S4E5: Broken

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He's backing off! He is? Yeah! Wait, Mike! Left! I slid towards him because we were right on the edge of a rising cliff. Below us, flames. Mike swerved back and forth trying to avoid the trees on the cliff's edge. Goddammit! Both wheels on the right were on the edge of the cliff. I felt the cart tilting slightly as the ground crumbled from the weight. The fire below had reached the tops of the trees which were only feet from us as we rose higher.

I could tell Mike was trying to find an opening while also searching the skies. I can't get over! He was right. It wasn't more than a couple feet between each tree that passed, and we were going 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. Mike! Oh, shit.

The helicopter came in from the side, flying over the trees and flames below. Five o'clock! The smoke stung my eyes as it swirled around us. There's nowhere to go! It's just probably true since I couldn't even see a thing. How's Mike even Driving? Mike! I wiped the ash and tears from my eyes just in time to see a man hanging out of the helicopter and aiming his gun. No! The bullets hit the ground in front of us. We both ducked.

Bits of gravel shot up 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 to make matters even worse, the cart was tipping. the earth below giving way we have to jump i nodded and grabbed his hand the man in the helicopter wasn't firing so this was our chance ready yes everything seemed to happen in slow motion as the man in the helicopter

started firing again, this time hitting the cart's body in tires. The cart tilted more. As I tried to climb the falling cart, a bullet hit me in the leg. The pain 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 couldn't. My grasp broke and I saw him hit a tree. All I could do was grab the edge of the cart as it continued to flip. Mike! Mike! flashed before my eyes as I went over the edge of the cart and into the flames below.

Seven Lamb Productions presents Tower 4 Season 4 Episode 5 Broken

Years and years ago, before I ever met Trevor or Gene, I worked in a national park. I moved to Texas for homing. I worked in a small pizza place in the corner of a dying shopping plaza in Chicago. And every time you open that oven to grab a deep dish, a blast of heat would hit you. Sometimes almost take your breath away. But over the months, I got used to it. That's what I thought about now.

Right now. I could see the pizza place. I could see the counter, register. I could see the small green tables and iron chairs. And I could see the ovens. I could feel them too. Feel the heat. The unbearable heat. But 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. No. Why was there so... So much heat. Not there. That's right, Amber.

You're somewhere else. You're somewhere else that's hot and unbearable. Please tell me this wasn't... How? I heard someone. I heard someone just barely go over the roar around me. Be quiet. Are they calling me? Oh! I forced my eyes open. I couldn't see anything but a yellow-orange blur. My eyes were stinging but I needed them to focus. I heard something. Someone. I tried to move a bit. Just my fingers. I couldn't heal anything. It's such an overall pain.

Slowly, my eyesight came into focus, and that's when the panic truly set in. Oh, no. A raging fire. Oh, fuck. All around me. I turned my head ever so slightly so now I was looking straight up. Even the tree branches above were on fire. Suddenly a branch above snapped. A branch fell right beside my head. The thing was engulfed and now the heat was even worse. I couldn't turn away. I couldn't do anything. I couldn't feel anything.

He couldn't move anything. I heard someone again. Is someone there? I know he said something. I didn't 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 continued to struggle. I'm sure why I was unable to move. Then I heard a loud engine of some sort of a helicopter flying overhead. It swung branches and spun flames. Smoke and ash cleared for a second. And that's when I saw...

I was pinned? What the hell? Things slowly started to come back to me. Helicopter. Raging fire. Chase? Mike? And the... cart. This fucking thing that was laying on top of me at an angle. But the smoke cleared momentarily. I could see that while it was on me. It was... Sandwiched between a burning pine and a large rock. As the helicopter left, the smoke filled the air again and the cart once again became a silhouetted mass.

Now everything that wasn't flames was just smoke and shadow. Is this it? Is this actually the end?

on the edge of the tub in my tank top and shorts, pulled the stop. As 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 myself. Really looked at myself. In the mirror above.

