ten
I really didn't think that things could get any worse then, Hilde admitted, sitting comfortably in Dr. Wright's office. I mean, I was on life support.
He nodded. Go on.
But, then Midii came to visit and all of a sudden I realized that it wasn't worth it.
What do you mean?
It, you know, living in the past. I should learn from my mistakes, right?
Yes, of course. If I didn't learn from mine, I'd probably be somewhere on earth selling crack cocaine.
Hilde chuckled. I still love Duo, though. I really want to find out what happened, Dr. I want to know what's going on outside, too. I'm tired of getting the news trashed by Carlene. I'm ready to move on.
I'm glad to hear that.
She stretched out on the couch and laced her fingers behind her head. Do you think I've made good progress?
Dr. Wright looked back through a folder of events. It's been six months, you've done a lot of great work and you're better than before.
Smiling, Hilde sighed and closed her eyes to the swirled spackle that made up the doctor's ceiling. Do you think I can go back home?
Things have changed out there. Are you ready to accept it?
I have to. I don't belong in here, Hilde rolled onto her side, because I'm a survivor. And I need to show some thanks to my friends. I haven't seen them in such a long time.
I can only hope that the other girls will pick up on yours and Midii's stellar recovery and get to work. He scribbled down some notes. I've signed you up for an examination. If things go smoothly, as I plan they will, I'll find out about getting you back in society.
Hilde jumped up and reached over his desk to shake his hand. Thank you so much. She was about to leave, but stopped. What about my records? Will I ever be able to get a job?
I'll find something.
You're sure you want this job? It aint the best, you know?
Duo nodded. I'd rather have this one than one on earth, sir.
The man named Jenkins Lourne, stood up and stubbed his cigar to swat Duo's shoulder. Welcome aboard resource satellite MO3400, Duo Maxwell. Welcome.
Days passed, and so did Hilde. By the end of the week she was signed up to start working. It was all under contract.
All right, here's the deal. You work at this place for a year without a problem and I'll wipe your stay here at Sweetwater clean off your record. And the work should get you prepared for a better job, too.
Hilde, there you go again!
She nodded, picking up her things of her own will. Her arms were well toned now due to her weight training in the recent months. This time I think I'll be staying on the outside.
Molly stood at her door. We're going to have to go through detox again, too.
All the girls gathered in the hall to bid her farewell. Delilah brought her a bouquet of flowers from the garden in tradition and Samantha gave her a nicer looking quilt as a keepsake. Hilde gave everyone a hug and left block B for the last time. She loaded her things, buckled into the shuttle on its way to a nearby satellite, and bid her last adieu to her home. Her family.
Hilde stood in front of the doctors, having just told her about the job news. What's the name of this place?
It's a resource satellite close to our orbit called M03400.
Hilde remembered, watching Sweetwater move into the distance from her window. Time for a new beginning.
Heero couldn't help but smile as Relena gave a speech in front of a crowd of aggressive men arguing with neighboring aggressive men over land and fertile soil. He stood in the high, unused balconies and crossed his arms, happy that she'd done so well with herself. But he couldn't help but wonder if she was as dependent on him as Hilde was on Duo. He was sure, though, that he wouldn't test it any more. She'd see him before the sun rose, and he'd make a habit of keeping her near. Love and life were too precious a thing to put on the back burner, and he'd learned it because of two people's own absurdity and tenaciousness.
End