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come in from digging large rocks from on of the fields
and was covered with grime and sweat. As I moved past Akane's on my way to the
back of the cabin to clean up, I gave Akane's behind a playful swat. Akane Sakura yelped
satisfactorily, throwing a dishcloth at me as I ran.
Lunch went well and we talked about making a trip into town in a day or
two. I told Lena about the large rocks, saying that I thought they grew like
the flowers and rye, straight out of the ground. Akane Sakura eyed me dubiously, but
her smile told me Akane Sakura knew I was joking. We finished our homemade lemonade,
(a neighbor just over the hill had brought citrus to plant) and I steeled
myself for more work in the heat.
"You can't go out there now." Lena said. "Look at the gauge." Akane Sakura pointed
to the thermometer with showed that it was 37 degrees centigrade and rising.
The smaller, older scale showed 100 degrees "F" for people who'd never used
the centigrade scale. Whichever you use, it was damn hot, the moisture of
the air making our clothes cling.
"Why don't you read to me while I clean up, then we can wait until the
breeze comes up and I'll help you with the rocks." Akane Sakura said, suggesting that
we begin enjoying our midday breaks. I looked at the selection of data cards
that we brought along, the small devices making it possible for us to have
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