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Home > Expos > Event 11 > Page 10
SPREAD THE FEAR▼
SPREAD THE FEAR
[No I am Not a Human , Night Theme]
They were only one week into the job and failing.
Cargo
Cargo waited with her friend, Aestus in front of the family house. She had not only been waiting for her mother, but for her sibling, Siete as well. "Siete has been coming later and later everyday now....."
Cargo
"They're really delaying our packing.....We might need to get someone else to pitch in."
Cargo
"I bet you they already found somewhere else they wanna be."
Aestus
"Give it some time...I think they're going through a lot right now..."
Cargo
"Yeah right. We all know they're just going to abandon the family just like eeeeeeeeveryone else."
Aestus
"...Is that so..."
Siete
Siete could already see their sister and her friend from down the block. They're forced to wait until they're just close enough to offer an awkward wave.
Siete
"Hey. Uh, sorry it took a bit."
Cargo
2026-04-15 19:00:24
Cargo Profile
Posted by ID #2
Last edit: 2026-04-15 19:12:25
Cargo snaps to accuse her sister. "You said you'd be back by 5pm! What were you doing?"
Siete
"Dude, chill out! I also thought I'd be back by 5pm. I was working, what do you think I was doing?"
Cargo
"I don't know. A lot of people have been hiding secrets recently."
Cargo
"Mom, dad, Uno, even Aestus I'm sure!"
Aestus
"Me? N-No, I wouldn't...uh..."
Cargo
Cargo narrows her eyes as she glares at Aestus. "Yeah sure you aren't....we'll see about that...."
Cargo
"Why did work take you so long, Siete?"
Siete
"I'm not hiding anything from you, cool your jets. It's just, like," They raise their arms, letting them fall to their sides in defeat, "I'm just... busy now. It's hard."
Siete
"Like really hard. This shit piles up fast, I'm sorry."
Cargo
"Ooooh how fucking descriptive of you, Siete! I'm just busy! Where have I heard that from? Oh, right, our cheating mother!"
Cargo
"Well, I'll have you know, I know you only had 3 deliveries to do today. What a huuuuuuuge pile up! Hmmmm???"
Siete
"Oh, okay. Yeah! Let's go with that, sorry Nueve, I'm cheating on a significant other you've never met. That's where I was all day."
Aestus
"S-Siete..." He's nervous, but someone has to ask or this conversation won't go anywhere. "Just...tell us what happened, please?"
Siete
2026-04-15 19:09:56
Siete Profile
Posted by ID #7
Last edit: 2026-04-15 19:13:00
"I had to tell a fucking- father of five today that his cancer is terminal! While he was picking up his kids!"
Cargo
"What? Did he get in a fight with you about it.....?"
Siete
"...No. I was just, following him around all day." Siete finally allows themselves to join the two in front of the house, sitting down beside them, "'Cause it's like... how do you even bring that up to somebody?"
Siete
"As soon as I thought there was a good moment, it's gone. I just couldn't ruin his day. Or like, you know. His entire life."
Cargo
Cargo pauses, processing what Siete had said. "Cancer is terrible.....No one even gets to pick who gets it. Why does it just happen to anyone?"
A loud voice breaks up the moment of reflection.
Lady
"Yoooo hoooo!! Kids! Don't worry, your sister Uno found me!"
Lady
"The boys wanted to go out drinking after work so, you know, social obligations, hoohoo!"
Lady
2026-04-15 19:22:46
Lady Profile
Posted by ID #2
Last edit: 2026-04-15 19:23:23
"I picked you kids out something at the store beforehand though. I'll put it on the table along with the takeout I brought as well. Your dad is going to be sooooooo happy he doesn't have to cook today!" Lady pauses, noticing Aestus. "Oh Siete, your little boyfriend is here too? He sure has been coming over a lot recently!"
Siete
Siete goes pale. "MOM!"
Aestus
"A-Ah! No, it's not...it's not that...I'm not...!"
Siete
"He is NOT my boyfriend! That's like, Nueve's friend. Don't be gross!"
Lady
"Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm......."
Lady
"I'll believe you I suuuuuuupose...."
Lady
"Now that I think about it....Cargo's friend has been coming over quite frequently for as long as this family has known him.....I sure do wonder what that's about." Lady questions, entering the house, bundles of bags with her.
Aestus
"I just really like my friends...?" He pauses, and then looks down in embarrassment.
