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- Story Listed as: Fiction For Adults
- Theme: Drama / Human Interest
- Subject: Ideas / Discovery / Opinions
- Published: 03/24/2022
The research project
The Research Project
By: Mary Anne Onyedinma
Chapter 1
An Unexpected Call
Ringggg…..ringggg….ringggg…
"Who is this, and why are you calling me? I am trying to sleep. Leave. Me. Alone!" Just as I was about to hang up the phone, I hear a familiar voice on the line.
"Mob, have you started your research?"
Oh boy, I'm in trouble now.
"I am so sorry, please forgive me—"
"I do not care for your excuses. Tell me. Have you started your research?" Shakingly, I reply, "well, I only arrived here in Texas yesterday. And it was nighttime, so I was exhausted—"
"I do not care. Did you or did you not start your research?"
"No. I have not." Silence filled the air, and the only noise I could hear was my own heartbeat. I could feel the tension slowly wrapping itself around my neck, suffocating me. I thought to myself, please just speak. You're killing me. And as if he had heard my prayer, he spoke once again. "Hmmm, you are pathetic. I knew I should have sent someone else to do this job. You will return tomorrow, and someone else will take your place."
Stunned, I think to myself, this can't be happening. I have worked so hard, suffered so much just so I could be the one who got to do this research project. Taking me out of my thoughts, a booming voice called out. "So I take your silence as obedience? You will come home?"
"No!” I say. “I will not. Please. Give me a week, and I promise the research I find will please you."
"Hmmm," he replied. "Fine. I'll let you have a week to gather all the information you need. But be warned. Insignificant analysis will not be tolerated." And with that, he hanged up the phone.
Whew, dodged a bullet there! I'm so relieved he gave me more time for this research project.
Getting up from bed, I finally started my day.
Chapter 2
The Waitress
I was walking down the street, looking for a good place to begin my research project. About five minutes passed, and I found a little table outside a small building. Great! This table would give me a perfect view of anyone who passes by. I sit down and take out my pen and notebook. Come in all different colors, shapes, and sizes I write. However, even if they are the same color, shape, and size, they look vastly different from each other. Features on their faces make them uniquely different. For transportation, people use bikes, cars, skateboards, etc. Intellect is much greater than a mindless animal, however—
"Good morning, sir! Wha—“
"Ah!" I scream. Quickly I hide my notebook.
Did she see? Does she know? I think to myself.
"Um, are you alright, sir? I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to scare you like that."
"It is ok…”
"Well, may I take your order then?"
"What do you mean?" I say.
"Well, you are currently sitting at Anne's Café, so I assumed you were waiting for someone to take your order."
"Oh, ok…”
"So what would you like to order sir? The menu is right there." Looking up at her, I could see that she had contorted her face weirdly. She was also swaying back and forth, looking from side to side, not saying anything. Oh, she must be uncomfortable, I think to myself. Better order now before she draws a commotion.
"I'll have a grilled cheese sandwich," I say.
"Great! I'll have that out for you shortly." As she walks away, she stares at me from the corner of her eye. Great. She already thinks I'm suspicious. I watch her go up to her employees and start talking to them. She then starts to point at me. “Oh man, I really messed up. I should leave before this gets out of hand.”
I start packing up my things, but before I could leave, she comes out with my food. She places it on the table and says, "Here you go, sir. I hope you enjoy your food!"
"Oh, thank you...”
"Hey, I was just wondering," she says, "I saw you staring at people and writing things down in your notebook…. Um, may I ask what you're doing? You're kind of making people feel uncomfortable."
Dang it, I think to myself. I was so consumed with my thoughts I didn't even look around at my surroundings. I should just tell her the truth. "Well, I am actually doing a research project about humans, so um, yeah… that's why I was doing that. Sorry if I disturbed you. I can lea—"
"Oh no no no that's totally fine. I thought you were doing something creepy. Is this for an English research project?"
"It is, actually. My professor is really mean and strict, so he wants me to get this done by the end of the week, so I was kind of in a hurry…. I should get going before I cause more trouble."
