Friendship…
There’s something to be said about the kind of friends who stand beside you through it all, through agony and despair, through lost hopes, lost dreams, lost families, and just plain loss. The ones who shed tears with you as you bury a brother, Isaac, a wife and mother, Olivia, and set memorial stones for others like Wes, Nathan, Cameron, Eddie, President Moore and all your family members who didn’t make it. These new friends here, mixed with old friends, now lifelong friends—they go the extra mile. These are the people you’d die for, the same ones helping you live another day. They stand here and celebrate with you, celebrating many new beginnings.
Hope…
There’s something to be said for hope, for being safe somewhere the forces of evil can’t touch us. There’s a long-awaited security and serenity in this former state, offering peace and redemption to the 645 Americans who made it to the islands, and the 2,218 who survived the attacks here. There’s honor in a flag for the country that is no longer the United States, but remains ‘America.’ The banner’s stars and stripes have been preserved, but the colors have been inverted, as we now look at our home from the outside in.
We are still the same Americans. We are fighters, survivors, and reminders of what we can hopefully be again…we are still one nation under God. We may have been evicted, but we are not defeated. We have not conceded. One day we will take our country back. Old Glory will fly again.
Until then, however, we fly our new flag at half-mast, and keep in our hearts those we lost, those who still may be out there, and everyone here today committed to the very same things—life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Finally…
There’s something to be said about the “Elephant Box,” a large brown safe the governor kept locked in an even larger vault. Few know of its existence. Only two know of its contents—Danny and the VP’s daughter, Reagan Moore (at her father’s request).
Danny was awarded the Medal of Honor by the governor, and promoted to Captain. He was also given an envelope. The envelope contained the key to the Elephant Box and pages of instructions for its contents. There’s something to be said about what those contents could do for this new country, and how damaging it could be if that information fell into the wrong hands. There’s an urgency in guarding that box and in never letting anyone else know it exists.
But, most of all, there’s something to be said for ending on a happy note, on a beautiful sunny day, on a beautiful sunny shore, with a beautiful family and incredible friends. There’s something to be said for sealing it all with a kiss and calling the man who saved your family your son.
ABOUT the AUTHOR
Ever N. Hayes lives in the Upper Midwest with his beautiful wife, Stacy, and four incredible children: Dylan, Brooklyn, Kasey and Avery. In his 8th year as a travel journalist for multiple national and regional magazines/newspapers, he is thrilled that his 9 years as a stay-at-home Dad have allowed him to do what he loves most with those he loves most—everyday.
Ever N. Hayes can be reached via email @ EverNHayes@yahoo.com
Twitter: @EverNHayes
Instagram: MobileGolfer
Facebook: Ever N Hayes
ABOUT the 2020 SERIES
The first draft of Book 1 of the “2020 Series” — Emergency Exit — was finished in mid-November 2013. After three professional copy edits, two professional content edits, and 19 additional drafts it was officially completed on April 5, 2014.
The first draft of Book 2 of the “2020 Series” — (Current title) Redemption Island—set in 2022—is already half-complete and slated for release this Fall.
The last two books of the series, 3 and 4, are slated to be released in early and late 2015.
“DREAM” CAST
Author Note: Every writer who has envisioned their story as a movie has probably done this—imagining specific Hollywood stars filling the roles of their characters. Keep in mind, this is “just a dream”… However, if—as a reader—you wondered how I saw my Main Characters, I figured—for fun—I would let you see inside my head. Enjoy!
Danny: Chace Crawford
Ryan: Ryan Reynolds
Cameron: Alex Pettyfer
Tara: Lauren Conrad
Hayley: Emma Watson
Kate: Shailene Woodley
Jenna: Kate Mara
Sam: Tristan Wilds
Blake: Lance Gross
Lazzo: Chadwick Boseman
Eddie: Idris Elba
Reagan: Emma Stone
A man can dream, right? Thank you for reading Emergency Exit! - ENH
EDITORIAL REVIEW
“An incredible journey remake with people”
General Fiction/Adventure: In a not-too-distant future, 7 powerful nations form an alliance against America & launch a chemical attack wiping out 90%+ of the North American population. Only the most remote areas had a chance at surviving and even then faced an enemy “clean up crew” sweeping the country.
The story follows a family and friends in northern MN as they discover what has transpired. That group intercepts a coded message revealing the lone safe haven—in Hawaii. Their task—crossing a dark continent in the face of an army—is daunting, if not impossible, but they have no choice. “The only way to live is to leave.”
Cast is mixed—age, gender & race—“average American,” if you will. Largely narrated by the father, Ryan (mid-30s). His son Danny (20) & daughter Hayley (18) are the main characters, combined with a love interest for Ryan and the conflicted antagonist Eddie. It takes a few chapters to set up then quickly moves forward from there. They encounter a mixed bag of friends and foes along the way, allowing for extra character drama, personal challenges and loss.
It’s hard to say if anything like this could ever occur, but it’s as believable as being wiped out by an EMP, virus, or plague, and more conceivable than the popular dystopian tales out there. If you accept it for what it is, then this is an enjoyable ride with many twists and surprises. You may find yourself wanting more love story or more fighting, but there’s no lack of action, suspense or intensity.
* - Pure Wander is a family magazine. Emergency Exit would be appropriate & enjoyed by our audience PG-13+ (Violence, Mild language, Adult content) — (4.5 out of 5)
Praise for Emergency Exit
“Every once in awhile a book comes along that catches you by surprise. You think you’ll like it then you love it… you think you’ll start reading it and then you can’t stop. In the last ten years I haven’t read a more intriguing, thought-provoking, hard to put down book. Can’t wait for the movie! (And the sequel!)”