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// Let the adventure begin 
// Story: The Shimmer to the Sun 
// by One with the Sand 
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The soft warmth of the sun and it's bright rays roused me from my sleep. I lifted my upper body and stretched, opening my eyes in the process. A slow, thoughtful glance around the room confirmed the events of last night to be, in fact, reality, and a small sigh escaped from my lips.

“So I didn't dream that up. I guess I might as well get dressed then. No point in being unproductive cause I'm sad.” The almost inaudible words came from my mouth, and I was a bit surprised by Sunset’s voice coming from the kitchen, followed by her peeking her head around the corner.

“Yeah, you better do that, I had an idea after I got out of the shower last night, and I think it'll help you a whole lot.” Guess I wasn't so quiet after all. She pulled her head back and kept talking from the kitchen, “And I've got breakfast almost done, so get in here!”  I was happy she was talking to me so normally, like we'd known each other. Having someone around me during this was definitely going to help.

I laughed slightly and listened to her, putting the same clothes on I showed up here in, luckily I hadn't been wearing them long, so they were mostly still fresh. After pulling my socks on, leaving the boots off for now, I headed into the kitchen, and sat down at the same table from last night.

I noticed Sunset was dressed in a soft red hoodie, and had a pair of jeans on. She was singing a song just quiet enough that I couldn't understand the words, but it sounded familiar and I was curious enough to ask.

“What song is that you're singing?” She responded while pulling out two plates for the food.

“Cruise, it's by this country band. I know, I know, I don't look like I'd listen to country music, but one of my friends has gotten me to warm up to it and I honestly like quite a bit of it now.” I was a bit shocked, it sounded the same, but I had to be sure.

“Is the first line baby you a song?” My eyebrow raised as I questioned her, waiting for an answer.

“Yeah! But… how would you know that? That’s a bit strange. What’s the name of the band that plays it?”

“Florida Georgia Line, please tell me it’s not the same here.” This was actually pretty ridiculous.

“Uh… yeah, actually it is.” She finished setting the plates of food down on the table, and sat across from me. She looked up at me and I began to ask a question, perhaps a bit more harsh than I meant.

“You're not just saying that as a joke, are you? If what you said is true, then wouldn't it make sense for both Florida and Georgia to not exist here? I mean, what sense does that make? My town isn't on any searches according to you, granted, I never looked at the sear-” She quickly cut me off.

“Look Aaron, I understand what you're getting at, but I promise to you that I'm not lying at all. Why would I do something like that? I'm honestly not sure why that is, and probably won't ever know. But if it'll make you feel better,” she took her phone out of her pocket, typed something in, and turned it to me, “See? Nothing.” Dickson was typed into the search bar, and sure enough, no results.

“Okay, you're right. I'm sorry Sunset, I guess this,” I slightly gestured around me, “has made me a bit more… uh, volatile.” I rubbed just below my left eye, a nervous tick I've had since I was young, and continued, “It doesn't help that there's a ridiculous amount of similarities. Anyway, you let me into your home, gave me a place to sleep, and even cooked for me, and I repay you by being snippy. Sorry.” She shook her head and actually chuckled a bit before speaking.

“Don't worry about it. It's not a big deal. Not like you started yelling and throwing stuff. The fact that was what you did versus an alternative, shows me that you're normally a nice guy, so no hard feelings. Okay?” I nodded, wondering why she was so nice.

“For real, why are you being so nice and accommodating? People usually don't go out of their way to this extent.” While I was talking I glanced at my plate, and noticed a simple scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast breakfast waiting to be devoured. I heard Sunset start talking while I began to eat, so I focused on her words.

“Well… when I first got here, in this world, I was already at a low point. I just wanted people to notice me, and,” she paused, and seemed hesitant to keep going, “I did some really bad things I'd rather not talk about right now. Thankfully, I was stopped, and those same girls that stopped me ended up becoming my best friends. Even if everyone else has forgiven me by now, those girls are still my only real friends. I guess… I guess it's just kinda my own way of repenting, ya know? If I can be of help in anyway, big or small, then I feel like I'm changing the world, this time for the better.” Even without her telling me what she had done, I could tell the impact was huge. Both for, and on her, and she was truly trying to make amends for what she had done. Apparently, helping people is just one of the ways she wants to do that.

“You don't gotta tell me about that. It's obviously a sore subject.” I took another bite, chewing and swallowing before asking another question. “If you're set on helping me, then why not let me in on this little plan of yours, eh?”

“We're gonna go into town and get you a job! Well, hopefully anyway. Even if it's only temporary, I get the feeling you're not the kinda guy that's content to sit around and do nothing.” She was hinting at my little monologue this morning I bet, “I've already texted a few of my friends, and they agreed to help. So as soon as we're done eating, we’re,” a fork was pointed at me, and then her, “gonna go meet up with them.”

“Well, that was quick. If nothing else, at least I'll be getting my mind away from this stuff. I appreciate it, Sunset. You're a good friend to have.” I smiled at her, and she smiled back and got up.

“Thanks Aaron, I get the feeling having a roomie won't be so bad. Let's put these away,” she motioned to the now cleaned off dishes, and I put them in the dishwasher beside the sink, “And we'll head out.”

After heading back into the living area to put my, admittedly still swanky, at least to me anyway, boots on, I waited on the couch for Sunset to finish up what she was doing. A short time later she tapped me on the shoulder and I stood from my seat.

“Alright, we're meeting at this coffee slash sweet shop my friend works at. It's pretty nice, and it's only about a fifteen minute walk from here. From there, it's to the town for a bit of job hunting mixed with fun! Hope ya like fun!” I laughed at her antics, and followed her out the door.

This girl is actually pretty fun to be around. It's like I can't help but smile. I think I can handle some mystery fun today. I was actually pretty interested in what she and her friends had cooked up, both for jobs and whatever else she had planned. The only way to find out was to go along with it, so I happily did so.

“Onwards, to fun! And considerably less fun things like looking for work, but, ya know, semantics.” I laughed again. She definitely could keep a person entertained.

Well, let's see where this goes!