History in the Making

by Gil Assunção 2013~2016

Opening my eyes I quickly marveled at the blue and orange sky that it is starting to form in the horizon beyond the limits of my window.

It's harsh to get up this early in the day specially if last night I've gone to sleep after midnight... But the day is young and so are my possibilities for today!

It is finally Friday and the last day at work before my long awaited vacation. With that thought in mind I gain new strength to finally get myself out of bed and get ready. Surely soon after I'm on my way to work.

Everyday the same thing, bombarded with the news on the radio always presenting the same nonsense of some bad government choices or injecting some fear factors into society, and soon after some popular music of the time and some publicity to the consumers. They sure don't care to change the tune...

With some amazing ease and peacefulness the work day passes smoothly and quick. At about half an hour to quitting time I start to ready myself when suddenly the fire bell storms the workplace leaving an unset environment. Thanks to training simulations and some other similar exercises on how to orderly exit the place nobody panics and everybody almost roboticaly starts to exit the building. Since I don't see or smell any smoke and it's already almost quitting time I take my time getting all my stuff and redirect myself to the nearest exit becoming one of the last to leave the floor.

One more set of stairs to go and I can already ear the people outside gathered talking fakely knowledgeable about the unforeseen event. Deep breaths...

As I start the first step of the last set of steps a violent earthquake stroke down caughting the rest of us completely off guard and damaging the building to the point of collapsing the entrance leaving the rest of us pin-down inside. Somehow I was able to hold on and secure myself.

Afterward, most of the rest of us started panicking while the others just froze in place while furiously looking in every direction in search of a way out. Looks like we got trapped inside...

I solely joined a third group and started to worry about the ten second earthquake that nearly destroyed the building in one strike. Surely there's going to be some after shocks just as dangerous.

- I got to get out of here before another one turns the building into dust with me in it. Come on! Think! Just think!

I could try and help the people who's trying to dig the piles of rubble that fall in the entrance but not only that's going to take too long but that is also a very bad place to be right now.

So what do I know about the building... There's no backdoor nor access to emergency fire escape stairs from where we are... Trying to figure out where could we get access or even if there's still one could take a while...

Right now my only logical option seems to be the first floor so I quickly rush up the stairs and like a breeze I sweep through the various rooms trying to find a broken unbreakable window or at the least severely damaged with the pressure of the shakes. But no such luck... Why is there good materials when the cheap stuff is needed? Oh irony...

Reaching the far end of the building I finally found one window cracked with already some of it broken. Now the next step is to break enough of it to pass through. But as I got closer I almost fell over some deadly looking broken glass covering the floor and as I look down the window I see a tall van in miraculously perfect condition stationed very close to the window wall.

As I started to glance back at the room an aftershock starts almost immediately throwing me into the deadly floor of the room.

Safe. Aside from some more wall crumbling I noticed that the window frame detached itself and fall down taking the perilous unbreakable window glass with it. At the same time my ears woke up to a faint but noticeable loud cries and shouts coming from what it seams like the center of the building. Hesitating to launch myself to freedom through the window where now lies a wide open passage I rushed back to where the others were to warn them about the new exit above them.

The plan was solid but arriving at the stairs a fear hit me as I noticed I was completely and utterly trapped. The second floor access stairs had fallen down and covered the ground floor access completely and it seems more will come down eventually as the place fades away entirely...

From below no more noise was being made. Most likely they outsmarted me and are getting away from this place... I hope... Maybe the last tremor loose some debris creating a viable exit for them.

- I should have stayed with them! - I think as I start to regret my previous decision.

Nothing I can do about it now and besides I had an escape route so I started to went all the way back there but found myself trapped again as the walls and ceiling slowly but surely begin to crumble down bit by bit and locking me in.

At the same time and somewhat close by I faintly hear someone calling for me. Gazing up upon what was once the second floor access stairs I perceived two strangers trying to encourage me to climb up.

Seeing as it is now my only viable option left I quickly grabbed some left over tables and chair and easily got one floor up just in time to feel a strangely weaker and short aftershock.

Soon after that faint scare I turn to the couple that previously called and helped me climb so I could learn about their exit plan but my voice chocked itself from the dust around refraining me from asking anything but allowing me to notice the clear sadness implanted in their expressions.

Time to go back to Plan A again - figure out a new escape route.

By now some of the floor, ceiling and walls began to fade away by crumbling down so some floor routes are dangerous or simply cut out.

Looking around for a second there are some new paths laying around. Probably most of them are dead ends by now but we have to fight to survive and try, just keep trying and moving forward.

- We've already looked into the rooms we have access to but all of them are leading nowhere! - Said the man anxious for an answer from me.

- Oh my God! We're trapped! We're going to die! - Replied the woman beside him with an angry scared look.

In the situation we are in I didn't care if they follow me or not. There's no time for that kind of dispute... I figure the building would not last much more painful hits and even as time lapsed walls visibly crying and crumbling down. All I could do now is pick myself up and went as straight as I can toward the direction I memorized from where the room with the broken window that I've previously found in the floor below should be. I was hoping that maybe the ceiling of that room had collapsed even if only partially and that little shiny ray of hope of escaping this destiny was again filled.

If the floor layout was the same as below than all I had to do is cross a small corridor, go through a crossing room and go until the end of the next corridor to the very last room in it.

But fate, it seems, was against my plan and the crossing pathways had it's floor ripped away from itself and pieces from other floors above could still be found in the giant hole.

But hope is not lost for in the edges of the room, small pockets of floor could still be found though it's size was about half a foot and frighteningly placed over wide gaps of almost certain doom.

To me, using that gaps would certainly mean the last resort of crossing but the couple without knowing or questioning my idea decided to give it a go and started to cross the room that way.

At first I just stayed there stupefied with their irrational action and amazed that none of the rocks falling seems to be aiming at either of them. But I wasn't about to go through such danger so I screamed to them the location of the possible exit that I had found earlier to what they simply nodded.

With a new set of breath in the lungs I went to take a look in the room to the left and behind of it's slightly jammed door there was absolutely nothing left of the room. Because of that I've became fearfully of my future but holding on to whatever little hope and bravery I still had I took a look at the right room and this time amazingly enough it was impeccable. Aside from some object that fell into the ground it almost seems that the disaster that was happening outside had nothing to do with that room.

Snapping out of my amazed look and stop on my trail I crossed the room and the next one to it that was (all thing considered) in pretty good shape. And then finally the last corridor. I'm taking the longest route but maybe I can also escape the same way as I told the strangers...

The couple had already disappear maybe even exiting through the escape route so I planned the same started to run towards my goal but yet another replica equally weak like the last one but enough to throw me to the ground shook the building forcing it to make all kinds of crazy scary noises. But with the shakes I could still crawl to the door and that's what I did.

The door was just half way opened so no problem there but the floor was gone, again. I have to cross it just like I didn't want to before... As I start, I notice the couple from before splattered down below with some giant block of cement over then leaving only their heads and a hand outside.

I swallowed my disgust from that sight and crawl down slowly. The passage was still there and the van, although a little roughed by now was still usable as a way out.

Without anymore thinking I just leaped landing on top of the van, crawl down of it and started to run away from the building as fast as I could for big blocks of the building were tumbling down announcing the big event of rupture and total collapse that was coming.

Some fast steps ahead I hear a violent crumbling sound behind me announcing the end of the existence of that place. Still in shock I couldn't stop trembling, and as I became aware of that, my legs grew more tiresome as I stool still looking from afar to the pile of dust and rock of what was once a work place. But that was not the only affected building and as I twirl on my self I staggered in shook and fell to the ground with the surrounding horizon of devastation that I didn't come to realize until then.

