Our Grey World

Chapter 2

Year 2081, Age 14 

 The planet hasn't healed a bit. All the work the PCL did has been to waste. If only we'd realized earlier... The gray clouds keep blocking the sun and when the sun does show up, it's too hot. I try to not think about all the people I lost but I just can't help it.

                      Now, my mom is in the hospital too. All she did was remove a mask for a minute and now her lungs are damaged. The doctors doubt her survival but I have hope. I won't give up on her, neither will I give up on this planet. I want to see it in blue and green though it is doubtful.

                  The scientists have finally found a way to go to Nedroj and Zarnia and earth is being evacuated and everyone will be leaving till next year. Scientists say we need to leave this planet as soon as possible. It's hard to move with these heavy masks on.

                        I still go to the PCL sometimes to help, but my health prohibits me from doing anything that has to do with a lot of movement. All I can help with is picking up plastic from lands and purifying water. Food security is non-existent for many. Fruits and vegetables are rare to find and are expensive. We hardly get real food to eat, almost less thrice in 2 months. All people eat canned and packed food. 

                       I remember the stories my great grandparents told me. Stories of blue skies, white clouds, non-toxic rain, snowfall and beautiful animals. They told me about their garden where they used to grow plants and eat fresh food when they were kids. I only got to stay with them for 5 years but those years were worth it. If I'd never met them how would I have known about the green and blue that this planet had. 

                               Humans are the ones who destroyed this planet and I am sad to say, I'm ashamed of being one. 

                                 I went to meet my friend who was leaving for Nedroj. 

 "Hi Zyla, I was waiting for you all day," Maria said. 

 "Hey...you've packed your bags, I see." I said.

  "Yeah, we have. My family is ready to go" 

 "Good for you!" She hums in agreement, "How's your mom?"

 "The doctors say she won't survive" I say trying to keep my voice steady. 

 "I'm sorry... Do you wanna know something?"

"Yeah..." 

 "Earth too won't survive, you'll die if you stay here. I have a plan. You, your parents and your sister can come with us. Live with us." 

 "What about my mom?" 

 "If you can provide the facilities to keep her alive during the journey, we'll take her too. We are taking off tomorrow. You have this one chance. Go tell your parents about it and we'll arrange everything else for you"

 "What about the money?" 

"We can board 20 passengers on 1 spaceship and we have one spaceship so you would not need to pay. The food is what we need to steal."

 "Steal?" 

 "Yeah. There is no other way we'll be able to arrange the food for all of us. I know a supermarket where they have large amounts of food. Anything from canned food to fruits and vegetables. We'll steal most of it. " 

I was silent while Maria continued. 

 "Just think about it. We'll have a great life. We'll still have to​​ wear masks, but at least not all the time. We can drink enough water and we'll have enough food"

"I'll think about it" I said. 

 "But fast, we don't have much time. I'll give you an hour and a half. Come back today just to let me know about your decision and I'll tell you the plan"

 I started going home while thinking 'bout it. "It's a good idea" I said to myself. "This planet hardly has any hope. There at least, I might be able to give my parents a better life and be able to provide them with food and water.

But I don't want to leave this planet...it's my home. I'd promised Frank I'd make this world a better place."What should I do.....?" I think to myself.