The Quiz

By Wessam Eldein

Where most stories begin with a once upon a time, John Carter's narrative begins with the end.

Los Angeles, California. Monday, March 19, 2035, 10:10 PM. John Carter is typing away a letter and is interrupted by a loud bang. With a message popping up on every screen in his apartment, he is congratulated for being the oldest living human being on Earth.

A drone casually delivers the essentials to end his day. His favorite coffee, a sandwich, and a gun?

Placing his gun to the side, John puts his reading glasses on and wears a black robe matching his black-and-gray hair.

He resumes typing his suicide note.

Jump cut to 5:30 AM, March 3, 2025, in Brooklyn, New York. John Carter wakes up enthused and already getting in his pushups as he lives another day in paradise.

John was once a man enthusiastic about life, driven, waiting for the perfect adventure to stumble upon his desk. How could such a man suddenly want to end his life?

Wessam Eldein presents: The Quiz.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Apr 25, 2023
• ISBN: 9798886855555

Book preview

cover.jpg

The Quiz

Wessam Eldein

ISBN 979-8-88685-554-8 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88685-555-5 (digital)

Copyright © 2023 by Wessam Eldein

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Dedication

The End

Terry

Suzan

Joseph

Sarah

David

The Statue

Pandemic

The Pharaoh

The Sign

Invasion

Night Visit

The Affair

Laura

Jacob

Memories

Adam

Diary of the Grandfather

London

Akhenaten

Intruders

Michael

The Code

Afreet

Fatima and Isaac

The Dream

The Council

The Inscription

Chaos

The Beginning

The Conference

Nefertiti

The Ancestors

Fate

The Deal

Time

The Experiment

Dilemma

Message

Control

Death

DNA

Next Level

About the Author

Dedication

It was never the number of years that count, but it is always what you accomplish during those years. Thank you, our friend, our brother, and our mentor, for being part of our family and for the great impact and for touching the lives of many other families as well. You gave all of us—especially the kids—cherished, remarkable memories and many stories to tell!

Your knowledge, manners, and ethics will keep passing on as a heuristic process; you are everlasting, a role model for everyone who crossed paths with you.

Thank you for the unforgettable time you spent with us in this life.

RIP, Michael DiQuinzio, the Quiz.

The End

Los Angeles, California

Monday, March 19, 2035

10:10 p.m.

My name is John Carter, 10 minutes ago I was one of the oldest humans living on Earth, I will…

Bang!

John stopped typing, as he heard a gunshot coming from the apartment next to him.

That must be Peter, John whispered.

At the same time, a message popped up on his phone, laptop, and TV—the same message that would appear on every screen in his apartment!

A sound came up from the TV.

John Carter, congratulations, you made it. You are officially one of the oldest humans living on Earth. We grant you free endless resources starting this moment. Enjoy!

The message faded out. John looked back to his computer, and before he started typing again, his doorbell rang!

John looked to the TV screen that was now showing his front door.

On the TV, there was a drone, which landed and dropped a sealed bag before flying away.

With heavy steps, he walked to the door, carried the bag, and went back to his desk.

With a sarcastic grin, he checked the bag and started whispering as he took the stuffs out of the bag.

This is my favorite coffee, my favorite sandwich, and…a gun.

He held the gun closer to his face, looking to his reflection on a huge mirror next to his desk. He paused for a second, looking at himself in his black robe that matched with his black-and-gray hair and his salt-and-pepper beard. He placed the gun aside and fixed his reading glasses that slid on his nose before looking back to his computer. He began to type again.

My name is John Carter. Today, I am officially one of the oldest humans living on earth. I will enjoy this title for the next 24 hours, before I…kill myself. Today I am 40 years old!

Terry

Brooklyn, New York

Monday, March 3, 2025

5:30 a.m.

Ring!

John snoozed his alarm and mumbled in an exhausted voice, Another day in paradise!

With a sudden burst of energy, he jumped out of the bed and onto the floor to start his day with fifty push-ups as a wake-up routine.

He made his way to the bathroom where there was a huge mirror with a note that said, You are awesome… Go prove it to the whole world.

John read the note loudly before he smiled and said, "Yes, I will.

"My name is John Carter. I am twenty-nine years old, about to turn thirty in a few days. I am tall, good-looking, athletic, have black thick hair with a baby face, nice short beard that helps me to look older. I am a reporter at Facts, a famous weekly newspaper in New York—one of the few newspapers that is actually still printing after almost everything is digitalized.

