LIFE AFTER EARTH

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Chapter Four: "Settling In"

Originally published March 14, 2023-May 20, 2024

David wakes up to find that he and George are cuddling with each other. The TV is still on. He winces as the pain comes surging back to his face and shoulder, and he tentatively reaches up to prod at the blisters forming on his face. He sits up straighter and gently nudges George off of him, and then grabs the remote from the table and shuts the TV off.

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He turns towards George, grabs his shoulder, and gently tries to shake him awake. 'George?' He says. 'Mmh?' George responds, half-asleep. 'George, wake up…' David says. 'What...?' George replies. George sits up blearily and looks around. He has moment of realizing where he is. 'Oh.' He says. There is a quiet pause. He turns and looks towards David, his expression betraying little. David is grimacing and clutching his arm. 'We should go see if there’s something to eat… and maybe see if there’s some painkillers. You- uh- look like you need them.' George says. 'Uh- Yeah. That would- that would be nice.' David says. They both stand up and walk over to the door.

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George opens the door, and he and David walk out. George closes the door behind them. They walk down the hall. They turn through a doorway and into the dining room/kitchen, in which Gechriald is sitting at a small table and eating. There’s more food on the stove, along with a container of some sort of tea/broth. 'Good morning. You’re just in time for lunch.' Gechriald says. George and David nervously walk over to the table and each take a seat. They both look sort of sheepish. 'Uh- David needs- uhm- needs painkillers. Like, Ibuprofen.' George says.

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'Yeah, the- uh, pain doesn’t seem to be going away. It’s- actually worse this morning.' David says. 'I have some, but you can’t take ‘em on an empty stomach.' Gechriald says, picking up their plates. He makes plates for both of them, and gives each of them a cup of tea. 'Thanks.' George says. 'Thank you.' David says. Gechriald sits back down and keeps eating. George sips on his tea thoughtfully while David forces down some food. He doesn’t have much of an appetite.

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'Did you go back to Earth?' George asks nervously. 'Yes. I checked on your neighborhood.' Gechriald says. 'And?' George asks. 'It’s pretty bad.' Gechriald says. George and David both look miserable and David stops eating. George continues to stare at Gechriald expectantly. '…It might be a while until we can visit your houses and dig around, and even then… I’m not sure you’ll find much. It’s… raiders, from some traveling army. They were looting when I checked. Taking belongings, electronics, and b-uhh… I shouldn’t tell you kids the nasty details. You’ve gotta focus on surviving. I’ll take you both shopping, and- David, was it? You might fit into some of my spare clothes. I mean- You’re the right height, if a bit skinny. Eat up, I’ll find those painkillers.' Gechriald says. Gechriald gets up and walks away. The boys looks sick.

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The text reads 'Later…' David is in the TV room, curled up on the couch. He has a pillow now, and a blanket. He’s alone. He gets up and leaves the room. He walks through the hall and out the building.

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It’s evening, starting to get dark. He can see the stars. He makes his way up onto the roof. George is sitting in the roof. He managed to bring his phone and headphones, so he’s sitting and listening to music, his legs hanging off the edge of the building.

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David sits next to him. 'Uhm-' David starts. George takes his headphones out and turns to him. 'Uh- Can I listen with you?' David asks. 'Uhm. Sure, but you might not like it.' George says. He hands David one headphones and puts the other back on. David wipes it off on George’s jacket. 'Uh- It’ll only work like this, my phone’s speakers are a little busted. It’s old.' George says. 'It’s fine.' David replies. He puts the headphone in. The two of them sit on the roof and listen to music together.

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They’re alone together on the roof, far away from home.

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