Chapter 6 Strangers In The Dark (1/2)
”OUCH,” Laz complained.
”Shut it,” Grandpa Chu replied, walking back behind the counter.
Laughing out load, Uncle Chu grabbed Laz and dragged him behind the counter and motioned for him to go turn on the TV. Flipping it on, it immediately popped up on a news channel with a live report from a beach in Florida.
”As you can see in the distance, the vague outline of the object that appears to be a giant tree can be seen out on the horizon. People are baffled as no one remembers seeing anything like this before the sun went down last night. Government officials are refusing to make any sort of comment about what this is or what happened, only stating that the anomaly is being looked into. Reports from inside have said that many major countries are arguing as to what course of action should be taken, but many agree that the U.N. should send out some sort of scientific research team to investigate. Many are also putting support behind getting some sort of joint military presence in the area although no one can really say what they would have to worry about from a tree. No ships are being allowed to sail through the area as quite a few U.N. members have already started moving ships into the area to set up a blockade. It has also become a no fly zone and anyone caught flying in will be shot down if warnings are not followed. A fishing vessel, the Elliot Ness, went missing last night, their last location ping being right around this coordinate. With no further information being available, we will keep you up to date on this strange scientific phenomenon as it develops.”
”Wow,” Laz uttered, totally bewildered.
”What is this?”
”No idea,” Grandpa Chu said, looking over.
”But it has nothing to do with us. Go get washed up Laz, Uncle needs to go in the back and start cooking for the dinner orders. I will go back to help him once you are up here and set.”
”You got it Grandpa Chu,” Laz saluted and ran over to the sink to was up and put on his ”uniform.”
It wasn't an overly busy night, but there were still many orders that came in. Laz took orders on the front counter and answered the phone in a swift and practiced manner. After having worked here for a year, he liked this sort of work. With his hat and jacket, he felt like he was basically in a mask. No one would recognize him and he was able to interact with people in a calm and cool manner. He didn't have the chance to take out any orders but that wasn't a problem. He just enjoyed the feeling of doing something.
As the dinner rush wrapped up, Grandpa Chu walked up from the back and putting his hand down on Laz's shoulder, said ”Hey, that should be it for tonight. Thanks for the help again little Laz.”
”No problem Grandpa. I should be heading home to do up what homework I have.”
”Sure, sure. It gets dark earlier now and it's a bit cold. You want Uncle to give you a ride back?” Grandpa Chu asked with care in his voice.
”No, it's fine. It's not that far and it's not too cold yet.”
”Alright, don't forget you bag then and we will see you tomorrow.”