The Secrets Among Us

TSAU Ch.33

|Braylon|

"What are you doing up so late, cub?"

Shfralif leans over the railing I am sitting on, as he gives me a hard pat on the back that almost makes me lose my balance.

I ignore him and continue to look out into the barren wasteland that laid in front of me. I shift my weight as the railing under my rear isn't providing any comfort.

"Looks real comfy up there...how long you been up here?"

There is a beat of silence. My skin begins to feel like it's crawling inside itself with how awkward he is making this moment.

"This is nice. The cool breeze, night sky...and me and you just here. Existing. Silently. Togeth-"

"What do you want?" I sigh.

I know he won't stop unless I answer him.

"Just wanted to ask about your day."

"Hell. But you know that already."

"Awe c'mon don't give me that." Shfralif climbs up to sit next to me. "Tell me one good thing that happened today."

I grunt in response. Shfralif punches my shoulder lightly and looks up at me with soft, sincere eyes.

"C'mon...humor me."

I let out a shaky sigh and my heart sinks as I remember what took place today.

"I had a shit day. It was Nia's turn for soldier treatment and-" I choke on my words as my throat begins to tighten and eyes burn. "She was screaming in pain and I couldn't do anything."

I realize I was clenching the rails hard because my hands begin to cramp. I feel rough hands caress my back and look to Shfralif. He looks at me with somber eyes.

"She couldn't sleep...I had to stay with her and hold her until she got--got...used to the pain. I don't know if she passed out or actually managed to sleep. So like I said: just another day in hell."

My eyes start to leak and I look down at the cracked sandy ground.

"Hey, I know what it's like to feel powerless in a place like this. When all you can do is stare and watch as our friends bodies get destroyed. I've...I lost a few friends who were dear to me. I even went to the same dark place you are going to now."

Shfralif reaches down for a few rocks and starts throwing them at the heaps of scrap in the field.

"I almost gave in until I thought about how I could cherish the love that I had in such an evil place. I could be the one who brings that love."

"Wow. I guess I must seem like a baby to you then." I say as I wipe my eyes.

Shfralif laughs.

"Not at all. You are quite special. I've never seen someone care so much about someone else other than themselves ever since my friends died. It takes a lot of strength to put others before yourself."

"Thank you. I think I needed this--someone to talk to."

"Anytime. Now it's your turn."

I shoot him a confused look.

"What do you mean?"

"Ask me how my day was cub!" He pats my shoulder hard and once again, I fight to keep my balance.

"Hey!"

I fail to keep still and begin to fall backwards. Reaching for anything I grab Shfralif's ragged shirt and he falls back with me.

We both wince in pain and then look at each other. For a moment we study each other's faces, then burst into laughter.

Shfralif inches closer to my face and my fingers start to heat as my mouth waters. I can only stare back in anticipation as the heat of his breath brushes across my lips.
"Hey Cub...RRIIIIIINNNNGGG RRIIIIIIING"

_____

I quickly sit up straight and assess my surroundings.

I'm in the pod at the junkyard.

That dream was so vivid...I know for fact that last part didn't actually happen.

I hear ringing coming from my pocket and pull out the phone Zahaire gave me. He said it was an old phone of his, but Audree said it was the new Iphone 12. Whatever that is.

The ringing continues and the phone is vibrating ferociously.

"MAKE IT STOP!"

I panic tapping the screen until a memory comes to me and I finally know how to answer the call.

Its Audree and she says she needs to meet me and it's urgent.

I turn to the control panel and begin to pilot the pod. With a gentle whir the pod takes flight.

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