"Of course," she says, "Hope to see you at Anne's Café again!"
As I was leaving, I thought of a great idea. "Hey, wait!"
"Yes?" she says.
"I was just wondering could I ask you questions and study you for my project, perhaps?"
"Sure!"
"Great! On Saturday, we can meet up here at 8:00 p.m., and I can take you out for dinner and ask you the questions then!"
"Wow, you're so kind! I would love to do that!"
"See you then. Bye!"
"Bye!" She says with a massive smile on her face.
Ha, what a fool.
As I start heading back to my apartment, I think to myself, I need to hurry up and find better info. Watching people will not provide me with any useful information. Maybe I should go to a library? Well, whatever it takes, I need to find the answer to the burning question he asked.
What does it mean to be human?
Chapter 3
Perfection
Ah, just look at me. I am the most beautiful and perfect woman in the world.
Practicing my lines in the mirror, I say, "Hello, it’s a pleasure to meet you! My name is Quinn Valentine. Yes, the Valentine that has won Miss America seven times in a row. But I digress. How are you on this lovely day? Is there anything I can do for you?"
While looking at my beautiful face and practicing my lines I noticed the time on my clock. Oh dear, it's almost 12 p.m. better get going before I'm late for my interview.
A perfect woman is never late!
I grab my bag and rush out the door stealing one more glance at myself in the mirror.
Ok, Quinn, make sure you say hi to everyone that passes by you on the street. You don't want people thinking you're unapproachable, now do you? As I'm walking down the street, I see a construction worker up ahead. "Hello there Sir, how are you?" I say.
"Oh, I'm fine. Thank you very much for asking. He says."
"Wow, you are working so hard. Thank you for all that you do, sir." I say as I blow a kiss to him while I pass by. Ok…ok… did everyone see that? A perfect woman talking to someone who is beneath her. Did they see how amazing I am? I hope they did!
I continue walking down the street, and while I'm passing a corner, a man bumps into me, spilling his hot drink all over my clothes. "Ah!" I scream. "What the fuc— Oh, I am so sorry that I bumped into you. I didn't mean to do that. Are you ok?”
"Listen, woman, I have important things to do. Get out of my way."
"Oh," I say.
This can't be happening to me! A perfect woman like me can't show up in dirty clothes! What is wrong with this man! This is all his fault, yet he wants to try and blame me? What am I going to do? I need to be at the interview in 10 minutes. And this idiot ruined my clothes!
"Listen, you disgusting piece of filth. I am going to an interview in 10 minutes, and you spilled your disgusting drink all over me—”
"That sounds like a you problem lady. Now get out of my way."
"No! Listen to me and listen to me good. What is your name Sir?"
"Mob."
“Ok, Mob, let me tell you how everything is going to go down. You are going to go into that clothes store and buy me a new pair of clothes, and then to make it up to me, you are going to be my servant for the rest of the day."
"No," he says.
"You idiot! You do not have a choice in this!”
Blah blah blah. Will this woman ever stop yapping? I can't believe this thing had the audacity to tell me, to serve it. Well, now that I'm thinking about it, she does act very strangely from the rest. Maybe I should pretend to be her slave so I can provide more analysis to my research.
"And another thing—"
"Shut up," I tell her. "I'll be your servant."
"Then go get my clothes, dog. Be back in 3 minutes.”
What a disgusting human.
I come back with her clothes, and she snatches them out of my hands. "You dumb dog, come on before I am late for my interview."
We enter into a building, and she tells me to take a seat outside a door.
"Wait, here I'll be back."
"Whatever," I say.
"Hello, Miss. Valentine, how are you today?" the interviewer says.
"I am doing great. How are you?"
"I'm fine. Now let's get this interview started."
Oh my gosh, why am I so itchy. I can't stop scratching myself. Wait a minute, is that a rash on my arm? What's that doing there?
"Miss Valentine, are you ok you seem to be a little bit distracted. Are you taking this interview seriously?"
"Of course I am! I am so sorry.”
