'Help Wanted,' said the ink and paper note that Mari Maldashi had nailed to the side of the wooden post. 'Starting a mining operation. No prior experience required. Must be smart & reliable. Apply at 109 High Tom Street.'
Mapula brushed her bangs out of her bright green eyes and read with interest. Opportunity was screaming at her.
"What is it?" asked her sister Zanele, reading over her shoulder.
Mapula pointed to the note, watching Zanele read Mari Maldashi's handwriting. "It's a day job," Zanele said flatly.
"It's a change of pace!" said Mapula. "It's just what I've been wanting."
"Why? She doesn't even mention pay."
"I wouldn't do it for the money. I... look, I can handle taking charge of Mom and Dad's boring restaurant if it pays the bills. But this sounds like fun! Even if I don't do it very long, I'll never forgive myself if I pass up the chance. What do you think? Would you do it with me?"
Zanele's face crumpled with thought, her almost-bald head wrinkling like an old apple. "I'd try it," she said at length. "It looks a slow day otherwise."
Mapula looked up at the sky. The sun hung close to the horizon, sinking a finger-width lower every day. In a few weeks, it would set, and sixty Earth-days darkness would begin. For now, it coated everything in a shimmering gold.
On the way to Maldashi's place, something brought Mapula to a halt; Morgan ran by.
Thanks to the short-sightedness of their great-grandparents' generation, and to eugenics gone out of control, Venus had only one man for every four women-- every five, in the polar regions. Here in Bonde Wakulima, the male population added up to only two hundred and nineteen. And Morgan was easily the prettiest. His skin was a delightful caramel hue, neither African nor Indian, and his smooth, clean black hair hung long behind him. His shorts hugged his tight, well-formed butt, and they ended above the knees, giving a clear view of his deliciously muscled legs. Best of all, his face was a treasure: masculine and full of compassion, with sharp focus in his deep, rich blue eyes.
It was well-known that Morgan was single. And unlike many Venusian boys, he was monogamous. It would be a lucky woman who ended up with him, and it probably wouldn't be Mapula. But still she hoped.
As soon as she thought this, something compelled her to do more. Nothing ever happened because of hope alone, as her mother had always said. And besides, between this and the 'help wanted' poster, today was clearly a well-fated day.
"Hey, Morgan!" Mapula called.
Morgan stopped, turning those bright eyes on her. Suddenly, she filled with doubt. Zanele will laugh at me for this. I hope he doesn't get upset. Wait... oh gods, he's already dating someone! A flash of reality saved her. He broke up with Simdula. He's free again.
"Yes?" said Morgan, brushing his hair away from his eyes.
"I..." Mapula swallowed. "I was wondering if you'd like to go out with me."
Morgan raised his eyebrows. Clearly, he hadn't thought about it. Mapula clamped her jaw shut and put on her gentlest smile as she waited for him to decide.
"Sorry, but no," he said at last. "I'm flattered that you asked, but I like the way we are now. I'd rather just keep getting thrashed at basketball instead."
"Okay," said Mapula weakly.
Morgan smiled. "I'll see you around." And he was off.
Mapula watched him leave, trying to feel good about herself for asking.
