Black Box 86ed by Andrew Kjelland

words from an up and coming senator. We are getting reports that the president himself will be holding a press meeting concerning the events of last night, of course we will have this for you live at about five pm eastern time today. We'll be right back after these messages”
    The TV quickly switches to a man dressed in a ceremonial army uniform, he's missing his left leg. “I've given my country everything. Like many before me I have given to this country my heart, my soul and my body so countless others do not have to. Your children can go to school unharmed, you can go to work without fear. I have helped protect and build this nation, and I know that no matter how tough I have needed to be, my country will always be behind me. That my accomplishments are our accomplishments. I still believe in the United States of America, I will always believe. We will get through this stronger and more united. Don't give up on this great country, I never did.”
    A voice like those disclaimers at the end of a commercial come on while the man stairs defiantly into the TV. “Paid for by the department of Home Land Security .”
    Was... was that an ad to get people to calm down? Did I just see an ad telling people to trust the government? That has to be a first. Are they really that scared?
    My phone vibrates in my pocket. Fishing it out allowing gratuitous amounts of change and pocket lint to make their great escape. It Grace. It’s ok Will, it’s ok. She just wants to know why you left last night, you’re going to be bright, you’re going to be cheery, and all sorts of bubbly and everything will be just fine.
    “Hello?” My voice cracks ever so slightly.
    “Hey what’s up?”
    “Not too much I’m kinda just sleeping off my hangover.”
    “O ha, ya you drank a lot last night.”
    “Ya I was in the zone I guess.” I let out a halfhearted chuckle.
    “You seemed off though.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “You know what I mean.”
    “I’m sorry I barely remember any of last night you’re going to have to be more specific.” Dam I’m a good liar.
    “Well you didn’t talk to me at all last night, not even a good by. I was looking for you all night.”
    “O my bad, ya I think I walked home.”
    “O well at least you made it home safe, what cha doing, you want to meet up?”
    “I got some chores to do, laundry and all that good stuff.”
    “Well when you’re done you wanna kick it after Mike leaves for basic today?”
    “I’ll have to see. Why don’t I just call you when I’m done with the laundry.”
    “Come on Will you can come up with a better exc use than laundry, what’s wrong? I’m sorry about last night if that’s what you upset ab out. I should have told you. You just surprised me is all.” She pauses waiting for a response but I’m only able to breath into the phone. “I do like you, bu t just as a friend you know. I mean people date and people break up I don’t want to lose what we have.”
    “It’s fine it really is, can’t a guy just try an get some?” I joke instantly knowing this is the worst thing I can possibly say. Dead silence. “I was joking, sorry it’s just a weird conversation.”
    “It’s not we ird we need to talk about this. I don’t ever want to lose you especially over something we could just talk out.”
    I feel my blood rise. I’m not mad at her, just myself. She’s absolutely perfect, so caring; I have to make her mine no matter what it takes. “It’s alright don’t worry we will be just fine.” “Nothing is going to change between us.”
    “You promise?”
    “I swear, cross my heart.”
    “Ok I believe you Will!” She says in a determined you better not be lying voice.
    “Don’t worry, I’m going to go do laundry and we’ll talk after Mikes going away party, ok?”
    “Ok, we better!”
    “I promise.” I hang up the phone. I don’t have any laundry to do I just need some time to get my head straight. How the hell do I turn this relationship around? I