#7daychallenge

Codsworth was working nearby to reclaim nails and screws from an enormous pile of discarded siding. He knew very well that the empty home had been the one he shared with Wraith’s family. The robot had overheard the exchange and decided that with Hancock’s help, they might be able to push Wraith into facing some of her ghosts, thereby achieving some small amount of closure. “Pardon me for interrupting, mum, but we seem to be running short on bedding materials. Might it be that you and Mayor Hancock could check in the ol’ homestead?”

Hancock saw her flinch, confirming his suspicions, “Look, we don’t have to go in there if ya don’t want.” He gestured vaguely east, “I saw a few old rugs in a house over there… might be a little scratchy, but hey, most of ‘em have been sleeping outside in the dirt, you feel me?”

Her pride pricked by the idea that her settlers might be reduced to sleeping on beds that were only marginally better then literal dirt, Wraith stuck out her lower lip and marched determinedly toward her old house. Her paced slowed the closer she got to the front door, however. Finally, she stood motionless with one hand outstretched, frozen midway to the doorknob.

Hancock’s voice was gentle, “It’s okay, sister. I got ya covered.”

She looked back over her shoulder and was further bolstered by the ghoul’s surprisingly-sweet smile. Apart from the brief search on day she had woken up, she hadn’t been inside her house for over two hundred years. Pushing through the door she had expected to be met with the stale air of a long abandon home, but apart from a few dust motes catching light in the sunbeams, it was remarkably well kept.

“Oh, that’s right…” She had forgotten that Codsworth had spent the better part of two hundred plus years maintaining her home, and had continued to do so when he wasn’t floating around the Commonwealth with her. She leaned back out to thank the robot, who was hovering anxiously just outside, “It looks great in here, sweetheart. Thanks, Codsworth.”

“My pleasure, mum! Give a holler if you’ll need anything else.”

Hancock was silent as Wraith walked slowly through her former living room and kitchen. Her movements were halting, almost jerky, and when she reached the hallway that led to the bedrooms she once again froze. Watching her made him sad and he felt an enormous surge of empathy.

Then, as if she had remembered her resolve, he watched as her back straightened and she squared her shoulders. It wasn’t as if she was wearing anything particularly form hugging or risqué; just her standard jeans and flannel with the sleeves rolled up, but Hancock felt his pulse quicken and a flush rose to his cheeks.

Damn! Can see the steel in her veins from any angle… almost as good a thrill as watchin’ her fight…

They worked in relative silence for a while, each lost in their own head. Wraith entertaining a few bittersweet memories of a bygone era and Hancock wrestling with a sudden realization that he was very, very attracted to her.

Pretty damn sure it’s one sided. Then again, maybe not; she’s looked you up and down more than a few when she thinks you ain’t lookin’. Could try puttin’ the moves to her… don’t want to rush anything… the way she moves when she’s fightin’ can only imagine how she is in the sack… I need to cool out or go take care of this… those legs wrapped around… mmm. She’s flexible too. Bet I could bend her…

“Hey, Hancock…”

He jumped guiltily and covered a yelp of surprise with an exaggerated grunt of exertion. “What have ya got for me?”

“Do you mind if we turn on the radio? I’m tired of stewing in memories for now.”

“Fine by me.”

After a few songs The End of the World came on and Hancock started humming along. He felt Wraith’s eyes on him and emboldened, he took her hand and pulled her to him to dance. He sang along to the radio as they circled in a slow, easy waltz and was delighted to see some of the sadness in her eyes melt away.

Definitely don’t want to rush this. Could be there’s more here than just a wild roll in the hay…

“Thanks, Hancock.”

“What for?”

“For reminding me that the end of something means the beginning of something else and the end of world doesn’t always mean the end of everything.”

Amata gives me a smile of relief. The dark circles under her hazel eyes really aged her and her raven black hair is dull and tangled into a messy bun. With the conflict over, I can tell a weight is lifted from her. We move closer together, filling me with a certain nostalgia. I’m finally back with my best friend and I can’t wait to tell her everything that’s happened. To finally catch up without chaos ensuing. The stories I have will stomp anything we ever read in the Grognak Comics. I’m already forming plans on who we can go to for supplies. How I can help protect our people from the Wastes.

“I… I can’t believe it.” Amata whispers, pulling me from my grand plans. “My father… I can’t believe he’s stepping down. I can’t believe you got through to him.” 

“We talked. I think for the first time, he actually listened. He… he didn’t even realize how wrong he was.” I take in the disarray state of the medical room. A place I saw as a sanctuary growing up. I could still see Jim laying stiffly against the wall when I first arrived. Or even Beatrice’s mangled corpse in the next room. A shake of my head returns me to the present. “But I set him straight.” 

“Well, thanks for keeping your cool. Violence would only lead to more problems in the future.” She puts her hands on her hips with a prideful smirk. “It’s time for our dusty old Vault to have a new beginning and it’ll start by opening it up again, and this time for good. It’s a bright new day for the Vault…,” Her pause takes me off guard. She looks at me sheepishly. The same look she gave me when I first got here. “But I’m afraid there’s one thing that has to change.”

“Whatever it is, I’m happy to help.” I reassure her. 