But I pitied the person I was looking at. The makeup that had run but now dried on her face. The black streaks down both cheeks. The red eyes. I took a step back and grabbed a love handle. How did I never notice before? How bumpy I was. Where'd this fat all come from? Grabbed the other side of my stomach, too. Disgusted with how much I could grip. I wanted to cry more, but had no tears left. It had nothing to do with me leaving Trevor or him cheating on me. I didn't care what his excuse was.

It didn't mean I still wasn't upset with myself for getting to this point. Why? Why did this all have to happen in one week? Trevor cheating, me walking the streets with no place to go. Not wanting to be a bother. Then just a few hours ago, a fight with my sister? My sister, who was my rock. Play one tie to my family. Then hear mom and dad in the background upset with her for even talking to me?

Everything just seemed to continue to crumble. And 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. God, he was so good to me. I always was. That's why I couldn't burden him with my problems. Not when his old college friends were in town. I told him to go, to 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 almost filled. I dipped my hand in. It was hot. Perfect. I climbed in, still wearing my top and shorts. I leaned back, resting my head against the folded towel I set on the opposite side of the faucet. I closed my eyes a moment, just letting the warmth soothe me. But the happiness was short-lived as every past mistake came into my mind. In rapid succession. Dylan. Fights with my dad. All my fucking drinking.

Dropping out of school, fights with my mom, and so on. How many fuck-ups 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, and any damn purpose. And 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 a moment. I bought them from a corner store after Ace left. This would be for the best, right?

It 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. I was still too weak to move. I heard someone. More than one. They were near me. I turned my head. I noticed the silhouette of two figures behind the thick smoke to my right near the cliff face. Whoever's there whoever's there I need help figures didn't move

I could hear them talking. I couldn't make out everything they were saying. The heap was just too unbearable to concentrate. Please! I looked up the heavy smoke and saw more flames dancing along the cracking branches high above another branch was gonna fall please please help me but when i turned my head back to the silhouettes they were gone I tried to muster the last amount of strength that I had. Please! Don't leave me! Please don't leave me.

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I remembered hearing his words even though I was out of it. But when I did finally awake... I saw Ace sitting by my bed in the sterile room. Oh man, I was in the hospital. Oh my god, Amber! Ace got closer and took my hand. Hey, how are you feeling? 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. Ace felt bad that I was going to be Baker-acted, which could be a 72-hour stint.

If I knew... Stop. What? I felt bad that he felt bad. It's not your fault that it's happening. It's mine. Okay? You saved my life. Don't feel guilty. Please. He forced a smile. Okay. They said, uh, I could bring a book or something, and I can visit. Okay. His eyes seemed to tear up, but he quickly looked away. Perhaps embarrassed. I know I shouldn't ask this, but I gotta know. Why? Because my life's been worthless.

One bad decision after another, and I didn't want to continue and be a burden to the only person worth a damn in my life. Well, if you're talking about me, you are not a burden, Amber. I don't have anything. I never really did. He was trying his hardest 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.

Don't apologize. But I- Nope. 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.

The smoke stung my eyes so much I could barely keep them open. It didn't matter. I heard the branch above and I figured in only a few moments it would fall. At least I'm possibly on me. I don't want to die. But then suddenly, my weight was lifted. Physically, I could feel my legs. I turned my head slightly to see movement. the cart lifted slightly and that's when i felt hands sliding under me under my shoulders yes yes i hurry

Pain shot through my entire body as I was pulled back from under the wreckage. I ate all around me. It felt like my skin was boiling. Hurry, we must go. What about 9-5? No. 9-5 is dead. You know. Evolve me. I'm pointing it to the right. But her body... Burn. Don't go. We must move her. Now he was pointing to me. Yes, yes. I closed my eyes, stinging too much. I then felt another set of hands under my legs. Slowly.

My body rose. More pain as the strangers lifted me and carried me slowly through the burning brush. I opened my eyes just in time to see a huge branch come crashing down where I just was. Oh, man. I closed my eyes again. Tears were sliding down my cheeks. Go! Go hiding spot burn. No, we must go furthermore. Okay Yours? Yes, to new home. Far? It is, but no choice We must go. There, a pool. For her. For us. Even with all the pain, I reopen my eyes once more.

