Chapter Two: Pauline:

An old lady with blonde hair opened the door. She perked up when she saw the younger red-head standing outside.

“Oh, Kathy!” she said. “It’s you.”

“Good morning, Ms. Pauline,” Kathy replied. “How are you this morning?”

“I’m fine dear,” the old lady said. “Would you like to come inside?” The carer bowed her head.

“Thank you,” she said. Kathy followed Pauline inside the two-story stone house.

Pauline was one of the few middle-aged people to survive the Exile. On the outside, she had a warm and cheery mask. She was so happy to be gardening again once the sand disappeared. Classic music always filled her house. On a good day, Pauline would spend all of her time outside. Sometimes, Kathy would stop by and chat with her.

However, Pauline felt so alone. She still couldn’t find her daughter. The older woman all but gave up hope on finding her husband again. Kathy looked at Pauline’s family portrait above the fireplace.

“Do you still have the dreams?” she asked.

“Yes,” Pauline said. “But not often like I used to.”

“Are you still taking your medication?”

“Yes.”

Kathy took notes in her notebook. “I see.” She glanced up to see Pauline sitting in the window sill.

“It looks like it’s going to rain today,” the old lady said. Kathy’s perked up at the sadness in her tone. The middle-aged woman began remembering her daughter’s laughter again. She hadn’t seen Gabrielle since the first year after the Exile ended. She said that she was going to go and look for her father. Pauline still had many questions. She had hoped to cook her daughter mac and cheese again. The middle-aged woman even kept her daughter’s room the same as she left it.

“Uh…” Kathy spoke up. “Is there anything you want me to do for you?” Pauline turned her attention back to the carer.

“Hm?” she asked.

“Do you need me to do anything for you today?”

Pauline shook her head. “No.” But then she paused. “Can you stop by and have dinner with me later? I can make you mac and cheese if you want.” Kathy smiled as she closed up her notepad.

“I’ll do my best to stop by,” she said. “You still have my number, right?”

“Yes.”

“Great, you need to talk to me, my phone is always on. I can’t wait to look forward to your delicious mac and cheese.” Kathy could’ve been imagining it, but she could’ve sworn that she saw a little twinkle in Pauline’s eye after she said that.

“Alright,” the middle-aged woman said. The carer decided to stay a little bit longer before going to the next house. Pauline needed the company today after all. The forecast did say it was going to rain until the next morning. Kathy had the time by the way.