Chapter 1151

The front yard was equipped with the most basic rural facilities. Water had to be drawn by hand, and cooking required gathering firewood. Helen took on the task of fetching water and washing vegetables. "You should go gather some firewood—make sure it's dry and seasoned so the fire starts easily," she instructed Otto. Leaning against a wooden post, Otto wondered aloud, "Don't you think it would be wonderful if we could just live a quiet, simple life together, without any interruptions?" Helen kept her eyes on the ground as she responded, "I'm not sure whether it would be wonderful or not, but what I do know is that we're under constant surveillance by at least a dozen cameras right now. "If you don't get that firewood soon, I might end up starving before we ever get to that peaceful life you're dreaming about." With his comment falling flat, Otto reluctantly took the assistant director's advice and set out to gather firewood. Helen filled a basin with water and began washing and