I could just make out a woman's face in the wet blurriness. Thank you. I could tell that she looked down even if I couldn't make out her face fully. She didn't say anything. She just continued to carry me with the other person through 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. I still had trouble seeing through my teary eyes. I get it. You get her. The pool. 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. Blurry mass. He crouched in front of me. I help you. Soothe you. How?

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. The man dragged me back, deeper into the cave. And now I was worried again. Where is he taking me? The other stranger, the woman, had some... cloth or blanket that she was flapping wildly. What was she doing? Suddenly I felt a wetness. The rocks slick as I continued to be dragged. And water. Surprise me!

Not only because it was there, but because it was so cold. What's 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, then my stomach and up to my chest. But the man continued 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. Then gently, he leaned me back.

grabbing my head with his hand and setting it slowly down on a flat, slick rock. The man came around my side and bent down to get close to me. Some of his features came into focus, but just barely. His bald head, his crooked nose, his pointed chin, some scratches on his face, some kind of bump on his neck. This is for you. He cups some water. This is for you to cool. He'll... He tilted his hand and let the water run out. Oh. He smiled and walked off. Think back to the woman.

But it was hard to tell. It was smoky over there. I leaned to my side, dipping half my face into the cool water. It helped soothe the left cheek, which was near the fallen branch. But it wasn't the only part of my body that ached. Still, I closed my eyes and remained laying on my side, half my face submerged. I still hear the flapping of cloth. After a few minutes, I leaned even farther into the water, dunking my entire face.

I couldn't 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 splashed some water on my face and blinked until my vision slowly came back into focus. And when it did, I saw the two people who carried me here.

They were both flapping what 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. There were actually two other openings in the cave. Higher up where some thick black smoke drifted in. They're trying their hardest to keep the place clear. I noticed a crate in here and stones arranged like a fire pit. There are also water jugs, buckets, cans, and...

Other items on a makeshift shelf of cut wood and stone. What was this place? I wanted to ask them, but they just kept flapping away at the cave entrance. At one point, enough smoke cleared that I could see just how high up we were. We were near the canopy, which was all on fire. Flames as far as I could see. It hurt my heart to see the destruction.

I splashed some more water on my face. The way I was laying in this two feet deep pool brought back unwanted memories. Hey! Whoa! Ace barged into my bathroom. I quickly turned onto my side, covering my breasts and other stuff. Oh, sorry. While I didn't really care, since it was Ace, I still wasn't a fan of my body, so I shared in the embarrassment. Um...

He quickly shielded his eyes. I thought you were, uh, maybe, you know, uh... 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 gonna go. He awkwardly walked out. Since it was hard for me to get back to my relaxed state after that embarrassing yet funny moment, I end up climbing out, putting on my robe and slippers, and finding Ace, who was in the living room watching TV. Hey.

I playfully kicked his foot until he looked my way. Seriously? What? You're gonna be all 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 mute. Okay, as long as you're not mad. Why would I be mad? You obviously were worried about me not trying to get a peek. Right, because I wasn't. I know, Ace. He still was very straight-faced, so I knew he wanted to talk more. I shifted, bringing my left leg up onto the couch and fixing my robe so nothing showed. I'm sorry. Why are you sorry?

It's because of me you feel like you had to barge in. 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 realize 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 that, plus Trevor and all the added pressures I put on myself. Like what? My body, for one, which you just got an eyeful of. And may I be so blunt as to say...

He turned to face me, shifting his entire body. You have nothing to worry about, girl. 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'd hate to ruin our friendship, so maybe I would actually pursue. But I'd be tempted, that's for sure.

He took my hand in his, now that the awkwardness has subsided. I know there's more. Sure. I hate how 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 way too long.

You still put in ours. 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. It just doesn't 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 on the TV caught my eye. It was one of those sad Sarah McLachlan animal cruelty-like commercials of close-ups of sad-looking dogs and cats. If it wasn't on mute, I'm sure some angelic song would be playing behind the images. Jesus, was this a sign? You know...

Ace 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 or food. But I already knew I would feel like an even bigger burden. Um... How about just for a few months, just to get 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 he nodded. 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 fell from high above. Yeah, we were chased. By the circle wing? The, uh, helicopter. Yeah.

