A Stroke Of Originality

The warning sirens screeched all around the city when an unknown object crashed into the planet. Creatures emerged from the unidentifiable flying object rampaging and killing everything, and everyone in sight. People were running for their lives causing chaos throughout the city. Kelvin didn’t know what was going on, but with all the ensuing chaos he just ran and didn’t look back. Kelvin ran into Nygil’s Coffee n Book shop with a crowd of people and slammed the door shut.

“Turn off all the lights and cover the blinds!” A man yelled taking control of the situation. Some people ran and did what the man asked without question.

“Now please, everyone stay quiet! No matter what, until we can figure out what’s going on.” He continued.

It took the man close to an hour to finally get everyone quiet and calm while all the chaos ensued outside the shop’s doors. He walked up to Kelvin sitting up against a wall with his head tucked inside his knees.

“You okay there boss?” The man asked Kelvin

Kelvin looked up to a scruffy bearded, pale-skinned man crouched down hovering over him staring with glaring blue eyes wearing a hoodie and cargo pants.

“I’m okay.” Kelvin finally replied with a shaky voice.

“I’m Ryan.” He said extending his hand out

“I’m Kelvin.” Kelvin shook Ryan’s hand.

“Nice to meet you Kelvin, but unfortunately we don’t have the time for pleasantries in our current situation, so I’m going to need your help.” Ryan insisted.

“I’m not going back outside.” Kelvin blurted, followed by some gasps around the room.

“Keep your voice down, no one is going outside. I just need you to help me look around for a radio or television so we can get updates on what’s going on without anyone leaving. Think you can do that?” Ryan asked.

Kelvin stood up and gave the nod, and Ryan followed suit giving Kelvin a nod to support him. They rummaged through the shop until Kelvin pulled an old radio from out a desk.

“This could work.” Ryan grabbed the radio and immediately began fiddling with it.

“Are you like some kind of prior military or something or are you just always this calm?” Kelvin was curious.

“Prior Air Force Special Forces for two years. but I lost my arches and soon after my knees followed.” Ryan gave a slight laugh.

Kelvin stood there puzzled, wondering why Ryan thought it was funny. “Why’s that funny?” Kelvin finally decided to ask.

“Well, I’m currently doing the same job I would have been doing if I were still in. Keeping people calm, fixing radios, and stopping the bad guys from killing people.” He laughed again as the radio came to life.

“Stay… In.. don… leave..” The female voice barely came in through the static.

Kelvins face lit up as he heard the female’s voice come through the radio. Although static followed it was something.

“I’m going to fix that, so it will come in clear.” Ryan still had the grin on his face.

As Ryan fixed it, he and Kelvin heard commotion in the other room. Someone yelling they were tired of staying put and others saying the same. As Ryan got up to hurry to the room chaos erupted as he made his way there. Someone unlocked the door and ran out into the darkness, and many others followed. As the last person attempted to run out the door, a sharp claw pierced his body killing him instantly. A loud screeching followed, and Kelvin ran from behind Ryan and tried to push the door close forcibly, but the claw prevented that. Ryan saw a spray can and began fiddling with his pockets for his lighter.

“Come on, come on!” Ryan shouted as he tried to get his lighter to spark a flame.

Once the flame sparked Ryan sprayed the bottle making a makeshift flamethrower lighting the claw on fire, and sending the creature fleeing. Kelvin immediately slammed the door leaving a piece of the charred creature in the shop. Everyone stared at the charred claw in silence.

“Anyone else has any bright ideas of leaving this place!?” Ryan yelled breaking the silence. He didn’t get any response as everyone stared at him. “If you do let me know because I’ll hog tie you or kill you before I let you open this door again putting us all in danger.” He continued. “Now let’s get some shelves to barricade this door. Afterward, maybe get caught up on that book you’ve always wanted to read because it seems like we are in this for the long run.”

Everyone started moving to put stuff by windows and the door, while Ryan walked up to Kelvin who was still heavily panting slumped over with his hands resting on his knees.

“Just breath. You’re okay.” Ryan helped Kelvin calm down from his adrenaline rush. “Quick thinking there Kelvin, you saved our asses back there.”

“That was probably the dumbest thing I’ve done in my life.” Kelvin finally caught his breath.

Ryan laughed. “You have quick instincts kid. I know it’s a lot to ask, but I’m going to need you to help me keep these folks safe. Think you can do that?”

“I’ll try my best.

“That’s all I can ask.” Ryan walked away and grabbed the radio.

“The city is on lockdown, everyone is advised to stay indoors until further notice. Only go outdoors if you absolutely have to, these things are everywhere. What we know so far is they stay away from a fire. That’s all we have, please stay safe everyone, and as updates come in, I will broadcast them on this channel. Stay safe, and aware… “ The broadcast ended.