What are they doing?
What the fuck is going on?
Are they still planning on taking the snake’s power?
Brad’s next text silences everyone again.
They disowned Gen.
They threw her out?Rex asks.
Yes,Brad replies.She’s been cast out of her family and their society. They told her not to go back.
Or else what?Rex responds.
We didn’t ask, Brad says.But I’ll get on it. They can’t disrespect me like this.
Agreed, Shawn texts.But they were the ruling class for generations. You’re the new guy. They aren’t just going to give in and do what you say.
You’re right, Rex replies.We might have to do something about them.
Something?I ask.
Keep watch on it,Rex types.If they’re in with the snake, still, it actually makes things easier. Don’t do anything drastic, any of you. Keep a low profile, but eyes on the prize, ok?
We all type our affirmatives.
Excellent. Over and out,Rex texts as a goodbye.
I put my phone on the table, stretching a bit as I take off my boots and get comfortable. The news troubles me, but not enough to disturb my rest.
I’ve slept in some pretty hectic situations. Besides, Rex is the big thinker. He’ll figure out a plan, and we’ll execute it. I don’t have to stress out too much about our scaly friend.
My sleep is deep and restful, without any dreams that I remember. Dawn light has barely tinted the sky when I wake, and I head straight to the kitchen to hunt around and find some breakfast.
I pull out a frying pan and oil it up, deciding to make a big breakfast of bacon, eggs, and sausage. The bread is fresh, an uncut loaf, so I toast it in the oven. I feel like I’m doing pretty well until smoke starts pouring out from under the hood.
“Fuck!” I mutter, pulling out the tray to see completely blackened pieces of bread.
I guess this is what they mean when they say “better than sliced bread.” I never realized that having to slice it myself could mean such a disaster.
I put the bread to the side as I turn off the oven, opening the window to clear the smoke. Just as I start to clean out the grill, there’s a strangewumpsound from the frying pan.
“Fuck!” I yell as the entire top of the stove catches fire. I wave my hands at it, fighting the urge to throw water on it.
I know that will just make an oil fire worse, but it’s not like I have a fire extinguisher just sitting around.
Suddenly, Grace shoves me out of the way, throwing a heavy woolen blanket across the top of the stove. She pats it down with her hands, smothering the fire. I just stare stupidly, the lack of oxygen in the room combined with the stress making my head spin.
“What the fuck were you doing?” Grace snaps, turning around.
“Ah… making breakfast?”
“With a flame thrower?”
“I just got distracted. I’m not a great cook, okay?”
Grace bursts out laughing, leaning forward and covering her mouth. The sound is so sweet and joyful, it brings a warm smile to my face.
