We sat there and looked at each other for what seemed like a very long time. Neither of us spoke. Marcy started to walk over, but thought the better of it, it seemed, and turned away. Bill finally broke the silence.
“That’s all it says; but I guess that’s enough.”
“Uh huh,” I replied. “It’s unreal.”
“Just slightly,” Bill said.
“We need to check out that website,” I suggested.
“You’re kidding.” Bill said, but he knew I wasn’t.
We walked over to the nearest computer but not before taking a few micrographs on the machine. I brought up the browser and typed in the web address. The page loaded quickly and what we saw confirmed everything. And we didn’t need a microscope. To the bugs, I thought, this must be like a huge billboard.
“I have an idea,” Bill said suddenly. “There’s a machine they have been working on in the physics department. Today’s the 19th. This is the last night of the festivities, right?”
“Yes,” I agreed.
“I think we should go,” Bill said.
“What the heck do you mean? What’s this machine you’re talking about?” I exclaimed.
“They’re calling it a BSR for Biological Structure Reducer. It’s really hush-hush stuff,” Bill replied.
“You’re talking about a shrink ray?!” I questioned in disbelief.
“Whoa, Mac, have you been drinking?” Liz asked.
“Don’t interrupt me, Liz.” I said. “I’m trying to tell you this.”
“Well what you’re telling us is pretty bizarre don’t you think, honey?” Liz asked. “You’re trying to tell us this happened to you today and this is why you missed work?”
“Damn. No,” I said. “My office really called here?!”
“Yeah,” she said. “Harold needed help.”
“I went fishing, honey,” I stated. “That’s when I came up with this absolutely fantastic story idea.”
“Story idea?”
Liz laughed. “You’re thinking about writing again, are you?”
I nodded. Liz smiled, and that’s when we both noticed Zachary was no longer standing there. I was disappointed as I thought he was listening to my story, too. After all, I really needed a kid’s opinion for this children’s story. That’s when he called.
“Mom! Dad! Come in here quick!” Zach shouted from the kitchen.
Liz and I were standing in the hall and turned towards the kitchen door. Zach was sitting in front of the computer we keep on the island. He had the browser open and there was a website on the screen. We didn’t need to get any closer to see what it was. Zach looked at me, eyes wide. Liz stood there with her mouth open slightly. We were all stunned into silence. Zach had gone to the website on the flyer and everything now took on a surreal quality. I don’t need to tell you what was there do I?
We were standing there in stunned silence when the phone rang. It rang several times before anyone moved a muscle. Finally it was Liz who reacted reaching out for the phone on the wall. She was standing right next to it.
“Hello,” She asked quietly.
“Uh huh,” she answered in a barely audible tone.
Liz looked at me, eyes wide. “It’s for you.” she said.
“Who is it?” I asked as I reached for the phone.
“Bill Harmon,” she said. “He said he wants to talk to you about tonight.”
