Unknown --- Complete [ adding some things ]

Part 7

Robert stared at himself in the small mirror in the bathroom. The sun was already up, everyone was meandering around waiting to head into work. He should have cancelled work and took a few more hours to rest. Instead, he was staring at the blurry image of himself in the mirror. He quickly shaved, dressed and headed back to the main building.

He took the advice of Dean , and had his leg re-evaluated it still showed that it was fine.

"I saw you wander in before breakfast." Laura says in place of hello as she walked in. When he looked at her she was calmly combing her hair with her fingers as if she never said anything to him. "What were you doing?"

"I didn't know I had to report my every waking movements." He tensed at how snappy he sounded.

"Didn't get a lot of sleep did you?"

"No, but I'm working on finding a new leg. The health check up keeps saying I'm fine but it fell off when I was walking. They're not supposed to do that. Which one?"

"As your fake girlfriend. I would say this one." She walked over, flicking to a metallic one. It was priciest but had coverage for any break or tears. Compared to what he was using -- had no repair contract with it. "I'll add some of my pay to it."

"That's a lot of money for not actually being in a relationship."

She stopped working her fingers through her hair and stared at him, "It's not. It would benefit me that you down for the count. But I rather not benefit in that kinda way. OK?"

She walked over adding her funds to his new printed leg.

"I can't give my money yet -- it all goes into a bank. It'll be freed in a few days."

"God, banks are stupid. That's why i have mine loose freely living their life out in the internet somewhere. Anyway, I'll pay the entire thing just give me the funds back in the next few days, good?"

"Thank you." Robert said, he scooped her up into a hard energetic hug, "I can't.. Oh god.. Thank you."

"Chill, my man, chill." She gently released herself from the hug. But her smile was sincere and she was genuinely glad to have done that for him. He quickly apologized for hugging without permission or any notice, she shrugged it off.

"What should we do once your leg is all fixed up?" She asked but she left the building before he could answer her.

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The fit, felt better stronger almost livelier -- if that was even possible -- than his original false leg. He kept running his hand against it waiting to feel something, as if it'd suddenly become a real leg again.

They were all huddled around a campfire. The days were getting colder -- more fire and more blankets were out while they cooked.

"Y'know we could make our meals inside." Greg complained tucking the blanket closer to him.

"Greg this was your idea in the first place." Savannah rolled her eyes at him. "Don't forget that."

"Hey! Why don't we race? Whoever wins gets to decide what we do today."

"I vote, no, and I work." Greg turned slightly away from the group. He was not enjoying the sudden drop in temperatures.

"Well, usually, I side with him." Savannah jutted her thumb toward Greg. As if everyone would forget about that personality trait she had all of a sudden. Her eyes sparkled at countering the usual, "But I say, sure why the hell not."

Dean shrugged, the evening shift was settling across his face and posture. He was ready for sleep.

"Hell, why not?" He shrugged tucking the plate he was using under his seat. Robert rubbed his leg uncertain but decided to go for it -- great way to find out if this thing was worth the cost.

"Where is the ending point?" Savannah asked before piling the rest of her breakfast into her mouth. She quickly chugged water and Robert realized it was easier to watch her painfully finish the rancid meals. Even he was having an easier time consuming the sandy meals.

Laura smiled, and jumped up, "We'll start at the main building and our winning point will be the ocean. Greg since you don't want to participate you can stand watch to see if hits the water first."

Greg groaned at this but it still shuffled downward toward the ocean. He now had on a hat, gloves, a coat, and several blankets tied to him. It was honestly not that cold.

Laura handed him her tablet, "Just click this for the loud rubber duck sound."

He groaned again but nodded. Then she hurried back to the main building.

"Do we all go the same direction?" Savannah asked as she stretched a bit.

"Yeah we'll circle y'alls house when he gets to three." Laura nodded. Dean drew a starting line in the dirt. They all stood there.

"ONE... TWO..." Greg's coarse booming voice, then the rubber duck squeak -- everyone took off around the buildings.

Robert hesitated wobbling on his new leg before taking off to catch up with everyone else. The morning like bright hovering across slightly blinding as he went. The others several steps ahead of him.

Gentle shouts as he skidded into the ocean.

"That leg's working for you." Savannah laughed, falling into the sand. "Laura already got the first place. There ain't any participation trophies to get."

"Oh. Oh." Robert looked around. He didn't notice everyone ended. Laura her hands pumping in the air excitedly as she was the apparent winner. Of course, Greg was relieved since he didn't technically participate so he had nothing to worry about whatever she decided to do.

"We're going hiking."

"Wait, that's it?" Dean criss-crossed on the sand a few steps away from everyone. He was tired, and he exerted more energy than necessary for a hike.

"Y'all only Robert came the last time. I want it to be our thing. To find things about where we live. Aren't any of you interested? I sure as heck am." she laughed, still dancing in the thick liquid unaware of the coolness the water was bringing in.

"I'm going to work." Greg handed the tablet over and started for the housing.

"Are you sure?" Savannah asked.

"Dean did it. I can do it for one day. Right?"

"We'll bring you souvenirs!" Cheered Laura, now kicking at the water slowly bringing herself to the rest of the group, "When should we go?"

"Evening. Dean waking up, the rest of us dragging in --" Robert suggested.

"So, we're not going now?" Savannah huffed, "This bites."

"Well, that makes a lot more sense than just -- " Laura licked her lips. She didn't think everything out for this but that is something she should have taken into consideration, "Greg won't have to be alone."

So it was set they would hike out in the evening when everyone was good to go, or well, as much as possible. Better that way.