As far as the eye can see no building was standing still. The quakes were unforgiving and that was well displayed over piles and piles of rock, dust and half skeletons of tall buildings. Also the reddish aurora of the sunset gave the hole area a gloomy air as not even a single creature was audible in the distance. All was dead! ...or all was gone!

Trying to shake up the fear and sudden loneliness I came back to my savior van. It's not really my van but it marks my salvation from that dreadful place. A quick survey around the place shows no signs of a living soul instead it revealed some kind of building security uniform. As I approached I recognize the face from the every morning enthusiastic greeting now collapsed on the floor, passed out with a sour expression on his 78 year old face. Aside from some dust he doesn't seam injured in any way. But why would he collapsed then? Could he have been stroke with something that knocked him out?

I ran the rest of the steps toward the inert body and by a flick of the hand slapped the man once! Then twice! Then a ... before I could lay my harsh hand on that poor man's face one more time he woke up and started vomiting and breathing heavily as if he was almost drowned.

Moments after that affliction, the poor man started panicking as if my despair wasn't enough and as an attempt to stop all that before it got me worst, I simply stated...

- Sir, what is your name? - Absurdly enough I was unable to locate the man's name in my mind.

- Help me! - He replied not noticing my unbeliever expression. - Help me! - He repeated when not seeing a change in my expression. - I'm a building security guard! We work in the same place! You know me!

Snapping out of some sort of trance I helped the poor man back to his feet still not knowing what to say or how to act. He's still heavy breathing... But why?...

I started looking around the rubble as in search for something when he pulled me away from there. As the distance grew from our starting point he started to tell me his tale...

- The day started so quiet and blissfully... In fact not much happened today! I left my home as I always do...

A very old picture of a beloved wife hangs a bit loosely near the edge of the key-holder on the way out of the house. As the exit door opens it creaks with every weight of pain of the years that it has on it. The lone owner carefully closes the door as if not to crack it anywhere.

The path to work slides fast enough through the 78 year old husband's feet in the old classic Cadillac of his late wife.

As the first to arrive he is responsible to clean-sweep the entrance and check for irregularities. Nothing was out of place or missing so that old body dragged himself with the nowadays weak legs to the chair near the exit contemplating the outside looking forward for the first arrivals.

His wife would always magically guess when he sit for the first time in the day in that old chair by sending him a phone message telling him how much she loved him and making plan to take a stroll in the near park next Saturday. The chair of now horribly degraded and uncomfortable but it still reminds him of her and that makes it the best chair he could possibly want. The stains of strawberry pie, the stew with the hot sauce that he detested but loved... That sure was hot... All reclaimed a piece of that chair that he loves.

People going in and out, but not more than usual. In fact one could say that it was a bit too quiet even for a usual quiet day. Most likely, a lot of people are in they're vacation.

As the hours progressed and the night shift change draws near, disaster fell upon the land. The peaceful tick-tack of a time-square small replica clock at the entrance was silenced by some fire alarm coming from the terrace. No need to call for help as the alarms are directly connected to the proper authorities. Almost every one was accounted for when things turned to the worst. First by fully shattering the avenue windows then by cracking the walls as rivers on a map were being drawn an unexpected quake stormed the place and almost everybody panicked and left.

The remainders courageously started digging the people from the now enclosed building. Meanwhile the unforgiving age that flows through the poor man's body kept him from helping them so call for help looked like the best thing to do.

But the fireman lines were busy, the hospitals also showed the same symptoms and any more other tries would be irrelevant as those tired eyes gazed at the hellish explosions occurring here and there and all around him when a new earthquake arrived. Afterwards, the land lines were simply dead. Upon turning his attention back to the blocked entrance the man stood still amazed with the hole that was dug up but more so with the fact that nobody was in sight.

Slowly approaching the building trying to figure out what happened something stroked him down...

As far as the eye can see destruction is present all around. No building is intact and the bodies of once upon a time people stand still against the floor and the rubble. It's definitely not a pretty sight... In fact, it feels like we're in a post war field presenting itself with only spread death and destruction.

Something resembling falling meteorites keeps raining down at a somewhat common passe. Whatever it is, seems like the biggest and closest of them are the ones creating the earthquakes we're feeling when they hit the ground. There's so many of them... In the distance, some even explode upon entering our atmosphere.

Suddenly, one of them started to look bigger and bigger as it comes closer but fortunately and in a split second, with almost no time to react, it fell right around the end the street we're walking in and that degraded my world even more...

At first it looked like it was just another fall with an earth shake, but soon after it was clear that it was a landscape changer as it opened up the street swallowing cars, bodies, destroyed buildings, trees... Whatever it gets in it's path just to end up hurting a fire hydrant... How ironic is that?

We both fell to the ground. A couple more scratches but I'm ok. That old man.. Not so much. A crack opened on one of his feet and then collapsed tapping him. We must get out of there... More are coming...

Quickly, I grabbed the nearest club and started to pivot his foot to get him loose. Finally, it got it loose and we were able to get away to a better place unharmed... Well, almost... I got lightly greased by some debris out of the impact just behind us as we took shelter in the remains of the nearest building. Grabbed the closest towel and water bottle and took care of that injury.

This sucker hurts but by all means we must keep going. Standing still increases the probability of getting hit by one of those things and though I always thought that I no longer got any strength or will to survive, I was still happy to naturally find that I still do.

As I contemplated the outside, the old man started his blabbering words of thankfulness. I wasn't really listening to him... In my mind I was trying to make some sense of what's happening. Looks more like where a good special effect big budget movie meets reality... That is not an explanation...

Soon, I realized the silence that arrived but not from outside.. The old man had passed out cold.

Breath looks normal... I don't see any serious injuries... But he did got stroke in the head earlier and that could have some serious problems in the future. Ok, just decided..

Priority one: find shelter

Priority two: find doctor

Priority three: find out what's happening

As I thought of it in more detail the man woke up.

I told him off my plan and he suggested the firefighters bunker. I'm embarrassed that I wasn't the one that suggested that. I've been working around here for quite some time now... Either way, it shouldn't be too far and it sounds like the best bet to be a safe place around here.

So with that in mind we stepped out...

As we walked as fast as we could through out the devastating land, the sky started to darken fast and by the time we've arrived the meteor shower subsided.

The firefighters building looks mostly destroyed but with little effort, the bunker passage was found out in the back near a small clearing after a perky garden of well treated red tulips. I staggered as I noticed shying away in the corner of the garden, a little more than a handful of forget-me-not's. That sure brings out special memories of a time locked away in me...

I felt a light pat in the back as I woke from my trance followed by a heavy tear that fell into the ground as I took a deep breath.

- Everything will be ok, you'll see! - Said the unfamiliar soft voice.

As I turned, I clumsy clean my face from the tears that followed. It was then that I've noticed the new people. Talking to me was someone I've perceived as being something like a doctor due to her dress code. Standing right behind, was the old man babbling to his heart content to two fellas dressed as firefighters. Something's off.. One of them looks like a kid and other is missing an arm. Doesn't look like that's an injury from what's happening...

- Come on. Let's all go inside. It could still be dangerous here out in the open.

With not much to say I've opened my mouth to not utter a single sound... So I nodded and followed them inside the bunker.

As I entered the main chamber, I noticed a couple more people. Near a very small stove in one corner, was a busy woman doing some cooking with an apron that has the word 'MAMA' on it. Next to her was a guy helping her by cutting potatoes. With that haircut of his and the bulgy build I could almost swear he was in the military! But let's not jump into conclusions...

Lastly, from what seamed out of nowhere, an ill tempered guy jump us from the shadows.

- Who are you? What are you doing here? Who let them in? Never mind all that! Get out! Out I say!

As I slowly breathed in I've instinctively flinch my fists and turned towards the angry man. As I was about to say something I felt a hand grabbing my arm so I quickly turned my head to see who was doing that.

