The Monsters Within by S.J. Serio

Author:S.J. Serio [S. J. Serio]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Infinite Worlds, LLC
Published: 2023-03-20T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

Extra Rations

2163.05.24 | 15:20

Rain drizzled down as Brett exited the railbus. It wasn’t a heavy rain—more of a mist. It didn’t bother Brett. He was a little late getting home from work. The ration box that he carried was the reason. It was rare to get an extra ration box. As he was leaving work, Mrs. Houston gave him the special chit to use at the ration depot for Olivia.

He walked up to his apartment in the housing complex. He was excited for Olivia, but he was nervous. In less than twenty-four hours, they would know the results of Olivia’s test. How would she place? When Lindsey told him about the events of the other day, he was so proud. He was very surprised when Lindsey told him to take the books to the incinerator. That was a big step.

When Brett opened his apartment door, all seemed quiet at first. He stepped in and walked past the sitting room to the dining room. By then, he was hearing voices coming from the playroom, Lindsey’s and Olivia’s. He smiled, set the box on the coffee table there, and followed the sound of the voices. In the playroom, he found Scott on the floor, struggling to get a cylindrical block into a container with several holes. He seemed to be getting frustrated as he repeatedly attempted to get it in the triangular hole.

Olivia and Lindsey were sitting to the side, facing each other. Lindsey was firing off questions ranging from math to vocabulary to UGC society. Olivia answered each without hesitation. Lindsey even threw in a few math problems, and Olivia only paused a moment before giving an answer. He smiled, watching the pair.

A yell pulled his attention back to Scott. The boy had his hands in the air in triumph. It appeared that he managed to get the cylinder into the correct hole. “Way to go, Scott!” said Brett and rushed over to give him a congratulatory hug. Olivia was clapping for her brother’s achievement, and Lindsey was smiling widely.

“How long have you been here? Why didn’t you say anything?”

Brett smiled. “Not long! I didn’t want to interrupt you. You were doing a great job, Olivia. It seems I have good reason to be proud of both of my children today.” He ruffled Scott’s hair and squeezed him in another hug.

Lindsey walked over to Brett. He stood up to greet her with a hug of her own. “You are doing such a wonderful job.”

“You seem really happy.” Lindsey squeezed him back, then pulled away to look at him.

“I am! I have a wonderful family.” Lindsey could do nothing but smile in response. “I have something for you, Olivia.”

“What is it?” the child asked.

“Come and see.” Lindsey picked up Scott as he led his family to the dining room. He opened the box and produced a cake. It was not very big, but enough for the four of them to share. Olivia’s eyes widened when she saw it. Even Scott started kicking in anticipation.

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