Siete
Siete leans over to their sister, voice lowered, "Snrk. Mom can't wrap her head around you having a friend."
Cargo
"Shut up, Siete. I literally have 30 times more friends than you. You're only friends with that weirdo circus boy!"
Cargo
"I just think she doesn't think Aestus could have friends."
Cargo
Cargo waits until her mother is ear shot away. "I knew it! Mom was out with her """Boys.""" Cheating with the whole neighborhood!"
Uno
"She was just out having a few drinks to unwind, sis. Don't worry about it. She's not even drunk. I promise you."
Cargo
Cargo pauses in thought, troubled by something. "Hey Uno. What's the point of trying to be healthy if we're all going to get cancer and die anyway?"
Uno
"Oh, statistically speaking sis, you're more likely to die of a number of other things. I really wouldn't worry about cancer, especially due to the random nature of it."
Uno
"Especially at your age, there's basically no chance! So just enjoy your life. Maybe you could start worrying about it at hmmmmm age 55 or 60."
Aestus
"That's a looooong time..."
Uno
"It's basically forever! Haha!"
Siete
"And you'd better not just go and look up kinds of cancer kids can get online, V. You don't have kid cancer."
Uno
"Ah....don't put those thoughts into her head Siete....."
Siete
2026-04-15 19:39:56
Siete Profile
Posted by ID #7
Last edit: 2026-04-15 19:41:37
"I've literally seen her look up random terminal illnesses before. I didn't start it."
Cargo
"Kid cancer........I could have kid cancer!?!?"
Uno
"Cargo you're 16! You can only have teen cancer, and I bet you no one here can name a teen cancer."
Aestus
"Teen cancer sounds scary...does cancer really scale like that...?"
Cargo
"Aestus, come on, we have to look up every teen cancer that exists!"
Uno
Uno watches Cargo drag Aestus away. She looks at Siete sadly. "Now why were you talking about cancer with Cargo?"
Siete
Head in their hands. "I had to open my big stupid mouth. Sorry, it was, uh, work stuff."
Siete
"Had to tell some dude he was gonna die today. Father of five."
Uno
"Oh I see. Well I know you're excited about your new job, but try not to bring the bad news home too much ok?" Uno hums, interested. "What was the expression on his face when you told him?"
Siete
"I am excited about my job! Sorry, I know it's kind of a bummer. I just, needed to get it off my chest, I guess."
Siete
"He took it... I dunno. The words coming out of his mouth were 'it's fine', but he looked... uh..." Siete stuffs their hands into their hoodie pockets, apprehensive.
Uno
"...............Did you actually tell him?"
Siete
"...No." They stare at the floor. "I'm sorry."
Uno
"I remember when grandma got the news that she was long overdue to die."
Uno
2026-04-15 19:56:57
Uno Profile
Posted by ID #2
Last edit: 2026-04-15 19:58:19
"Nothing on her face. It was like she was already dead."
Uno
"I was wondering if it was like that for everyone. Ah, make sure to get the job done tomorrow, ok? They deserve to know."
Siete
"Y-yeah. I'll uh, make sure do it tomorrow with the other ones. Thanks, big sis."
The next day didn't go much better......
Cargo
It's only 1pm, and Cargo has laid out many papers on the floor, each held down with a caged canary, a bird shaped stone. "Ok, so everyone in my family is seriously up to something."
Cargo
"Mom's cheating on Dad. Dad's cheating on mom with the babysitter. Uno came back after disappearing for a year with some "adopted kid" but then that kid disappeared, so she like, totally stole a baby and harvested for organs, then we have Siete, who I don't know what they're up to lately!"
Cargo
"I also have a page for you Aestus, cause I KNOW you're hiding something. I also put down that you have a 0.09% chance of having teen cancer because of your shoe brand and those noodles you like to eat."
Cargo
"You need to make sure to stop eating those. I need you alive!"
Aestus
Aestus is nodding along, but he's not quite understanding much of everything else. "If the noodles are bad...what do I eat, then?"
Aestus
"I don't want even the slightest chance of teen cancer actually..."
Cargo
"I dunno, whatever you want!.........wait...hmmm you're 18. Does that mean you're past the chance of teen cancer now?"
Cargo
"Adults get a lot more cancers......"
Aestus
"D-Do I get regular cancer?! Oh, no!!!"
Cargo
"I think between the ages of 18 and 19, you have a chance for both normal, AND teen cancer."
Cargo
"You better play it safe..."