It was the old man with great sadness as his expression. As I looked at him, he released me and just whispered to me:

- No.

We weren't welcome by all and that can only lead to arguing, disagreement, fights... And in times like this we need peace, unity and compassion. Not wanting to stay there for longer than I needed, I tried to shorten my stay as I could so I started taking...

- Hi everyone! I'll be out of your hair and on my way after some information... And if you have and a doctor for this man, please, check him out!

- Of course... What seems to be matter? - Says the doctor directly to the old man but I was the one to respond...

- He was knockout cold earlier. I'm assuming by a rock or some other kind of debris. None of us saw what was it exactly.

The doctor started to inspect him as the fierce look of the angry man continuously tried to evaluate us. Everyone else completely stopped what they were doing and started paying attention to what was going on so, I continued:

- Does anyone know what is going on? Has anyone been able to contact other people? What are the affected areas? How long will this be going on? I'm not an astrophysicist but this can't be no ordinary meteor shower! The streets are mostly paved with bodies of people, pets and everything else...

A deep silence was installed all around... Only the movements of the doctor was heard as she was observing the old man. All the others, with no exceptions, frown and looked some other way. Maybe it was too many questions in one go...

A few good seconds had passed as I impatiently awaited for answers when they started to talk. The military man went first...

- I'm Joe. You... ...I'm guessing you haven't seen the news yesterday... They announced that the entire solar system was going to be bombarded with very small rocky fragments. None of which apocalyptic but almost all at speed records never so closely observed before...

Grabbing a near chair he sat down as he continued like the worst is still to come. What could be worst? This is becoming like bad movie... And everybody knows that bad movies have bad endings. He pointed to another chair for me to sit too. For some reason I disproved that but sat anyway as I continued to listen...

- They asked the people all around the world to find shelter, preferably in bunkers and waited out for at least 48 hours. The 'Meteor Storm' was estimated to go for about 30 hours and after that only an occasional late meteor would be seen in the following week or two. Well, all that was the good news... The bad news starts with the fact that even though we're not seeing any meteor falling down, if you pay attention to the sky, you can see what you can call as being shooting stars. But they are, most likely, still the 'Meteor Storm' but hitting another part of the planet.

- I see.. And as the planet rotates, we'll be hit again... I don't like to see the news much. I guess I missed that... We were working in the same building went the earthquakes started. Barely got out of there alive, and then again in the streets... Did someone said what caused this?

- Not really. There was supposed to be another announcement today but it was cancelled and then there was only static everywhere!

- I see... I best be on my way! - I announced as I got up from the chair.

The kid was the one who stopped me on my tracks right away...

- Please don't go. My father was a firefighter and he would have wanted to save as many as he could!

Wise words... I couldn't argue with that, even if it was coming from just a kid. He looks disturbed, sad and in pain. Maybe he lost his parents or someone else close to him in this tragedy or maybe just his dad as he so fondly mentioned.

Whoever it may be, I felt compelled to stop and listen to what the kid have to say, so I paused, looked around and shutting my eyes for a second I've decided to sit again. As a pondered about the kid's possible motives, the doctor was the one to broke the silence.

- Nobody is leaving and that's final! Now, dad, come help me!

As I heard the last sentence I quickly turned to see if I got that right... This kind doctor can't be this ill mannered daughter...oh boy!... Looks like it is! You truly can't assume anything about someone's family just by their personality.

In all that commotion I almost didn't noticed the blood cofs that the old man was making, but as I saw that, I instinctively approach them.

- Hey pal, don't be a slacker now! - I tried to encourage as I was afraid of what's coming, but I still continued as I turned to her... - What's wrong? What can I do?

- I'm not sure and we can't be accurate. It looks like he has an internal bleeding of sorts but without knowing the extension or where it is I can't do much... - As she slowly looked down to grab something she continued... - I'm truly sorry for you father but there's nothing else we can do except hope for the best.

I couldn't find a reply... I felt like I've known all along but someone had to tell me that to realize it. I took a few steps back tumbling like I was about to fall until I hit a sofa and decided to park right there.

- You got it wrong. I'm not the father. I'm a simple doorman for the building of the company we both work in. I don't have any family left.

Suddenly, I realized that she thought that was my father... Unable to face anyone, I just looked down, thinking as the old man continue...

- I believe we both are the same having nobody in this world. For years now I've only seen only solitude...

I looked up and noticed everyone looking at me... I... didn't know what to say so I remained quiet...

I was never good at making friends. I mean... I'm an average social person and dealing with daily social business like interaction seems to be like what I'm good at, but being friends with someone is a completely different story to me.

That particularity is like a shell of mine, something that tries to protect me from getting hurt because of others... Fortunately (for... only... me... it seems) I've got an analytic mind that allows me to shy away hurtful feelings to deal with them at a later date. Well... most of the time...

Ok... Accordingly to what was said, there's a meteor storm outside and that can probably mean no electricity nowhere. Except, perhaps, local generators.. Like hospitals, police and firefighter usually do. So, maybe, power isn't such big issue... And besides, there's power in here. Being a bunker, I figure it's from a battery or generator or both... But the old man probably needs an MRI or something of the likes. The nearest hospital I know is a couple kilometers up the hill and he doesn't look like capable of that trip or even just walking great distances, and we can't bring the equipment here.. Not the transportable type... Roads are blocked out, destroyed and the rest is simply grim.

I'm usually good at finding most of the possible combinatory outcomes, whether those are problems or solutions, but I'm much to negative right now to favorably resolve this... I need to clear my mind, but instead I started to breathe quickly in response to my thoughts and lack of resolution when a carrot appeared in from of me. The cooking lady approached me offering a small bowl of carrots and a smile. Without replying, I've grabbed the bowl in acceptance.

As I looked around I've noticed that she was continuing distributing small bowls of carrots to everybody. I found that gesture somewhat funny. It soothed me...

Suddenly the light flicker for a good couple seconds and Joe announced:

- We better get some sleep. We'll think better in the morning.

What? Am I the only one curious about why would the light flicker? Oh well... Fine... I'll figure out later. That felt ominous!

With that, the angry father disappeared into some door as Joe and I went for the old man to help him to his bed accompanied by the doctor in the house.

Afterwards, I just went back to the entry room to sit on the sofa. Didn't felt like sleeping so soon although I should.

I finally picked up my cellphone from my pocket and as expected and delayed to confirmed, no signal, no messages and no notifications. Good thing I always have the charger with me 'cause the battery is also almost dead...

I started to think about tomorrow and in what to do next but I've grown more and more tired and ended up falling asleep right there...

In the distance, a vague sound of old cabinets randomly emerged as I woken up.

I took my time regaining sight so I could get a feel of what's going on. Meanwhile, some of the beds made their own noise as more of us arise with the day.

As I looked around without sudden movements all of the events of the last day fell on me like a rock, giving me a refill of adrenaline. With that, I got up from the sofa and that got me noticed.

- Good morning! There's no coffee, but there's juice and milk. What will you have?

Looking at the table, I've noticed some fresh baked cookies. 'Mama''s got busy...

Before I could say anything, Joe came out of some door with the sound of a flusher behind him. I'm guessing that's the bathroom.

- Good morning people! - Said Joe as he approached the table.

I turned to the table, looked at 'Mama' and thanked the offer. As I picked up some juice, Joe grabbed some cookies. I peeked the beds from afar and saw the old man still resting peacefully. Good...

- I'm going to take a look outside! - I informed as I took the juice with me.

- Careful! In the news they couldn't say exactly for how long was the 'Meteor Storm' last. - Said the worried 'Mama'.

- No problem Margaret. I'll go with! Besides, there's no earthquake for hours! - Said Joe as he picked up some more cookies.

