this was for the anniversary but I didn't finish it 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
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Waking up after a disaster is always horrible, over the years of living in the clearing Aspen has learned that.
They woke up like they normally did, in a daze from dreams and soft blankets.
They want to stay there for a few moments and hide away from everything. In those moments they think about maybe going to try and find Faded, ask him if he's made any new songs, sit and listen as he strums his guitar.
Aspen sits with their eyes closed, and thinks about plans for the day, people to say hi to.
Then it hits them.
The griever had broken into the clearing.
The yelling, oh gods the yelling.
Aspen sat up, blinking, praying no one was hurt, praying they all managed to get to shelter.
"You okay?" a voice asks, and Aspen almost cries with relief when they recognize the familiar accent-tinted voice.
Faded sits against the wall by Aspen's feet with his legs hugged to his chest.
"Faded! Where is everyone? Are they okay? Did you see anyone get hurt?" A flood of questions pours out, and they ignore how their dry throat makes their voice sound scratchy.
He turns back to look at the ladder leading to the exit. "Dunno. Varu's in here somewhere but that's the extent of my knowledge."
Aspen breathes, trying to convince themself that everyone is probably okay and that they had all gotten to one of the other 6 shelters in the clearing.
It doesn't help very much, but lying never tends to do that.
The two sit for a while, Faded staring intently at the ladder, while Aspen unconsciously tapped their finger on the floor.
They give up eventually, standing up to scout out the rest of the shelter to find Varu.
Faded makes a slight sound when they get up, maybe to try and check if they were going up the ladder, but it dies out as soon as he sees they're headed to the side room.
They walk into the small area; a room full of barrels for storage, and see Varu asleep on top of a crafting table. He looks a lot more peaceful than he does when awake, so they leave them there, grateful at least two other people are for sure alive.
