"I hate this place."

"God, Chris, stop saying that."

"It's creepy down here, Annie!"

"Keep your voice down. This is a library."

"It's barely a library; there aren't any books. And there's no one else here, I can talk as loud as I want!"

"There are memories here, Chris. And there are books. Just not a lot."

"If by memories you mean ghosts, then at least we can agree. This basement is haunted as heck."

"Ghosts, honestly? Grow up. Do you think Mom and Dad are gonna swoop through the walls and getcha?"

"I don't know, Annie, maybe they could. We're the ones picking around in their stuff. In their secret basement stuff."

"The basement was never a secret."

"Off-limits, then."

"Hm."

"Yeah, remember when you were nine? Mom blew a fuse when you stuck in here, looking for... which cat was that?"

"That was Sandy. And how was I supposed to know that 'don't go in the basement' meant that there were bodies down here?"

"Ha! Are you saying you didn't know before then? How else could they do their research? They were scientists!"

"I said keep your voice down. And I was nine! You were fourteen by then. I bet you snuck in here all the time."

"Heck no! I told you, I hate this place. You're the one that got the evil-scientist gene."

"Well, someone needs it. There's unfinished work down here."

"Please don't open that jar, Annie. That's an eye. A human eye. Oh, God. Put that down!"

"Chris, are you gonna help or not? We've got a lot of papers--and jars--to go through. I'm going to learn everything there is to know about Mom and Dad's experiments."

"Seriously, put that jar down. No, don't pick up the liver. Gross! I do not want to help. Their research is what got them killed!"

"Exactly why we need to pick up where they left off. Reanimation, Chris. Wouldn't that be amazing? We'd get to see them again..."

"I hate this place."

“Why you cryin’, boy?”

“Mama, it’s my birthday. You said you wasn’t gonna drink today. For me. You said we was gonna go to the park. You, me and Dani. You promised, mama.”

“Don’t you be tellin’ me what I said, boy.”

“Ooooow!”

“Now see what you done, boy! Made me hit your sister with that glass. I’m gonna beat you boy! Making your sista’ cry like that.”

“But mama...Mama! Don’t!”

“I hate you, boy! You hear me! I hate you! You ain’t nothin’ and ain’t never gonna be nothin’! It’s your fault we stuck in this dirty piece of shit hole. Weren’t for you, I’d be a famous movie star by now. I’d be somebody...Why the hell we gonna celebrate your sorry ass coming into this world. You ain’t been nothin’ but trouble since you was born.”

“Mama! Please! Stop! Mama!”

****

“Well, go on then. Get up. Change your clothes and put something clean on your sister. We best be going to the park while it’s still light out.

“Boy? You hear me, boy?”

“He’s not moving, mama.”

“Boy, stop your playing. You better get on up off that floor now if you wanna be going to that park for your birthday.

“Boy?”

“Mama?”

“Yes, baby?”

“Teddy is bloodin’.”

“Oh baby. What I gone and done? What I gone and done?”

“Welcome one and all. Yes please have a seat. There are a few available seats in the front row. That’s it. I don’t bite. I am so happy all of you could make it out tonight. I am going to take you on a journey that will hopefully help you all become a better you. Look around. What do you see?”

“Losers!”

“No, I see a bunch of winners. I see mothers and fathers. Sons and daughters. People who all want to be the best versions of themselves and just aren’t sure where to begin. That is where I come in. I have spoken in many places to many people. You can read many testimonials online if you would like. First thing I want everyone to turn to someone near by and say ‘You are not a loser’.”

“Sam, you are not a loser.”

“Billy… you are a loser… but you’re my best friend.”

“Ah screw you, Sam.”

“I don’t know why I let you talk me into coming to this honkey event. What does this lady know that I don’t?”

“Nice, alright now everyone close your eyes. Imagine you are some place that makes you happy. Pay close attention. What are you surrounded by? Who is there? Everyone got it? Now open your eyes and on the paper in front of you jot down what and who you saw.”

“Hey Billy, I saw your mom on her knees in front of me.”

“Damn it man would you shut up?”

“The people you saw are the ones closest to you. Keep these in mind. They are essential to your journey. If you didn’t see anyone then maybe you are needing to work on yourself right now. Nothing wrong with that either. Now what you were doing is what is going to get you to happiness. Happiness is achievable folks. You just have to know where to go to find it. Now we are going to talk about how we can reach this happiness.”

“Five bucks says here comes a story about how she reached happiness.”

“Shhh… but you’re on.”

“You see I had a hard childhood. Drug addicted mom. Sex addicted dad. They didn’t get along. While he went out to find love with other people, mom stayed in to find love inside a syringe. And it was always better not to be around when the end of the night came and they both got angry for the choices each one was making.”

