Set in post apocalyptic Nevada, a 29 year old girl suffering from burnout and years of trauma returns to her birthplace. Will her family and friends still be there? Will she find a home?
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Part 2: Square One
Chapter 2: The Storm
"DD where are we going?" Scott yelled so that she could hear him over the howling wind pushing them backwards.
"My campsite."
"I'm not sure we'll get wherever you are going before the dust storm hits."
"Go back without me then."
"Just listen to reason! You don't want to die in a dust storm!" Scott extended his arms.
"I don't care if I live or die."
"I do. Snap the fuck out of it girl. Come on!"
"You shouldn't die just to stop me from doing so." DD insisted.
"I'd rather die together knowing I tried to save you from walking into a dust storm alone." Finally it hit her. She wasn't willing to drag him down over her anger, her hurt. He would stay until the bitter end, and she was not ready to have another person fall because of her cowardice. Not again.
"Let's make a run for it then! We can still make it back to the school!" The two turned into the wind, each step felt like DD was walking uphill. At least the sun was blocked out now. The wind increased, the visibility decreased, and all the while the two pressed on. Their hands found the doors to the school before their eyes, and it took both of their full strength to open the door, but finally they were safe. DD and Scott shared a fist bump as they undid their solar gear.
"Thank you for, turning back." Scott was still catching his breath as he spoke.
"Thank you for... a lot of things honestly." DD was hunched over trying to breathe herself.
"You two are absolutely insane!" Aina came down the school stairs. "Why on Earth would you cut it that close with a storm!?" She ran up and hugged Scott.
"Sorry Aina." He pat her head a bit.
"It's my fault." DD said sheepishly.
"DD you need to stop being so self destructive." Aina snapped. She realized what she had said and collected herself, then continued. "I just got you back. I don't want to have to see you drink yourself to death, or choke on dust." Another face joined the trio now, Trent.
"Scott! I'm so glad you made it back. Also hey... DD." He put a hand behind his head as he spoke her name.
"Hi... Trent." DD looked away.
"Look I'm not sure what went down, but you three need to talk." Aina insisted.
"Aina, I'm not-" DD didn't get to finish.
"Trent. Just talk to her. It's so obvious you need to." Aina walked over to one of the old classrooms and opened it for them. "Go in, and talk." Scott looked to his sister and friends and slowly moved to the door. DD gave in and followed, and finally so did Trent.
