S4E5: Broken

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Damn it! Wait, he's backing off! Is? Yeah! Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait! I slipped towards him because we were right on the edge of a rising cliff. Below us, please. Like, square back and forth, trying to avoid the trees and wolves edge. Damn it! No, no, no, no, no, no, no! Both wheels on the right were on the edge of the cliff. I felt the cart tilting slightly as the ground crumbled from the way. The fire below it reached the top of the trees would surely peep from us as we rose higher. I could tell him I was trying to find

an opening while also searching the skies. I can't get over! He was right. It was a more than a cup of feet between each tree that passed. We were coming too fast. I looked up to see if I could spot the helicopter, but it wasn't there. It wasn't behind us. Maybe it was, oh crap! Oh shit! The helicopter came in from the side, flying over the trees and planes below. I've a clock! The smoke is still in my eyes and the world around us. There's nowhere to go.

It's just probably true. It's like, couldn't even see a thing. He's like even driving! I've wiped the ash and tears for my eyes just in time to see a man hanging out of the helicopter at Amy's gun! No! The bullets in the ground are from us. We both die. It's a gravel shot of around us. We managed to avoid being hit, but once the onslaught stopped, I looked out through

squinted eyes to see an approaching cliff. And the big matters even worse! The cart was tipping! The earth below giving way! We have to jump. I nod it and grab the sand. The man in the helicopter wasn't firing, so this was our chance. Ready? Yes! Everything seemed to happen as emotion as the man in the helicopter started firing again. This time hitting the cart's body

“in tigers. The cart tilted more. I think trying to climb the falling cart of bullet”

heavy in the leg. He was brutal, even with all the adrenaline. I climbed to the side of the cart, but I stumbled. I tried to keep hold of Mike's hand as everything happened, but I could feel my grasp slipping. The cart was completely sideways when Mike jumped, but I could it. My grass broke and I saw him hit a tree! All I could do is grab the edge of the cart as I continued to flip. I could flash before my eyes, so I went over the edge of the cart.

And into the flames of love. Seven Lamb Productions presents, Tower Four, Season Four, Episode Five, Broken.

all the time. Here's the New Years ago, where I never met Trevor

King, who worked in a national park. He moved to Texas for the Holy Plyr. He worked in a small pizza place in the corner of a dying shopping class in Chicago. Every time you open that oven, to grab a deep dish, last of heat would hit you, sometimes on this take your breath away.

“But over the months, I got used to it. That's what I thought about now. Right, yeah.”

I could see the pizza place. I could see the calmer, register.

Fueled too. I'll heat. I'm terrible heat.

“I slowly came to the realization. I wasn't working in that dingy greasy place anymore.”

I wasn't standing in front of the oven with my paddle waiting to take the pizza out when I was done. Now, there was some. I was there so much heat. I thought, air. It's right, Amber. There's somewhere else. There's somewhere else. It's hot.

And I'm bearable. Please tell me, this wasn't hell.

I heard someone. I heard someone just barely over the wall around me.

“Are they clean? Orst, my eyes open. I couldn't see anything but a yellow orange park.”

My eyes were stinging. I needed them to focus. Again, I heard something. Someone. I tried to move a bit. Just my fingers. I couldn't heal anything. It's too overall pain. Slowly, I say, even if focus. And that's when the panic truly set in. Oh no. The raging fire. Oh fuck. All around me.

I served my head ever so slightly so now I was looking straight out. Even the tree branches above wrong fire. Suddenly, a branch above snapped. A branch fell right beside my head. The thing was engulfed and now the heat was even worse. Couldn't turn away. I couldn't do anything. I couldn't heal anything. I heard someone again. Someone there! I know he said something. I know how loud it was.

The flames from the branch right next to my head were excruciating. I felt like the heat was penetrating my cheek. I couldn't have used the struggle. The straw fire was unable to move. I heard about engine and some sort of a helicopter flying overhead. This long branches and spun flames.

Smoke and flashed appeared for a second and that's when I saw my eye. I couldn't do anything.

“That's him. I feel. I think slowly started to come back to you. I hope after”

raging fire, cheese, like, and the heart. It's a fucking thing that was laying on top of me at an angle. With a smoke-leared momentarily, I had to see that while it was on me. It was also a plane of flying in a large rock. There's a helicopter life. Smoke filled the air again and heart once again in the silhouette of mass. Everything that wasn't flames was just smoke and shadow. This is it. It's actually at the end.