As I exited I noticed the three reinforced doors that protected the entrance. I don't remember them from yesterday but then again, there's no artificial light in here... They were probably just fully opened...

As I took the first steps outside I felt a somewhat sweet and warm breeze on my face. The Sun had risen not too long ago and that created an orange and reddish aurora all around giving the surroundings a grimmer look.

Joe looked untouched but something was not quite right with him. It also looked like he was searching for something. In every direction, he gazed attentive... Always with the same expression.

Finally he broke the silence...

- I... was already here. I'm a firefighter trainee. I wanted to do some good with my life so I thought about this...

- You actually made it sound like you're a villain! - I exclaimed as I faintly smiled.

Earring that he looked down for a moment and than just laughed long and loud echoing the chuckles throughout the land around us. That was not even a good joke, but it helped to eased the view somehow...

- That was a good one. Let's call it quits for now and regroup inside. - He said as he slowly walked to the bunker entrance.

I was going to say that I felt like staying there for a while longer, but before I could speak, we heard a noise, a voice in the distance and with that, we both ended up speaking the same:

- Someone's alive! - Both of us energetically told each other.

We started to fast walk as we tried to follow the stronger and stronger sound. Finally we found out that the cry for help was coming from few buildings down from where we now are. It looked more like a pile of rocks rather than an ex-building, but then again, so does everything around.

- Keep speaking! We have to pinpoint your location! - Screamed Joe.

- Okay! I'm inside the elevator... Or rather... What's left of it. I'm not alone, my daughter is here with me. I managed to open a bit of the elevator doors but I can't open the rest otherwise rocks will fell in. - Screamed the desperate trapped woman as we searched around.

Finally, I noticed some hard cabling like I remember seeing in the movies on elevators and yelled..

- There's the elevator!

Jackpot! It was a set of two elevators and luckily, if there's still such thing, the one's almost loose is the one we want.

I started to look for an iron bar or something of the likes to crack open the elevators hatch... Meanwhile, Joe ran to the destroyed cars and started to bang them open one by one. What is he doing? The people are right here. I found a hard rock attached to two iron bars of different size small enough for me to be able to lift it. I plan to use it as a hammer.

- Hey, you see the elevators hatch? Stay clear of it! I'm gonna try to break it!

- Okay! - Said the voice inside.

I waited a couple of seconds and then with all my might I started to bang the hatch again and again... A few hits later it bended and then broke on the next hit!

- Joe, I got it open! - I screamed.

- Here, grab my hand, I'll pull you up! - I ordered to the trapped woman.

- My daughter first! - She requested.

I was about to say something like 'either one of you first is fine', buy refrain from doing so when she stretched her arms up with a child around four or five years old.

Her big deep blue eyes looked at me as if themselves also asking for help. Her gaze was intense... As I took her from that hole, she immediately looked down.

- My mommy! My mommy! - The little girl begged...

- Don't worry, I'm gonna help her out too! Now you be a big girl and stand back a bit, ok? - I tried to calm her but it was no use, after all it was her mother in there.

Nonetheless, she obeyed and stood back, observant of my moves.

As I turned to hole again, Joe finally reached us. At the same time I felt the floor starting to slide beneath my feet.

- Let's hurry so we can get out of here! I have a bad feeling about this! - I worried...

- Yes, let's! - Quickly replied Joe with a serious face.

- Miss, do not jump! Just try to get a foothold somewhere to lift yourself so we can grab you! - Continued Joe, this time to the trapped woman.

The growing sun was now illuminating us directly and because of that we couldn't see much. I decided to grab the ledge of the hatched I broke and stretched my other arm inwards. Joe secured me so I wouldn't fall in and that allowed me to reach further.

I also started to get a glimpse of what was happening inside... She was trying to use the fault between the doors that she previously created to help her up. With her efforts, the doors started to slowly slide open and the smaller rocks started to roll in, then larger and larger ones...

Suddenly the elevator started to produce cracking sounds, probably because of the new weight added to it... Making one more effort she reached me and successfully grabbed my hand, but the whole structure shock and I couldn't pull her up! I wasn't about to let her effort go in vain, so I hold on to her as much as I could as a scream shock the surroundings...

- Mommy!!

Finally the rocks stopped for a moment...

- Joe, you got me? I'm gonna pull her up!

- Whenever you want!...

I started to pull her as gently as I could for I wouldn't want to upset the balance of the rocks. As soon as she could, she also grabbed the ledge and helped out.

Moments after, she was up with us while below the rocks started sliding again. The elevator tilted hard and she almost fell back in.

- Grab your daughter and get down! - Ordered Joe. - You too!

I started my climb down but noticed he wasn't...

- Are you crazy? Aren't you coming? Let's get out of here!

- My foot got stuck as soon as I got here. Just go! Now!

I petrified... A conflict erupted in me... I felt like I couldn't leave him there but at the same time I was feeling more and more afraid of staying around that place. I can only imagine the multiple ways that dirt could swallow us whole. Still feeling frighten I tried to shake it off as I looked to the rubble ground below and step by step approached him. Grabbing the improvised hammer still laying around I tried to loose the rock by slowly chipping it. With every hit I felt the angry stirring beneath and I felt like the situation would get worst at any moment, but instead, the rock cracked and he was able to scratch loose his foot.

We immediately started to climb down that dreadful place at the same time more sounds came from the land.

The lady and her child was already down on what's left of the streets cheering for us. It's nice to be appreciated, even from people whom we don't know... As we meet again we all asked in unison.

- Are you alright?

We looked at each other in approvement and then just laughed at the synchronism that occurred.

Joe was scratched but nothing to worry about, I was still grased from yesterday's meteor incident but no problem there and the mother and daughter were freed. If I were to guess, I'd say that they were stuck in that elevator since yesterday's events.

The area we're in, is mostly just rubble and dirt but we have to get back to the bunker and the road to it doesn't have a pleasant sight, specially for a child.

I turn to Joe and signal him for a cookie for the kid but he replied with a negative expression. Understanding that it was my intention to distract the little girl from what was coming, he abruptly decided to go ahead...

- Oh.. ahhmmm... I'll go ahead and warn the others to make arrangements to two more. - Turning to me, he continued... - Just take them there calmly!

- Understood! - I replied promptly as he took off...

- You don't have to... - I stopped her as a look at the little girl.

- Don't worry, he probably knows what he's doing... - I joked! - The road ahead is a bit bumpy do you want me to pick you up and take you there on my back?

- No. - The little girl decided... - I'm a big girl and am strong!

- Okay, but the view is better on my shoulders and you could sleep a bit!

- I'm not tired. I'm not a kid anymore.

She was... Probably spent the whole night up!

- Let's rest in that bench! - I suggested. - We grown-ups need to rest more!

Understanding my plan, the mother help to make the child agreed. As we sit, I sigh...

- Ah... Boy was I tired!...

Aside from smiles, nothing was replied, so I continued...

I started to boringly talk about how I work in the area (well... used to work...)... How I sometimes tried to free time just to sit somewhere enjoyable with a beautiful view of a sunset... How the day by day job used to get easier when someone smiled or says something pleasant to us at least once a day... And then, under that tree shadow, with the sun trying to get through its branches, we noticed the cuteness of a little angel sleeping between us.

I took that time to explain the state of the road ahead and to tell what I've seen and heard about what's happening all around us... And most likely, around the world too...

She stood in silence, glancing the tree, the little angel, then her hands... Finally, words were spoken...

- You... think... ...do you believe that we're going to be alright?

I didn't have a promptly response so she's the one who continues...

- Actually, I'm not asking about your beliefs... From what you've told me, what we see here is probably the same everywhere else in the world... It's... Not what I imagined... - She ended as she looked to her daughter.

I thought on what to say for a while and decided to be blunt and speak from the heart...

