The Bitter Truth

Chapter 2 ~ An Unexpected Visitor

Twelve years later

The rooster's ritual shrill crow pierced the early morning silence, announcing a new day, a day of work, and credits to be earned. The first rays of sunlight filtered through the cracks in the stone roof, casting a warm glow on the rough-hewn cots and the tired faces of the miners.

Ronny woke up, tapping Arliss in the chest on the cot next to his.

"Wakey, Wakey, big man," he said.

Arliss groaned, rolling over, "Wait til ya my age, sonny. Won't be so chipper in da mornin' then." His grumbling was laced with a hint of humor.

A light laugh escaped Ronny, but he couldn't deny the truth of his friend, mentor, and practically father figure's words. Arliss, with his weathered face and calloused hands, was a living testament to the harshness of their work. His once jet-black hair was now streaked with silver, and his once agile movements were now more deliberate and measured. The work they did in the mines only expedited the process.

"Comin' with me to the roof this mornin'?" Ronny asked while taking in a big stretch. He stood up and fixed his blankets, tidying up his tiny space, something Arliss had taught him early on since taking him under his wing.

Arliss slowly opened his eyes, blinking a few times to adjust to the light and clear the remnants of sleep from his mind. As he glanced over, he observed Ronny's figure, clad only in a pair of trousers. He couldn't help but be amazed by the transformation of the once scrawny boy into a strong and imposing man. He was equally impressed by the sense of responsibility and maturity that Ronny now exuded.

"Not today, my boy. Imma needin' a few extra minutes."

"Suit ya self," Ronny exclaimed and walked off.

Emerging outdoors, Ronny took the first left, where a ladder was positioned against the wall. He began his ascent, treading carefully as the ladder was not all that stable. Upon reaching the rooftop, he ventured to the far end and gazed as the sun completed its ascent, casting a warm glow over the smog-shrouded sky.

During breezy mornings, the haze dispersed intermittently, allowing him enchanting glimpses of the verdant, russet-hued mountains nestled in the distance. This created a captivating spectacle that seemed to be tucked away from the world.

The mountains proved one thing in this grim world: there was still a glimmer of beauty and hope.

This was a tradition of Ronny's, to catch a peek at a better world. Maybe one day, he and Arliss could save up enough credits and get granted permission to leave the barricade and live out the rest of their lives in the breathtaking freedom of the mountains.

Today, unfortunately, there was no breeze, only smoke. There was no encouraging solace, only his brutal reality.

With a deep breath, Ronny left the roof and climbed down the ladder. He then headed to the kitchen and grabbed some coffee and a biscuit for himself and Arliss.

When he approached their cots, Arliss was sitting up, buttoning his shirt on.

"Here, man," Ronny offered, passing the cup of coffee and biscuit to him.

Arliss retrieved them with a grateful grin. "Oh, thanks, my boy."

Sitting down on his cot, Ronny ate his breakfast, savoring each bite before carefully lacing up his worn boots and buttoning up his faded shirt.

Gathering their well-worn tools, he and Arliss set off for the mine, following the familiar path. As they approached, they fell in line with the other men, their tired faces and slow, plodding steps a testament to the heavy burden they all carried.