“I’d say it’s more sickening on the wasteland side,” Jioni said.
“Did you need something?” Derrin said abruptly. “It’s pretty late. You should be asleep.”
Jioni blinked excessively. “Sorry, yeah, so just like Hippie Girl, someone stole something of mine.”
Her mind rushed, time was of the essence, but she kept a straight face and pulled herself together much quicker than usual. Her back slid against the wall as she sat down. Braids trailed behind and hung off the ledge. As the beautiful stars shone above; she took a deep breath.
“If you see someone trying to pay with an old Outergen brochure, know it’s mine. I need to use it as payment,” Jioni said.
“I’m not on collection duty tomorrow. But I’ll look out for it.”
Silence followed, and then a sinking feeling came to Jioni. Nauseous at his words—solely because they reminded her of what little time she had left—she exhaled another breath and stopped the excessive blinking. A hand fell on her shoulder; Derrin was right in front of her, his sunglasses reflecting in the dim tower light.
“It’ll be ok. Don’t freak out. I’ll help look for your brochure and Hippie Girl’s bracelet.”