- I think that... I believe that whatever the adversity it may unfold to us all, if given enough time, we can overcome anything. I think our resilience is our own human nature, perseverance or will to live no matter the odds. - I paused... Quickly looked around... Then rested my hand on her nearest shoulder and continued... - I'm oblivious to the seriousness of the situation in the rest of the world, but we'll rise again! You'll see! Historically speaking, humans had faced quite a few extinction events and loads of terrible disasters... I guess what I'm saying is... That I don't know how, but I'm confident that we'll definitely survive, rise and claim our place again.

As be both tried strongly to truly believe those words, she sneezed and the child woke up.

- Let's go. We rested enough! Time to rise!...

As we walked down the path, I've noticed some covered bodies and lots of drag marks all around. They've been busy, but I think we're trying to do the unavoidable. Still... We should always try to protect from it... Right?

Anyways, the rest of walk was quiet and swiftly...

Upon arrival, mama Margaret was the first to come greet us with a bowl. What is it with her and carrots? Oh well... They do taste good...

I left their side and went to check on the old man just to find that he had passed away some time after I left this morning. The doctor looked as grieving as me. I breathe deep as I digested that hard news. I felt a need to all be just a dream and that I'd awake and go to work like I would always do... But that's not happening. I can't say that I really knew him but I feel like I lost a good friend. We used to have a chat after work every now and then but not much else... The doctor hands me his wallet and asks for next of kin...

- I know of a daughter, buy never met her...

Then I turned back and sit on the sofa...

Thinking back, I flashback to a time not to long ago, when he was giving me advice on my relationship at the time... I had found someone really special to me, someone that made me happy and the first I was able to imagine myself with... But like always, I managed to ruin my chances, and ended up putting myself on the corner, unnoticed and unwanted. He would always patiently listen to me telling tell tale stories of my heart, but that day... I was feeling down like never before and he was the one that spoke as I just stood in silence and tears after telling him my tale...

- You should give 'forget-me-not' flowers as a gift and a reflected silence response. It would be like saying, 'I love you and understand that you do not. Still, don't forget me for I will not forget you for as long as I live! I will always love you!'. I did something of the kind to my late wife... She didn't loved me at the time... - he laughed as momentarily looked away... - ...it took a couple of years 'till she truly noticed me. I was still starting to fix my heart and another woman had been showing interest in me... Imagine that... It took a situation like that... - ...he laughed... - One day I'll tell you all about it!

I recall the wedding picture he usually carry in his pocket.. A picture of him with his newly wedded wife having their first dance. But behind it, was the picture he was most proud of...

Folded twice, there was always a photo he took the moment after what he called "Happiness starts here". He even written it in the very bottom of that picture. In it, it was just him and his wife. It's actually a photo that someone else took of the moment that, he told me, it took almost three months to get it.

They were in a bus station were he was dropping her off. She had a business trip up north and the old car was on the shop. They've been fooling around for a while now and he decided that he would asked her when she returns... But good feelings can't be contained, and tells the tale that when she was getting on the bus, he stopped her by grabbing her left hand... She turned around to she what was going on, and as she turns he asks her to go steady. An eternal silence was made but she drops her serious face and accepts as the rest of the bus, people applauded. Most embarrassing and one of the happiest days of his life, he used to say...

- Old man... I'll find a way to deliver these photos to your daughter...

As soon as it started to get dark, I went outside to some fresh air and to look at the sunset, while the others tried to accommodate the newcomers as they represented hope for the future... In some sense...

I didn't felt like socializing... I can't shake the weird feeling that we're in very serious trouble! Though, no more meteors have been spotted since early in the morning, but even so no help was to be seen or even sirens to be heard. Nobody was coming... It seams...

I recall some documentary that, historically, the human race have survived quite a lot minor global extinction events, and that mass extinctions occur about every 27 million years. I remember clearly the dark comment "...and we're overdue for the next one.". Those words just can't leave my mind.

From inside I can hear fainted loud laughs... I smile to myself and just look up... In the sky, many stars start to show themselves more and more clearly like inside a planetarium... Funny... The right thing to say about it, would be that the planetarium looked like the real sky... It looks and feels humongous!

Laying myself beside the garden near the entrance of the bunker, I look first at it and then, in a slow breath I turned my attention to the now completely illuminated dark sky and start losing myself in it.

Trying to imagine the wonders of the Universe I ended up thinking of some TV series about space travel and how wonderful it would have be if it was a reality... I wouldn't have to be there, passing through all I've been since yesterday... Saw so much death around...

I can't help but feel deeply sad... worthless... helpless...

Suddenly I noticed something moving in the sky, and as I tried to get up quickly, I took another glance and realized that it was in fact a true shooting star and not another meteorite as I instantly feared, so... I laid back down... But something was not feeling right...

All in all it was a good day! We got to save a couple of lifes and everyone pushed this calamity all around to the back of their heads... It's temporary, I know, but someone once told me that being sad all the time just makes us end up depressive. The secret, is to share the pain with very few people, with the ones that we blindly trust... They will most definitely support us even if they have nothing to say... even if they don't approve of our decisions...

Nobody is at reach now... I even recognize some of the bodies laying in the streets as people from where I work... Worked. (...gotta get used to that...) The ones that got away first, definitely spread out in different directions but... I don't think they made it... I believe the ones that made it out alive, are the ones that survived inside some building or some structure that have them enough protection.

I feel that instinctively, this group made this bunker their home and safe heaven. Tv went dark, cellphones and landlines lost their reception, no hard line power but only generators'... Doesn't look good! I'm sure I'm not the only one thinking this way... Help is not coming...

As I sigh, I got up and went inside...

As I went inside, the sound of a big commotion was coming louder and louder. I couldn't understand a word... Not really paying attention, I spoke as I entered the main room...

- Does anyone know where can I find a radio?

As I stood there at the entrance, no one looked my way. They were busy collecting supplies and grabbing sport bags, filling them up... somehow, everybody was assigned to a task...

- Hello?!

I tried to get their attention unsuccessfully... The kids noticed so they called me aside of all that ruckus...

- It's like you got the same idea! We found a radio! - Said the boy.

- Awesome! - I announced... - Any good stations?

- There was this nice woman that kept repeating the same, over and over again! - Said the young girl.

- What was the message? - I suspiciously asked.

- Here! ...listen yourself! We gotta go help them pack... Let's go Mary! - The boy grabbed the little girls hand and left my side.

I went outside again to hear it more clearly and undisturbed from the noise inside. I sit on some rock and turned it on... It was already tuned in and the message... well...

- ....repete. (silence) This is a Nation wide communication! All survivors should get to the nearest port until the end of the next week, by Friday the thirteenth. Upon arrival, you'll be given a choice that you'll have to make so be ready to travel. This message will remain active, in loop and in multiple languages until the referred deadline is reached, after which, it will be turned off. After a brief pause, this message will repeat. (silence) Se trata de una comunicación a nivel nacional! Todos los sobrevivientes deben ....

So that's it... They are all packing to go there. I'm fearing the possible outcomes but... I think it's because of too many movies and tv series influence.

Setting aside that anguish, I decided to also go, but... I don't have much of my own stuff so I'll probably travel light.

We have over a week to walk what was about an little more than an hour by public transportation before all of this mess... I can't shake the feeling that I should go home first... I don't have any close family but still... Something is missing...

As I walk in again, everyone had calmed down already and the bags were ready to grab and go. As I entered, they saw me with the radio in one hand and understood that I already was caught up to the news.

Glancing the bags, I stuffed the radio in one of them and announced...

- I won't be going with you!

Before I could say anything else, little Mary almost screamed:

- What?! No way!

Her furious soft eyes looked at me fiercely in hope that I would change my mind... It's to be expected. It's child psychology 101... If a child is helped by someone, even if by a complete stranger, they will immediately create a bond of trust hardly ever broken... friendship!

