4338.208 · July 27, 2018 AD
Clutch, Keys, and Consequences
Hangovers are honest—they tell you exactly what last night cost. It's the other debts that compound in silence. Luke wakes with the taste of Cody still haunting his memory and a ute sitting in his driveway like a beacon for anyone searching for the missing nephew. The keys are in another dimension. The breakfast invitation is in forty minutes. And the list of things he's failing to provide his settlers grows longer with every conversation.
The morning begins with temples pounding and guilt spiralling. Was kissing Cody really adultery when Jamie has done worse? The rationalisation doesn't quite stick, but there's no time to examine it—Kain's ute is parked outside like evidence waiting to be discovered, and the keys to move it are somewhere in Clivilius.
The trip through the Portal lands Luke in an argument. Paul criticises his communication. Luke deflects by pointing out Paul hasn't told Claire and the kids where he is either. Glass houses, both of them. Kain hands over the keys with something like hope—his ute, his last piece of Earth life, coming through to this dimension.
The return is humiliating. Three pedals. A manual transmission Luke barely remembers how to operate. The ute bunny-hops through the Portal and stalls to laughter from the audience he'd hoped wouldn't notice. Then Paul catches him with a growing list: firewood, fresh clothes for Glenda, clothes for Joel, Kain's wallet. Cash is running low. Needs are multiplying.
How can I be so far behind in keeping up with all of their needs already?
Karen's omelette is waiting. Everything else will have to wait with it.