I turned my attention to the cave entrance where the bald man was still flapping the blanket. I wondered just how long this fire would last. Your bones are broken. She was now looking at my legs. I couldn't quite 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 nodded solemnly.

Water helps? Yeah, a bit. She nodded again. With my vision slowly coming back into focus, even with the smoke I can make out more of her features. A small scarred nose, sunken eyes and cheeks. Tons of freckles on her pale skin. Her hair, while red, had streaks of black. It also was very thin and cracked, just like the skin on her arms. And that's when it hit me. This was a rat. God, I hated that term. We help because he knows. She motioned to the bald man. He. He says he knows. Knows what? You.

What? He knows me? He says, yes, we talk. But I didn't know him. I didn't recognize him. He wasn't the rat, the person. Attacked Mike in the field. The smoke will still come. We try to stop it, but it will come until the fire goes. I know. And... The fire's just gonna stay for a while. Yes, but there is nowhere else for us to go. Right. It didn't seem like the smoke was impacting them that much. I hadn't heard her cough once since we got here.

One for one. One for one. I must go. He is tired of waving. Okay. Yeah. As she stood, I noticed her tight pink shirt. It caught me by surprise. Hiker babe. Hiker babe. Why did that seem so familiar? My mind raced, and a few seconds later, it hit me. Poor Carrie. That was her shirt. Her and Leroy mentioned things stolen from their camp. These were definitely rats. And they spared me. Like, Mike. Hell, not only did they spare me...

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All right, girl. I paid your tap. What? Why? Because I feel like shit. Why? Because I'm kind of ditching you. You're not. You sure? Yes, I told you, it's fine. You sure? I mean, if he wasn't so cute... I know. I'm the one who pointed him out to you, remember? Yep.

But see, that makes me feel even worse. I steal your man and then ditch you. That makes me a bad friend, right? It does. It totally does. You 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 aisle. Well, even so. Tried to get him to stay a little longer, but, uh... Hey, Sunny, don't worry about it. Go!

You gonna stick around any longer? I checked my phone. It was only ten after ten. For a bit. Ace frowned and held my hand. He made his pouty face. I'll make it up to you. You already did. You paid my tab. But I should 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 want details later. Of course, girl. Ace kissed me on the cheek and trotted off after the hunky, young, short-haired Fabio. Wait, so he just happened to be there, and he just so happens to walk up to you the moment I 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 he say? What are you doing here? I thought you moved. I did. I'm back visiting friends for the weekend. He motioned to the barstool next to me. Uh, may I? Go ahead. He took a seat, turned to me, and sipped his drink.

I knew you liked this place, but I never thought in a million years I'd see you. You here alone? I took a breath, and I think he could sense my awkwardness. Sorry, I didn't mean to suggest. I smiled to ease the 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, sipping their drinks and ever so slightly moving to the music.

Gary even tapped his fingers to the beat of the bass. I didn't know you still talked to Gary. I tried to wave 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 ensued as I stirred my drink and watched the ice dance off the sides of my glass. So...

How have things been with you? My eyes went to Jean, but then quickly back to the glass. Good. Good. That's a lot. What do you mean? 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, your glass. Okay, well, yeah, things have been, I guess, the opposite of good.

have to do with your new guy? How? I'm sorry. I did a little cyber-stalking, but that was a while ago, I swear. I'm a new man now. Uh-huh. Well? I sip my drink to stall, wondering if I should open up. It's, um... It's over between us. Oh. Well, I'm sorry to hear that. Oh yeah. 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 an idiot about being an idiot. Yeah. And I apologize.

For everything. I know we didn't split on good terms. I believe I caught you in another lie. Or was it another woman? Maybe both. Ouch. But warranted. Glad you feel that way. I do. After you left me, I was heartbroken, 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 he asked 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. Had he cheated on you?

He lied to you. He did. And he isn't worth your time. I don't care how much time has 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 a week. Then we were talking every other day. Even when he was at the station. The only time he didn't text was the several months he was busy being a fire lookout.

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 lacked the funds or drive to go back to school. And I'd be damned if I'd fall back into my rut, but...