“Pay up chump.”

“Shhh”

“I often had to take care of myself. I grew up very sad and lonely. I would go into my room, close the door, and dream of a world where I could be happy. A world where drugs and affairs didn’t exist. In this world I was sitting by a beach reading books and teaching small kids to become better. As I got older I slowly realized what that meant. I wanted to spend my life teaching others to be happy. When I started doing that I finally found peace. Now, I want to help all of you achieve that same peace.”

“Seriously man, next time you try to drag me to an event I am going to tell you hell no.”

“Sam… would you just shut up and listen? Maybe it would do you some good to listen to how to be happy. You’re always walking around like you just heard your dog died.”

“Now, this process isn’t a quick one. If it was just a matter of finding out what is important and then Bob’s your uncle you are happy, I would be out of a job. The next thing you have to do is decide to say yes to life. When someone asks you to do something that scares you say yes. It might just be what you need to launch your future. Fear means you care and you can’t go wrong with a little caring. Then you need to stop breaking promises to yourself…”

“Sam! Sam!! Come on man you are drooling. It is over get up!”

“What? Oh man, I can’t believe I fell asleep. Woo! Alright let’s get some grub on the way back yeah? All that talk made me hungry.”

“Hey you!!! Give me your wallet! Now!”

“Hold on buddy…”

“Yes, here.”

“Sam, what are you doing?”

“I don’t know I just feel the need to say yes, especially when things scare me.”

“Umm.. alright.”

“Uh thanks. Now help me rob a bank!”

“Dude he just gave you his wallet isn’t that-“

“Yes, let’s go.”

“Sam, what-“

“I am saying yes to life Billy! Come say yes to life with us!”

“No are you crazy?”

“Yes!”

"Engine 59: Alarm."

"Alarm: Engine 59: Go ahead."

"Engine 59: Structure fire —5780 Hickory Lane. RP reports flames showing."

"Alarm: Engine 59: Show us in route."

"Hey Cap, Hickory Lane, isn't that the Oak Hills Community?"

"Yeah, I'm mapping us in now."

"You've got traffic coming up here on your left. Hit the roller siren before you head through this intersection."

"How the heck do you miss seeing a fire engine coming hot with lights and sirens through an intersection?"

"Stupid cell phones!"

"Lay on the horn, maybe that'll get 'em off the phone, right, Cap?"

"Who knows. They're all zombies anymore."

"Hey, up ahead — smoke's showin'. Looks like we've got ourselves a worker boys."

"Ayers, this one's behind the gate. Get dispatch on the line and get the code."

"Copy that."

"Guard's at the gatehouse, Cap, and already opened it."

"Copy."

"Simmons, your street's coming up here on the left, up the hill."

"Copy that. Do you know if Hickory has a hydrant or is it on the cross street?"

"Let's wrap this hydrant, here, it's closest."

"Copy."

"Ayers, let us know when you're ready to flow water."

"Copy, that, Cap."

****

"Help! Help! There's an older couple that lives here. Both their cars are in the garage! I tried their front door, but it's locked with a security screen. Please, hurry! She doesn't get around good and her husband just had a stroke last month. Please, you have to get in there!"

"Alarm: Engine 59."

"Engine 59: Go ahead."

"Looks like we've got two possible occupants inside. Get me an IC and Safety Officer in route."

"Engine 59: Two possible occupants and an IC and Safety Officer needed."

"Copy."

****

"Okay, folks, we're gonna need you all to step back to the other side of the street. Let our crews get in here and work."

"Simmons, I'm gonna do a 360."

"Copy, Cap."

"Alarm: Engine 59."

"Engine 59: Go ahead."

"We've got a single dwelling, brick and wood construction home;

approximately 2400 square feet. The flames are on the alpha side of the building. Do you have utilities on their way?"

"Engine 59: That's affirmative. Utilities are in route."

"Simmons, you got water flowing yet?"

"Affirmative."

"Ayers, grab the Halligen and the TIC we're gonna have to force entry through the front door and head toward the seat of the fire. We'll be doing a right hand search toward the Alpha/Bravo corner. "

"Copy that."

"Check both those doors for heat before you pry 'em open!"

"Got it, Cap."

****

"Fire Department! Call out!"

"Fire Department! Call out!"

"Hey Cap, that smoke is really creeping on the ceiling from that closed door, ahead."

"Let's hit it with some water. See if we get any steam."

"Copy. Hitting it with water."

"IC: Portable 59."

"Portable 59: Go ahead."

"We've got the seat of the fire contained in the Alpha/Bravo corner behind a door with backdraft conditions. We're gonna need a vent before we open it."

"Copy that. Crews are on the roof now. Hold your position."

"Cap! We need that vent now! We gotta get in there!"

