The Prospect's Deal

28

After a few days had passed, it was now time for everyone to pack up and head back to Earth. Ezra was finishing up last-minute things before they got ready to leave as well, and he was standing outside of a small shack near some other people.

Ezra was currently helping out with the small shack and packing the things inside. Ezra was still focused on the task at hand as he seemed to be almost finished with packing the stuff for the shack.

After a few short moments, Ezra had finished packing the small shack. He was now standing outside of the shack with the other people who had finished as well as they all prepared to head out towards Earth and finish up their shifts.

Ezra then noticed that I had stood back a bit and he turned his attention to me. Ezra started to walk over towards me with a soft smile on his face.

"You doing alright?" Ezra asked with his soft and concerned tone as he approached me. Ezra had noticed that I was still a little bit off to the side, and he figured that maybe something was still bothering me. Ezra stayed a little bit close to me as he kept his gaze on my face.

"Just thinking how we are all heading home today... It is scary."

"I know, but don't worry," Ezra spoke calmly and softly as he remained close to me. Ezra smiled to reassure me, he didn't want me to be scared at all at this time. Ezra knew how scary it could be, especially after what had happened to me. Ezra's gaze remained on me for a short bit longer.

"I am worrying, I didn't get any of those stones... I guess I won't be going to college after all."

"Not yet, but you'll still get the chance to some time," Ezra said calmly as he continued to keep his gentle and concerned demeanour. Ezra felt a bit sorry for me in that regard, but he still wanted to reassure me to be optimistic.

"We are going home today, there is no chance I will be getting them."

Ezra stayed silent for a short second while he thought of something to say. Ezra's tone was still gentle and reassuring, he really wanted to try and make me feel better and hopefully less nervous about heading home as well. Ezra figured that I would still have a chance, even though it may not feel like it. Ezra spoke once again. "Hey, you never know. The universe has a way of working itself out sometimes. I wouldn't give up hope yet."

I shrugged. "Maybe."

Ezra noticed that I still seemed to not be completely sure about what he had just said. Ezra still had a soft smile on his face, it felt a bit like I still felt down and worried. Ezra decided to try and fix this and he spoke again. "Trust me, you'll find a way to get the stones. Sometimes things aren't always immediate, but they do work themselves out."

"I trust you..." I looked up at him.

Ezra's smile increased a bit and he gave me a soft and reassuring look as he responded. Ezra's voice had a hint of confidence in it as he spoke up once again. "Exactly. So, don't say that there isn't a chance anymore. There's still going to be a chance, it just might not be right away. Who knows, you may even get your chance after we arrive back on Earth."

"Also you didn't tell me where you are from."

"I did not?" Ezra responded as he was slightly confused; he hadn't even realized that he hadn't told me where he was from. Ezra seemed a little bit surprised that he hadn't given me this information, although he also figured that I didn't really ask either.

"Let me guess, since from your accent... Hm, Texas?" I looked at him.

"How could you tell?" Ezra quickly spoke up after my guess. Ezra seemed to be a bit caught off guard by my accuracy. Ezra thought that his accent was barely noticeable but apparently it wasn't.

"Your accent..."

"Ah, so that was it." Ezra quickly said with a slightly surprised look on his face. Ezra hadn't expected it to be so easy for me to notice his accent at all, he thought it was barely noticeable.

"And to answer your question: yes, I'm from Texas." Ezra quickly confirmed. He didn't want me to have to keep guessing. Ezra then gave me a gentle and reassuring smile as he spoke once again.

"Cowboy huh?"

"More or less," Ezra responded with a gentle and soft chuckle as he joked a bit. Ezra was originally from Texas, which is what resulted in his accent. Ezra was from a smaller town, which is how he gained an affinity for the outdoors. Ezra also had a natural ability to survive outside in such harsh conditions.

Ezra continued to joke a little bit more as he spoke. "You could call me a cowboy all you want, but I think 'outdoorsman' is a bit more accurate."

"That's hot." I smiled at him.

Ezra chuckled at what I said for a brief moment. Ezra was flattered by my compliment but he still remained a little bit surprised. Ezra had never thought of it as hot. Ezra simply took pride in his ability to survive. Ezra's smile continued to remain gentle as he continued to look at me.

"I take it your interests lean a bit into the outdoors as well?" Ezra said as he continued to smile. Ezra figured that this made sense, seeing as the both of us were prospectors. It did make sense that I would also have an affinity for the outdoors as well.

"I do prefer the nature."

"Makes sense. There's something really calming about the outdoors." Ezra said as he agreed with me. Ezra had always enjoyed the outdoors himself as he really enjoyed the peace that it could bring him. Ezra liked being away from people and noise. Ezra figured the both of us probably had similar views on the outdoors as a whole. Ezra kept his gentle smile as he spoke.