Siete
Cargo and Aestus are interrupted by the front door slamming. Siete's home early today.
Cargo
Cargo yelps as Siete enters. She starts gathering her papers into a pile. "ME AND AESTUS WERE WORKING ON THE WORD PUZZLE!"
Cargo
"Why are you so early!?!?!"
Siete
"Who gives a shit! I don't. 'Cause apparently, nobody gives a shit about anybody!" Siete storms in, dropping their ratty backpack just before the door.
Cargo
"I KNEW IT!!! You were dating someone on another island weren't you? And now they dumped you."
Cargo
Cargo shifts through her papers. "That's why I think Uno came back as well! Not sure why she stole a baby though...."
Siete
"What!?" Siete looks between his sister and Aestus, their anger flatlining, "No! What? Nobody dumped me?"
Siete
"It's just fucking... work again. Uno's on my ass about dragging it back home but, ugh!"
Aestus
"What happened, anyway...?"
Aestus
"...Is the bad news that you had to leave your date?"
Siete
"So, imagine me, freaking the fuck out about this one case. This family's kid ran away from home, got scooped up by the Sun, and was dumped onto some planet they'll never see her again."
Cargo
"The Sun is an evil thief!"
Cargo
"Her poor parents must have cried. I hate when mom cries when she comes back from work when the Sun takes one of us away."
Siete
"I fucking wish. I finally, finally get the courage to tell this couple their kid's been tossed off-planet. And it was just like... they didn't give a shit?"
Siete
"It's like they knew it was coming and just couldn't be bothered to care. No fucking wonder she ran away!"
Aestus
"Oh...Oh that's terrible..."
Cargo
".....No! They had to have wanted her back!"
Cargo
2026-04-15 20:25:07
Cargo Profile
Posted by ID #2
Last edit: 2026-04-15 20:25:19
"I bet you it just happened so many times, they didn't have tears to cry anymore....."
Siete
2026-04-15 20:27:08
Siete Profile
Posted by ID #7
Last edit: 2026-04-15 20:33:40
"They coulda tried better to show it, then." Siete pulls their hood over their head, anger giving way to exhaustion. "Imagine being surrounded by... I don't know! Everyone you know. Knowing full well nobody you know gives a shit about you, and they're just not sayin' it."
Cargo
"Everyone's parents would cry if that happened....." Cargo glances at Aestus for a short moment. "But.....maybe I can think of the type of parents that wouldn't."
Cargo
"Aestus, can you imagine the type of parents that would do this?"
Aestus
Aestus reluctantly points at himself, silently asking if she's really looking at him. "...Probably?"
Aestus
"My parents are fine. They're just...busy."
Cargo
"...........I wasn't accusing YOUR parents, idiot....."
Cargo
"Actually."
Cargo
"I think my sister needs the living room today. How about we go to your house?"
Aestus
2026-04-15 20:29:45
Aestus Profile
Posted by ID #103
Last edit: 2026-04-15 20:30:04
"No way!" He clears his throat. "I mean...no. That'd be a bad idea..."
Cargo
Cargo gets up. "Well I happen to like bad ideas!" She runs out of the house before Aestus can stop her.
Siete
2026-04-15 20:33:13
Siete Profile
Posted by ID #7
Last edit: 2026-04-15 20:34:45
"Huh." Siete finally allows themselves to smile, simply watching Cargo bolt away, "...Well? Better go catch her."
Aestus
This sends him into a panic. "Wh—You—" He frantically turns his head towards Siete, before running after her. "Gah! Cargo!!!"
Lady
2026-04-15 20:35:31
Lady Profile
Posted by ID #2
Last edit: 2026-04-15 20:40:34
Lady exits her room. She's clearly very tired. "Kids....please stop slamming the door while playing. Mommy's trying to get some sleep."
Lady
2026-04-15 20:36:01
Lady Profile
Posted by ID #2
Last edit: 2026-04-15 20:40:30
"Oh, Siete you're back home early! Did you finish your work?"
Siete
"Hi, mom. Y-yeah." The word escaped their lips before they even realized they were lying, "I finished all my work today."
Siete
"...Sorry for slamming the door on the way in."
Lady
"Awwww I knew this job would work out for you, Princess.~"
Lady
"Your father told me that he didn't think you could do it. But you've always been my tough tom boy. I knew a job like this wouldn't bother you not one bit."