- Let's talk and decide tomorrow in the morning! - Announced Margaret.

Everybody spread out either to bed or to the kitchen. Without a word, I went to try to get so sleep in the sofa. A thousand things went through my mind as I tried to fall sleep but one remained stronger than the other... What is the loss count around the world? What's the image of this new devastated world?

Worried and without warning... I fell asleep...

I didn't sleep much... Another night with nothing but bad dreams. I suppose it's too early to be lightheaded...

Everybody is still asleep when I woke up so I got up slowly and started to look around.

I ended up finding an bright orange hand-crank flashlight and an adult bicycle overpainted in red and light gray with some traces of yellow and orange. Colorful...

Meanwhile, some of them got up and were gathering nearby.

- I found these... You mind if I took them? - I asked while trying to get a read on them all...

The awakened ones didn't disprove my request so I grabbed the bike and dragged it to the entrance. Then returned for my coat and the flashlight. As I grabbed them, the rest of them have gotten up and where gathering around...

- So... You're not coming with us... - Said the young doctor.

- I'm... No. There's someplace I must go and something I must do no matter what. I am no asset to your group! You'll be fine! Even better without having to worry about me... - I couldn't help but stutter... Still, I continued... - Most likely, I will only find devastation and pain... But that is my path, for I have to know. I believe that it is better to always know the truth rather than live a lie or live in incognito... I think... - I was starting to lose myself so I paused and then wrapped it up... - Thank you for your help!... I... I should go...

With that, I put on the coat, picked up the flashlight and stored inside it, then turned to the exit and started walking... After the first step I started to hear some quick steps approaching from behind me and soon after, a soft hand grabbed mine lightly...

- Thank you for saving me and my daughter!...

I breathe deep as I turned and just nodded... I was frightful of what I might say... Better to not utter a word rather than say the wrong thing... Still, I waited a moment then went on my way. Grabbed the bike and left...

As I ride the bike I spoke to the wind.

- Good luck guys! Truly...

The roads are mostly destroyed beyond recognition. On some of them I ride the bike, and on some others I just endure the harshness of what's left of the roads. Either way, she's tagging along...

I'm almost guiding myself by instinct, trying to imagine the roads there used to be and the path I used to take. Almost no landmark is still standing or recognizable, and also, some spots are still covered in large fields of dust in the air similar to fog... Judging by these areas I'm passing through, I'd say that we got it the softest. I'm not finding any survivors... Not even one out off of these roads...

At what looked like noon, I decided to stop and sit by the first sizable shadow I could find. It's weird... Creppy even... So much silence all around except for the occasional wind blow. I left without eating anything for I was more concerned with time and now, there I was... Killing time to rest and, because it was getting too hot.

Wait, I think I recognize that signpost! I believe there used to be a restaurant somewhere around here, but with all the mess around is hard to pinpoint where exactly. I choose to again rise and take a look around. I refuse to quit! I didn't went too far so I wouldn't get lost. Looked and looked... Searching for any signs of the place... Until finally, a piece of a bag from the store coming out from under a giant rock. I didn't even tried to get it out. That would be insane, but that is the proof I needed... It's like a statement saying that it's nearby! ...or so I hoped.

Marking the spot as I could, I went back for my bike to place it near that boulder and the search continued...

It must have passed a good hour searching before I decided to just sit down, conserve strength and just rest before continuing. I'm acting reckless and stupid, and I shouldn't waste time and efforts.

Ended up sitting in a nearby shadow contemplating the sky, trying to relinquish myself to it's calm nature... Eventually, I must've dozed off 'cause when I looked again it had already started to become a brownish and reddish aurora borealis but on the opposite side of the sky relative to the sun. It felt... dangerous and weirdly metallic. Still got my phone with me but it was turned off so it should be mostly safe from any ambient discharges these types of environments usually have. Still... An aurora in the middle of the day sounds ominous. I recall only seeing photos of it either from the beginning of the day or towards its end.

No matter the case, I decided that I should move from there and found what looks like the remains of some garage... Looks looted but safer than outside.

It's probably gonna take a while 'till it dissipates and without food I should just rest. Found a plastic cover rolled over one side of the place so I unfold it, placed the bike nearby, sat down, trapped one foot in one of the wheels and lay down trying to get some shuteye time.

I came back to my senses when I tried to move my locked foot. The sky had already started to darken...

No sign of the aurora from earlier so I just grabbed the bike, set aside the idea of finding some place that is probably completely buried and decided to went my way from there. Tighten my clothes, check for anything possibly missing (not much to check really), and departed.

Along the way, I found no light in any direction. The clearly visible and immense sky that slowly unfolds starts to amaze, marvel and frighten me for its vastness. Still, with one goal in mind I continue through out the night...

On my way, I found one of those places that are open 24 hours a day in... well... most pieces! How ironic!...

It's a good place as any to spend the rest of the night and, if lucky, I might get something to eat.

And well call me 'lucky' 'cause as I see some bread, potato chips, some intact water bottles and what looks like a small market fridge in the distance. I'm having a feast tonight and do the thinking about it tomorrow! Though, as I stuffed myself I hear a little rock slide and tried to pinpoint it's origin location but to no avail... Eventually, I got back to eating but at the same time, two slow dimmed glowing points in the distance start to approach me... At first it locked like a hungry cat but soon I realised that that was no cat. Instead, it was actually a fully grown dog. Now I don't really know much about dogs... But I think that's what people call a Husky. If I wasn't fearful for my life, I think some company would do me well.

He must be as hungry or even more than me, and althow I don't look like a turkey I most definitely could pass like a delicious fillet.

As it's approaches more and more the little moonlight revealed more details of it's figure. Oddly enough, as he got very close, he grunted, lower his head almost to the floor and kept approaching me in a mildly innocent way.

As a tryout, I grabbed a slice of bread turned it into a ball and rolled it in his direction. Before it could stop, he snatches it from the floor and eat it. After that, he just lay in the floor... Looking at me!

As I grabbed a pair of chips to continue eating, he lift his head observing my actions. So, I put the chip back. Slowly extended my legs while still sitting and grabbed another slice of bread, turned it into a ball and throw it near him. Immediately he got up, wave his tail and eat the bread ball. I got advantage of his distraction and eat some chips myself.

But then he silently and unexpectedly approached my legs and just dropped his head over them with the rest of the body also layed down. I like dogs, but I'm not that trusting at first sight... or second for what matters... So I quit eating, closed my jacket and just sit there on the floor with that majestic dogs head over my legs... I remained vigilant but eventually, tiredness got the best of me...

I woke up with the warmth and very shiny rays of sunlight hitting my face... After those first moments, reality came over me and I remembered the dog. He was not far, sitting with his back towards me just looking around. As soon as I moved, he noticed the silent sounds I made and slowly came closer. I was observing, and as he turned on himself... Ups... Ok... Not a dude! My bad...

Upon closing in, he... I mean... She, just sit right there beside me again, looking all around.

I refrain from moving as I observed her... She was a beautiful animal with no collar so no hope of finding her owner specially in this new world of ours. I decided to ballify a slice of bread and give it to her but as I was about to throw-drop it for her, she snatched it right as I released it, almost taking a couple of my fingers with it. Scary stuff... But I'm ok! She didn't even scratched me. Still, my heart is pounding like crazy from that scare...

Picking myself up from the dirty floor I attentively observed her. Looks like all is ok...

Continuing my search in what's left of the store I ended up in a corner with backpacks... Not much to choose from but ended up with the one mostly gray with a couple of very dark stripes of red and blue and said:

"Love is like friendship on fire!"

Hmmm... Sounds familiar... And I like it...