I sat on the edge of the tub in my tank top of shorts, pulled stop. This is the dirty motel tub filled. I put my hand under to check the temperature. It was cold, but slowly warming. I made it a little warmer. While the tub continued to fill, I went to the sink and looked at

The makeup that had run, but now dried on our face. The black streaks down both cheeks. The red eyes.

“Took a step back, grabbed a lovingable. How did I never notice before?”

How bumpy I was. Where did this fat all come from? Grab the other side of my stomach too. Succeeded with how much I could grip. I wanted to grime more. I had no tears left. Is it nothing to do with me leaving Trevor or in cheating on me? I didn't care what his excuse was.

Didn't mean I still wasn't upset with myself for getting to this point.

Hi. Well, I did this all have to happen in one week. Trevor cheating.

“You're walking the streets with no place to go. Not wanting to be a bother.”

Then just a few hours ago, I played with my sister. My sister. Who was my rock? They won't tie to my family. Then he or mom and dad in the background upset with her for even talking to me. Everything just seemed to continue to crumble. Now, here I was at a motel because I didn't want to stay at ACE's place. But I wouldn't let him spend more than $40 to get me a room.

Good to me. Always was. I couldn't burden him with my problems.

No one is old college friends were in town. It told him to go. It's just leave me. After a half hour of convincing him I was fine. He reluctantly took off. I noticed through the mirror the tub was on this film. I did my hand in. It was odd. Perfect. I climbed in, still wearing my top and shorts. It was so nice. I leaned back, resting my head against the folded towel. I said on the opposite side of the

faucet. I closed my eyes a moment, just letting the warmth suit me. But the happiness with short lived is every past mistake, even to my mind. And rapid succession. Dylan, I used to fight with my dad. Oh my fucking drinking, dropping out of school, I used to fight with my mom and so on. How many fuckups have you had Amber? It was obvious that other than ACE, I was alone. For anyone else that even just knew me,

it was a fucking burden. A burden with no goals, no aspirations, any damn purpose.

“That's why I grabbed the sleeping pills from the counter and brought them to my side of the tub.”

I looked at the pill bottle on the mat. I bought them from a corner store after ACE left. So be for the best. I had to be. I wouldn't be able to disappoint my family. They wouldn't be able to hurt me anymore. I wouldn't be able to hurt at all anymore. This would help. Yeah, this would help help help help help help help help help help help help help help help help help help help help help. Oh, nice. Oh, I'm still too weak to move. I heard some more. You're with one. We're near me.

We turned my head. ACE. Oh. Yes, yes. You're just a little bit of two figures behind the thick smoke to my right. Near the cliff face. Oh, no. Oh, yes. Oh, oh, oh. Please. Oh, no. Whoever's there, whoever's there, I need help.

I can make out everything they were seeing. He was just too careful to concentrate.

“Please. I looked up through the heavy smoke and saw more flames dancing along the cracking branches”

high above. Another branch was going to fall. Please. Please help me. When I turn my head back to the little wets, you're gone. No. Please. I tried to muster the last amount of strength that I had. Please. Don't leave me.

I remember hearing his words even though I was out of it. But when I did finally a week,

I saw a sitting by my bed in the sterile room. Oh, man. I was in the hospital. Oh, my god. Amber. He's got closer into my hand. Hey, how are you feeling? I'm not so good. I bet. What happened? What happened is you took too many pills, girl. I knew

“something was up and that's why I left my dinner early. Luckily, I got there when I did.”

I called an ambulance and we got you here. They gave you charcoal and said that you should be able to

come out of it. In fact, I'm going to go get a nurse now.

I was in the hospital for two days. Then I was to be baker acted. Sorry, Amber. I didn't realize that's what would happen. He's felt bad that I was going to be baker acted, which could be a 72 hour stint. If I knew. Stop. I felt bad that he felt bad. It's not your fault that it's happening. It's mine. You saved my life. Don't feel guilty. Please. He forced to smile. Okay. They said I could bring a book or something and I can visit.

Okay. His eyes seem to tear up. Be quickly looked away. Perhaps embarrassed.

