Wasteland

VII

Max

I wake up on my twenty-first birthday with no expectations. I was supposed to have the day off but at last minute, I was listed to work. I haven't seen my mother in weeks and I hate that I had to cancel on her yet again.

I was supposed to be at the wall for morning guard fifteen minutes ago. I sprint through the dorm halls, trying to button my uniform up and send the message up to the guard on shift before me letting him know that I'm coming. I slow down when I see Sullivan coming my way.

"Riley," He nods at me. "Happy birthday, kid. Rough morning?"

My hair is flat, I had no time to style it and I don't really care. "Yes, sir. Had some trouble getting out of bed."

"Well come with me, I need you for an impromptu hearing."

"Now Commander? I have wall patrol-"

"I got Parker to replace you. The hearing's about that girl's mother and I need you present. Be there in five. And Riley?" He nods down at my bare chest. "Button it up, huh?"

"Yes sir." I blush, fumbling with my uniform.

--

Ray is sitting at a round table with Rosa when I arrive to Sullivan's office. Rosa is whispering something in Ray's ear with a small smile and Ray is smiling in return, clearing humoring her mother. Her hair is pulled back from her face, different from the usual wild curls. We catch each other in awkward eye contact and I quickly look away, sitting down at the only empty chair left.

"Hello, Rayna, I take it you're well?"

She shrugs. "I've been worse."

"I think I may have some news for you." Sullivan smiles. "We've had tests run on Rosa and we've had her observed. The medical center doesn't believe that she's healthy enough to continue working in the shelter."

Ray's shoulder sag back. "Really?" She asks quietly, voice breathy with relief. She smiles brightly at Rosa, taking her hand. "Where will she go?"

"We have a position right here in headquarters for housekeeping. She'd have her own sleeping quarters and she'd be receiving the medical attention she needs. You'd get to visit often. It really is an upgrade."

Ray raises an eyebrow. "What's the catch? How do I know she will be any safer than she was in that shelter?"

Sullivan chuckles. "There is no catch, my dear. But we don't make changes like these often. So I think you and your mother would find it...wise not to take advantage. But I assure you, she will be in great care."

Ray glances at her mother before looking back up at Sullivan. "Alright. Thank you, Commander, I could never find a way to repay this."

Sullivan nods. "I'll have you both shown to housekeeping."

--

Ray is murmuring to Rosa when I arrive outside of her new room an hour later. I lurk in the hall, listening.

"You're safe now, Rosa." Ray says. "You'll be fed well; you can shower whenever you want. You can sleep easy at night in a nice room. And we'll be able to see each other more."

"I don't want to be here working for them. Not while you've in that village, taking my place."

Ray takes a breath. "Better me than you."

"Don't you dare-"

I knock on the door, not wanting to hear anymore. Both females glance up when I walk in. Rosa smiles brightly. "Max, happy birthday!"