Tesla Bethel
Lantern Staff
I awoke as the sun filtered in through the fabric walls of the tent. Sitting up, I glanced over to see Ren still sound asleep. I should probably get her some breakfast. Running the brush through my hair, I quickly changed and headed out, flask and basket in hand. I made my way to the medical tent listening as the bustle of people became louder as more people became active. I got to the tent, and the ration line was already beginning to form. I stood in line waiting patiently. Since there wasn’t really a work force, currency went out the window; everyone shared, and if you had something they wanted, a trade could be made.
As I reached the front of the line Maya was waiting with the rations already sorted and in hand.
“Thank you,” I said quietly. Maya simply smiled and nodded her head as she turned to the person behind me. I started to make my way back to Ren when someone bumped into me, causing me to drop everything.
“This is just wonderful,” I said grumbling to myself as I started to pick up the food that was scattered across the ground. Thank god they were wrapped up; I did not need to waste water to clean them, I thought to myself.
“I’m so sorry,” a voice said as a hand reached down to pick up a roll of bread that was just outside of my grasp. Startled, I looked up to see a pair of kind grey blue eyes that reminded me of the sky when it rains. His light brown hair was a mess, his nose broken, but his smile gleamed. It was genuine, and what a rare sight to see.
“Uh, it’s okay,” I said standing up absentmindedly swiping my hair behind my ear.
“Do you need help carrying this?” he said, holding up the basket.
“No, I think I can handle it,” I said. I definitely was not a damsel in distress. “I should be headed back; she’ll be awake soon,” I said. starting to walk away. I was a little shocked when he began walking beside me.
“My name’s Axyl,” he said running a hand through his hair.
“Lena,” I said staring at the dirt streets in front of me.
“Nice to meet you, Lena!” he said, his cheerful tone a bit refreshing, but also a little irritating. Why is he so happy? People are dying, our lives are a mess, and he’s happy? It was that moment when I realized just how dark of an outlook I had. He was probably just trying to lighten everyone’s mood, but it’s hard to see the silver linings and positivity when the world as you knew it has all but fallen apart.
“Well this is my stop,” I said as we reached the tent. Ren poked her head out of the tent. I heard her stomach growl before she even had a chance to say anything. “I know, I know,” I laughed, tossing her a roll. She immediately ripped into the roll not bothering for proper manners. “This is Ren,” I said glancing at Axyl. “I met her in Portland.”
“We’ve been together ever since, haven’t we Lena,” Ren stated looking up at me after taking a quick swig from the flask.
“Ren, this is Axyl who seems to have followed me here.” I said smiling slightly. He gave a full bellied laugh and knelt down to Ren’s level.
“She’s right, just like a lost dog,” he said, giving me a wink as he held out his hand.
“That reminds me, Axyl where do we go about finding work, and where do we, uh, bathe at?” I said as my face began to heat up.
“Oh, after you’re done eating I’ll take you to the labor bureau to see what they have open, and what you’ll be best at. Then I’ll show you the makeshift bath house,” He said rubbing Ren’s head. As if on que, my stomach growled. He gave a knowing smile and handed me a roll from the basket.