Clear Skies

Chapter 3: Clarity Through Rainfall

            Few clouds lingered in the periwinkle sky above the blush of the rising sun. No smog so early, I supposed, and I swore to enjoy it while it lasted. I hugged my knees to my chest. My toes touched the cool dirt beside the garden.

A pleasant, fresh scent drifted from the flowers. Tulips, violets, and goldenrods sprouted in front of me. A majority of the garden held vegetables. Martha used a section for beauty, though. That didn't strike me as being very "Satellite," which reminded me of her warning.

Living to survive meant most people I met would be ravenous to keep whatever power they clung to. Living to thrive meant being at odds with enemies willing to go to any lengths. Martha carved out her own little paradise despite the circumstances.

Kalin, Yusei, Crow, and Jack wanted to do that for the entire Satellite. My first reaction was that they needed the help, but something told me Kalin wouldn't like that answer.

"Dear?" Martha appeared behind me. "I understand you're troubled, but having an extra mouth to feed means I need the extra two hands in the kitchen. C'mon and help out."

I followed her inside and cut vegetables for stew. The strong scent of the onions stung my eyes with tears. Though the knife appeared dull, the blade cut through the potatoes like butter.

"Do you cook?" she asked. "You're deft with the knife."

"I don't remember."

Her bushy eyebrows lifted. She stirred the broth and said, "The kids have a hard time with manners, so I'll warn you now not to take anything they say to heart."

"What kids?"

"This is an orphanage. The children out there lost their parents in one way or another, so it's my job to fill that role." She poured the proper portions of what I'd cut, finishing, "It isn't easy."

"I'll help as much as I can."

Martha eyed me. "You're a simple girl for a teenager. I tell you to cook and you don't even try to weasel out of it. I understand obedience is a positive trait, but I hope you won't allow anyone to abuse it."

"...How do I know?"

"Know what?"

"Who to listen to and who not."

A sigh passed her lips as she poured equal amounts of stew into six bowls. "There's not always a right answer, dear. In time, you'll figure out who to trust. Don't be afraid to make mistakes but also be wary. You'll discover your own right from wrong."

I nodded and said, "Thank you."

"What a pleasant surprise!" She chuckled. "Folks younger than me never listen to my advice. Maybe you can teach those four boys a thing or two. Grab the silver. It's serving time."

Martha went upstairs to round up the kids for breakfast. I heard lots of scuffling and hollering as I set the table. Two boys and two girls marched down the stairs, Martha's firm glare keeping them in line.

They peeked at me and picked the furthest side of the table from mine. Martha rolled her eyes and sat beside me. Whenever they whispered about me, she smacked the culprit upside the head. I definitely caught some comments about me being diseased or some sort of alien, though.

I excused myself the second I finished the stew. Martha said I was free to go since the kids who slept in had the honor of doing the dishes. Their chorus of groans covered my exit.