SotL; Ch.1 The Last Signal.

Instructions

Some guy sits at a desk, practically melting into it as he stares at the screen. He-- wait, that’s me! I’m Cecil, Cecil Jakobs. Why am I staring at this screen? Well, I’m at work! Or moreso I am at the cruel mockery of what tries to call itself a job… I was a tax consultant, but now I guess I’m just someone who sits and takes calls. Like literally everyone else right now! God, this sucks. Why am I upset about being home? Well because this was just meant to be a short break from being at the work building as the government tried to get this new virus under control, but now it’s turned into a whole damned quarantine. I haven’t lived through a quarantine before, and I also haven’t been alone for this long. It’s been a month or two and I’m craving social interaction, not just social media. I miss talking in person, looking into someone's eyes and knowing they’re really listening, you know? I used to love being on the computer and playing games with my friends, but that’s all there is to do now. I want to go outside and frolic in the parks! Something never said by a gen z-er before, yeah I know. I think I’m getting stir-crazy. It’d be better if I had a dog or something, but no! Just me and this small apartment that still seems too big. I’ve taken to trying to befriend the birds that land on my balcony--- hasn’t been working out though. As my eyes water, I just power down my computer. There must be something to do that doesn’t involve leaving my house or using an electronic, right? I get up and start to walk around, all my joints cracking as I move… God, this can’t be healthy. Wandering around, I try to see if I have something to entertain myself with. Perhaps a board game, or a sketchbook. Secretly, I’m hoping I find some little lizard to make into my pet. Actually, no. I don’t have money for a cage and equipment. Speaking of money, I should see how much cash I have just accumulating. As we’re all under lockdown, I can’t put my cash into an ATM and be able to use it on some card. Awfully stupid if you ask me, and it’s gonna end up making some people be real down on their luck. Then again, maybe not, I’m the only person I know that still carries around cash. I don’t know why, cash is wonderful! Yes, it can get stolen, but that’s the same for anything. Honestly, cash should make a comeback, it’s gotten me out of so many tight pi- RIIIING! The sound makes me jump before I remember that it’s the ringtone my sister insisted I set for her. Jeez, why is she so into retro stuff?? Nearly gave me a heart attack with the sound of a landline ringing--- dunno why, I’ve never had a landline nor a reason to be scared of them. Whatever, what was I doing? Oh yeah, taking her call. “Hey, Marcy.” I mutter as I bring the phone to my ear, it’s uncomfortably warm from my pocket. “Cecil! Sorry, I was napping…” Marceline replies. I wonder for a moment why she’s apologising and then remember that she was gonna call earlier and we were just going to talk, trying to ignore what’s happening. “Oh, it’s alright, I don’t mind.” I say, trying to set her mind at ease. She sighs on the other side and I can tell she’s overthinking. “You sure it’s okay, C? I arranged it ‘cuz you seemed all antsy when you were callin’ mom! Just wanted to make sure you don’t get cabin fever.” With a soft laugh, I just think. “My little sister cares enough to listen in on my call to our mom?” “Well… That, and I’m real nosey!” she giggles back. I mosey on over to my couch and sit, getting comfortable. “Ahh, there’s the Marcy I know!” There’s a pause as we both think about what to say. I’m tempted to bring up what I’ve been seeing on my fyp lately, but then I realise that me and Marceline are 100% in very different social circles. Perhaps ask what games she’s been playing? No, that’s loser older brother material… C’mon Cecil, it’s getting awkward! “So… How’s… S-school been…” Dammit! That’s worse! Marcy goes completely silent and my chest constricts, I open my mouth to try and fix this, and then I hear what is perhaps the most genuine laughter from my sister in years. “You can say anything, and you ask me about school? Wow, maybe I can still claim the spot of genius in the family!” “Not at all, unless you get really good at math… really quick!” A stupid grin spreads across my face, and I know there’s a smile in my voice as I speak. “Awwww… Is that the only way to be smart?” Marcy faux-pouts as she tries not to giggle. “I know where you’re going with this, and no Marce, knowing a lot about times before you were even thought about does not count as being smart…” I sigh, also trying not to laugh.