"Um, well, Valentine, although you have a lot of qualifications, I don't think you can get this modeling gig."
"What! What do you mean? Do you know who I am?"
"I do actually, but your lack of attention during this interview shows me that you care very little about this gig. Secondly, you have a disgusting red rash and blisters all over your body. That is disgusting, and no model of mine will have that. Now please exit. The door is on the right."
A rash? Blisters? I only get those when I have an allergic reaction, but the only thing I'm allergic to is coffee. Wait a minute, that idiot. He spilled coffee on me!
"Man, when is that interviewing going to end?"
"Hey! You idiot, you spilled coffee all over me! And ruined my chance at getting this job! You ended my life!
"Ok, I say?"
"Ugh, I wish I never meet you!" she sobs.
Huh, why is she leaking from her face? What is this?
"So what's the plan now? Can I leave, or do you still need me?"
She looks up at me and says, "Here is what we are going to do. The modeling gig is a runway show. We are going to sneak in and watch the show. But before the night ends, I'm going to tell everybody that I was stripped from this opportunity unfairly and why I should have been on this runway show."
"Alright, I have nothing to do.” I say.
"Great, the runway shows starts at 11. Be there then."
"Ok, and what about your appearance. That rash and the blisters all over your body are getting worse by the minute. Are you ok?"
Sigh. "It doesn't matter now that coffee you spilled all over me has done its effect. I just want to say my peace."
"Um, ok, no need to be dramatic."
Chapter 4
The Final Show
"Alright, how are we going to get in Mob? There are seven big security guards at each of the entrances."
"No need to worry, I got this.”
"Ok Mob, just hurry up so we can get in."
"Right. Just stay right here."
"Excuse me, sir, the entrance is over there. No one is allowed back what the? What are—" Thud!
"Wow, so fragile. Come on, Quinn, I took him out." Once we got inside, we sat down in the last row, avoiding everyone.
"Looks like the show's about to start," Quinn says.
"Yep, sure is," I say in my monotone voice. "So why are you wearing that black cloak over you?"
"Because idiot, you spilled coffee all over me. I am highly allergic to coffee. Under this black cloak is something you don't want to see." "Please, I know I have since worse. Besides, you pride yourself on being the perfect human being. So I bet when you have one small blemish, you think the world's ending."
"Ha," she laughs. "I wish it was just one small blemish."
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming to tonight's show. Please turn off all your devices or silence them. If you need to go to the restroom, there is a restroom to the right outside the doors. Lastly, if you have any questions about the clothes you see on the runway tonight, there will be booths outside with people in them, and they will be happy to answer your questions. Now please enjoy the show!"
"Woohoo! Woohoo! Woohoo!” Clap clap clap clap.
"Ok, in about ten minutes, the show will be over. Are you going to go up on stage now?" I ask Quinn.
"No, not yet," she says.
Hmm, something is not right with her. I watch her take out a cloth and cough in it. Huh, why is it red? Don't tell me she's actually dying. She gets up from her seat silently and goes up to the stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I have something to say."
"Get off the stage, old hag!"
"Yeah, we are trying to watch the show!"
"Shut up!" Mob screams, "Let her say what she wants."
"Thank you, Mob. I have lived on this earth for so long. And because of my hard work and dedication, I have become the perfect human being."
"Man, if this little girl don’t get off the stage."
"Shut up and let me finish! I am not done…Nor am I a little girl!
Anyways. As I was saying, I have become the perfect human. And what do I mean by that? Here look at this picture; that is me. Don't I look beautiful?”
"I guess, lady, but what does this have to do with the show?"
"I will get to that point. Anyways how old do you think I am looking at this picture that I took a few weeks ago?"
"I don't know, like 23 maybe."
"Wrong. I am 56 years old."
"Um, ok," the man says?
