A warm dawn begins, the sun rising bright over the United Empire of Grand Britain, shining across the Periphery of Fraga. Located some way out from the Lavadores Arcology, within easy traveling distance of the North Atlantic Barrier, Fraga is primarily home to the government workers who attend to installations in and around the UE-owned ocean. Some choose to bring their families with them, securing them jobs and education within the coast-adjacent periphery, while others prefer to visit their families in the nearby arcology. Teodoro Cervantes was one worker who chose to bring his family, living with his wife and daughter in a comfortable house.
Teodoro stood in the shade of the rear covered patio, sipping his morning tea, watching his daughter play in the garden. He couldn’t help but smile as she sat on the swing, flying back and forth, waving and giggling.
“The Weather Report says it’ll be a hot day up here,” comes the voice of Carmel as she steps out onto the patio to join him.
“You’ll make sure she doesn’t get too much sun?” Teodoro replies, glancing at Carmel before returning his gaze to his daughter.
“Of course. They’re running another drill at the community hall this morning, and they’ve got some indoor activities to keep the little one occupied while I check in at the repository.”
“Another drill? I swear, the children get more bomb drills than I do at work,” Teodoro states with a sigh.
“It’s been about a month since the last one,” Carmel says, thinking on it a moment. “And I’d rather she be prepared.”
“No, you’re right.”
They stand together, listening to their daughter’s laughter for a minute. The quiet is broken when a small watch-like device on Teodoro’s wrist gives a low beep. He glances at it, then stretches briefly.
“Have a good day today, Teo,” Carmel says, taking his empty mug from him, and giving him a kiss in return.
“Thank you, my love. You do as well.” He turns to the garden and calls out. “I’ve got to go, so can I have a hug?”
With no hesitation, the young girl launches herself off the swing and runs to her father. He crouches to meet her, and she flies into his waiting arms.
“I love you, Papa,” she says as she’s embraced.
“I love you too, Luci.”
“Will you see the fishy today?” she asks excitedly.
“I expect so, Pitufina,” Teo says with a chuckle. “I will say hi for you.”
“Thank you, Papa!” Luci exclaims, stepping back.
Teo stands, stretches again, and adjusts his rectangular glasses. A thin man, he’s dressed in a shirt and half-jacket. He reaches down to ruffle Luci’s hair, eliciting another giggle, before heading back into the house. He crosses the great room that combines the kitchen, dining area, and living space, and reaches the front door. Carmel steps up to him and gives him another kiss on the cheek.
“Be careful,” she says, looking into his grey-green eyes.