Chapter 51 Distress
"No one knows where the Ore code is or how to get to it. According to our source, you are the only person who has that information so I need you to remember… remember where it is, and how we can get it." Carlos’s words kept ringing in my ears.
I tried my best to remember, but I just couldn’t. Deep down, I know it—I just don’t know it yet. It’s like when you’re sure you know something, but you can’t quite recall how you know it or what it really is.
"What’s going to happen if I don’t remember?" I asked, slightly worried.
"We’ll have to use a memory machine on you to make you remember," Carlos said
"What is that?" I asked. I have never heard of such before but it sounded scary.
"It’s just a machine, it’s not dangerous or painful, it would just help you remember." He said but a part of me still wasn’t convinced. I was scared that it would be painful and it would make me feel much more uncomfortable than I already am.
Still, I nodded as if I was okay with it. I know I have to be okay with all of this. It’s the only way to get things done correctly after all I promised and I really do want all of this to come to an end. I don’t want anyone else dying because of me.
"You should get some sleep Nala," Carlos said
I nodded and headed to the small corner where the bed is. Noticing that it’s only one small bed I turned to Carlos "Where are you going to sleep?"
"Across the hall."
"We can’t sleep there together?" I asked the question I never thought I would. I am just too scared to be on my own right now.
Carlos cupped my face as he said "Unfortunately we can’t. The plane beds aren’t that big enough and I need to be with the guys to plan the rest of the mission."
"Ohh." I sighed slightly disappointed
"Yeah, you should just go to bed. I’ll be across the hall if you need me or you can just ring that bell sitting next to your bed. I’ll be right there." He said calmly.
I glanced at the bell, then at him. It wasn’t enough to stop my heart from racing. Carlos stepped forward, pressed his lips to my forehead, then stepped back and brushed my hair aside. "Goodnight," He said.
"Goodnight, Carlos."
He left the room, and I lay on the bed, trying to sleep. I stayed there for a long time, doing my best to drift off, but sleep wouldn’t come.
I’m not even surprised that I can’t sleep. My heart isn’t at peace, and my mind can’t process everything that’s happening. I know this is what I wanted but for some reason, it’s just too hard to comprehend. It’s too hard not to stop thinking about it.
I let out a heavy breath as I turned to lie on my right side, hoping it would help me sleep, but it didn’t. I kept turning over and over, yet it felt as though sleep was being kept away from me on purpose.
Sitting up, I covered my face with my hand. I needed to do something—anything—to distract myself from all the stress.
But what can I do?
I started looking around the room, thinking of what to do to get myself to sleep. Then I noticed the small drawer, I opened it hoping to find a newspaper or a book— something boring enough to make me sleep.
I saw a book inside and picked it up. It’s all old feminist book that seems like what I wanted.
I started reading, and soon the boredom began to settle in, which was exactly what I wanted. Before I knew it, I had drifted off.
But it didn’t get any better. I thought I’d finally have some peace, that I’ll finally be in the best position to just rest but that’s not what happened. My mind stayed tangled and each stressful thought started spilling into my dreams.
I saw Susan and Mario Menendez sitting on a couch, talking. Both were holding guns, their conversation heated, but their anger wasn’t directed at each other—it was at someone else, someone I didn’t know.
Suddenly, Susan stood up, and out of nowhere, Carlos appeared. They started arguing and fighting about something I couldn’t make sense of. Susan pulled the trigger, but Carlos dodged it and began fighting her and Mario, along with the entire Menendez army.
For some reason, I was holding a box that felt like the Oro Code. I shouted for Carlos to leave them and come with me as I ran. He fought them off and started running after me. I began to feel relieved—until a gunshot hit him, and he fell. I turned back to help him, but Susan shot me. She took the Oro Code and forced me to open it. When I did, a wicked grin spread across her face before she shot me again. That was the end.
I jolted awake, my heart pounding. Looking around the room, I realized it was just a nightmare. Thank God it was only a dream. I don’t know what I’d do if it weren’t.
I took a sip of water and tried to fall asleep again, but I couldn’t. So I got up, walked out of the room, and headed to where Carlos was. He was lying on his bed, eyes fixed on the ceiling, and he was still awake.
When he noticed me, he sat up. "Nala, what’s wrong?" He asked, worry in his voice.
"I can’t sleep. Can I lie next to you?" I asked quietly.
"Of course." He shifted, making room for me on the small bed. There wasn’t much space for both of us, but it felt far more comforting to be beside him than alone.
Carlos gently patted my back, his touch steady and reassuring, until I finally drifted off into peaceful sleep.