“I know I shouldn't ask this, but I gotta know. Why?”

Because my life's been worthless. It's a fun bed decision after another and I didn't want to continue and be a burden to the only person with a damn in my life. Well, if you're talking about

me, you are not a burden, Amber. I don't want to have anything. I never really did.

He was trying as hard as to hold back tears now as he squeezed my hand tighter. You'll find something. I told you. You can stay with me as long as you want. You don't understand how scared I was. I'm sorry. I don't apologize. But, no. Don't. Just make me a promise. What? Don't ever do this again. No matter how hard things get, you can talk to me. If I'm not around,

you can call or text me. Okay? Okay. Amber. Promise me. Okay. I promise. This was a mistake. I don't want to die. I don't want to die! This smokes down my eyes so much I could barely hear them open. It's in the matter. I heard the branch above and I figured in only a few moments it would fall. This time possibly helped me. Suddenly, I was lifted physically. I feel my legs. Turn my head slightly to see movement.

The cart lifted slightly and that's when I felt a hand sliding underneath. Under my shoulders. I changed my entire body as I was pulled back from under the wreckage. I ate all around. I felt like my skin was boiling. No, no. We must go. What about mine five? No. And five is dead. You know. You've all been appointed to the right. But, you're fine.

No, go. We must move hard. Now he was pointing the knee. Yes, yes. I closed my eyes.

More pain as the strangers lifted me and carried me slowly through the burning brush.

“I hope in my eyes just in time to see if any branch caught crashing down where I just was.”

Oh man. I closed my eyes again. Here's where sliding down my chest. Go. Go. Hiding suck burns. No. We must go for the more. It's okay. Yours? Yes. To know how hard it is. But no choice. We must go. There, the poor, the her, for us. You and with all the pain, I re-opened my eyes once more.

Just make out women's face and the wet larynx.

Hey, it's true. I could tell that she looked down even if I could make out her face fully.

“She didn't say anything. She just continued to carry me with other persons of the raging fire.”

I'm not sure how much time actually passed as I was drifting in and out. But now, I was in a smoky cave. The two strangers set me down, so it's all seen through my theory eyes. Oh, oh, oh, smoke. Too much smoke. I get it. You get her. The poor. She's pained. Yes. That will help. No. I will move her, but smoke. I. I know. I get it. The skinny bald man came over to me. Larry Mass, he crouched in front of me. I help you. Sue with you.

“Poor. He seemed to point, but I didn't know to what. He walked behind me and grabbed under my arms.”

Every bit of movement hurt. Man dragged me back. Deeper into the cave. I was worried again. Where is he taking me? The other stranger. Woman had some cloth or blanket that she was flabbing wildly. Suddenly, I felt a wetness. The rocks sling. It was like a denue to be dragged. And water. It's prized me. Not only because it was there, but because it was so cold, I was going on. Easy. It's good. But I tried struggling since I didn't know where he was

taking me or what he was doing. Then the water surrounded me getting deeper. Hey. Hey. Easy. The water came over my lap. The my stomach and up to my chest. Hey. Hey stop. Please. What are you doing? Please stop. But the man could dangerous to drag. I wish I could see better. See what was happening.

The water was all the way up to my neck when he finally stopped. We were still.

Occidentally, he leaned me back. Grabbing my head with his hand and setting it slowly down on a flat slic rock. Man came around my side and bent down to get close to me. Some of his features came in a focus, but just barely. His bald head, his crooked nose, his pointed chin, scratches on his face. Some kind of bump on his neck. This is for you. He cubs some water. This is for you. It's cool. He tilt his hand at the water right now.

Oh, he smiled and walked off. In fact, a woman, but it was hard to tell. It was smokey over there. I leaned to my side dipping half my face into the cool water. It helps to the left cheek,

I closed my eyes and remained laying on my side, half my face submerged. Still, you're the

flatbing of cloth. After a few minutes, I leaned even further into the water, dumping my entire face. I could move my left arm at all. I could move my right. I slowly brought it up to my face. I could move my right arm in hand. It was painful. I quickly wiped my eyes trying to relieve the stinging pain. I then splash some water on my face and blinked until my vision slowly came back into focus. When it did, I saw the two people who cared me here. They're both

flabbing, but it looked to be blankets near the entrance. They tried their hardest to clear the smoke.