"See, I have done so many things in order to keep my beauty from youth. Because to be human is to revel in beauty. Our physical characteristics of ourselves are what make us human. I mean, do you see any animal caring about what they look like? No. That is what makes us uniquely different from them. Our essence of human identity revolves around the importance that is placed on our physical state. That is why I am the perfect human. I have done so many things in order to keep my beautiful appearance. What have you all done! Nothing! Nothing! You wasted your humanity! Look at me," Quinn says as she takes off her black cloak.
"Ew, what the heck is that! You are not even beautiful like you claim you are!"
"Shut up! I have lived my life to the fullest. I was the essence of beauty. And I did not take my humanity for granted like all of you did. Cough cough.”
"Oh my gosh! She's coughing up blood someone call the ambulance," a woman shouts from the crowd.
"No, it is my time to go. I have served my purpose. I only wish that you serve yours as well."
Quinn then fell off the stage, and people gathered around to help her.
I however left the building.
Wow, I can't believe that coffee I spilled on her killed her. These people are more fragile than I thought. Hmm, so human identity comes through the essence of their physical state? Alright, Quinn, thank you for the valuable information. I will be using it.
Chapter 5
The Conspiracy Theorist
Alright, I am running out of time. I need to find more useful information that I can use for my research project. I think I am going to go to the library. Let's see what I can find there.
Once I got to the library, I started searching through all the books. Ugh, I can't find the books that I need.
"Hello sir, is there anything I can help you with?” An old lady asks me. "Yes, actually, I am looking for books that talk about the human species." "Oh yes, there are right over there, young man."
"Thank you," I say back to her. I start looking through these books and soon realize they're just biology books. What is wrong with this lady? I already know what humans are made out of. Ugh. Maybe I can search it up? What does it mean to be human? I hope Google can answer that.
Alright, they say that humans are a bearing primate that are classified in the genus as Homo/ H. sapiens. They are physically similar and related to apes. However, they are distinguished from apes by their highly developed brain and their ability to speak and reason.
Ok, let's read this essay now. It says that humans are flawed and not perfect beings. Take the example of Sir Gawain in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Through this story, it shows us that humans are mortal beings who are not exempt from the laws of nature and are capable of error and temptation. As humans, we experience many emotions, and these emotions define who we are as humans. For example, when Sir Gawain was scared to fight the Knight, he did things such as taking the green girdle from the lady to make sure he would not die in the fight. That shows us how emotions play an essential role in humans since it helps us influence our actions.
Hmm, alright, let's read this article now. Just as I was about to click the next link, a man at the corner of my eye caught my attention. He had a rugged appearance and was looking all around as if someone was watching him.
What is wrong with that man.
Oh no, we made eye connect. I’m just going to continue my research and hope he doesn't bother me. Another part of human nature is their selfishness. This is one of the downfalls of human nature. An example of selfishness is in the novel Beowulf when a slave steals a bejeweled goblet from a sleeping dragon in order to get his master's forgiveness, and because of this, the dragon wakes up and goes on to destroy the town.
Ok, selfishness can lead them t—
"Hey… hey… you over there with the black hair," the man from earlier whispers to me. I hope he is not talking to me. "Hey. Hey!"
"Shhhhh, this is a library," the old lady says. Oh my gosh, I am just going to answer him, so he doesn't draw any more attention. Besides, I can get useful information from him.
"What do you want from me," I ask.
"Ok, first, my name is Thomas, and I saw that you were trying to find out what it means to be a human. Right?"
"Correct. Why do you ask?"
"Well, I just want to tell you I have found a lot of information on that topic. And if you need help with the project, I can help you."
What? Did they send in someone to replace me? I thought he said that I had one more week. "Is that so. And where do you come from, Thomas."
"Where do I come from? Ha, dude, I am a spiritual being that comes from a different realm."
This man is nuts.
“And I am on this earth right now experiencing what it means to be human.”
"And how did you find this out," I ask.
"You see, about two years ago, I was bored with my life. I had accomplished everything I have always wanted. But I felt empty inside. So I decided to go beyond my human limits and gain more knowledge. That is where I found out that I was a spiritual being that could control my own reality, however. Come closer so I can whisper this in your ear. The government is trying to deceive us. They are trying to prevent us from experiencing our true potential."
