Epilogue
Sweat trickled down Axel’s back as he picked apples off a tree. The August heat was unforgiving, and he feared for the vegetables in the hidden garden. George had opened the doors to let some air in, which meant there were hens everywhere. Luckily, it was Tuesday, so no controllers were working, and if they had been, this was his district, but you never knew.
It always worried him when the hens roamed free. He understood why they had to: so they could hunt for their own food, but it only took a glance to realize George had more than three hens. Especially when the roosters crowed.
“It’ll take ages to take care of these.” George looked at the apples he’d picked.
“Hi. I didn’t hear you coming.” He leaned in close and waited for his kiss. George smiled and pulled him close.
“