And as they did, I got a better look at my surroundings. They were actually two other openings in

“the key. I arrived where some thick black smoke drifted in. They're trying their hardest to get the”

place clear. Notice to create in here, stones range like a fire pit. They're also water jugs, buckets, cans, and other items on a makeshift shelf of cut wood and stone. Of course, this place. I wanted to ask them. They just kept flopping away at the cave entrance. One point, enough smoke clear that I could see just how high up we were. You're in here, the canopy, which was all on fire. Flames as far as I could see. You're in my heart to see the destruction.

I splash some more water on my face. The way I was laying in this two VD pool, brought back unwanted memories. Ace barged into my bathroom. I quickly turned onto my side, covering my breasts and other stuff. Sorry. I didn't really care since it was Ace. I still wasn't a fan of my body, so I shared in the embarrassment. He quickly shielded his eyes. I thought you were maybe, you know. Ace, I'm fine. It's fine. I get it. But as you can see, this was just a normal bath.

Nothing more. Right. Yeah. I see that. And only that. Sorry. I'm going to go. He awkwardly walked out. Since it was hard for me to get back to my relaxed state after that, I'm embarrassing yet funny moment. I ended up climbing out, putting on my robe and slippers and finding Ace. He was

“in the living room watching TV. Hey, I playfully kicked his foot until he looked my way. Seriously?”

What? You're going to be awkward. Sorry. I just, I feel bad. Well, don't. I sat on the couch next to him, but not too close, as I didn't want to make things any more awkward than they already were. I appreciate it. Me, barging in? Sure. I mean, let's not make it a habit, but I know why you did it. He grabbed the remote and hit me. Okay. As long as you're not mad. I would be mad. You obviously were worried about me, you know, trying to get a peek.

Right, because it wasn't. I know Ace. He still was very straight face, so I knew he wanted to talk more. I shifted, bringing my left leg up onto the couch, and fixing my robes of nothing showed. I'm sorry. Why are you sorry? It's because of me, you feel like you had to barge in. You know, I was really worried. I was going to see you like that again. I know.

He finally turned to look me in the eyes. Look, next time I'll knock, and if you don't respond,

I'll come in. Okay? Deal. Okay. But I was being honest with you back in the hospital. I'm not going to do that again. It's not worth it. And I realized that my parents may have

“turned my sister against me, but she'll come around eventually. I truly believe that. So,”

I don't want to leave her. Yeah, see? And I'm here for you, too. I know that. It was just all of that, plus Trevor and all that added pressure as I put on myself. Like what? My body for one, which you just got an iPhone of. And may I be so blunt as to say?

I could feel myself blushing. Stop. I'm being honest. No, you're saying that because you're my friend.

No, seriously. If I wasn't in my guy phase right now, I'd be all over that. Although, I hate to ruin our friendship, so maybe I wouldn't actually pursue. But I'd be tempted. That's for sure. He took my hand in his. Now that the awkwardness is subsided. I know there's more. Sure. I hate a lost, I feel. Amber, I know you're not sure about your future, but you'll find something. I just wish I could find something that wasn't a waste of time.

What are you talking about? The amount of hours you put in volunteering over the years? Not that much. I stopped to be a stay-at-home girlfriend for a douche for a way too long.

“You still put in hours. But it didn't bring in any money, and that's why I'm broke.”

Okay, fine. Yeah, because you'd like to help. There's nothing wrong with that. Just as a fit well when I also like to be helped as well. There's nothing wrong with wanting someone there to take care of you. What do you think I'm looking for right now? No, no. You're looking for a partner. I was looking for a provider.

I've always been looking for a provider. He bit his lip and looked off to the corner of the room,

like he was trying to think of what to say. I just wasted so much time. I understand you feel that way, but you still have plenty of time to change things up. Girl, you're not even 40 yet. You have plenty of time. If you say so, I just don't know what I want to do. You like helping people. You like helping animals. Do something in those fields.

A nurse, a therapist, a counselor, a veterinarian. Yeah, I guess I could try to go back to school.

Sure you can. But I need money. Well, find something else in the meantime.