"My role model and superhero is Clark Kent in the movies Superman. This character was the reason I pursued this career; however, my life's excitement level is nothing compared to Clark Kent's…yet!

Like many dreamers, I always had a feeling that someday I will do something to change and protect the whole world, but I never knew that that someday is today!

John looked at himself in the mirror. He noticed his nice dark-blue jeans, same-colored jacket, and his white shirt. He wiped his prescribed glasses that he didn't really need, but he wore it anyway because it made him look more like Clark Kent.

*****

With quick steps, John left the building holding his coffee (heading to the subway).

Good morning, John, Laura said.

Hey, good morning, Laura. Happy Monday! John replied before he continued, I called you yesterday to play a chess game.

Oh yeah, sorry. I had girls' night. How about tonight?

John, with a sly smile, replied, I don't see a reason why not. Just remember, before I say goodnight, I always say checkmate!

Laura chuckled. You wish. We'll see, silly!

Laura Midgley has been my neighbor for many years. She is in her late thirties, white, tall, blonde, and skinny. Laura is a psychiatrist, and she has been a family friend for many years. We both play chess almost every night. I win the game almost every night!

John and Laura waved to each other before they both disappeared in the crowd.

*****

John said, Good morning, Peter!

Peter was a receptionist at Facts newspaper. He is the first face you see in the morning and is the last face you see at night. No matter how early I go or how late I leave, he is always there. Peter was in his late twenties, always smiling whether he was telling you good news or bad news.

Peter smiled. Good morning, John. The boss is here and waiting for you!

Yep, it is another day in paradise, John mumbled in a sarcastic voice while walking to the chief editor's office.

Good morning, Mr. Jackson, John exclaimed in an energetic voice.

Good morning, John. Sit down, Terry replied while still looking at the papers on his desk.

Terry Jackson is our chief editor, is in his late forties, is African American, has curly hair, and wears thick glasses with a big black frame that always slides on his nose. He is tall, muscular, and has a big gray mustache. Terry loves his job more than anything else. He is always the first one to be at the office and is the last one to leave it, not counting Peter of course. He is always loud, excited, and screaming all the time, but he supports everyone who works with him. He will give you criticism in front of your face, but behind your back, he will support you and defend you all the way. Terry is very genuine and transparent. Even his office walls are all glass so we all can see it from outside, but he can also see everyone from his office.

John said, Are you doing okay, Terry? You look exhausted!

Terry ignored John's comment and, in a calm voice, replied, Your report about this virus is upsetting a lot of people.

John, in a proud voice, replied, That means a lot of people are reading the paper!

Terry, with his eyes still on the papers and a subtle smile on the side of his lips, replied, Yes, our numbers are through the roof this week. However, I am still thinking you are exaggerating this conspiracy theory!

John looked like a professor about to start a lecture. Terry, I am confident that all that's going on with this virus is just an economic war and overwhelming propaganda started by China so they can control the world market!

Terry interrupted him in sarcastic voice, Like they need all that to control a market that they are already controlling. Wasn't that the same debate five years ago when we all blamed China for the coronavirus?

John continued like he didn't hear Terry. There are many facts to support my theory. First they arrested the doctor who discovered this new virus and accused him of misleading information until he himself died from the virus. Secondly they didn't lockdown the city until it was too late and the virus started spreading all over the world. Finally, they created a whole propaganda about this virus, which I believe is just a kind of flu, that in the end we may all get, and we will recover from like any other flu. The people who will die from this virus will die from any preexisting conditions, but because of the propaganda and the media, all major stockholders get panicked, and that leads the international economic crisis. Guess who will buy these stocks? Of course, Chinese businessmen, and then—

Terry interrupted him again in a calm voice. I didn't discuss this with you before publishing the report, but I see two contradictory theories here. If the virus is not that dangerous, then why would they arrest the doctor who discovered it? Besides, I heard the same thing and the same debate five years ago, and it ended up as a rumor. And then we couldn't overrun the coronavirus until all scientists from all countries all over the world, including China, gathered and worked on a vaccine. But then, before the vaccine went worldwide, the virus mysteriously disappeared!

Terry continued in a sad and serious voice. Before, our country faced another tragedy, and the protesting goes all over the states. And the country was going into chaos until we figured how to get out from this vicious circle and—

John interrupted in a nervous and sharp voice. I remember, Terry. His voice then sounded perplexed! I remember, Terry…I remember.