Working 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 give 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... quaint. It's shit. Got it. That's not what I'm saying. I'm messing around. It's just... Small. It's a one-bedroom. I don't need anything more than that. Plus, it's 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.

I don't know why this was so important. I told you you didn't have to move out. Yet. I never said that. You 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. He 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 can pick up more hours. See? Relax. I said a... few nights. The other nights I could 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, giving me a place to live, paying for my food, letting me save money, and consoling me when I needed someone.

Let me do this for you. What? Step aside so you and Mateo can have a real relationship. He made a seriously face 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, someone 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. But he 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 taking care of myself. But then the day came when Jean actually called. I hesitated a moment, then answered. Hello?

Hey. I know, I know. It's been a little while, and calling instead of texting, gasp. We had been texting on and off for the past year. Not as much as before, which was fine. I didn't care that much. I had been busy. 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. Jean. What's up? I grab the bowl of ravioli by the rim and a 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, if maybe you're interested. 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, uh, 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 it was still a job.

Okay, yeah, it 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 the park staff is a nice background, but not necessary. It also varies state by state. Seriously? I'm serious. Also... But he trailed off. Yeah? I won't lie, saying that I have a little pull 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 pass 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. And then I'm qualified? 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. Am I wrong?

Of course he wasn't. Gene was a lot of things. A gambler, a cheater, an 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-stalking, even though we're friends now. But you don't post often anyway, so I'm not sure what you have going on. Maybe you have a great job already. I didn't. And a ha-

handsome young stud of a boyfriend. Nope. And maybe you don't want to give up your amazing Austin views. I turned to the window. All I saw was the highway and distant smokestacks. 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. Also, you won't get the best food out there in your cabin. That was a major downside for me. You'll have to eat a lot of easy to make meals like shit. Beans, rice, and raviolis. I looked down at my bowl. That's really the worst part. I continued to stare at my bowl of the worst part. That's the worst? I think so. Okay. Tell me more.

I remembered that night after Jean's call. I dreamed of my happy place, but the waves and sand and gulls 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. Hmm, a fire lookout. Yeah, why the hell not? My eyes fluttered open. I'd fallen asleep in this small pool. I was still in so much pain. Smoke is bad.

Will be bad. For a long time. Yeah. The fire's gonna 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. We will not go. But... No! I startled from a shout. I'm... I'm sorry. You are broken. You heal, you may go. But we stay. I thought about everything Mike told me about these poor people. If it was true, why wouldn't they get the hell out? Why? 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.

At 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. She looked up at the smoke that came in through the hole in the wall. exited through the hole above. I will get him. Wait. Why didn't you want to help? No trust. Cart's 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. 9-5 dead. She motioned to the cave entrance in orange-yellow 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 sniping 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 can trust me. I was just a fire lookout in Tower 3. My name is... Amber. The bald man was no more than three feet from the edge of the pool.

I didn't hear him walk up. He still held the dirty and torn blanket. Yeah, that's right. How did you know? He remembers more than all. He is a seer. Is that not right? Some. Yes. Some. No, no. It's true. He can remember. That is why we cannot leave. He knows. He knows more are alive. He sees, too. Not just below. Enough. But outside as well. Enough! She bowed her head. I... I know they hurt you. You're, uh, kind? Kind? What? Kind? Uh, you know, like, you two.

Right. No different. Because of them. Giving bad lives. Giving bad food. Giving bad names. Bad names? Like... 141. It sounded familiar. 141? What's that, a name? My name, yes. You don't have a real name? I did. I... I forgot. You too? No, 216 remembers. Yes? Right? You go by 216? Yes! But he remembers old name. Uh, real name. Yes, tell her. Tell her you do. I... I do. What was it? I mean, but... is it?

Power 4. Written by Robert M. Lamb. Edited by Jose Caraballo. Dialogue editing by Jack Austin. Revisions by Mia Sukveli. Starring Gina Coyle as Amber. Brian Messick. Music provided by Taco at soundcloud.com slash madebytaco. Brett Wilkins at Facebook.com slash WilkinsMusicFL. Kevin MacLeod of Incompetech.com. And various artists at Artlist.io and Pond5.com.

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