That's when the commercial and the TV call my eye. There's one of those sad, Sarah McLaughlin animal cruelty-like commercials of close-ups of sad-looking dogs and cats. If it wasn't all mute, I'm sure some angelic song will be playing behind the images. Jesus, was this a sign? You know. He's caught me staring at the TV. You could just get a part-time gig somewhere to make some money

and volunteer. I want you to stay here with me as long as you need. Don't worry about rent your food. But I already knew I would feel like an even bigger burden.

“How about just for a few months, just to give me back into saving and then I help out?”

You don't have to. I know, but I want to. I think he realized the importance of it so we not had. Okay, that works. He squeezed my hand tightly, comfortingly. I slowly opened my eyes to see the red-haired woman sitting by the pool with her knees to her chest. You are hurt. She was holding my hand with a tight grip, but slowly released it, letting it fall back to the water. I know.

You sell from high above. Yeah, we were chased. By the circle wing. Yeah, helicopter. Yeah. I turned my attention to the cave entrance where the bald man was still flapping the blanket. I wonder just how long this fire went last. Your bones are broken. She was now looking at my legs. I couldn't wait to see the way I was angled and I didn't want to move right now. Every single movement hurt. Oh, I am still in a lot of pain. The woman turned back to me and not

it solemnly. Want her helps? Yeah, a bit. She nodded again with my vision slowly coming back into focus, even with the smoke I can make out more for features. A small scar knows, sunken eyes and cheeks, tons of freckles on her pale skin. Her hair, while red, and streaks of black. It also was very thin and cracked, just like the skin on her arms. That's when it hit me. This was a rat. God, I hated that term. We helped because he knows. She motioned to the bald man. He,

“he says he knows. That's what? You? What? He knows me? He says, yes, we talk. I didn't know him.”

I didn't recognize him. It wasn't the rat, the person attacked Mike in the field.

I know, and the fire is going to stay for a while. Yes, but there is nowhere else for us to go.

Right. You know, the smoke was impacting them that much. I hadn't heard of a cough once since we got here. What for odd? What for what? I must go. He is tired of waving. Okay. Yeah. As she stood, I noticed her tight pink shirt called me by surprise. Hiker-be. Hiker-be. I did that seem so familiar. I'm ironed, raised, and a few seconds later. Hit me. Poor Carrie. That was her shirt. Her and Lee Roy mentioned things stolen from their camp.

These were definitely rats, and they spared me. Like, Mike. Oh, not only did they spare me, they saved me.

All right, girl. I paid your taxes. What? Why?

Because I feel like shit. Why? Because I'm kind of ditching you. You're not. Sure. Yes, it told you it's fine. You're sure. I mean, he wasn't so cute. I know. I'm the one who pointed him out to you, remember? Yeah, but see that makes me feel even worse. I steal your man, and then ditch you. That makes me a bad friend, right? It totally does. He didn't steal him from me. He plays for the other team. I didn't even stand a chance.

“I don't know if that's true. I think he may be like me, and shop on both sides of the island.”

Well, even so. Try to get him to stay a little longer, but uh. Okay, Sunny. Don't worry about it. Go. You're gonna stick around any longer? I checked my phone. It was only 10 after 10. For a bit, Ace Brown can help my hand. He made his palty face.

Oh, make it up to you. You already did. You paid my tap. Russia be here for you. Maybe I'll tell him. Nothing. You'll tell him nothing because you're going to go. Look, he's waiting by the door. Go. I'll be fine. Okay. But as he turned to leave, I grabbed his hand and pulled him back.

But I won't details later. Of course, girl. Ace kissed me on the cheek and trotted off after the hunky, young, short-air fob you. Wait, so he just happened to be there, and he just so happens to walk up to you the moment I'd leave. I just assumed he saw a woman sitting alone and thought about shooting a shot until he realized it was me. Is that like him? Oh, yeah. If he was on the prowl,

“but apparently he was there with friends. That's what he said. I saw them. Oh. Trust me.”

I was suspicious too, but we ended up talking a bit. What did you say? What are you doing here? I thought you moved. I did. I'm back visiting friends for the weekend. You motioned to the bar stool next to me. Oh, may I? Go ahead. He took a seat, turned to me,

and slipped his train. I knew you liked this place, but I never thought in a million years I'd see you.