Lady
"Maybe I should take you out for dinner later. A celebration for my little sweet pea getting a fancy job on Earth, where you belong."
Siete
"Yeah. Uh, thank you, mom, I'd like that a lot."
Siete
They chuckle, "It's, not a great topic over dinner, that's for sure. But that'd be cool."
Lady
"Oh don't worry, Princess. You don't have to tell me about your work."
Lady
"I know a thing or two about a job that isn't appreciated at the table. Hoo hoo hoo!"
Lady
Lady gives her child a quick squeeze. "I need to get a bit more rest, but if you need to tell me anything you know where to find me."
Lady
"At least until Friday! Then it's back to the mines!" She snorts.
Siete
"Right, mom. Thanks." They didn't have the heart to tell her. "Go get some sleep, I'll be alright."
Uno
2026-04-15 20:53:09
Uno Profile
Posted by ID #2
Last edit: 2026-04-15 20:55:16
Uno carefully descends the stairs after her mother leaves. Uno had heard everything. "Why'd you lie to her?" She states, more like a genuine question than an accusation.
Siete
2026-04-15 20:55:06
Siete Profile
Posted by ID #7
Last edit: 2026-04-15 21:01:30
"Come on, Uno, don't be a dick... it's just, telling people stuff. I can finish the rest of it tomorrow."
Uno
"If you can't tell her the bad news, how will you tell everyone else the bad news?"
Siete
Siete grimaces, kicking one of the many pages in Cargo's pile of nonsense. "...Yeah? Well, you never told sis where your baby went."
Uno
"It is not my job to deliver the bad news." Uno tilts her head in thought, before smiling. "But maybe you are right. It would calm her mind if she learned the terrible truth, even if she would see me as a monster afterwards."
Uno
Uno picks up Cargo's papers, cleaning up. "I'm so sorry you had to learn for the second time that not every parent loves their children." She pauses at a particular page before tucking it in with the rest. "And you may learn it many more times in the future."
Uno
"I don't blame them for not finding love in their heart, but I do blame them for waiting long enough that their child could realize there was nothing there but a job to fulfill."
Siete
"It just... sucks." They would disappear into their hoodie if they could. "I don't even know any of these people and sometimes I feel like I'm the only person broken up about it. A complete stranger cryin' over someone else's problems."
Siete
"...I don't blame you, by the way. It's not her business to go crazy over your kid."
Uno
"On the contrary I think if someone brought a baby over, and that baby went missing without a notice, I too would have many questions. I don't blame her." Uno pats Siete's head. "...and I don't blame you. Just try to not let the job get to you."
Siete
"Yeah, sure. I'll try to be better about it tomorrow. Thanks again, big sis." They'll do better tomorrow. They have to.
Siete
Because somebody has to do it. It's a very big responsibility, Siete reaffirms themselves. But it's my responsibility.
But there was one case that bothered him the next day.....
Cargo
2026-04-15 21:16:35
Cargo Profile
Posted by ID #2
Last edit: 2026-04-15 21:27:05
Cargo sat with Aestus, Uno and Siete in the evening. "So you said you needed help on a case?" She asks Siete.
Siete
Okay, baby steps. It was time to take this seriously. "Figured I'd get a few more eyes on this before I lose my mind again, yeah."
Siete
"This one's getting to me. I'm supposed to tell these two parents that their kid's going to be removed from their care if they don't stop hurting 'em. But I 'dunno."
Cargo
"That should be a simple one. What's wrong?"
Siete
"You'd fucking think so, right? But they just seemed like... normal people. They were really, really nice to me when I showed up." Siete crinkles their brow at the file before them. "I didn't tell them why I was there yet."
Siete
"You'd never think in your life that they'd put a hand on their kid! It's weird. I don't want to say I think it's wrong, but..."
Cargo
"Well I think the Sun is wrong! It seems awfully random which kids get STOLEN and which kids don't!"
Aestus
He's oddly quiet during this whole conversation. "I don't think it's random..." He mutters.
Uno
Uno hums in thought before stating- "You gotta do it, sis, no matter what. The order was given. So they need to hear it."
Cargo
"Yeah? Well how many people are secretly hurting their kids?"
Uno
2026-04-15 21:33:34
Uno Profile
Posted by ID #2
Last edit: 2026-04-15 21:34:34
"Oh, statistically speaking, it's not much! It's a rare few cases that ever get to such a terrible degree, but those cases have to be dealt with." Cargo huffs, and Uno catches the feeling that Cargo is still bitter about learning that Uno had surrendered her own child yesterday. "Look, Siete, it's not your job to question this. It is just your job to deliver the message."