Maybe I should not have talked to this guy.
"Hey, we should go someplace safer to talk about this because the government is watching us right now. Here's my address so I can talk to you about everything I know. Be there at ten o'clock today. Stay safe."
I took the note, and the man ran out the door.
How do I manage to find these weird people?
Chapter 6
A Crazy Man’s Ramblings
I arrive at his house at 10 p.m. and knock on the door. "Shhh, don't knock so loud, or they will hear you," he tells me. "Come on, hurry inside before they see."
I walk into his house, and this horrid order slaps me in the face. "Don't mind the smell. It keeps the evil spirits away. We walk through a dark hallway and enter into a small room.
"Ok, this is a place to talk. They won't hear us here."
I take a seat on his couch, and he sits right by me.
"So why did you do all of this research?" I question.
"Silly, just because we're humans doesn't mean we know what it means to be one. This topic has long been debated. It's not a really easy question to get the answer to. But I tried my best to find the answer. Why? I am not sure maybe it's just because it's in our human nature to be curious.
As humans, we are all unique individuals. We have our own ideas, preferences, talents, and desires. Not only that, but the way we express ourselves is different for each person. We have the ability to communicate with people using a variety of things such as different languages, symbols, body gestures, and facial expressions. We also make our own decisions and have to bear any consequences that come from it. And we can think of the past and try to change our future. Also, we are the only beings that stress about taxes, where we are doing to go to college, how we're going to make money, and the list goes on.
We are social beings. And we need others because we get our satisfaction from social interactions. And in return, we derive our meaning from our relationships with others.
But at our core is our soul. As humans, we are mortal beings; however, our souls live on. Our souls exist before we are born and continue to exist after we die. And our soul is our source for everything we feel, such as love, anger, happiness, sadness, fear, and ambition.
So as I was saying in the library, we are spiritual beings. The bodies that we are currently in are just shells that contain our souls. We are here to experience the human experience. And we can do whatever we want.
However… the government is taking this away from us. They are trying to restrict our knowledge and set us back. Now they might not have completely stripped us from our ability to express how we feel about things, our actions, thoughts, or even invalidated our emotions that help us be the human we want to be.
But let me tell you they will soon...
They will be able to do that, and our whole world is going to be like something out of 1984."
"Thank you for this useful information. I will be using this in my study… Wait a minute, how did you know that I was researching this topic back at the library?"
"Well, as I said, the government is trying to restrict us from doing things not only that, but they are hiding things from us. And what are the things that they're hiding from us? I believe that they're hiding the fact that aliens exist.
"I am so sorry, but I have to leave now."
"Why… Are you scared? Is it because I’m talking about the aliens? Or it is because you—"
"Sorry. What you're talking about makes absolutely no sense, and I'm here to collect useful information for my research project that is due in a few days. So, I'm afraid I have to leave now. You have provided me with enough information. Thank you. I truly appreciate it."
"Alright, see you later."
As I'm exiting the room, I look back at him, and he smiles and waves.
I leave his house and go back to my apartment.
What a strange man; how did he even get to that conclusion.
Around 9 a.m. I wake up and start reading the newspaper. The news line reads: A tiny house on Ferguson road burned down last night at around 1 a.m. in the morning. The cause of the fire is unknown, but researchers believe it might have happened because of a gas leak.
Chapter 7
Silence
Alright, I think my research project is coming together nicely. I'm sure he will be pleased with what I have found out. Oh, right, I have that date with that girl tomorrow. I should make our reservations.
I head out the door and go to a fancy restaurant named Kantorlaza.
"Hello, I would like to make a reservation for tomorrow at 9 o'clock for two."
"Alright sir we have made your reservation see you tomorrow.”
"Thank you!"
I leave the restaurant and start walking down the street. Welp, what do I do now? Maybe I should get some ice cream and go to a park.
After I got some ice cream, I sit down at a bench in a park.
Look at all of these people. Living their lives so happily, simply, and unaware. I wish I knew what all these people were thinking of. That would make everything so easier.
