'S'looking a bit dark out there.' Avril Two opened the bi-fold door and stepped out on to the modest patch of lawn. 'Feels warm that wind.' She rubbed her thumb and forefinger together.
'Is it dusty?' Avril Six didn't look up. She poured boiling water in to a brown tea pot and placed the remaining half packet of ginger biscuits on the melamine kitchen table. 'It's got to come from the East before we move. It's not due until tomorrow.'
Avril Two closed the door and sat down on the old school chair. It creaked. 'Just the one biscuit for you dear.' Avril Six tutted. For weeks, she had grown concerned about Avril Two's ability to run. If they stood any chance of making it to the Root, they must maintain good health and fitness. With the temperature rises, this Call could prove more arduous than the last.
'I know you think I won't make it. I heard you telling Jean Seven. Well, you're no spring chicken. I might have to carry you. Then you'll be glad I took on extra fuel!' Avril Two always had a smart answer. 'Speaking of chickens. Have you let them out yet?'
'No. I don't think we should.' Avril Six shook her head. 'I heard something out there last night. When the Call comes, I don't want to have to worry about the hen house.'
'We can't keep them locked in? It could be days.' Avril Two, ignoring the warning, squeezed her feet into a pair of blue garden clogs and disappeared outside.
'You letting them out?' Jean Five croaked from across the privet hedge, cigarette dangling from her lower lip, as she pegged a wet gingham tablecloth on the clothes line. 'I told her not to. Didn't I tell her not to?' She frowned over to Jean Seven, who was perched on a bench, legs wide open, fanning her skirt up and down, each time showing her yellowed petticoat. 'You did. I heard you.' Jean Seven nodded. 'She never listens.'
Avril Two took no notice. She smiled at the pair, pushed away the stray hair that had just blown into her eyes and opened the wooden trap door. The chickens flurried out with an explosion of orange feathers and 'What time do you call this?' clucks. 'You made me jump! Every time!' She scolded them and rummaged around in the nest boxes to find four eggs. 'Thanks girls.' She made a pouch out of her apron in which to carry them back inside.
'I told you not to let them out.' Avril Six glared. 'Oh shush' Avril Two put the eggs in the porcelain chicken and flicked on the radio.
On to the news. It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing this week of seventeen Nines. Most notably, Jessie Robin Nine, discoverer of the High Northern Route. May her bravery and tenacity remain an inspiration to us all. Ones about to embark on their first Call would do well to study every inch of her maps.
'If any Ones get in my way, I'll trample them.' Avril Six muttered. 'Shh, I want to listen.' Avril Two placed her hand over Avril Six's, gently, so as not to hurt her arthritic joints. The hand was quickly snatched away. Avril Two shook her head. 'Why? It's just my hand on yours.' 'I don't do contact. You know that. I'm not like you.' Avril Six disapproved of Avril Twos physicality. She considered reporting her in the past. Mutations happen. There is a natural order and some people don't quite fit. But despite her better judgement Avril Six said nothing to the authorities. She was fond of Avril Two, but preferred her at a distance.
Citizens are advised to stay inside this evening. Listening hatches must be kept open. Provisions will be dispatched before the Dimming.
The Ascendancy wishes you a Jolly Decennium. May your Radicles flourish forth.
Services will resume in 24 hours. This announcement was brought to you in conjunction with Floro Lawn Feed. For the greenest of...
'Why must they advertise. Every opportunity to sell something, they take it. What will you do today?' Avril Two said as she took their cups to the sink. 'I have to finish the crib. When..'
'If..' Avril Six interjected.
'When we bring Avril home, I want everything to be perfect.'
'I hate bloody adverts.' Avril Six leapt up and smacked her hand down on the radio knob. 'The sooner we get rid of this government the better. All they want to do is sell, sell, sell.'
YOU ARE READING
The Root
Science Fiction(Hi! This is a rough first draft. I hope you enjoy reading it. Let me know what you think of it. I will read all comments and try to respond. Thanks for reading!) In this world, the inhabitants are a unique species of human-tree hybrids, known as "t...
