World Of Hunger

Nicolas woke to sunlight streaming through the cracks of the wooden window, casting warm streaks of light across his face. The distant sound of birds chirping filled the air, a melody he hadn't heard in years. For a moment, he forgot where he was and let the unfamiliar peace wash over him.

"Wake up, sleepyhead," Jay's voice broke through his daze, accompanied by a gentle shake. Nicolas blinked a few times before focusing on Jay's face. "Come on, let's eat. Uncle Shawn made breakfast."

Dragging himself out of bed, Nicolas followed Jay into the small dining area. The table was once again filled with food—crispy bacon, fluffy scrambled eggs, freshly baked bread, and a pitcher of milk. The sight was overwhelming, yet it was slowly starting to feel less surreal.

As they ate, Nicolas noticed Jay's eyes were slightly swollen, his face puffy. The events of the previous night flashed through Nicolas's mind, and he realized Jay had likely cried himself to sleep.

The room was quiet, the clinking of utensils the only sound. Wanting to break the silence, Nicolas cleared his throat. "So, how did you two end up living together?"

Uncle Shawn chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Well, I was out farming one day when I came back to find a kid—this kid—sleeping on my bed. At first, I thought I'd been robbed, but nope, there he was, snoring away."

Jay smiled faintly, though he kept his head down. "I didn't really plan to stay. I was just looking for a place to rest for a bit before moving on."

"Moving on to where?" Nicolas asked, curious.

Jay hesitated before answering. "Anywhere but where I was. The family who adopted me here in Heaven wasn't... kind. They made me work nonstop. I barely got to sleep, and I was only allowed to eat once a day. It wasn't much different from the life outside, honestly."

Uncle Shawn sighed, his expression darkening. "Some families here treat their kids like slaves. It's disgusting. But it's not something the authorities care about, as long as the families contribute to the system."

Jay continued, his voice quiet. "I couldn't take it anymore, so I ran. At first, my goal was to get outside Heaven. I figured life out there couldn't be any worse than what I was dealing with here. But I underestimated how far the gates were. I got lost and ended up in Uncle Shawn's field."

Uncle Shawn laughed, trying to lighten the mood. "And now he's stuck with me!"

Jay smiled more genuinely this time. "I've been here ever since. Uncle Shawn treats me like his own kid, and for the first time, I felt like I had a home."

Nicolas listened intently, feeling a strange mixture of admiration and sadness. "You're lucky to have found each other," he said softly.

Uncle Shawn grinned. "Luck or fate, who knows? Either way, we're family now. And that includes you, Nicolas."

A warmth spread through Nicolas's chest. For the first time in years, he felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, this was the beginning of something better.

After breakfast, Jay led Nicolas outside to the expansive farm that surrounded Uncle Shawn's modest house. The sight was breathtaking—fields of green stretching as far as the eye could see, dotted with rows of crops and a few grazing animals. The crisp morning air carried the faint scent of soil and fresh grass, a welcome change from the polluted city Nicolas was used to.

"Come on," Jay said, motioning for Nicolas to follow. "I'll show you around and teach you the basics. Uncle Shawn says you're part of the family now, which means you've got to earn your keep."

Nicolas nodded, eager to help, though his stomach churned with uncertainty. He had never farmed before, but he was determined not to disappoint.

Jay started with the crops. He walked Nicolas to a section of the field filled with tall stalks of corn. "This is where we grow most of our food. Corn, potatoes, carrots, and some greens. The soil here is really fertile, thanks to Uncle Shawn's methods."

Jay handed Nicolas a small hoe and demonstrated how to loosen the soil around the plants to allow water and nutrients to reach the roots. "It's not hard once you get the hang of it," Jay said. "Just be careful not to damage the plants."

Nicolas mimicked Jay's movements, his strokes clumsy at first but gradually improving. As they worked, Jay explained more about the farm. "We rotate the crops to keep the soil healthy, and we use compost from the animals to fertilize everything. It's a system that works well if you put in the effort."

After an hour or so, they moved on to the animals. Jay led Nicolas to a small pen where a few goats and chickens roamed. Nicolas's eyes widened in awe. "I've never seen animals like this up close," he admitted. "I didn't think they still existed."

Jay smiled. "They're rare, even here. But Uncle Shawn managed to keep them alive and thriving. Your job is simple—feed them and make sure they have clean water. Here, watch."

Jay grabbed a bucket of feed and scattered it for the chickens, who clucked happily as they pecked at the ground. He then poured water into a trough for the goats, who bleated in appreciation. Nicolas followed suit, his movements hesitant but careful.

The rest of the morning was spent learning other chores—carrying water, repairing fences, and cleaning tools. By the time they stopped for a break, Nicolas's arms were sore, and his clothes were dirty, but a sense of accomplishment filled him.

"You're not bad for a beginner," Jay said with a grin as they sat under the shade of a tree, sipping water.

Nicolas laughed, wiping sweat from his brow. "Thanks. It's... different from what I'm used to, but I think I can get the hang of it."

Jay leaned back against the tree, looking at the fields. "It's hard work, but it's worth it. Out here, you feel like you're doing something meaningful. You're not just surviving—you're living."

Nicolas nodded, understanding what Jay meant. For the first time in years, he felt like he had a purpose.