Chapter 46: End of the world party.
The prophecy made by Pastor Salem was trending widely, so much so that even major news networks were interested in covering the story. The general opinion was that this would be the undoing of the cult leader.
Some law enforcement agencies were ready to bring charges against him for fraud and financial crimes. That afternoon a lot of people were waiting to see the outcome of the prophecy.
Some streaming from their phones, following live broadcasts of those on the island. Others were watching official news, following updates of reporters on whatever was happening at on the islands in the Liora Ocean.
So far, there was nothing to indicate that there would be trouble. It was drizzling lightly so some helicopters were giving tourists tours of their desired islands. The major airport on the main land was as busy as usual.
Fishing boats were out on the water, despite the light rain.
Janet Kailani, a reporter for the local news was interviewing a seller of surf boards by the roadside near one of the local beaches. She was infuriated because a group of kids were screaming and jumping in puddles so she could hardly hear what the man she was talking to had to say.
Almost magically, the kids quieted and she got the opportunity to ask a question she was asking everyone she had across that day.
Janet’s raincoat was flapping in the wind. "Are you going for the End of the world party?"
The man she was interviewing looked up at the sky. "Rain’s got a rhythm today so I think I might go. He offered free beer and meat."
Janet thanked him and moved on to the stall of a mango vendor to ask the same question.
The camera man turned the camera in the direction of the ocean for a moment. It was a smooth sheet of dull green, rolling slowly. There was no sign of trouble. But, the cameras missed the sight of the birds in the sky that appeared to be vacating the area.