"IC: Portable 59."

"Portable 59: Go ahead."

"We've got a vent above the seat of the fire. You're clear to move in."

"Copy. Roof is vented. Clear to hit the seat of the fire."

"Ayers, we've got a vent. Let's get that door open now!"

"Copy, Cap."

"IC: Portable 59."

"Portable 59: Go ahead."

"We've got a knock down on the seat of the fire. We've got two victims in here, unconscious. Send in another crew. We're gonna need help getting them both out."

"Portable 59: Copy. Knock down on the seat of the fire. Two victims. We're sending in the RIC crew now."

"Cap, she's light enough. I can get her out on my own."

"You're low on air! I hear your indicator vibrating, Ayers! Give me the hose line. I'll hold up until 58's here to help with him. Go! Go! Go!"

"Mateo! Oh my god, how are you? I haven't seen you in forever!"

"Oh, hi. Renee. I'm fine."

"It is so crazy to run into you here, of all places! I really just can't believe it. I mean, one minute, I was sitting at home in boring old Milwaukee, but then I got a call from a strange foreign prince that he was going to pay for me to take a vacation anywhere I wanted if I only gave him my credit card information! Isn't that amazing? I just can NOT believe. Me! Of all people! Haha, so here I am, at the airport in Chicago, ready to board a plane and go to Spain! Oh! I rhymed! Life really is just so funny sometimes when you think about it, isn't it Mateo?"

"Uh, yeah, yeah, it is. Wow, a foreign prince? Did he give you his name?"

"Oh no, of course not! It's all very secret and confidential. You know how it is. He has to keep himself safe just in case they're listening over the phone! I'm just so excited for this trip, I haven't been on any exciting vacations since we graduated college, and that was ten years ago! Oh, how time flies. Oh! Mateo! I forgot to ask! Why are you here? Where are you off to?

"I'm, uh, actually just getting back. From Toledo. My mom died."

"Oh, no! I'm so sorry. Look at me, just blabbing on and on and on about my life! That was so selfish of me. I should really learn how to just shut my mouth and listen to people every now and again. That must be so horrible for you and your family. Your dad is still working at that law firm, right? And your sister is still a news anchor over there? What was her name again?"

"Oh, it's Saman--"

"Samantha! Yes! God, she used to be so much fun when we were all in college, partying it up and having so much fun! I miss those days. Now it's all blah, blah, blah, take care of my kids, go to work, get the groceries. Ugh. It's all so mundane and, like, adult. But you know how that goes, right, Mateo? Oh gosh, how's Madaline?"

"We broke up."

"Oh, sweetie, I'm so sorry. That really is too bad. You two were such a handsome couple! My husband and I were always so jealous of how effortless you made it all look! I mean, seriously. Remember that one night, junior year, when we all snuck into the science building to see those frogs they were keeping in the lab? On GOD, that was one of the best nigh--"

"Renee! Please! This is really not the time. You have to catch your flight to wherever the hell that scam is sending you, and I need to get home. Oh, hold on, my sister is calling. See you later, Renee. Have a safe flight."

"But, Mateo, your phone didn't even ring, silly! Mateo? Why are you walking away? We have so much to catch up on! Mateo! Huh. Bye, I guess. I wonder what got into him."

Hello?...Hello?...Can you hear me?

Yes darling, loud and clear. What’s on your mind, to travel so far into my dark kingdom? Surely not to see me! I thought all of you hated me, up there basking in the rays of sunlight.

No...I’m not here for you! I want to see her...

See who? I don’t memorize all your names, pathetic human.

Emily Daves, I want to see her!

Let me check in my Book of Names...alright, found her name! Emily Daves, 16 year old girl who passed away from..oh that’s a terrible end. The little darling's life must've been a nightmare!

STOP! Don’t make fun of her or I’ll kill you!

What’s with you, kid? Where are your manners? Barging in my home and demanding things from me like I’m your servant?! And what’s with all the tears?

Sorry...it’s just...she’s...she’s my older sister...she was really sick, and really upset because of it...I thought I was able to help...I went to see her every weekend at the hospital...ma did everything to try to get her better...I don’t understand why she got worse...I just wanna make sure she's ok...please I really miss her! Sir, could I please see her?

You got a ticket, kid?

A ticket? Well, um... no...

No ticket, no entry! Sorry kid, maybe die first to see your dead sister.

Where can I get a ticket?

Up there kid, up in the Clouds.

How do I get to the Clouds?

You have to be invited. Sorry, I haven’t been up there in a few billion years, so I don’t know how.

But there has to be some way!

Love to stay and chat about it, but I’m pretty busy ruling the Underworld, so I best be off! Get off my doorstep now, will ya?