“I know you are and, on behalf of the Vault, I thank you for all you’ve done.” She places her hand on my shoulder and gives a gentle squeeze. She sounds too much like an Overseer already. “But there are still many who blame you for everything that happened. So I have to ask you to leave. I’m sorry, but the situation is just... too delicate for you to stay.” 

My stomach feels like it’s in a knot; like I had been punched in the gut. I know I’m making a face as Amata continues, “Please. If you want to help the Vault, you need to leave.” 

The sting of tears began and my throat’s tight. I stare her down with a bitter smile. “Just like that, huh? After everything I’ve done, you’re kicking me out.” I laugh a bit as I realize that was her plan all along. She knew I would come, she knew I would help, and she knew I wasn’t allowed to stay.

“No, it’s not like that.” Amata grabs my hands to bring my attention back to her. Her hands are so soft compared to mine. “But if you stay, it’ll just keep causing more problems. The Vault can’t take any more in-fighting. It’s just what has to be.” Her explanation only makes my blood boil. I swear, I knew raiders that were less cold-blooded than her. “It’ll be awhile before we’re ready to really go outside. But once the Vault is stable again, maybe we’ll see you out there.” She smiles sweetly at me, which feeds my disgust toward her. I let the silence fester before I rip my hands from hers. She frowns, but switches back to a sweet smile.

“I guess this is goodbye for now.” She reaches behind her and hands me a dirty utility suit. “It’s not much, but take this with you, to remember us by. With luck, we’ll meet again.” 

I look at the grimy suit for a moment in a state of absolute shock. This is it? All that she sees me worthy of is some piece of shit suit? 

“Goodbye, Amata. I have a feeling you’ll do just fine as Overseer.” The ice in my tone causes her to flinch. I give a parting glance to the room that was my whole life with my dad. Him teaching me how to treat cuts, bruises, sprains, and numerous other ailments. The trash and overturn tables made the bile crawl further up my throat. Freddie and Mr. Brotch walk over to me just before I turn away. 

“Goodbye. We’ll miss ya.” Freddie says. His ‘Tunnel Snake’ leather jacket slipping off his slim frame. 

“I never thought you would be back. I’m sorry you have to go. You were always a pleasure to have in class.” Mr. Brotch adds with his warm brown eyes giving me pity. But he does nothing to object to my banishment. 

I almost roll my eyes at their pathetic attempts at a goodbye. “Good luck out there. You’ll need it.” I walk through the familiar yet ruined hallways of my home… former home. I pass by my room. My heart nearly shatters upon seeing Dad’s old bed, but I force myself to keep going. Residents line the hallways as their whispers and glares follow me.

“Good riddance.”

“Get out.” 

“You don’t belong here.” 

“This is all your fault!” The voices say as I pass by.

I hold my head up high despite wanting to yell and scream at them. They’re supposed to be my family, yet here I am leaving with my tail between my legs. I’m at the security room when a familiar guard brings me out of my haze. 

“Officer Gomez?” 

He looks at me with sorrowful eyes. “You aren’t leaving already, are you? Goodness, you just got here.” 

I curse my growing bad luck. He’s always been so kind to me. His salt and pepper hair made me think of a time long before that. The fondest memory being when he got onto Butch for stealing my sweet roll. I thought of him as my hero from that moment forward. I find it hard to look at him now.

“Yeah. It’s… for the best. Or so I’m told.” I mumble. 

He places his hands on my shoulders. “I’m sorry about your daddy. And I’m sorry that… I wish you could stay.” I meet his gaze and he looks more upset than I am. “Good golly, I don’t know what’s happened to you out there, but you’re different now. I can see it in your eyes. You’re not... ,” He laughs a bit before giving me a beaming grin. “You’re not a kid anymore. I’m real proud of ya. I know you’re gonna do great things, kiddo. Always have. I hope we get to see you one day. Out there. Maybe you’ll be the one giving us the big tour of the place.” 

I bite my lip to keep a sob at bay before hugging him as tightly as I can. “Thank you, Mr. Gomez. I’m gonna miss you.” My voice cracks and a few tears stream down my cheek.

He chuckles a bit, but hugs me back. “Stay safe.” 

I nod my head and smile. “You too.” 

He pats me on the back as I walk towards the exit. I spare him one last look. He waves with a warm parting smile. I walk outside and open the wooden slat door. The ground shudders from the vault closing. The breeze rifles through my hair and the dust fills my nostrils. The heat of the waning sun warms my skin. I hear the metal screeching of the vault sealing. My breath leaves my chest and a choked cry follows. It’s done. 

I stare at the scorched landscape around me. Echoes of the past are all that’s left. Megaton catches my eye against the evening sun. I suppose that’s not entirely true, I realize. I think of Gob, and Lucas, and even Moriarty. I start to think of the Brotherhood, and the people of Rivet City. So many people that I’ve met, helped, or killed. I notice a furry blob heading towards me. A wide grin forms on my face when I realize who it is.

Dogmeat barrels up to me with yips of excitement. I pat his head while scratching behind his large ears. His rough fur feels great against my near numb fingers. His brown and blue eyes fill me with a comforting warmth. 

“I missed ya, too. Ya mangy mutt.” I tease.