Siete
"But what if the Sun's wrong? If it's as rare as you say." Siete clicks their tongue, "Like, shit, if it were really that bad, wouldn't the kid just... leave or something?"
Uno
Uno places her hands on Siete's shoulders. "It is not your job to question it. It is just your job to deliver the message."
Uno
She laughs. "Be glad you're not a bird! Then you'd be the one taking the kid away! Anyway I'll be heading to work now. Please make sure to do your job....I noticed you looked a bit more....melted than usual. A snail must deliver, it is our job, and what we were created to do. A snail that does not......."
Uno
2026-04-15 21:38:46
Uno Profile
Posted by ID #2
Last edit: 2026-04-15 21:39:13
"Well, you wouldn't want to end up like grandma, would you?" Uno says before leaving.
Siete
"Yeesh..." They rub their shoulder, no heart to speak back to their eldest sibling, "Calling me melty n' shit..."
Cargo
2026-04-15 21:40:26
Cargo Profile
Posted by ID #2
Last edit: 2026-04-15 21:42:22
"She's wrong." Cargo says with a stomp after Uno has left. "It's happening all the time, and it's just not getting seen!"
Cargo
"Rarely my ass! I went to Aestus house yesterday, and you know what I saw?"
Cargo
"Nothing! I saw nothing last time I went too!"
Cargo
"But last time I went. I bugged his house, because I knew something was wrong!"
Aestus
His eyes widen at this.
Siete
That snaps Siete to attention. "Girl, you what?"
Cargo
"Bugged his house!" She says matter-of-factly. "Aestus is weak, so it's up to good people to look out for him, and as his friend, I noticed that something hasn't been right for a looooooooong time!"
Cargo
"And this evidence I have, proves that the Sun just picks random kids to kidnap forever!" Cargo takes out her phone and plays the audio.
Aestus
"C-Cargo—"
2026-04-15 22:08:03
Profile
Posted by ID #2
Last edit: 2026-04-16 01:30:05
There's a low hum throughout the audio from a nearby fridge.
While the voices and sound are muted, what happens is clear.

-CRASH-
A plate breaks across the floor. There's a shuffle as someone, Aestus, mutters apologies under his breath as he frantically attempts to clean up. Slow heavy footsteps interrupt him. There is a quick directed apology from Aestus that gets interrupted by a loud snap.

"Why do you even bother coming back here if you're just going to keep messing up!"

Glass clatters as Aestus seems to shuffle backwards, away from the aggressor.

"You can't do anything right. To think I've had to deal with a child like you for 18 years! A child who sneaks out to go socialize with those delinquents across the island. It feels like you're years behind your peers mentally! Did you even finish your studies tonight?"

"M-Mom, I...I did...I swear..."

"I doubt you have. You've been outside all day! I told you, you are not allowed to eat until you finish your studies. I didn't allow you to be taken by the Sun to go to school because I knew a disobedient son like you would just ignore them. Be sent back to me worse than you are now."

There's a rough thump sound, as if something were pushed into the cabinets.

"You stay right there. Your father is going to hear about this. Don't. You. Move."
Aestus
Aestus immediately grabs the phone from Cargo, sweating. His heart races wildly.
Aestus
"Wh-Why..."
Cargo
2026-04-15 22:11:49
Cargo Profile
Posted by ID #2
Last edit: 2026-04-15 22:12:42
"Because your parents are bad people! I knew they were bad people, cause one time I grabbed your wrist, and saw you had a bruise, so I was sooooooooooooooooo sure that someone was bullying you!"
Cargo
"I thought it was one of my brothers, so I followed you around while you weren't looking for a bit, but when nothing happened, I had to find out what was happening in your house, cause I know you don't have any siblings.....and now I know!"
Cargo
"And when my mom gets back from the store, I'm going to tell her! My mom has KILLED other parents before for doing bad things to their kids, and when she hears what I got, she's going to KILL your stupid evil parents!"
Aestus
"NO!"
Cargo
"YES!!!" Cargo yells, as she tries to take the phone back from Aestus. "Bad people deserve to be punished!"
Aestus
He shakes his head. "N-No! No, don't! This...this only happens every now and then! It's rare for them to act like this, I swear...!"
