Disrepair

Chapter 7

Over the next few days, Sai receives messages from the reception desk which Kylie and Olivia had left for her. She helps out when she's needed, and when she can, to distribute supplies to the other citizens that live around her, traveling by car. Cassandra even offers to give her car to Sai, but she declines.

It's almost another full week while the government's plan is carried out. Airplanes, helicopters, and some vehicles pass through the streets of the city, outside the city, and to everywhere the toxin has reached, and they disperse massive amounts of helium onto the ground. What the reporter said now takes place, as it mixes with the toxic smog, which then gets thicker, and soon enough raises towards the skies.

"Welcome back to the local news at 6am, where we'll be considering our city's recent events" the reporter starts. "To continue the broadcast 4 days ago, we now bring you additional details about the relief plan. As the gas reaches the sky, no doubt it will circulate through the water cycle, of which everyone is aware of how it works. New laws are being passed, of which I will now list for you all. The first of them is, all airlines will now fly at a lower altitude, slightly closer to the city while avoiding collisions. They will be reinforced so no gasses can enter the planes. The second, as many are aware, a lot of our residences have rooftop pools, gardens, or other clear spaces which are used to observe the sunsets, and to enjoy the fresh air. With the new circumstances, they will now be closed off, access to the rooftops is now prohibited. Those living in the higher most floors of their building are to be careful. This warning applies to everyone however, to be careful and follow the safety precautions. Lastly, the law which was under discussion is now in place. When leaving your home, you are not to go out without these items; a filtered gas mask, a protective suit such as a hazmat suit or other thick material, and a case of the antidotes. This of course has been slowly produced and will be made available shortly, by next week at the earliest. So please visit your local pharmacy at that time. The effect it will have on the water cycle is also a new concern for everyone, as scientists predict it will bring more acidic rains, and infect the water sources. Please find a store near you, and buy the mandated filters. Install them in your homes as quickly as you can. Oh my that was a lot to list, I hope you all can remember it. This is all we can give you for now. Once again, and always, stay safe out there."

The screen cuts to intermission, before coming back to another subject. "Hey sis, do you have any plans?" Rose asks.

"No, why?" Sai responds.

"I was thinking, after we buy the gear we need and the filters for our sinks and shower, what if we go out for a walk?" Rose suggests.

"A walk? I know it was just announced that we could leave our homes freely, but do you really want to rush out there?" Sai asks with some concern.

"Sai, you're sounding a lot like mom right now, always wanting me to take my time making a decision. She did the same with you, remember? Look, I came out here to visit my older sister, to spend time with you, to have fun, to go out and do the things you enjoy. Together. This is the first time, after almost two weeks, where I can go outside freely after this whole problem started. And you want to keep me isolated for longer?" Rose responds, mildly upset and frustrated with her.

"Do not, ever, say I'm similar to our mom" Sai tells her strictly. "I have my reasons for wanting you to stay, but I know you're old enough to make your own choices. If you want to go out as soon as you can, fine, I'll go with you."

"You don't have to sis, I won't force you" Rose says.

"You're not. I'm sorry for scolding you about what you said. I'll go buy the filters and install them, I'll be back later" Sai replies, getting her bag and the car keys before leaving.

Sai quickly buys what she needs, finding the filters easily thanks to the newly regulated labels. She already has a hazmat suit that Olivia was handing out, so she buys a second one to give to Rose. She checks off the items on her imaginary list, then she pays for them and returns home. Rose asks if she can help, the least she could do since she lives with Sai now. But Sai declines, wanting to get it done faster by herself. After about an hour she has all the filters installed. One for the kitchen sink, one for the bathroom sink, the shower, and the toilet too. Now with their hands free from other tasks, Sai joins her sister for a walk.

She expects to see hardly anyone else on the streets, but she's somewhat surprised to see close to a hundred in the area. In the distance several blocks away, she sees Olivia and the others move from one building to another. She looks up to the sky, to the fog that now covers what was once a pretty blue, and she can't help but sigh a little.

Sai and Rose stop by the cafe for breakfast, then they walk across the city to one of the town squares. Some things are similar, and others, vastly different. Some buildings still stand, mostly the taller apartment and work buildings for large companies. Others, mostly shorter buildings of only a few stories, lie in ruins. The gas had been so corrosive that it ate away at the structure slowly, until eventually it collapsed. Rose asks if they can go into one to check for survivors, but that idea is quickly shot down by Sai.

The process takes a while, but Olivia's aid group has now grown across the city, now getting some recognition by the mayor and other officials. Now able to travel back home, and happy with her stay, Rose flies back home. Sai, now back to her normal life alone, returns to her daily routine. Coming down to visit Mr Darro, Sai enters his store to have a chat.

"Hello Miss Nimira, what can I help you with?" Darro asks.

"I was actually wondering if you needed any help around here. Like, if you're hiring" Sai answers somewhat shyly.

"I may have a few positions open, what is it you'd like to do here?" he asks.

"Um, well, anything really. I'm just looking for a full-time job really, and I first thought of your business. I'm not too good with computers, but I could easily handle the register and help customers" Sai says with a smile.

"Alright, I'll keep you in mind. Do you want to come back tomorrow for an interview?" Darro asks, mostly as a suggestion.

"I'm free the rest of today if you'd like" Sai replies, picking up on his small hint that she might have had plans. "My sister left to return home, and I don't have anything to do right now."

"Okay, come on back to my office and I'll be with you in a minute or so" Darro says.

Sai enters his small office in the back, where his main computer is along with some video feed from the security cameras. She sees a chair in the corner, bringing it up to his desk and she sits down. A few minutes later Mr Darro comes in, shutting the door, and he starts the interview. About a half hour later, after the quick interview, Mr Darro waves her goodbye.

Sai heads for the door, a big smile on her face. She puts on her mask and turns back to face him. "Thank you sir, I won't let you down!" she says before leaving.