After dropping the rest of the chips and bread inside the bag I also grabbed two protein bars from some shelf and two small water bottles still intact. I staggered as I returned to the exit, for I noticed what was left of the owner... I did wonder where he could be... well, squashed... It seamed.

Trying to take it lightly and not freak out, I closed my eyes for a moment there and put on the backpack, grabbed the bike and exit that place to continue my journey. On my way out, I even found a sports hat!

I haven't even got away ten meters when I heard a strong bark. I immediately braked and turn around. The missy was at what was left of the entrance looking at me and it was acting like she was on the edge of a cliff or something like it. A few more seconds later, another bark and another affliction gesture like she couldn't walk any further. I got one of those feelings like:

- I know I'm gonna regret this later on but I just can't leave you alone...

And so I called her as I gesture to come closer. Getting by my side I asked her as if a real person...

- Do you wanna come with me?

It's truly amazing that she looked like she understood me as she barked more lightly, twirled her tail and started leading the way... I just couldn't contain myself from laughing as I slowly but surely continued my path... And now, with a companion...

Another day passed with more of the same very morbid view along the roads... In some places there's still dust in the air falling into the floor. In those spots it is very clear the destructive power that fell upon the land for it broke it wide open displaying what looked like a cliff with no bottom into the earth... Scary stuff... Some cars are burned, others upside down, broken in half or even spread out in pieces... some trees and broken branches spread out burnt to crisp... and very few pieces of the buildings that once were, are still standing...

Day by day, always the same, everywhere I pass looks like the same road over and over again. Felicia (the miss dog) is, so far, the best thing that happened lately! She's always playful and ready to play with me. I ended up naming her 'Felicia' 'cause it derives from the latin adjective 'felix', meaning 'happy', though in the neuter plural form, it literally means 'happy things' or 'happy times'. Looks like a suitable name for her and she responds to it very well. She's been a great help by finding water bottles and some food thoough the later she usually ends up taking a bite before calling upon it. Sometimes I pretend to not notice and act surprised. She seems to like that...

On occasion, she starts what looks like some sort of argue about the route I'm picking even going to the extreme of pulling me back by grabbing some part of my clothes. So far, I lost every of those argues. Nonetheless, we've made good time and I predict we'll be arriving today...

The spot looks more or less resilient and most buildings around are still standing.

I take my time looking around for people or clues of where anybody might be but nothing. Time is standing still here. Not even the trees talk...

A piece of glass took it's last breath as it falls down and shattered completely as I scare jump from that powerful sound that it made when hitting the ground.

I sigh as I regain my heartbeat and ended up recognizing a nearby building...

This one single time, I caught the old man drinking wildly after work hours. In that day I had impossible deadlines coming up so I had to work up until late for the third time that week. Everybody's life is only their business but I used to get together with the old man to pour my heart out from time to time... I should at least see if he needs help getting home.

I don't really like that idea for I'll be accounted as an intruder in his life for sure but... It is something that compels me to do...

I originally noticed him as I pass by from the outside and saw him from a bar's window, waving around erratically inside to someone else. A plan would be nice but I didn't felt like planning... Acting from the heart would be best... So I grabbed the door handle and entered.

The place had loud irritating music, lots of people talking nonstop and an all around reak of booze.

After a second, I spotted my target and approached him...

Arriving at his table, I invite myself to sit across. Didn't look like it bothered him so I ordered two strong coffees to the table. As they took their sweet time preparing them I was analysing the old man... He was beyond repair for now... Coffee won't cut it but it will help carrying him around... I'd hope!

He recognized me but was already babbling something about how he lost his daughter to some successful government business agent that then, someday, ended up betraying and hurting his little girl. Whether it's true or a figment of his distorted but vivid imagination is yet to be determined, but he looked like he was suffering from it. His tears made me uneasy and calming him down wasn't doing much, so I changed my play and indulged in his story...

- When did all this happened? - I asked...

He started his rambling and I could not make-up for any word that was being uttered by him and since the coffees arrived...

- You seam to have something clogging your throat... Why not drinking this to make it better? - I interrupted him as I pointed to the large cup of coffee in from of him.

With a mad expression on his face silently looked at the coffee and then me and then at my coffee and demanded me to join him. I was already planning to do so but nodded in agreement anyways. I started by taking just a sip to test it's flavor and heat followed by a big gulp out of it, taking my time... As I rested the cup I noticed that he drank his fully in one gulp down. Well... Could've been worst, I guess...

Through a little cough he regained his more or less coherent dialogue...

- That no good untrustworthy son of a...

- OK, I got it! - I interrupted. - Please! Continue...

- Well... He got married to my baby daughter and after he got her pregnant, he accepted a permanent foreign job, for money, without discussing it with my daughter! When she knew about it, he was already packing! ...a month before their one year old marriage anniversary! They got into a fight and he when anyway.

Meanwhile, I ordered two black tea's as we moved into a quieter place, then he continued...

- Two months after he came back!...asking for a divorce if she's not willing to go with him. At that time, she came to me asking for guidance but there was nothing more to save the marriage. She told me she knew some people over at were he was now working that he didn't know, and she found out he was sleeping with pretty much everyone that falls into his trap. I listen to her for hours and by the end of it she have made her own mind and we got closer like before as a result...

The tea arrived... His look was drawn into it and silence was the only thing he spoke for a while... Then he started crying.... I took some dischargeable tissues from my jacket and gave it to him. He nodded in thanks and continue...

- Promise me you won't tell her what I'm going to tell you but I have to tell someone! ...a couple of years after that, I saw him! - I nodded and he continued... - He got his life back together in some other foreign country and my baby was still mopping the floor with tears of him! ...and with a child in her arms in need of special care. Eventually she lost the baby to the disease and went into a deep depression.

A silence came between us like we were mourning for the baby... Each of us tried the tea. It was bitter... Just like the story. Grabbed a small bag of honey and poured it in. The old man wasn't talking anymore and I end up questioning myself why would I be there any longer. The answer is unclear but I just felt that he needed me and that seams like enough... And it is. He was clearly getting sober as time passes.

Although unnecessary, I felt the need to ask...

- Why tell me all of this? And why open up to me! A stranger from work!? - I ended up shying away and unable to face him.. - I mean... You're always listening to me but never spoke of yourself, much less your family!

A good couple of seconds had passed until he found the words...

- Aside from my late wife, a stranger like you call yourself, is what I've being looking for in people I've found all my life. You're completely oblivious of yourself and who you are, and who you can be, and that gets me curious but also hopeful somehow... It's all hard to explain... And I know I'm drunk but it's all true. I'm actually here, drinking my ass off 'cause it's my wife's death anniversary...

I didn't understood the underlinings of it all but didn't ask anything more... It's probably still the booze just talking.

- Anyways, thank you for listening... - He replied after a brief period of silence clearing his years away.

- Let's go! I'm taking you home! I'm just gonna take care of this bill and we're going! - I decided.

I rushed and payed the bill.. As I reached for the change, I incidentally peeked over the old man and he was dropped over the table like drunk sleeping.

- Oh crap! - I said out loud.

But as I got closer again I realized something was wrong so I rushed and screamed for an ambulance! With the help of some employees we gently put him straight on the floor. Meanwhile, the music stopped and everybody there was just looking. Just the bartender seems to be active as he rushed to were I'm at.

- I've called in for an ambulance and warn his daughter! - Said the bartender as he arrived. - Who are you? I've always seen him only either with his daughter or alone ranting to everyone!?

- I'm just a co-worker.

- Well look at that... And he said that all people are blood sucking vampires except for his little girl...

I didn't know what to take from that but I've remained in silence and eventually I've heard a siren and soon after, the paramedics rushed in. Looks like it was not their first time in there.

