He lowered himself with the help of Clarence. His speech was met with a few “aho” s from the assembly and a lot of nods. Even Plaid Shirt lowered his head in consideration.

“I say we sleep on it. Tomorrow, we’ll gather again after midday meal to discuss where we’re at. I would just advise everyone to consider their own families—both the one we have and the ones that might still be out there.” Clarence clapped his hands, calloused from years of bush work even before it became the only way to survive. The meeting was adjourned.

Miig and Isaac held hands as they walked back to their tent.

“What do you think?”

“I think it’s the smart decision,” Miig answered, “but it’s not going to be the popular one. People are tired. Hell, I’m tired. Everyone is just looking to stop moving.”

“Agreed. What are we going to do?”

“Well, let’s call our people together and make our decision.” Miig rubbed his eyes. It had been weeks since the news about French, and he was still having a hard time coming to terms with the reality that he would never see him again—not in this lifetime, anyway.

“Jean doesn’t look like he’s in any shape to pick up and move,” Isaac considered. “I wonder if he’d even make it.”

“I don’t think he cares at this point.” Miig squeezed his husband’s hand. “I don’t know what I’d do if I lost you again. It’s too terrible to even put thought to.”

“I know what I would do,” Isaac answered.

“Oh yeah? And what’s that?”

“I’d swan dive off the nearest cliff.” Isaac said it in all seriousness.

“No. You can’t do that. You can never do that. What would that say to the others? Everyone is fighting to live. You can’t just decide to die.” Miig was angry even at the comment.

“At that point, my love, I wouldn’t care about anyone else. Not even myself.”

They were already at their tent when the scout jogged back with a sighting, when the rifles were shouldered in preparation, and when two visitors walked into the camp.

✦✦✦ ✦✦✦ ✦✦✦

Bullet and Clarence entered the clearing where Miig’s family had set up their tents when they’d first joined. The settlement was communal and open, but families usually stayed close together, especially those who had journeyed in together. Miig was finishing up Story, so they waited on the periphery for him to finish before intruding.

“For so long, we as a species were violent. Our violence was neglect; our violence was arrogance. The wasp sting of capitalism was left to grow malignant without proper care. And wasps can keep on stinging once they begin. They don’t die like bees, so they don’t have to be as committed to the damage. We as humans forgot our specific place and spread into every place instead. As if we were removed from consequence. As if we were untouchable. We couldn’t even imagine the Earth retaliating. And then it did.”