Page 48 of Semblance

Abraham sat in the aisle adjacent to me, newspaper in hand, busy skimming through the headlines.

“I can’t believe I’m going to Cambodia,” I said with excitement. “I have to admit, I don’t know much about the country.”

Abraham set the newspaper down on his lap and looked at me thoughtfully.

“It’s a beautiful country, with many ancient temple ruins that will take your breath away. However it has a tragic past,” he sighed. “In the late seventies, a guerilla army under the leadership of a mad man named Pol Pot took control of the kingdom of Cambodia. During this period, they murdered over two million people, specifically targeting anyone who showed any forms of education or intelligence.”

“That’s insane; two million?”

Abraham nodded. “Pol Pot was insane. It’s funny how the leadership of one man can destroy a once promising nation, crippling it for many years after. To this day, Cambodia still struggles to recuperate from the Cambodian holocaust.”

“All it takes is one crazy man,” I agreed. I suddenly thought of Shadow and the interview I had read.

“Despite the tragedy that occurred over thirty years ago, the country itself is simply stunning. There are many ancient ruins to explore, situated deep in the jungles and exotic foods that will stimulate your palate. It’s also the Cambodian New Year this weekend and the streets will be filled with celebrations.”

“How do you know so much about Cambodia?” I asked.

“I travel there frequently,” Abraham replied. “I’ve been trying to bring work to the country for some time now. I want to expand their knowledge of business and technology. Cambodia can’t live off of tourism alone to sustain itself.”

“You’re such a good guy.”

“I do what I can,” Abraham replied. “I have over forty years of bad karma to make up for. Take this old man’s advice, live a life you can look back on and not regret a single thing. Don’t end up like me, spending the twilight of my years making amends for the sins that’ll haunt me until the day I die.”

His words resonated with pain and I thought of Julia, his only daughter murdered by the hands of a pedophile. I wanted to say something to comfort him, but making any mention of her would break my promise to Shadow about keeping my lips sealed.

So instead, I nodded in agreement.

“I must excuse myself,” Abraham said with a smile. “I’m absolutely exhausted. I stayed up late finishing a series of books about a boy wizard that were absolutely fabulous.”

“You’re living life with a young heart,” I laughed.

“Absolutely,” Abraham said. “Now pardon me while I rest my weary bones. There are sleeping compartments in the back of the plane, should you wish to nap. As soon as our other tardy passenger arrives, the flight will take off.”

I watched as Abraham strolled through the curtains to the back of the plane. I had nothing but time to kill. I had my books in my bag, but was too tired to read, so instead I placed my headphones in my ears, closed my eyes, and allowed the music to take me away.

Two songs later, I heard a cheerful voice overpower the sounds of my music.

“Aria! Or should I call you the Golden Virgin? What a pleasant surprise.”

It was Lincoln Richards, sporting a handsome grey jacket. He held a thin laptop in his hand. I pulled the earphones out of my ears and smiled.

“Lincoln,” I said, “Or should I say Mr. Fox?”

“What classics are you listening too? Chopin? Mozart? Some Berlioz maybe?”

“Calvin Harris,” I replied. “Love his bright, blasting beats.”

“And here I thought you were a classical music snob,” Lincoln laughed. “I tried for a while to sign Mr. Harris to my record label but alas, he slipped out of my fingers.”

“I enjoy all types of music, well maybe except country. Something about the twang that annoys the shit out of me,” I said. “Why don’t you sit? No offense but having you standing over me for the duration of a sixteen hour flight is rather unsettling.”

Lincoln sat down in the same seat Abraham was in moments ago.

“Seat’s warm,” he noticed.

“Abraham went to the back to take a nap,” I replied. “What brings you on this flight? Are you going temple exploring as well?”

He shook his head and smiled. “I explored all the temples a couple of years ago. It was grueling but very rewarding as well. I take it you’ll be meeting Shadow in Siem Riep?”

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