Siete
Siete attempts to put themselves between Aestus and their sister, lowering their voice, "Nueve. You like, seriously can't do that. This isn't any of your business."
Cargo
"What do you mean this isn't my business?!?! THAT'S MY FRIEND! AND HIS PARENTS DESERVE TO DIE!"
Aestus
"Y-You can't show anyone! Or...or everyone for that matter, I..." Aestus fumbles his words. "Mom and Dad will think I told you all about what they're like, and I'll never hear the end of it...!"
Cargo
"You will hear the end of it, cause they will literally be DEAD when my mom hears about this!"
Cargo
"You're 18, you can live home alone, or you could just live here!"
Aestus
For a fleeting moment, he considers that exact idea. But that's set aside at the realization that Cargo might tell someone about his situation at home. This was a nightmare for him. "Don't- Don't tell her! Please?"
Siete
"Mom isn't going to kill anybody, V. I KNOW that's your friend, but this literally isn't up to you. You're going to get him hurt!"
Siete
"So just like," They attempt to approach Cargo, placing their hands on her shoulders, "Chill out. Come on."
Cargo slaps Siete's hands away from her.
Cargo
"I cannot believe this. You're both defending terrible people! You..... you......"
Cargo
Cargo looks at Aestus. "IF YOU WANT TO DEFEND TERRIBLE PEOPLE SO BADLY, THEN FINE, I WON'T SAY ANYTHING!"
Cargo
Cargo shoves into Aestus, taking her phone back. "You know what, you deserve this for protecting them! I was just trying to do the GOOD thing and you.....you made me feel like I'm a bad person for doing this. I thought you were going to be happy!" Cargo wipes away her tears before running back into the house.
Siete
"V, you're not- ah, shit." Siete doesn't bother to stop her. They instead reach down to Aestus, offering him a hand up.
Aestus
Aestus takes Siete's hand, but it's obvious he's distressed from the way he's shaking.
Siete
"...I'm sorry 'bout her. She really does mean it when she's trying to help, in her own... weird way. I'm sure you know that by now."
Lady
Lady arrives, pushing a cart, husband behind her. "Yooohoooo, kiiiids! I heard Cargo screaming up a storm! She must be sooooooo grumpy again just because I was a little bit late from grabbing some supplies." She laughs, obviously so used to this that it does not worry her not one bit.
Lady
When she spots Aestus she covers her mouth. "Aww dear, did you fall? Now your parents aren't going to be too happy with you going home with clothes covered in dirt like that. I'm sure we have a clean pair of clothes you can use instead. I actually met your parents at the store today. They asked me if you were at my house and I went "When ain't he?"" She snorts as if she told the funnest joke in the world.
Aestus
He really doesn't know how to feel about that, so he turns his head down.
The Mailman
The Mailman feels terribly out of place in this situation, as if he didn't belong here. "I do not think they liked you."
Lady
"Hoo hoo! Nah they like me. I just have a much different charm from those snooty educated types. They appreciate it I'm sure."
The Mailman
"I do not think you like them."
Lady
Lady lightly shoves her husband. "Ignore him, glasses boy. My husband just has such a dry sense of humor!"
Lady
"They did reject my offer of coming over for dinner though, and I'm not sure I can forgive them for that!" She pauses, looking at Aestus. "That's a joke by the way, don't worry."
Aestus
He can't help but chuckle a bit, despite everything.
Lady
"Princess, is your boyfriend staying over for dinner again?"
Lady
"His parents told me to tell him to come early today, but I'm oooooooh so forgetful you see......."
Lady
"And we're having such a nice dinner tonight too....."
Siete
"No, he's not- no!!" There's an incredulous look on Siete's face, "I mean, maybe!? He can stay if he wants to, but..."
Siete
Siete lowers their voice, "...Mom, can I talk to you about something, really quick?"
Lady
"Right now? I have all these bags. Me and your father were hoping to get a little break before dinner prep. Especially because I have to head back down to the mines tomorrow. Can this wait for just a bit? Maybe you can help me cut up some of these meat slabs while we chat?"
Aestus
Aestus gives Siete a pleading look, clearly saying "Please don't tell her."
The Mailman
The Mailman stares at Aestus. He's sure whatever the situation is, it has to do with him.
Siete
Siete catches a glance at Aestus from the corner of his eye. He takes a second too long to respond, "...Actually, nevermind. Don't worry about it, just lemme know when you need help with dinner."
Lady
"Awwwwww, let me guess, you wanted to talk about how well work is going?"