You hear along? It took a breath, and I think he could sense my awkwardness. Sorry. I didn't mean to suggest. I smiled to each mood. It's fine. I came with a friend, but they had to leave early. What about you? I'm here with Gary and his new girl. They're over there in the corner booth. I saw the older couple, slipping their drinks, and ever so slightly moving to the music. Gary even tapped his fingers to the beat of bass. I didn't know he still talked to Gary.

I tried to wait to him, but he didn't notice me. Yeah, well, him and Diane split. Diane didn't like me much. Oh. Yeah, but you knew that. I didn't. Well, I'm pretty sure she didn't like the way I treated you, so she had a right to dislike me. More awkwardness and suit, as I stirred

“my drinks and watched the ice dance off the sides of my glass. So, how have things been with you?”

My eyes went to change, but then quickly back to the glass. Good. That's a good. That's a lot. Can you hear me? I can tell when you're not telling the truth, Amber. Do I also have a twitchy eye? No, but your shoulders slump and you look to the ground or in this case you're glass. Okay. Well, yeah, things have been, I guess, the opposite of good.

I swear. I'm a new man. Uh-huh. Well, I sit my drinks to stall, wondering if I should open up.

It's over between us. Oh, well, I'm sorry to hear you. Oh, yes. Yeah, genuinely. Listen, I know I messed up a lot when we were together. I was sorry to see you leave, but I wasn't surprised. I wasn't idiot about being an idiot. Yeah, and I apologize for everything. I know we didn't split on good things. I believe I caught you in another vibe, or was it another woman? Maybe both. But warranted? A lot. Do you feel that way? I do. After you left me, I was hard-broken,

“but I had to be honest with myself. It was all my fault, and that's why I wanted the best for you.”

Yeah. Yeah, so I really am sorry. That's it, and now you're going to talk to him. I don't know. He texted me earlier today, just to say it was nice to see me. And, and yes, if we could meet up before he leaves. And what did you say? I actually haven't responded. But I'm most likely going to say no, and I did. Eventually, I was cordial about it. Told him I didn't have time. Good. You told me he was an asshole. I did cheat on you.

He lied to you. He did. And he isn't with your time. I don't care how much time is passed.

And a lot of time did pass. At first, a month went by before he texted me again.

“Just to check in, and then he checked in a month after that, then two weeks, then week.”

Then we were talking every other day. Even when he was at the station, the only cherry didn't text was the several months he was busy being a fire lookout. And man, did that job seem like something perfect. And it was, eventually, although I was in a better place than a year ago, and Ace was a godsend. And I was still working my charity events and volunteering in my spare time. I needed something else. I didn't feel whole. I had issues saving money because I couldn't find anything that paid enough

or was fulfilling enough. And I liked the funds or drive to go back to school. And I'd be damned if I'd fall back into my rut. But work on the front desk at a dentist's office wasn't enough. I even thought about working in a pizza parlor again part time, but then that wouldn't give me any time to do the things I love to get back. So I was still feeling, blah. The only real thing I had going for myself, a year later, was that I finally got my own place.

So, be honest. What do you think? It's, point. It's shit, got it. That's not what I'm saying. I miss it around. It's just small. It's a one bedroom. I don't need anything more than that. Plus, this is the cheapest thing in Austin. Yeah, but you're not like even in the city. It takes 30 minutes to get here from my house. I already signed the lease. Don't know why this was so important. I told you you didn't have to move out.

Yes. I never said that. He didn't have to. I've heard you on your calls.

I know you and Mateo want to take things to the next step. I will not be a third wheel. anymore. You likes you. But you guys need your own space. It's not even a for sure thing yet. No, I know. You might end up moving in with him.

“He knew I was right. And I think that's why he gave up. So, this place is affordable.”

Very. Although I might have to eat ramen a few nights a week until I could pick up more hours. See? Relax. I said a few nights. The other nights I can eat something more extravagant, like, ravioli. I don't like that. I went up to him, grabbed his shoulders and playfully shook him. Stop! You have done way more than you ever needed to babe. You were there when I was down,

like rock fucking bottom. You were there in the hospital. You were there to pick up the pieces. You were there at my most vulnerable. And hell, you've even seen me naked. He blushed and I'm sure I did too. You've been there for me constantly.

Let me do this for you. What?