All of a sudden, I feel a tap on my shoulder. I turn around and see a young boy standing behind me. "Hello, sir, I just wondering can you help me? My kite, got stuck in a tree."
"No," I say.
"Thank you so much, sir. The tree is over. Wait a minute, do you just say no?"
"Sure did. Get lost kid."
"What? Um, no. Sir, please help me, or I'm going to tell everyone you are trying to kidnap me."
"Wow, you little brat, ok, where is the tree?"
"It's right over there."
As we're walking to the tree, the boy suddenly falls behind and starts walking behind me. "What are yo—” Thud!
I wake up in a dark room with my hands and feet tied to a chair. What the heck is going on? What am I doing here?
"Oh, I see you're awake."
"Hey, kid, can you hurry up and untie me."
"Hahaha! What? Are you not scared? Your hands and feet are tied to a chair! Do you not know what is about to happen?"
"No, I don't, and I don't care now unite me."
"Hahaha! You are a fool. I am going to do whatever I want to you.”
What the heck is this child talking about?
The kid then moves out of sight and comes back with a knife. "Um, what are you about to do?" Without warning, the kid takes the knife and plunges it into my right arm. "Ahhh," I scream. "What are you doing?"
"Having fun."
This child can't be serious. What does he mean by having fun?
He then starts to rip out all of my fingernails one by one by one. "Ahhh! Stop!” I scream out. “Leave me alone!"
"Aw, what's wrong? We only just started. Is this too much for you? Should I try something else? How about I pull out some teeth?”
"No! Get away from me! Are you even human?"
"Am I even human?" Of course, I am! To be a human means to have the ability to choose. Anyone without that ability is not a human. Besides, I believe that being "evil," as they say it, is the natural state of human beings. So, in choosing to be evil, I am choosing to be human. So yes, like I said before. I am human."
"No, you are not! I have never met someone like this before! What are you! Where do you come from!"
"Aw, you poor soul. I just love it when my victims ask questions. Humans are not all rainbows and sunshine. While some may choose to do what is considered good, others may choose what is considered evil. Now to be fair, some people don't always choose to be evil.
One bad day or one bad accident could push someone into choosing this lifestyle. Or someone could be simply trying to do something good, but they get corrupted and lose themselves along the way.
Isn't that funny? I bet people would say that is one of the most horrific parts of human nature. The ability to lose yourself entirely. Having no care in the world to distinguish right from wrong."
"You are vile and sick in the head," I spit out at him.
"Oh, that's what they all say…They tried to change me. They tried to take away my free will. The thing that makes me a human. But I will not allow it.
This is me. This is how I express myself. This is my art."
As he continued to torture me. I thought to myself, what should I do to escape? I never knew a human could have the capacity to do all this. Blood spilled out of my mouth, and I looked up at him. That twisted smile on his face sickened me. How am I going to sit here and let this happen? This thing is beneath me.
After twenty minutes passed, he finally took a break from torturing me. In that time, I took the opportunity to wiggle my arms out of the restraints.
I reached over next to me, grabbed a pair of scissors, and started cutting the rope from my legs. Once that was done, I took a hatchet and sought vengeance.
I tiptoed throughout his house, looking for him until I found him watching a show on his couch.
I could kill him right now without him realizing it, but I want him to know.
"Hey!" I scream. Startled, he jumped around to see who was calling him. "Are you ready to die," I ask?
"No, but if I do, so be it."
I lunge at him swinging the hatchet, but he quickly dodges and kicks me in my back, sending me into the T.V. He picks up the hatchet and swings it down at my head, but I move out of the way at the last second.
"Seems to me that you’re the one who is going to die today."
"Give me a break kid. You don't even know how scared you should be right now. But in all honesty, I'm doing you a favor killing you right now." "Is that so," he taunts.
The fight continues, and he lunges towards me once more with the hatchet, swinging it back and forth, laughing like a maniac. "Oh man, this is the most fun I ever had! I knew you were different from the others! That's why I chose you!"