Lady
Lady kisses her child on the cheek. "Well just know that while I might be too tired to hear all about it, that I am proud of you ok?"
Lady
"We'll all play some Notail Simulator after your special dinner, ok?"
The Mailman
The Mailman can feel the death of Notail Simulator coming. He can't explain how, but he also doesn't want to ruin the mood.
Siete
"...Yeah. Thanks, mom." He offers her a gentle smile, nodding towards Aestus, "...And, hey, maybe if he's staying for dinner, he can play with us a bit after too."
Aestus
There's a small sigh of relief on his end. "...I would love that."
Siete went to sleep that day troubled by words unspoken.
Uno
Uno leans over to Siete the next day when they come back from work. "Sister, how did deliveries go?"
Siete
Siete was home early again. There was no use trying to dodge Uno's questions, she knew better than anybody else in the house that there were more cases on Siete's plate than they could get done in a single day anymore. "You know what?"
Siete
"I always think I've got the rhythm of it, right when I start. But then something just punches me in the mouth."
Siete
"...Not literally, but, like." They shift uncomfortably. "Almost, maybe, if I wasn't careful."
Uno
"What happened this time, sister?"
Siete
2026-04-15 23:13:24
Siete Profile
Posted by ID #7
Last edit: 2026-04-15 23:14:45
"I got one delivery in today. It wasn't even a big case, had to tell that their familymember got sent to the pens. Turned into a screaming match."
Siete
"I told 'em what you've been telling me! That somebody has to tell them. But they wouldn't stop yelling at me!"
Siete
Siete wipes a tear with their sleeve, "L-like, I knew this was going to happen! But i'm worried now! If that's what happens for the 'little' cases, what the fuck should I expect for the rest of 'em?"
Uno
Uno sighs. "These are terrible news. Rare terrible cases, but someone has to tell them sis, that way they have the time to process, and change their lives, or even prepare for the end. Sadly that involves a bout of anger, and you happen to be in the area when it happens. They don't mean it, and I'm sure they realize once you're gone, what a terrible thing they've done to you."
Uno
She places her hands on their shoulders. "You shouldn't have to do such a terrible job at only 18. This is a job an older snail should have to do."
Siete
"But I don't want 'em to feel terrible about me either." Siete crosses their arms, pulling them close, "I know I have to do it, but I just... hate feeling like I'm hurting people."
Uno
"You're not hurting them. You are only stating the inevitably they wanted to ignore."
Siete
"Well, they sure do fucking act like it. And I'm the only thing they've got to take it out on."
Siete
They sniffle, "I just- I don't know why the Sun can't just send the letters right to them! And then I don't have to make other people feel bad."
Uno
"Because humans should hear from humans. The Sun could do everything for us, and then we'd be nothing. We must be able to at least do this." Uno sighs. "I know this is going to be hard to hear, but you need to quit your job, sis. You're hurting yourself, and you're hurting others by not delivering those messages. I've seen the pile you have."
Uno
2026-04-15 23:30:58
Uno Profile
Posted by ID #2
Last edit: 2026-04-15 23:31:08
"Those people need time to mourn, and everyday you don't deliver their message, is a day they lose to live life with their new reality in mind."
Siete
"B-but I just got my job! I can do it, I just need the time to, like, wrap my head around these cases, I can do it better if I know what to expect..."
Siete
"The Sun didn't have any more open jobs for snails. It was either work this job here on Earth, or..." They fidget, "...There's a lot of work off-planet. But I wanted to stay here with you guys."
Siete
"I don't think I could break it to mom if I quit."
Uno
"If you can't even break the news to mother that you might have to leave, then you cannot break any news."
Uno
"You can have my job, and I will have yours." Uno says, taking the large stack of paper from Siete's bag. "I am the oldest. The strongest. It is my duty to make sure to care for you guys as if you were my own children."
Siete
"You don't mean that." Their eyes widen as Uno retrieves their case files, "Really? You'd do that for me?"
Uno
"I mean it more than anything in the world, sis."
Uno
"Plus.....I think I want to see what this job is like. Sorting mail just isn't my style."
Siete
Siete doesn't hesitate, wrapping around their sister in a tight hug, "Oh my god, thank you. You're so fucking awesome, sis. Thank you!"
The two had swapped jobs, but as the weeks went by, someone was unhappy.
