Joanne Bergson 2.01

The day strikes its first notes of blue as Joanne brews a few cups of her favorite coffee brand. With the click of a button the news start playing on the TV. Terrorists have bombed the Channel Tunnel that runs between London and France, killing thousands and causing an exorbitant amount of money in damages. The world is outraged and the only clue to who may have done it is a video left on a popular streaming website, from an anonymous account. In the video, an artificially generated voice over a completely black screen identifies itself as an anarchist military group called Enkidu and proudly announces they are responsible of the attack on the Channel Tunnel, claiming that civilization is the source of all human problems. They promise that this will not be the end—we should all be afraid. Very afraid.

Joanne Bergson shrugs off the news. She’s got more important things to think about. Like what she’s going to wear tonight for her first webcam show, and how well would her friend Genevieve Meier take the news of her new job description. They’re meeting for brunch at the new restaurant at the mall. Free mimosas and all.

A text message reads: “I’m sorry. I don’t know if you’ve heard the news. There’s just been an explosion at the Channel Tunnel. I’ve been sent to cover it. Won’t be able to make it for brunch today. Love You !!”

Joanne responds: “Could I come with you?”

Genevieve writes: “You’ll have to hurry up. I’ll buy you a ticket and pick you up on our way to the airport.”

Joanne replies: “馃グI’ll pay you back. You won’t regret it!”

As they crossed to the airport with their suitcases, walking towards the gate, tacking on the ground their fascinating assertiveness, anyone would’ve guessed their gabardine coats entangled them into a relationship status that was not already there. Bottom line, maybe only an airplane Captain might allow himself to become distracted, entertaining a hazy sky-high fantasy of sorts. Everyone else being left full of intimidation with traces of intrigue and shame. At the gate, Joanne knew her fabricated documents were in perfect order.

During the nine hour flight Joanne discussed her ideas with the journalist, who immediately pointed out to her some holes and pitfalls in her plan, and she soon grew dispirited. The problem was way larger than she anticipated and she would just be a small vigilante putting a band-aid on a severed aorta.

© 2023 G. D谩vila

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