“Step aside so you and Mateo can have a real relationship.”

He made a seriously faced with furrowed eyebrows and a twisted mouth, but I just smiled.

Okay, fine. But promise me something. What? If you do ever need help, like, ever, food, a place to live, something to talk to, you reach out to me, even if I'm in a relationship. And, or busy, I will make time.

Okay, I promise. I loved Ace. And he wasn't lying. When I needed him, he was there. We also did get busy with work and his relationship. He and Mateo moved in together. They traveled often, so I stopped calling as much and we stopped hanging out as much. Which I wasn't upset about. I expected it. So I just continued to do my own thing.

While I was still for the most part, broke. I wasn't hating life. I'd found a rhythm and stuck to it. Sure, it wasn't fulfilling and often I felt like I was just going through the motions.

But at least I had my own place. I had a job and I was thinking of myself.

But then the day came when Gene actually called. I hesitate at a moment, but I answered. Hello. Hey there. Hey. I know I know it's been a little while and calling instead of texting gasp. We had been texting on an off for the past year. Not as much as before, which was fine.

“I didn't care that much. I'd been busy. How were things?”

They're good. Actually good. This time? Yeah. Not entirely true, but at least I was content. Okay. Well, do you have a few minutes to talk? Or is this a bad time? Of course the bowl was hot, but I was distracted by this random call.

No, no, it's fine. I was just getting ready to eat dinner. Maybe I should call back. Gene. What's up?

I grabbed the bowl of ravioli by the rim. It's enough fork.

Okay. Well, I don't know if you'll even care since you just said things are good for you. I'm not sure what you're doing right now, but I actually have a job opportunity that opened up. This may be your interest. I went to the living room and set down my dinner on the coffee table. Job opportunity. Aren't you still a ranger?

Sure am. And I actually got a little promotion. Oh, congratulations. Thanks. Anyway, I know when I mentioned my fire lookout job a while back, you seemed a little intrigued.

intrigued in the way that I was surprised that I was still a job. You said that it seemed like a cool job. Okay, yeah, that seems like it would be neat. The isolation and whatnot. It actually was super interesting to me.

I like the idea of being surrounded by nature and not having to worry about too much. Then the realization set in. Oh, wait a second. You want me to be a fire lookout? No good.

I can't do that. Why not? Because don't you have to be a ranger? Like have some knowledge of trails and shit? No.

I mean, sure, being part of the park service or part of park staff is a nice background, but not necessary. It also varies state by state. Seriously? I'm serious.

Also. Buddy trail golf? Yeah. I won't lie saying that I have a little pole now. Oh, so you can make moves that may seem a little out of the ordinary because of your promotion.

To an extent? Why? What? Why? Why you?

Yeah, why me? I knew you'd question my motives. Should I not? I told you, I changed. Okay, then be honest.

A couple of seconds past before his answer.

“I think you would be perfect for the job.”

And when I mentioned it, you were intrigued. But again, I have no experience. That's fine. I can run down everything you need to know.

Sure. That seems... That seems... What?

There's something you're not telling me.

Amber, you can speculate all you want. Sure, there's a little more to it, but I'll explain everything if you decide it's of interest.

“That's it, that's all you need to know. I'll be perfect for the position.”

Yes, and it'll be perfect for you. I know you, I know you like animals. You'll see a ton. I know you like to help people. And here you will.

And I know you like nature. You'll be surrounded by it. It wasn't an isolated beach, but maybe it would be enough. It was wrong. Of course, he wasn't.

Chene was a lot of things, a gambler, a cheater, and asshole, but he definitely knew me well. Listen, I can give you more details later if you're interested. I know this is out of the blue, and I'm sure you have a lot of stuff happening in your life. I haven't been doing any more cyber-stogging, even though we're friends now. But you don't post off in any way, so I'm not sure what you have going on.

Maybe you have a great job already. I didn't. And a handsome young, instead of a boy for him. Nope.

And maybe you don't want to give up your amazing Austin views.

I turned to the window while I saw it was the highway in distant smoke stacks. Not to build up this job too much, because it is still a job. But it pays well for how easy it is. And if you do more than one year, I could possibly get you a raise. I will admit, it is enticing.

Of course, I should mention there are some downsides. For one, it can be boring. Not sure if that'll be an issue for you. Eh. Also, you won't get the best food out there in your cabin.

