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I Never Told You But …
Simone’s teeth stopped chattering enough to whimper through the small opening in the blanket. “Trevor, why we can’t turn on the heat again?” She felt the blankets bunched around her legs. “Burr, it’s freezing here, and I’ve got two pairs of pajamas on.”
From the top bunk bed, she heard her brother adjust his position. “Simone, we’re on what’s called a rolling blackout. It’s so cold across the state that they decided to ration electricity, so everyone gets some for their homes. There isn’t enough power for everyone to turn everything constantly, so we’re sharing.”
Simone pulled back under her blanket, hoping her breath would help keep it warmer. It seemed better for a few minutes. She turned her head to hear Trevor continue.
“We’re luckier than most folks. Boss has a propane BBQ grill that allows us to heat our food. Otherwise, we’d be eating weird-flavored popsicles.” He started giggling. “Hee, Hee, Hee.”
Simone groaned. “This isn’t funny, Trev. I’m cold. I’m not too fond of it. Hot food helps, but I want heat. It’s daytime, and we have solar panels on the carport. We’re supposed to get heat. You told me that was why we have them. The sun’s out, so why no heater?”
Trevor sighed loudly, and she heard his covers rustle. “I never told you, but the solar panels work to push electricity back onto the…
