »

The trio set off.

Carl also leaned into Chase's ear.

"Don't you find that strange ? Almost no one came out. Not even for smoking. I do not like it.

- Yes I saw. They have to do everything inside.

- Huh… In any case, it's the kind of evening where Leo goes without telling us about it. »

Carl did not hide his bitterness. To be frank, Chase thought the same thing.

Chase's pocket then began to vibrate. The boy looked at the screen.

His mother.

Oh shit. Not now.

Chase ignored the call and put his cell phone back in his pocket.

Chase walked forward and when he reached the door he smelled the smell of decay, of crumbling concrete, the bass of the music kicking up the dust. The group also smelled the scent of alcohol, cannabis and cheap scents flooding the necks of the girls.

Passing a corner of the wall, the group saw the first decorations. Groups of black candles, lit. Chase thought that the theory of satanic vampires on the go was gaining weight. And the music reinforced that feeling. The walls of the old garage had long since lost that generic light brown. Between the tags honoring famous and dead Californian rappers, you could see the original ocher paint.

“Hey wait for us Chase.

- Man, the acoustics here suck...

- Looks like no one is there.

- I believe they are further down the building.

- We can split up and explore the place isolated from each other…”

Chase looked at Carl.

"I know, bad idea. »

Chase opened the door and finally the evening delivered its secrets.

It was not a rave. Chase saw about fifteen people across the room. Others entered and left the large adjoining room. Everyone gathered around three barrels of beer on a table. Large plastic cups were already spilled on the concrete floor and more were being filled among the group. A group of girls seemed to be gathered in front of a painting. Chase recognized a kind of annual book. They chatted, sometimes pointing to a portrait before bursting out laughing. Their voices were deafening and high-pitched. The accent of alcohol was heard. Chase identified two or three people vaguely interviewed in the common courtyard between high school and college.

"Isn't that Heather by the kegs ?" 

TJ was right. It was her. She and Jenna used to see each other sometimes but if she knew each other well, they weren't friends, no. In her dress of a sparkling blue fabric, she took great sips while laughing with her friends. There was a large bowl of punch and even from where they were it was obvious from the smell that it did not only contain fruit juice.

But where TJ's mother been fishing for her information ?

Some of the group then spotted Chase and Carl, and the gossip resumed. TJ didn't seem aware that he was nominated too.

Hey, but where had he gone by the way ?

Carl and Chase then saw him, arms raised, walking through the room, uttering ghostly howls, twirling on his own, stepping sideways to cover the room.

"It's Deaths Day !" 

It was like watching a road accident about to happen. The boys knew it was going to go wrong but they didn't know how or what to do to stop it.

TJ was approaching Heather when tragedy struck. The random passage of the participants in front prevented seeing the whole unfolding of the scene. The young woman screamed in surprise like Carl before. Those present stood aside to see what was happening.

TJ was holding Heather from behind ?

No, impossible. But Heather was trying to pull away and two girls started kicking and pulling on the boy's arms to get him out of there. TJ was now completely scared and freaked out from his movements. Heather recoiled in fear and insulted the poor kid.

"But what is this pervert ? Get the fuck out of there ! He fiddled with my boobs ! »

Heather broke free and fell into the arms of a friend where she sobbed. Poor TJ was now surrounded by a hostile mob. He was trying to free himself, screaming. Chase leapt to his aid, trying to ward off the guests with his canary arms as they began to smack the boy across the head. A bigger shock than the others and TJ was on the ground. The sheet was thick and cushioned the shock. He was crying now. Chase was trying to rescue his friend.

"But leave him, he's a kid !

- Liar ! He rubbed against my ass ! »

Chase knew that was impossible. He also thought that Heather had probably already fucked herself the male half of her class anyway. Misogynistic but founded thought. But his efforts were in vain.

« Heather ! It's just TJ ! You know him ! He can't do such a thing !

- He touched me I tell you ! He put his hand on my puss ! Hannah, go get Daryl ! »

Heather was sobbing. At the sound of his voice and the sight of his gestures, she hadn't been sober for quite a while. Just like TJ on the floor, regularly kicked ass always covered in that silly sheet. The poor boy was trying to protect himself as best he could, shackled in this sheet.

The atmosphere remained electric. The music did not calm anything and curious people came from the main room to see what was happening. The alcohol already distributed did not help either.

Chase left a still hysterical Heather and tried to rescue TJ by throwing himself on him. But a strong hand stopped him in his tracks. Chase looked at the young adult in front of him.

He was a concentrate of bad news. MAGA red trucker's cap upside down, dirty check shirt for at least a year, open on a hairy chest, a badly trimmed beard and jeans with holes in the knees.

Not to mention the spurs on his boots.

WHO put spurs on boots ?

"Is it that jerk ? »

His voice was full of nonsense and his breath bad beer.

Chase tried to calm things down, soothing hands outstretched.

"No it's not what you think. He fell that's all, TJ tripped over his suit and Heather thought...

- I know what I mean ! That bastard raped me ! »

Yea, that’s it… But Chase knew it was a foregone conclusion. He tried anyway, his heart pounding. He who hated conflict situations, he was served. And where the hell was Carl by the way ? And Leo ?

Chase didn't know that. He had just in front of him a kind of drunk driver or even drunk who was a good ten years older than everyone else. The kind to make high school girls who are still minors without thinking of harm.

"Is it him then ?" 

The stranger clenched both fists.

"But look at him ! He's still a kid ! His suit came undone and he tripped, that's all. »

Chase had no idea. But TJ was in tears and for all the gold in the world he would never sexually assault anyone. It was the only logical explanation.

"We're sick of you rapists. »

Bad news…

"I don't know anyone here but Heather…"

A new speaker spoke to show his agreement with the driver. Turning his head, Chase saw that Carl was gone.

Chase had only one card left to play.

« Leo ! Leo are you here ? Leo, I…"

Chase didn't have time to continue. He felt the first punch hit his cheek.

Small consolation, he did not felt the others.