Prosperity: I appreciate that, Miles. It’s a nice gesture.

Miles: I think sometimes we lose sight of why we’re here and resort to frivolous things like petty gossip. Even if it was true…it’s none of anyone’s business.

Prosperity: I guess it’s sort of understandable. There’s not exactly a lot to do around here to keep us all occupied.

Miles: But that’s not an excuse to be unkind.

I can tell that Mile is sincere, and it means a lot to me.

Prosperity: Thank you, Miles.

Miles: I hope that we can be friends.

Prosperity: *smiles* We already are!  

Miles: *sigh of relief* Good.

Miles is there to greet me when I arrive back at camp.

Miles: I was very upset to hear what the others were saying about you. I wanted to apologize on behalf of everyone here.

Prosperity: That’s not your job. You’re not responsible for what anyone else is saying.

Miles: I know, but I want you to feel welcome here, but unfortunately, some of us are still stuck in a high school mentality.

 (Note: Miles is so good-looking. If I didn’t have other plans for Peri…he might have a shot! @forests-sim-stories​)

Ah bless my boy ;u; Such a good heart~

I’m happy to hear you love them so too!

Maybe it’s like Wild said. Maybe he is just waiting on me to see things the way he does. I turn towards him…

Prosperity: I’m here to help in any way I can.

Craig: Good.

I finish up my meal and head to the lone bathroom before everyone else needs it.

Mr. C joins us.

Craig: Hey, I saw what you did with the dew collector. Nice job.

I almost choke on my food at Mr. C’s first sign of appreciation.

Prosperity: It’s no big deal. It didn’t take long.

Craig: But it’ll mean a decent increase to our water supplies, so it helps.

I watch him walk away wondering if he’s being sincere or just feeling bad about how he treated me earlier.

I’m very curious by the flame haired girl. Miles seems to always be by her side and talking to her the most xD

Prosperity: I hear you, Wild. But why does Mr. C have to be such an asshole about it?

Wildflower: He obviously sees something in you, or he’d never have allowed you to stay. He’s just pushing you so that you can discover your potential for yourself.

Prosperity: I don’t need anyone to push me. I volunteered to be here.

Wildflower: Well, show us who you are and what you can do. Together…we can change this place.

My stomach begins to growl, and I realize that I’ve haven’t eaten since this morning.

Prosperity: I think I’m ready to head back now.

Wildflower: Okay…I’ll be down in a bit.

I turn and leave Wild standing there next to the volcano. It’s hard to hear over the noise of the fire, but it sounds as if she’s begun to pray. It makes me wonder if she too believes what the elders believe about the volcano.

Back at camp, I join the others who are standing by, enjoying Keith’s latest meal.

I’m still cursing Mr. C out in my head as I arrive back at camp. As soon as I get there, I receive a call from my boyfriend, Byron.

Byron: *on the phone* I didn’t hear from you yesterday. How’s Sulani?

I’m tempted to play it up as I did with Gran-Alice, but my last encounter with Mr. C makes it hard to do that.

Prosperity: I know, I’m sorry. Its just…this conservation group isn’t what I thought it would be.

Byron: How did you think it would be?

I lower my voice to avoid anyone overhearing.

Prosperity: Not like this. The guy that runs the group hates me. Nothing I do is good enough. He has me taking care of beetles and grubs. Can you believe that?

Byron: Give it some time. Being the newest person in a group is usually like that. The guy is probably just hazing you to see where your heart is.

Before we left for the research center, Mr. C was working on upgrading the dew collector. I notice that he never finished, so I give it a try. Keith and Miles return from wherever they spent the day and entertain themselves with a game of chess while I work. Before too long, I manage to finish the upgrade.

While I try my best to make fuel on the recycler, everyone else at the camp goes on with what I assume are their usual duties.

Craig: Are you ready to learn how you’ll earn your keep?

Miles: Oh…and, you already met Mr. C, our conservation director.

I follow Mr. C as he walks quickly, pointing things out left and right.

Craig: The only rule we have here is no unnecessary use of resources. We conserve in every way we can…so no constantly changing and washing clothes. This isn’t a fashion show. You’re in charge of water collection, keeping the generator running, and maintaining the grubs.

Prosperity: Um…excuse me? Did you say…grubs?

Craig: Yep…I’ll show you!

I make it out to the group right on time. Everyone’s standing out front to meet and greet me.

Prosperity: Hi, guys! I’m Prosperity, but everyone calls me Peri.

Miles: I’m Miles**, and I’m a wildlife enthusiast. Keith here is a conservation field assistant and the one who keeps us fed.

Prosperity: *to Keith* So…you’re a pretty good cook then.?

Keith: I try…I mean, we don’t exactly have a kitchen, but I know how to work a grill.

Miles continues the introductions…

Miles: Over there with hair like the sunset is Harper…she’s a diver. And I think you met Piper…she’s an intern for now. And Wild, she’s a civil designer, is out working right now. You’ll meet her later.

Wild? What kind of name is Wild? Then again, my name is Prosperity, so…

Prosperity: Thanks, Miles. It’s nice to meet you all. 

(**Miles was created by @forests-sim-stories for my challenge. I figured he’d be perfect for the conservation group…because I love him! 😊)

My boy is back! He’s making a guest appearance in the main story. It’s nice to see him doing what he loves best~