This kid is crazy.
I break a vase, and it shatters into pieces, picking up the broken pieces I throw them at his eyes. "Ahhhh," he screams, dropping the hatchet!
Now’s my chance.
I pick up the hatchet and kick him down to the floor. But before I can deal the final blow, he tells me, "Do it! Do it! Kill me! Embrace your human nature!"
How disgusting.
I swing the hatchet down, and everything goes silent.
Chapter 8
The Date
I slick back my hair and put on my tuxedo. I hope she thinks I look handsome. She's kind of cute.
I show up at Anne’s Café at 7:55 p.m. Hm, I wonder where she is?
"Hey! I am over here, Mob!"
I turn around to see her. What a wonderful sight.
"Wow, you look so gorgeous."
"Aw, thank you so much, Mob you’re so kind," she says with a smile on her face. We enter into my car and drive to the restaurant. Once seated, a waiter asks for our order. "I'll have a grilled chicken steak," I say. "Alright, and for the lady?"
"I'll have a Gyro plate, please."
"Thank you. That will be out shortly."
"Wow, this restaurant is really fancy. How much was the reservation?" "Oh, it was only two hundred dollars."
"What," she says! "Two hundred dollars! You know I would have been happy to go to McDonald's as well."
"No, no," I say. "Only the best for the beautiful woman sitting right in front of me."
"Oh gosh, whatever. Oh yeah, you said you wanted to ask me questions. Do you still need to, or do you have all of the information you need?" "Actually, I think I do have a good amount of information, but a little bit more won't hurt. So what do you think it means to be a human?
"I guess to be human is to be the main character of your own show. To experience life to what you consider to be the fullest. The feeling of being alive, the thrill of experiencing what's going to happen next, even the ability to perceive ourselves are what also makes us human. All humans are sensitive creatures. Even if they don't want to admit it. But our sense of compassion for others is a characteristic of our humanity. We as humans have emotions, high intellect, the ability to communicate, to empathize, to perceive, and we have the ability to imagine. We can create anything through our minds, and if we try hard enough, we can even make it in real life. To be human means to have the freedom to do as you please but within the grounds of humanity. Also, we are imperfect beings. We are flawed. We get stressed and tired and want to give up, but sometimes we conquer that and push forward. Not only that but we have a variety of beliefs, interests, and culture that makes us all uniquely different individuals. However, at the end of the day, we are all human. By living life to the fullest, discovering ourselves throughout our lives, and fulfilling the responsibilities that we have been given is what makes us human."
"Well said."
"Thank you. I did a little research myself when you were gone. So what do you think it means to be human?"
"Here is your food," the waiter says. "Enjoy your meal!"
"Oh, thank you," we both say.
The whole dinner was spent laughing and conversing with each other.
Once we were done eating, we exit the restaurant. "Man, that food was delicious. We should come back next time… if you would like to Mob."
"Yea, maybe next time."
"I guess this is goodbye for now?"
"I guess so. Bye."
"Bye," she says. Just as I was about to walk away, she grabs my arm and says, "Hold on. You never answered my question. What does it mean to be human?"
"Oh right," I say. A cold wind then passes by, sending shivers down our spines.
"Hey, it's a bit cold. Do you want to go to my house, Mob? It's not that far from here."
"Ok, sounds like fun."
Chapter 9
What Does it Mean to be Human?
We enter her home, and a sweet smell crosses my face— a sharp comparison to Thomas's house. "Make yourself at home," she says. I'll bring us something to drink." Looking around her house, I saw pictures of her family, friends, animals, and pictures she drew herself.
She comes back with drinks in her hands and gives one to me. I quickly gulp it down and set the empty cup on the table. "Wow, I didn't know you could draw so beautifully."
"Thank you I actually wanted to be an artist by my mom fell ill, and I needed money fast, so I had to put that dream to the side."
"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to."
"No, that's ok. She's doing a lot better, so I might be able to become the artist of my dreams."
"Ha, how cute."
Silence filled the air, and we were awkwardly looking around each other.
