In the After

keep it shielded from curious eyes.
    I stopped at the sonic emitter to stretch, and I heard faint voices. My first impulse was to leave, not wanting to be around people. But then I recognized one of them and crept closer, careful to remain quiet and unseen behind a tree.
    “But I like it here. You don’t understand what they—”
    “We stick to the plan, Amber,” a male voice interrupts her. “We’ve already made the decision.”
    “But this place is different from what we’re used to. It’s organized; the people are good. They don’t have to hurt each other to get ahead. They’re all working together.”
    “Because they have what everyone else wants. Safety and supplies. They take all that’s left out there. Is there anything they don’t have a surplus of?”
    I peeked out to watch them. The man was tall and pale with shadowy black hair. He looked like Amber and I knew that this must be her brother, Paul.
    “We could leave the gang. You can live here too. We can tell them everything, break away, get on their good side.”
    “Oh, come on, you can’t be serious. I wouldn’t want to live here with these brainwashed idiots. It’s worse than a cult, Amber. Besides, what would we say? ‘Sorry we trashed your precious anti-Florae devices. Sorry all those people died. . . . We’d like to join your comfy little society now.’ I’m sure they’d welcome us with open arms,” he spat.
    “We could leave out that part,” Amber pleaded.
    “Enough.” Paul shook his head. “You’ll get in line or I’ll tell the rest of the gang you turned on us.”
    “You wouldn’t,” Amber said, horrified.
    “I may not have a choice,” his voice softened. “Not if you decide to ruin everything.”
    I backed a few steps away, blending into the woods. As much as I wanted to run away, I didn’t. Amber couldn’t be allowed to disappear again, it was too dangerous for all of us. I moved back through the trees, their leaves catching at my clothing as I forced myself to make noise.
    “Hello?” I called, stepping into the clearing. “Is someone there?” I made a hell of a racket before emerging. Even so, Paul barely hid in time and I pretended not to see him.
    “Amber! I thought I was the only one who ran this far out here,” I said loudly.
    “Oh,” Amber’s face was frozen in shock. She looked down at her sandals and sundress, unsure. “Yeah, I was out for a run.”
    “Well, I’m glad we ran into each other, pardon the pun.” I forced a laugh. “Listen, Amber, I’ve been meaning to have breakfast with you, to welcome you to New Hope.” I made my voice sweet and hoped Paul would be convinced and think that all citizens of New Hope were trusting and gullible.
    Amber stared at me, then glanced to where Paul was barely concealed. She was debating whether or not to bolt. I moved forward and grabbed her hand.
    “Come on,” I said, pulling her back toward New Hope, away from Paul. “I think there are pancakes this morning.”
    I led her by the hand until we were nearly to the farm. I listened carefully, making sure that Paul hadn’t followed us, but I waited until we got back to the buildings to really talk.
    “Amy, it’s not what you think,” she pleaded.
    “Was that Paul?” I asked. She looked away. “You said he died.” I didn’t bother to hide my disgust.
    “I lied,” she said, looking up with tears in her eyes. Crocodile tears.
    “I heard your conversation,” I told her. “I know you’re responsible for the Florae breach. I also know you and your brother have something else planned.”
    “It’s all Bear’s idea,” she blubbered. “He’s in charge. I didn’t want to be their spy, but they made me. I told them we should just live here like normal people, but no one ever listens to me. Not even Paul.”
    “Look, Amber, I think you’ve let bad people influence you in order to survive. But you’re here now and you can do more than just get by. You can live.”
    She swallowed, wiped her nose on her arm. “I do like it here.” She looked up at me, hopeful. “If I tell you everything, can I stay?” she asked.
    “I don’t see why not,” I assured her.
    “And Paul?” she asked. “I don’t care about the rest of them, but I want Paul to live here too.”
    “I’ll talk to the director about it, but Amber”—I made sure she understood—“you have to tell the truth. You have one chance to get this right. If I find out you’ve lied, I’ll take you out beyond the