Disrepair

Chapter 10

Sai wakes up the next morning, she comes out to the living room and turns on the TV, swapping it to the channel she watched back in the city. She bends her knees up and pulls a blanket over herself while she listens.

"Good morning to you all, and what a wonderful day this is here in the city. As you can see the skies are now clear and as blue as the oceans. The cure that has been produced has successfully been spread across the city and surrounding areas. All labs have been banned from creating any other kinds of toxic glasses, or other compounds which could be used in a harmful way. Citizens are now free to return to their lives, and to enjoy the beautiful scenery like they once did. It will take time for the birds and other local animals to return, but that's just one more thing to look forward to.-" the newer reporter starts.

Sai hears some steps behind her, then is slightly surprised as Zoey jumps over the back of the couch, landing pretty much on top of her. Sai lets out a small chuckle and puts the blanket over her too, then shifts her attention back to the TV.

"-Operations in the airports remain the same, protocols for disinfecting clothes and other accessories will still be enforced until all traces of the toxin are no longer found. We're out of the darkness, and now we can look ahead to the bright days ahead of us. This has been Kim Simmons, have a nice day!" she says cheerfully before the broadcast ends.

Sai turns to look at Zoey as she hands over the remote. "How'd you sleep?"

"Good" Zoey says, a little less shyly and quiet than usual. "Did you like your bed?"

"The air mattress?" Sai says with a light snicker. "I loved it."

"That's good. Thanks for staying with us for dinner last night" Zoey replies.

"You're welcome sis. Can I ask you something?" Sai responds.

"Sure" Zoey answers, somewhat distracted as she searches for something to watch.

"Will it be okay with you if I leave for two days, temporarily?" Sai asks.

Zoey fumbles and nearly drops the remote. "W-what?"

"I'd only assume you don't want me to stay living in the city without you. So...well, I want to see if you'd let me go to pack my things" Sai answers as she scratches the back of her neck nervously.

"Yes! You're staying here with us?!" Zoey replies excitedly.

"Shhh! Quiet down!" Sai tells her, clamping her hand down over Zoey's mouth. She lets out a sigh before speaking up again. "I haven't discussed this with the others, and your yelling about it will wake them up. I just want you to be the first to know that I want to come back, okay?"

"Mhm" Zoey replies with a nod, her mouth still covered by Sai's hand.

Sai lowers her hand. "I'll talk with mom and dad about it, once that's done I want you to go tell Rose, you understand?"

"Yes" Zoey answers.

"Alright...now what is it you want to watch?" Sai asks, facing the TV now.

As Sai watches Zoey's favorite movie and a later season of a show, the morning passes quite fast. Rose and their dad wake up next, around 9am, and he makes breakfast for them all. Sai and Zoey, who had been sitting with their legs crossed and the blanket over their shoulders, pause the TV as the scent comes to them from the kitchen. Sai gets up, patting Zoey's head while telling her to stay there, and she brings back a couple of filled plates. Their mom wakes up about an hour later.

Sai finishes eating and gets up to wash her plate. Zoey pauses the show and turns around to look at her. From the sink Sai gives Zoey a little wave of her hand, essentially telling her "Don't pause it, I'll be fine". Sai sets the plate to the side before joining her parents at the table, meanwhile Rose also finishes, and joins Zoey on the couch. Now a little confused, thinking Sai would have come back, Zoey pauses it once again and looks back to her sister.