Lully had practically pushed me off the couch saying.

"We've got a practice rink down the hall."

Forcing me to leave my taco behind. Though it wasn't exactly food as I'd describe it. I was hungry enough to eat it. Had I been given the opportunity.

The roller blading itself, despite my reservations and protests. Was rather fun. I could even see the practical uses for it. Especially back in the community, before the zombies happened.

Even now, with the few other survivors we've been hosting. It could be helpful. I think I may take a pair home to Jed. hopefully he'll have an easier time figuring these out than I am.

The fat boy seems to be taking to them well. He's still tripping up a bit or slowing down here and there. But for only starting this morning. I'm impressed to see him speeding around the track. I on the other hand, Could barely stand in these when I first put them on. And an hour later little has changed.

When the hour had passed. Lully announced it was time to pack it up for the night. Thankful, I rushed back to the main area. Desperate for a spot on the couch and some food. There's no natural light in here. So I can only guess at the time. But I imagine by how tired I'm getting it must be very late.

Once we enter the main room. I'm relieved to see Telemann walking my way. Holding out a taco with what as best I can tell, are normal ingredients.

"We sometimes forget you uh... surface people, don't usually eat the way we do. This should be more to your uh... liking."

I quickly thank him before beginning to devour it as quickly as possible. Not for fear of being whisked away again. But from sheer hunger. Telemann acknowledges my thanks and continues talking.

"So, why you looking to talk to that bozo anyways."

I raise my eyebrows to indicate a question, without interrupting my eating long enough to actually ask it.

"You know, what's his name there... er... ya know. Manbug!"

"Telemann!"

Vivaldi calls over.

"Don't talk that way about him. He's a good guy."

"Ya but he's a total dingbat."

Lully adds.

"You're a dingbat."

Telemann retorts.

"Smarter than you."

Lully fires back.

"Are not."

Telemann rebuts

"Are too."

Lully retaliates.

"Are not."

If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

Telemann reciprocates.

" And I'm smarter than the both of you combined."

Vivaldi reminds them.

He then turns to me and repeats the question more politely.

"Why exactly are you trying to get a hold of Manbug?"

I fill him in on all the details of how we met. And how he was lead to believe I am dead. The boy corroborated the parts that he could.

When I was done the story the fat boy was falling asleep. Vivaldi said he should go off to bed but the boy protested.

"Why can't I stay up. You guys all stay up late. And sleep until the afternoon. Why can't I?"

"It's in our nature to be night creatures. Not yours."

The boy hummed and hawed a bit. But ultimately he gave up and went to bed. I asked Vivaldi if he minded if I do the same. He had Handel show me to where I would be sleeping for the night. Sharing a room with the boy. And assured me, they'll be up if Manbug comes. So I can rest knowing he'll be directed to me if he shows up.

I shuffle into the room trying to be as quiet as possible. Not wanting to disturb the boy. It's only been a few minutes so I'm sure he'll still be awake. But I'm courteous none the less. Figuring MPs may fall asleep immediately. If they sleep at all.

It's all for not, as The moment my head hits the pillow the boy's voice travels across the dark room.

"So, how'd you start working with Manbug?"

He asks.

"My radio was stolen, and we uh... We just ran into each other a few times. Then he declared we were partners."

"That's not a very good backstory."

"Backstory?"

I ask, not understanding what the boy means.

"Yeah, you know. How you got your powers. Why you're a superhero, that sort of thing. I mean, I'm sure you were spawned out of a bug cloud, or puddle, or whatever, recently. But you gotta have some kind of backstory."

The boy continues.

"You're a survivor aren't you?'

I ask the boy.

"Yeah."

"I am too. I was just here looking into something for a friend. Before I got tangled up with Manbug. But if you're a survivor too, why were you working for Botfly?"

"It's a comfortable life. I was walking down the street and a van pulled up. And the side door opened and there was one of her goons there. And he said all the boys in town were hanging out by the docks. And playing arcade games and eating pizza all day. And I know that sounds sketchy. And they just drove away after. And didn't tell me to get in the van or anything. And whatever, the whole world is pretty sketchy right now. And I went and checked it out. And they weren't lying. And I started talking to the other kids there. And asking what the party is for. And they tell me they live there. And it's not a party. And it's just like that everyday. And they have a boss that sometimes gets them to do a little work but but that's it."

"So you stayed?"

"Of course. After the dark times, I had gone to my old apartment. I was thrilled to see my parents back. But that didn't last long. There bodies were moving but they weren't themselves anymore. At first I thought that was okay. I was just happy not to be alone any more. But they were always out playing cops and robbers, literally. And I don't think they even noticed me when they were there. So I went to live on the dock."

"And are the other boys, there survivors too?"

"No, I don't think so. It seems like the kids aren't as effected as the adults were. Like they still kind of just act like normal kids. Just a bit more, I don't know. Like they're kinda like robots ya know?"

"Yeah, I think I know what you mean."

I said. Only have a vague idea of what that means.

"Anyways."

The boy continues.

"The endless pizza, soda, and video games was great at first. But you actually do start to feel sick after a while. So I'm glad to be here now. I think it'll be good for me. They're actually teaching me things too. Never thought I'd miss school, but now that I'm here, I'm realizing how much I did miss it. Anyways, I'm sure they've got a lot planned for me tomorrow, so I should get some sleep now."

I start thinking about what he said. And how Botfly told me the boys were learning life skills and self sufficiency under her.

I try and sort it all out. But quickly fall asleep instead.