That was a major downside for me. You have to eat a lot of easy to make meals like shit, beans, rice, and raviolis. I look down on my bowl.

That's really the worst part.

I continue to stare at my bowl of the worst part. That's the worst. I think so. Okay. Tell me more.

(soft music)

“I remember that night after Jeanne's call.”

I dreamed of my happy place with the waves and sand and goals slowly faded. Making room for tall trees, shrubs, mountains and deer. I still hope to one day live on the water. But the forest could help fill that void for the time being. What's higher, look out.

Yeah, find the hell not. (soft music) Mmm. I ice-blooded open. I'd fallen asleep in this small pool.

Oh, I was still in so much pain. Smoke is bad. We'll be bad for a long time. Yeah, the fire's going to continue.

“I think it'll take them weeks to get this under control.”

Oh, yes, very bad, very, very bad. I nodded. Smoke rises as long as we stay low. We will be okay. Sure, but this isn't low.

We need to get out of here. We cannot. The bald man came over. We cannot leave. But the smoke continued to pour through the openings in the cave wall.

Fire is bad here, but it will. Leave. But it'll take a while.

But no! I startled from a shout. Um, I'm sorry. You are broken. You heal, you might go.

But we stay.

“I thought about everything like told me about these poor people.”

If it was true, I wouldn't think of the hell out.

Well, why won't you leave? But the bald man didn't answer. He turned away as if disgusted by my question. He went to the cave entrance, grabbed his blanket, and went back to flapping.

He's mad. Not me? At everything. I, I hope he understands. I'm grateful for what you two did for me.

I didn't want to. Save me? No trust. Many deaths. But he said yes.

He did? She nodded, then got closer. She grabbed my arm out of the water. Your skin wrinkles. Yeah.

I'm almost out. I, I don't know time. I will ask him to move. You. You can lay.

Stay away from smoke.

“She looked up at the smoke that came into the hole in the wall,”

but exited through the hole above.

I will get him. Wee! Why didn't you want to help? No trust. Carts bad.

People in carts. Bad. They hurt us. They kill us. I know.

I saw. There are more of us out there. But some dead. Nine-five dead. She motioned to the cave entrance,

and Orangella glow beyond. Nine-five? Yes. She is dead. She is laying.

Now burned. Oh.

That is why we may not leave.

Cannot. Because of others? Yes. We must find others. Many others.

Many still below. In the ground? I mean, under the ground? Yes.

“I remember laying under the trees with Mike,”

watching the helicopter and the person sleeping the poor people running through the tall grass. We must find them. We must. How many are above ground?

But she just shook her head. You could trust me. There's just a fire-lookout in Tower 3. My name is Amber. The ball man was no more than three feet from the edge of the pool.

I didn't hear him walk up. He still helped the dirty and torn blanket. Yeah. That's great. How did you know?

He remembers more than all. He is a seeer. Is that not right? Some. Yes.

Some. No, no. It's true. He can't remember. That is why we cannot leave.

He knows. He knows more are alive. He sees too. Not just below. Nothing.

But outside as well. Nothing. She bowed her head. I know the hurt you're kind. Kind.

What? Kind. Uh, you know, like, you too. Us. We're like you.

Right. No, different. Because of them. Even bad lives. Given bad food.

Given bad names. Bad names. Like one, four, one. Sounded familiar. One, four, one.

That's that, a knee. My, my name. Yes. You don't have a, really? I did.

I, I forgot. You too? No, 216 remembers. Yes, right. You go by 216?

Yes. But he remembers old name. Real name. Yes. Tell her.

Tell her you do. I, I do. Oh, what's it? I mean, but, is it? Sim.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Tower four.

Written by Robert M. Lam.

Edited by Jose Carabayum. Dialogue Editing by Jack Austin. Revision's by E.S. Suk-Fuly. Starring Gina Coil as Amber. Brian Messick as Gene.

And Jack Austin as Mike. Coastarring Zalong-Zal.

Rachel Stitham and Ethan Guest.

“Music provided by [email protected]/madebytaco.”

Brett Wilkins at facebook.com/Wilkinsmusicethel. Kevin McLeod of incomprotect.com. And various artists at artlist.io and pond5.com.

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