WAIT! I’m not leaving until I see her!

Goodbye!

No, no, no! Open the door, sir! Open it please!!! Answer me please!!! Please, I want to see her! LET ME SEE HER! AHHHH!

What the fuck is going on?! Pain!

Yes, sir? You called?

Get your ugly ass out there and command the hellhounds to drive this human kid away. He’s causing a rucus!

Yes, sir!

LET ME SEE HER! LET ME SEE MY SISTER!

Sir....the kid...

Yes?! You got rid of him did you?

Well, no sir...

WHAT?! You’re the most pathetic servant ever, Pain! Can’t even take care of a little human pest?

Sir, he isn’t human though.

What do you mean? He is, I just saw him! Pain, your jokes aren’t funny.

Sorry Sir! I was not trying to be funny Sir! ...but I really don’t think he’s human. He murdered the hellhounds with his blue flames.

...huh? Blue flames? You don’t mean...? He can’t be a demigod, now can he?

That might be the case, sir!

Alright, I guess I have to take care of this myself.

LET ME SEE HER NOW! OR I’LL BURN EVERYTHING!

WOW! Kid! Kid! What are you doing?! Calm down a bit!

NO! LET ME SEE HER!

Yes! Yes! All the Underworld heard you! Can we talk like civilized humans and gods? Stop the flames, please!

Fine! Just get her for me! I don’t even want to come into your palace! Just let me see her!

I wish I could, but without a ticket I can’t reach her.

A ticket? A fucking TICKET? Your King of the Underworld! Why can’t you just get her?

I can’t, cause you see...I kinda screwed things up with my older siblings...which I don’t understand why they even got mad, all I did was murder a few dinosaurs! They were pretty mindless and boring, anyway! Cause of me, we now have you lovely humans! Oh, how much more exciting the lives of gods are with you guys around!

STOP! Don’t ramble to me about your problems! I want you to explain to me why I can’t see my sister!

The aftermath of the whole dinosaur mess-up was...well, my siblings voted to restrict my powers...they don’t trust me and don’t like me, but-

I can totally understand why they’d hate you!

Interrupting, now? I thought you didn’t want to get off track? ‘Don’t ramble!’ YOU said that, right?

Sorry...continue your story.

Well anyway, long story short for your short attention span...I can’t talk to the dead. I can’t see, speak to them or summon them...not anymore, that is. I just watch, like a good little God of the Underworld, on my throne of bones...so boring!

So, your practically useless? Just my luck! Finally made it down here, and all I get is you?

Hey, kid! I’m not useless!

You kinda are! If you can’t help me, how do I get to the Clouds? I need to see my sister, and I need to see her as soon as possible! I can’t wait anymore!

Calm down, kid! And would you cut it out with those blue flames? You’re gonna destroy my door! Don’t make me use my own powers...it could get ugly for you...you know what happened to the dinosaurs.

Ughhh!

Hey, kid. I’ll try sending in a message for you, how’s that? Mind you, I have no idea if they’ll answer up there but I’ll try. See? I’m pretty generous for a god! Now, don’t freak out when I close the door this time, I’ll be right back I promise.

Pain!

Yes, sir?

Need to send a message to the Clouds, for a young man wishing to see his sister.

But Sir...no one answered last time.

That’s cause I wanted some heavenly wine from up there last time...man they’re so stingy! Can’t even send a bottle down! This is a different matter, however Title the letter: think I found one of your long lost bastard sons, eldest brother. Came knocking on my doorstep, and tried burning the door down with blue flames.

Yes, Sir!

...

Message sent, Sir!

Hey kid, told ya I’d be back.

King of the Underworld, you sent the Cloud Kingdom an urgent message? Are you right in the head to proclaim you found a demigod with blue flames?!

Wow, that was a fast reply! Why yes, little brother! Long time no see! Huh, so eldest brother made you his messenger?

Shut up! Just tell me what you want!

Here is the young demigod I spoke of, tell eldest brother about him! Honestly, just take him with you, he’s been bugging me alot with his screaming and threats and blue flames. You know this would have been solved without involving the Clouds if I had my powers restored but-

Shut up, would you for a second?! You’re so annoying!

Wow, they really don’t like you, King of the Underworld?

Told ya, kid! They’re still hung up on the dumb dinos!

Huh, so this is the boy?

Are you able to help me find my sister? I need to ask her something.

Yes, the Cloud Kingdom will see to that! Come with me, there is someone I would like you to meet first.

Alright, I’ll do whatever if it gets me a step closer to Emily.

Bye, King of the Underworld. You’re really useless, ya know?

Bye, pathetic demigod, till next time. Hopefully you pick up a few manners before then.

What an interesting day in the Underworld, huh Pain?

Yes, Sir!