This is your real home? Marinah asks.
Yes.
We walk up the path to the steel front door. I reach around her and open it.
Unlocked? she questions.
Unlocked.
The entry is large, tiled, and cool compared to the temperature outside. I hit a switch by the door and turn on the generator. We use wind and solar power on the island. When Im away for a long time, I disconnect the batteries to allow them to totally drain so they last longer. I walk over and open the large bay window that leads to a balcony overlooking the water.
You live here? Her eyes are huge as she takes in the view. She then stares at me perplexed. Its like normal.
I smile. As normal as things can be right now.
Then what is the Federation doing to take the U.S. back to normal, she says with air quotes, her sudden anger prevalent.