“Do you want to watch a movie in my room?” she says.
"Sure. I would love that!" We enter her bedroom, and I sit down on the bed. As she uses the bathroom, I make myself comfy. Then I realized I never answered her question. She comes out of the bathroom and sits next to me on the bed.
“I just realized I never answered your question. What do I think it means to be human?”
"That's right! I knew I was forgetting something! So Mob, can I ask you a question," she says, laughing.
"Of course."
"What do you think it means to be human?"
“What it means to be human is not an easy question to answer. However, what I can say is to be human is to crave companionship. To have someone by your side so you're never alone. To also have free will that no one can take away from you. In addition, you are curious by nature. Whether is it by trying to figure out what drama is happening in your neighborhood by looking out your window or the curiousness of trying new things and going beyond your limits. It's just in your nature. The quality of being humane is also a unique characteristic humans have. So when war starts, that robs many of their humanity, leaving them to question are they even human if they are partaking in this? Also, humans are known to have dreams and passions in life to strive for, just like your dream to be an artist. You humans can make your own choices and prioritize any task. Humans also make mistakes and grow from them every day. In the end, humans are very simple creatures. You get sad and angry for simple things. And your heads are constantly spinning around with what to do next, never knowing when your time will come."
"Wow, that amazing."
"Yes, which is why I have concluded you humans are not a threat to us."
"Huh? What are you talking about, Mob?"
"My research project, about what it means to be human. It is supposed to be an analysis on you humans to send back to my planet for them to evaluate if we will be able to conquer you creatures or not. That was my purpose on this planet. And that is the conclusion that I have made. Although some of you humans can be sadistic, you are still no match for us. Your guns, tanks, rockets, whatever you throw at us won't save you."
"What? You're just joking? Right Mob?"
"Oh, you humans are so ignorant. No, Anastasia, I am not joking. I am not a human. I am what you people call an alien.” Getting up from bed, I continue my speech. "Anastasia, although I have enjoyed our time together, it is time for us to part ways. Your earth is doomed, and by tomorrow it will be obliterated into ashes."
"No! You’re lying. This can't be true!"
"I'm afraid it is, dear. I've already sent my conclusion to my superiors." "No, please don't do this, Mob, just leave us alone we didn't do anything to you!" She then gets on the floor and starts hugging my legs, crying out, "Please just leave us alone! Why are you even doing this?"
"Our reason is not simple, just as it's not as simple to fully conclude what it means to be human. I am terribly sorry; if you want me to take you out of your misery before it happens, I will gladly will."
She then starts to sob on the floor. "Get away from me, you monster! I can't believe I thought I liked you!"
"Ah yes, the human quality of loving someone. I'm so sorry it just happened to be me. Unlike you humans, we don't have any emotions, so I couldn't recuperate the feelings even if I tried. Would you like me to end you now or have my superiors do it?"
"No! If I die, it is going to be on my terms."
Anastasia then gets up and jumps out her window.
Thud.
Chapter 10
The End of Humanity
Well, its 10 a.m. They should be here soon to collect me. Sigh. In all honesty I really did like Anastasia.
She would have been a nice pet to keep.
Ah… What even is our reason for killing all these humans? They have done no wrong to us. They're just simple creatures trying to live out their finite lives.
Eh, oh well.
Ring….ring…ring…
“Hello.”
“We are here. Come out of the building you are in and we will teleport to the ship and finish the plan.”
I walk out of the building and see my superiors. We teleport back into the ship, and I watch them as they start initiating the plan to end all of humanity. I look down at the humans, watching them converse with each other, laugh with each other, and play with each other so oblivious to what is about to happen to them. "Alright, once we push the button, Operation Zero will be set into motion. In ten seconds, our lasers are going to collide with the earth diminishing it to ash."
10…9…8…7…6…5…4…3…2…1…
I see all the scared faces looking up at the bright light coming towards them.
But they shouldn’t worry. It will all be over soon.
And in the blink of an eye, the world was gone.
Leaving only ashes in its place.
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