Suddenly continuing in a victorious voice, But back to your point, Terry, about the virus in 2020—that is exactly what they wanted everyone to think. They did that to build up the whole theme and create a solid foundation story about this virus. You know, in these strict countries, they will not leak information unless they want the whole world to know about it, which gave their story credibility. You know the number of people dying in car accidents is way more than the number of people dying from this virus. Should we then stop driving cars? You said it yourself, the virus five years ago disappeared out of nowhere, and I see a link between what happened five years ago and what is happening now. I will focus on my next report on—

Terry suddenly interrupted John without looking at him. John, when was the last time you saw Suzan?

John was surprised by Terry's interruption. It was in Los Angeles on Thanksgiving. Why?

Terry replied, No reason. I was just thinking you may want to visit her on your way to the museum!

John asked, Museum? What museum?

Terry replied, The California Science Center! They are having an Egyptian exhibition for one of the pharaohs, and I need you to cover this event.

John started getting nervous. Why me, Terry? Let one of our reports on the West Coast cover that exhibition.

Terry replied calmly, All the reporters are busy with different projects. I need you to do a special report about this pharaoh's exhibit. I know you always had an interest about ancient Egyptian civilization. I am sure you will make a special report that will be another success for you and for the paper.

John took a deep breath to gather his thoughts before replying, Thanks, Terry, but that is why I need to continue working on my report. This virus issue is not over yet. It is escalating in a suspicious way and—

John, I need you to cover this museum event in Los Angeles, Terry interrupted with assertive tone.

John looked confused and replied, Okay, Terry. I will get ready, and I can be there in two days—

Terry interrupted him again. Tonight, John. Your flight is tonight. You will find the tickets and all information with Peter.

Terry looked back at the papers on his desk before he looked again at John, This is a bag of Suzan's favorite coffee. Please tell her I say hi! He continued without looking at him. You better hurry up. You have a flight to catch!

John looked confused and was about to say something but paused for a second before he turned and left the office. He took the tickets from Peter and left the building.

If John had looked back at Terry's office, he would see Terry holding the phone, dialing a number, then saying in an agitated tone, All good. He is leaving tonight.

*****

On his way back to the subway, John passed by the coffeeshop next to the newspaper building where he usually takes lunch every day. Sometimes he meets Laura and has lunch with her or plays a chess game, but today he decided to skip lunch, as he was running late!

Through the coffee shop glass window, he saw the waiter: chubby, short, almost bald, looks smart with his sharp eyes, and has a long pointy nose. They waved to each other and smiled.

The coffeeshop manager standing by the door waved to John as a signal to come inside.

John waved back and mumbled, Sorry, not today.

On his way back, John kept looking to the coffee bag, repeating Terry's words: Suzan's favorite coffee.

At the apartment, he prepared his luggage then left to the airport. He couldn't stop thinking about this meeting with Terry; something was wrong, especially the awkward way Terry ended the meeting.

Terry was not just his boss, he was also Suzan's ex-husband. After they agreed to divorce five years ago, Suzan decided to move to Los Angeles with their only son. Terry and Suzan were married for more than ten years, and more than anyone else, Terry knew very well that Suzan…doesn't like coffee.

Suzan

Los Angeles, California

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

2:00 a.m.

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Los Angeles, the pilot announced.

John woke up as the plane landed. He picked his rental car from the airport and drove straight to the hotel, resting for a little bit before he starts his day with his daily routine: a workout followed by a shower. He didn't forget to write his quote on the bathroom mirror, You are awesome… Go prove it to the whole world!

By this time, it was already 7:00 a.m., so he decided to give a good-morning call to Suzan.

John said, Good morning, Suzan!

Suzan answered surprisingly, John! Good morning! Long time. Is everything okay?

John said, Yes, all good. I am here in LA. Are you home today, or are you going somewhere?

Suzan, still surprised, replied, Oh, you are here! Yes, we're all at home today. Joseph is little bit sick and skipped school today. You can stop by anytime.

John said, Okay, let's all have breakfast together.

Suzan Garner: my half-sister, a virologist, and almost forty. When you look at Suzan, it's almost like you are looking at a Hollywood star celebrity. She is tall, has long black hair with a round face, wide eyes, small nose, and light-skin athlete body; has a soft voice; and has a