Chapter 35: Plastic Sisters

Phoenix sighed, pondering if Mira saw him as nothing more than a mere scrap collector. Although Mira knew how to play the innocent, flirting with expertise and always looking the part, what did Iris have except for her cheap vanity?

Yet, Phoenix couldn't resist teasing Iris when she reached out. He smirked and said, "Oh, is that so? But after the harsh words I had for Mira, won't your alliance with me sour your friendship?"

Iris's eyes sparkled, sensing opportunity. She quickly disavowed any deep connection with Mira, spilling all of Mira's secrets to gain Phoenix's trust. "Friendship? We just share a space," she scoffed, expressing her disdain for Mira's laziness and scandalous ways.

As Iris divulged Mira's darkest secrets, Phoenix listened, recording every word. It was clear Iris had long harbored resentment towards Mira, who had always been the more pampered and attractive of the two. Iris's jealousy was palpable, reflecting the harsh reality that few wish to play second fiddle.

Once Iris finished venting, she turned the conversation to her own feelings for Phoenix. "Do you know how painful it was to watch you chase after Mira all these years?" she confessed. "Now, I can finally tell you how I feel. Let me be the one by your side."

Her intentions were transparent, suggesting a readiness to do anything for Phoenix if only she could share in the security of his home. But Phoenix found her advances repulsive.

Turning down Iris, Phoenix shared the incriminating chat records with Mira and expressed his lack of interest. Despite Iris's persistence, Phoenix dismissed her bluntly, commenting on her appearance in a way that spurred Iris into a furious rage.

Mira, having seen the chat logs, erupted in anger at Iris. The two became embroiled in a physical altercation, only stopping when exhaustion overcame them. The animosity between them was fierce, held in check only by the necessity of sharing a roof in the bitter cold.

Meanwhile, Phoenix continued his life of relative luxury, watching the news to keep abreast of the outside world. The broadcast now carried a sobering message from the officials, signaling the severity of the crisis. The power supply was limited, and the tone of the newscasters indicated that the government was no longer sugarcoating the dire situation.

As the world grappled with the oncoming Ice Age and energy became increasingly scarce, Phoenix noted the explosive reactions across social media. Desperation, fear, and greed were rampant, with prices for basic necessities skyrocketing.

Through it all, Phoenix observed from a distance, untouched by the desperation that gripped humanity. Life had to go on, and despite the loss of hope, no one wished for death. Each day was a fight for survival in a world inching closer to oblivion.