Chapter Twenty-Five: Funny Little Man:

-Nancy-

Paul is so infuriating. I just don’t get him. Why is he such an asshole? Still, I can’t help but feel a little sorry for him. He comes across as lonely. Paul would probably deny it. Even so, that’s no excuse for his behavior. He’s not David though. That’s one thing I can be relieved about. I couldn’t deal with another David.

I am trying to be nice to Paul. After all, he is letting us stay in his home. (I don’t think this is really his home. Somehow, that doesn’t really matter, does it?) We have nowhere else to go. I don’t know anything about this neighbourhood. I mean, I remember living in a place like this, but it is not the same. I haven’t seen anyone else around either. We’re just stuck with each other.

It doesn’t help that we barely talk to each other anymore. I can’t relate to him. He can’t relate to me either. I don’t know what to talk to him about. But I need to establish some sort of contact. We could live as complete strangers. I have my room and he has his. But is that enough? People cannot live alone. They have to talk to someone. I do have my daughter, but she’s just a tot. She can’t understand adult problems. In a way, I envy her. That kid doesn’t understand the world around her. Part of me wants me to keep it that way.

Paul doesn’t understand what is going on around him either. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be here alone. Doesn’t he care about what’s going on? He doesn’t watch or listen to the news. He doesn’t even go on the internet.

I froze.

Wait…

“That’s it!” I shouted.

“What?” Paul asked. I did my best to swing my legs over the edge of the bed.

“We can try to make contact through the internet!” I said. Paul looked at me like a giraffe grew out of my spine.

“What?” he asked.

“I mean, I know it’s a long shot,” I said. “But I am willing to try anything at this point.” I frowned as Paul kept staring at me.

“What?” I asked. He slowly shook his head.

“Don’t tell me this house doesn’t have internet,” I said. Paul put up his hands in a shrug.

“Seriously?” I asked.

“I don’t get on the computer much,” he admitted. I rolled my eyes. I shouldn’t be surprised.

“Is there even a computer in this house?” I asked.

“Yeah,” Paul said. I perked up with stars in my eyes.

“Great!” I said. I struggled to stand up.

“Let’s go!” she said. I walked up to him. My head came up to his chin. I looked up at him with a knowing smile.

“Show me the way,” I said.

“Huh?” he asked.

“To the computer,” I said as I pointed behind him. It took a couple of minutes but it finally sank in.

“Oh,” he said. I smacked my hand to my forehead. What did he think I was talking about? I’m going to have to work on him. For now, I was going to try and contact the colony for help. And then I was going to plot and work from there. Am I going to have to do everything around here—again? Paul turned and walked into the hall. I followed behind without a word. Maybe I should try and be a little more patient with him. I took a breath and rolled back my shoulders.

Right…