Drone

19 Resolutions.

Heavy rain drummed against the compound's roof. Niklas sat alone at the kitchen table, his arms crossed over the back of one of the few undamaged chairs.

His head continued to throb, but he didn't pay it any mind. After consistent aching, he learned how to bar the migraine from focus. He pushed it into the background, dismissing it without thinking about it, like the patterning rain.

One of the three bedroom doors opened, and Ivar jumped as his lamp illuminated Niklas in the dark room.

"That's not creepy at all," Ivar muttered as he composed himself.

Niklas stared back into empty space without response.

"Do you always sit in the dark by yourself?" Ivar asked.

"Couldn't sleep," Niklas muttered.

"You've been up all night?"

"Is it morning already? I guess so."

Ivar hesitated. "Are you okay?"

Niklas nodded slowly.

Ivar breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness, talking about feelings and stuff is the last thing I want to do."

The door next to Ivar's opened, and Lill walked out. She yawned heavily, stretching her arms over her head before she saw the two men. "Oh?" she said in surprise. "I don't suppose you two are up to make breakfast for me, are you?"

Niklas instinctually sat up. "As you command." He stood and headed over to the dishes.

"Niklas," Lill interrupted decidedly. "I was joking."

He stopped. "So you don't want me to make something?"

"Do you even know how to cook?"

Niklas thought about it. He had worked shifts in the cafeteria with his detachment by assignment, but he rarely cooked for fewer than 500 people at a time, and the food he made was basic and plain—less satisfactory than the food the Sommerfeldts were used to. "Probably not," he answered.

"I thought as much," Lill said. "Besides, I feel like I'm taking advantage of you, knowing you'll do anything I ask."

"Yeah," Ivar cut in, "why don't you jump up to do my work for me?"

Because you're not a Mother and are perfectly capable of doing your own work. Niklas thought. "I'll do it if you pay me 2000 cesh."

Ivar and Lill looked at each other, and a subtle nod passed between them.

Lill spoke up. "Niklas, about that, what happened yesterday with the investigator? Are you in trouble?"

"No," Niklas shook his head. "Not anymore."

"What happened?" Lill asked.

Niklas let out a sigh. "I hosted a fight pit in the lumber yard. Somehow, Wilbur Teaman found out and reported me. I had to pay Officer Yelsing and the yard manager my winnings.

Both siblings looked at Niklas in pointed shock.

"You what?" Lill demanded as she took a seat beside Niklas.

"That's incredible!" Ivar laughed, joining them at the table. "Did you fight?"

Niklas nodded and held up his thrashed hands. In the dim light, he saw the swelling was worse than the day before and the scabs darker and dry.

"You are a fighter!" Ivar grinned.

Niklas blushed slightly and shrugged. "You don't survive in Pit forest without knowing how to care for yourself."