"And that's all I remember..." Serenity says. "I... I'm so sorry, Ms. Serenity. That sounds like it was awful to experience." Deacon says. "Fucking bitch!" Adira exclaims, hitting a tree, finally letting out all the anger that was building up inside of her. "People like Deacon had to suffer all these years just because of that psychopathic cunt!" She yells. She then looks back at Deacon and notices that he seems nervous. "O-oh! Um... S-sorry Freckles. I didn't mean to get so angry. You okay?" She says, putting a hand on his cheek. "Y-yeah, I'm fine." He says, sinking into her hand. "Good. I'm glad I didn't scare you." She says, relieved, as she rubs his cheek with her thumb. "I understand your anger, Adira, but don't be foolish and let it consume you." Serenity says. "I already made that mistake." She mutters. She then sighs. "Now, if it isn't any trouble, do either of you two think you could get me a drink?" She says.
Adira had brought Serenity to her house. Her parents were, of course, shocked to see a dead woman walking, but once they heard the story from Adira, they also sympathized with her.
Serenity was sitting on a porch swing in the backyard, having a drink of wine. After a while, she reached into the neck of her shirt and took out a locket. She then flipped it open to reveal a picture of Isaiah and her mother. She let out a sigh before taking a large sip of the wine. "Got any room for another?" A voice says. She looks up to see Diana. She is silent for a moment as she closes the locket and stuffs it back into the neck of her shirt. "Sure, I guess." She says, sliding over. Diana then sits down. They are both silent for a moment. "You know... drowning yourself in that won't make you feel any better, Serenity," Diana says. "Hm, maybe your right..." She says, looking at the glass. "Got anything stronger?" She says with a smirk. Diana doesn't laugh at the attempt at humor. "Serenity, I'm serious... I can only imagine how much you're hurting, and it might help you to talk about it." She says. "With someone I just met? Nah... I only told Deacon and Adira that story because they wanted to know the truth. Wasn't looking for a therapy session." Serenity says. She then notices Diana look down and sighs. "Look, I appreciate the thought, but this..." She says, pointing at the glass. "...has been my therapy for a while, and it's worked just fine so far." She says before taking another sip. "Okay... I just... figured I'd offer." Diana says before getting up and walking to the door. "Tell me if you change your mind, okay?" She says, turning back to her. "Will do." Serenity says. Diana then walks back inside. A few moments pass, and Serenity reaches back into the neck of her shirt and takes out the locket. She then flips it open once more. She looks at the picture for a long moment before bringing the locket to her lips. Her eyes then start to water. Eventually, a tear runs down her cheek as she lets out a quiet sob.
It had gotten late, and rain was starting to pour down. Regardless, Serenity figured it was time to return to her camp. "Thanks for the drink, Diana." She says with a wave as she walks toward the front door. "Wait, Serenity! I think you should stay here for the night. I don't feel right letting you go out there during this weather." Diana says. Serenity sighs before turning to face her. "Listen, Diana, I appreciate the hospitality, but-" Serenity starts to say before Diana interrupts her. "I insist! You don't deserve to sleep on the ground in the pouring rain." She says. Serenity shrugs. "Fine. I guess it would be nice to sleep on something comfortable again." She says. "Great! Now, you just relax on the couch, and I'll go get you a pillow and a blanket." She says before getting up and walking up the stairs. Serenity then sits down on the couch. Eventually, Diana comes back and gives Serenity a pillow and a blanket. "Thanks, Diana." Serenity says. "Of course! You deserve a chance to relax after all you've been through." Diana says. "Yeah, I suppose so." Serenity says before laying down. There is a moment of silence. "Well, uh, I'm gonna head to bed now. Goodnight!" Diana says. "'Night." Serenity says with a wave.
The next day, Serenity wakes up to the sun shining on her face. She lets out a groan as she sits up. "Good morning, Ms. Serenity!" Deacon says from behind her. "Huh?" She says. She then looks behind the couch to see him standing in the kitchen doorway. "Oh... What are you doing up this early, kid?" She asks. "I wanted to do something special for Mrs. Diana! So, I decided to make breakfast for her and Mr. Tivona!" He says. "Heheh. Well, aren't you a sweetheart?" She says. "Would you like for me to make something for you too?" He says. "Nah, I'm fine. Diana already gave me something to eat yesterday, so I'll manage." She says. "Are you sure?" He asks. "Yeah, I'm sure. Just keep doing what you were doing." She says. "Uh, okay! Tell me if you change your mind!" He says before going back into the kitchen. Serenity then heard a startup noise that was coming from her left forearm. She looks down at PAM, which is now on her left forearm due to the injury from Abrianna's blade. "'Bout time." She says. PAM then powers on. "Hello, Serenity. I apologize if my absence was inconvenient. Ms. Millicent's blade punctured most of my integral components. Did anything happen while I was inoperative?" PAM says. "Well, everyone I knew is dead, Abrianna won, and I'm hundreds of years in the future." Serenity says. "Oh," PAM responds. Serenity sighs. "Sorry PAM. I'm just... dealing with a lot right now." She says. "It's okay, Serenity! I was made to deal with this situation. May I suggest that you give yourself a break?" PAM says. "No! I still have so much to do! So much to avenge!" Serenity says. "It's been hundreds of years, Serenity. The world can wait a couple more days. Besides, you said it yourself. Everyone is gone. Whatever plan you have will likely fail now that you have no one to help you." PAM says. Serenity is silent for a moment. She then sighs. "Maybe you're right, PAM... I guess a little bit of a break won't hurt." She says. "Hey, kid!" She says aloud. Deacon then comes in, and she turns around to face him. "Yes, Ms. Serenity?" He says. "Maybe I'll take you up on that previous offer. But only if I get to help." She says. "Okay, Ms. Serenity! Come on in here!" He says with a gesture before walking back into the kitchen. She then gets up and walks into the kitchen as well.
YOU ARE READING
What Remains of the Old World
Science FictionA young man named: Deacon Cross was born into a world that is controlled and regulated by a woman who goes only by: Ms. Millicent. The rules that Ms. Millicent has set in place are harsh to say the least. That is: women being able to do practically...