Uno had "decayed" from Cargo's point of view. The sister she once ran to for comfort about even the silliest things had changed. As the stack of paper that Siete had left her disappeared, so had her old personality.
Cargo
"Uno how likely is it that a singularity will attack this island?"
Uno
Uno glanced back at Cargo. "Sis, you should stop worrying about those sort of things."
Uno
"We're all going to die one way or the other, it doesn't really matter which way it happens. Just be happy it won't be terrible."
Uno had gone from being the backbone of the family, to pondering leaving once again for another island.
She had started asking weird questions, having odd reactions, and strange hobbies.

And it was all one person's fault.
Siete had been sorting mail when Cargo approched him.
Cargo
"You ruined Uno's life, you know that right?"
Cargo
"You took that stupid job......why didn't you just do it!?"
Siete
"Dude, don't be an asshole. Ruined her life?" Siete shot a glare back at their sister. They'd been hardened to Cargo's inflammatory accusations over the years, but these last few weeks have been going so well..
Cargo
"You don't even feel the slightest bit sorry or bad about what she's going through for you, don't you."
Cargo
"You're just happy to have everything put on a silver platter for you!"
Siete
"Oh my god, Nueve, I am literally working. Uno offered to swap jobs, jackass! She wouldn't have taken that awful death job if she knew she couldn't handle it. Why would you blame me for what she's doing?"
Cargo
"Because she only took it because she didn't want you to feel bad! So now she has to feel bad instead!"
Cargo
"Just because people make a choice, doesn't mean people make the right choice! Aestus family is moving away soon, and I bet you it was because his parents are catching on that someone knows about what happened!"
Cargo
"If both of you had just listened to me, he would be safe. Now who knows what his parents are going to do! You keep letting bad things happen because you don't want to deal with them!" Cargo says, pushing Siete.
Siete
"Yuh-huh? And whose fucking fault would that be, Nueve? Hiding cameras all around his place?"
Cargo
"The cameras are the only reason we learned about what happened. Don't fucking blame me for finding out a crime was happening! You're the one that didn't want to REPORT IT!"
Siete
"I don't want to hear a single thing about dragging other people down, while you sit here and scratch your head 'bout why Aestus is scared of you now!" Siete snaps, "The world doesn't revolve around you!"
Cargo
"Aestus isn't scared of me. His PARENTS are. Idiot! You're not even listening to me!"
Siete
"Just say you think I'm a fuckup and would rather I feel like shit, than Uno. Go ahead. Really."
Cargo
"FINE! I THINK YOU SHOULD FEEL LIKE SHIT, BECAUSE YOU PUT YOURSELF INTO A SHITTY SITUATION!"
Cargo
"I wish you just LEFT LIKE EVERYONE ELSE! Now Aestus has to move away, and Uno is all messed up and it's ALL YOUR FAULT!"
Siete
2026-04-16 00:51:54
Siete Profile
Posted by ID #7
Last edit: 2026-04-16 00:52:21
"You-" Siete stands up from their desk suddenly. "...Fine. WHATEVER! Couldn't do my old job without making other people feel like shit, can't do this one without ruining my sister."
Siete
"Don't let me waste your space! Heard there were lots of good, easy jobs for idiots like me off-world." They hastily zip up their ruined bookbag, slinging it over a shoulder.
Siete
Siete storms out of their bedroom without a glance back, voice trembling, "And don't follow me."
Cargo
Cargo yells out after Siete. "EVERYONE KNOWS YOU DON'T HAVE THE GUTS TO GO OFF-WORLD! YOU'LL BE POSTING ABOUT JOINING THE CIRCUS IN NO TIME. I KNOW IT!"
But as the days passed, Siete didn't show up.
Not physically. Not digitally.
Cargo
2026-04-16 01:01:57
Cargo Profile
Posted by ID #2
Last edit: 2026-04-16 01:03:40
Cargo only had one person to look to for comfort, her mother too preoccupied with grief. "Uno......when is Siete coming back? I sent them a letter saying sorry and everything, but dad said he could deliver it...."
Uno
2026-04-16 01:03:07
Uno Profile
Posted by ID #2
Last edit: 2026-04-16 01:03:18
"Hahahaha! Oh and we all know sis, that father can deliver a letter to any BODY on Earth, yeeeeeeees? Dead or alive!"
Cargo
"He really did it......he really left because of me...."
Uno
"It's true, but it's not all bad news, sis."
Because the good news, is that it looks like there's a job opening just for you.
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