Since his daughter was going to meet him in the hospital, I was planning to go straight home but then I heard the bartender tell a paramedic...

- Take this one with you! - ...pointing at me!

For some reason I didn't react and just go with the flow getting in the ambulance. We got to our destination very quickly and eventually I found myself in a waiting room. It looked cold with walls painted in a bleached version of turquoise with hard and uncomfortable light brown chairs all around, no windows and two doors on each end. One for the visitors and another for patients and hospital staff. In the corner, a small table could be found under a dark light and next to it an old coffee machine.

I sigh and dropped myself near the table.

- So this is the waiting room they decided to put me in. - I thought!

There's no chance of not waiting, hence the name of the room, so I looked for something to do and my attention was drawn from afar at some lost magazines lost over the table but didn't went through them... I'm in a hospital... Doesn't seams hygienic, so, I started to sort my emails with my phone. I don't have network but I'll sync it later on. Always the same view... More than half of it is garbage and the rest is mostly divided into empty job offers, unrealistic promotions and mail from mailing lists that I don't remember signing on. From time to time I get a mail from someone I know... Usually just asking for something from me... Never wanting to spend some time together building up a friendship relation. That's the world we live in... There's no room for that anymore in people's lives. All that matters now is work and finding a suitable pair to build a family... If you look for love either you get lucky or you're bound to be miserable... The rest is filled with void fake friends... Usually... I do know someone that is very unconventional for the norm but unfortunately we rarely get to meet. Pity!...

Through the small windows of one of the entrances, I notice two people talking with each other just beyond it and it calls to my attention. I wrap up what I was doing for later and stayed quiet... Eventually they part ways and a nurse arrives next to the one that stayed. Talking and together, they enter in the waiting room...

- ...and this is the one that accompanied him in the ambulance. I'll leave you two. - Said the nurse in a hurry and leaves.

Hearing that I get up from my chair and get myself ready, but the girl is immobilised and with her back to me. I can still notice heavy panting and the shoulders frown. I take a step forward and stop. She turns to me and looks at me top to bottom twice before speaking...

- Thanks for bringing my dad to the hospital. You can go!

- Oookaay... Your father and I work for the same company. - I stretched my arm with my business card towards her but to no avail. - I'll leave my card on the table then. If there's anything I can do, call me.

No reply was made, only a cold stare... So I picked my things up and left...

On the following day the company was informed that the old man was hospitalized and is going to take a few days to recover fully. Nothing more was said and I pushed through the rest of the week like I didn't care. On that Friday I left a simple note on his desk the reads:

- Get well.

The Monday after he was back. At the end of the day we spent some time after work, taking about what happened until his daughter came to pick him up.

- The warden's here! Gotta go kiddo!

I smiled at the expression and waved at the car but got no feedback so I left it be.

The rest of the week I spent by killing time after work with him until she picked him up.

By the following Monday, I had a pretty good idea were she lives, how caring she's been to him and how tough she's taken life and all others.

Little did I know, that that day, aside from being the day before my vacation, would be a bloody Monday...

This looks like the place that he so fondly described as the "warden's resting place". Apartment 1F of the second building down the street if I'm not mistaken...

I left Felicia outside standing guard but not directly in the entrance. I don't wanna be that obvious nor do I want to expose her to unnecessary possible risk!...

I embrace the idea that the building could collapse at any given time without warning or time to react and decided to go up to the first floor. But before I could get there, I had to deal with a mildly strong earth quake while still in the stairs.

The first thing that occurs to me is that a new wave of meteors is arriving and striking the earth just like before, but as I, somehow, got to the first floor stairs' window, I clearly understood that it was just an earthquake... Just... Still scared the crap out of me!

I put myself together as I turned to the corridor of doors analysing each and every single one of them. The last door was without identification but the mark of the metal card is still visible and perceptible as it leaves like a stamp of an 'F'. There was no visible sign of presence just small footsteps was audible and closing in until the door lock completely broke the silence and opened. There, we stood still for a couple of long seconds before the silence was broken...

- Hi! - And the silence was back again, but this time I was being analysed somehow albeit that didn't stopped me from continuing. - I'm glad I'm at the right place and more fortunate so to have found you still here...

After a bit longer, she gesture me to enter pointing initially to a nearby chair but then, to a closed room near the entrance door. It was the living room. All things considered, it's pretty ok. We both sit in different couches at different ends of the room and she started.

- I believe I know why you're here but I need to you to tell me anyways. So... go ahead!

Her eyes were already ready to overflow but I had a duty and a promise to keep. I picked up my jacket and took out the old man's photo. Looked at it, and gently put it in a cracked little table in from of her. Immediately recognizing it, she shut her eyes and a big tear dropped into her lap...

I looked around trying not to tear myself apart and to gain strength to what I'm about to tell...

The room is mostly standing but it has some deep holes in the outer wall and floor. What looks like the remains of a big table are way back against the furthest wall. The rest remains with only cracks and holes but a lot of broken glass dust lingers all over the floor.

I got up and started to walk towards the near window...

- Stop! - She ordered. - That area is very unsafe. Below is completely obliterated! - A pause was made... - Sit! Just tell me!

As instructed, I went back to my previous spot and started slowly...

- Like you've already guessed... He is no longer amongst us... He... He died while resting so I don't think he suffered much. - I stopped for a moment to contain myself... - After all this... 'destruction' started, I've found him just outside, still near our workplace, passed out cold. I've woke him up and we helped each other get into the nearest and closest place we could find and think of. Once in there, we've found some people and one of them had medical skills. He had been knocked out by something so we asked for help but it seamed like his lung were also affected somehow, and we couldn't get him into a hospital... Eventually he was able to fell asleep but never woke up... I'm... so Sorry!

A big tear fall on my lap from each of my eyes and I rushed to immediately stop the flow... She, while very observant, already knew what to expect earlier, as soon as she had gazed upon me without him. My guess would be that she's here only because of the possibility of him returning here like a rendez-vous place of sorts. Now, it was clear that maybe it was a waste of time... While still hiding her face, she broke the little silence that since came between us...

- Thanks for being thorough! I must admit that it surprises me that you came all the way here for giving me this picture and telling me about his last adventure. I've always looked badly to people of the likes of yourself... Young... Impulsive... Controlling... I always feared that it would rub off on my dad and it would get him into trouble or worst...

- I'm sorry to disappoint right of the bat without even really knowing me, but we were always actually more like healthy listeners to each other, much like those shrinks you find around every corner minus the expensive hourly pay. - Paused for a moment... - Let me be clear that we were in no way, drinking buddies! We listened to each other, commented, advised, laughed... I suppose one can even say we were friends without even realizing it! Let's leave it at that!

Looking at my straight face, she eventually started laughing out loud with no sings of stopping... I find that a tad ridiculous but didn't say a word. In fact, almost didn't even moved a muscle. Every person has their own way of coping with pain, and that could be hers. After a little while she started to stop...

- Ok... Look... I meant no disrespect. I'm just a straight shooter with a big mouth, a noisy way of being and a tendency to be picky. Pay no heed to all of it. - Safekeeping the photo... - What are your plans now?

- Excuse me? - As I asked myself why would she want to know.

- Obviously, you're a planner! A person that tends to make plans for each step they take even if they are mostly abstract. Am I wrong? Besides, as crazy as my father always was with his romantic vision on life, he was usually right about somebody... And he, more than once, told me about you and that you're trustworthy. Also, he mentioned that if I ever needed help, most likely, you could and would help.

Saying that, she left the room... From were she'd went, the sound of a lot of drawers opening and closing repeatedly was being made. She's either looking for something or something of the sorts...

I was left standing there with her words echoing, and I realise that maybe people look at me, simply, like a helping hand and nothing else. Maybe a discardable one... I may be wrong about this but it makes sense...Some of that people that gets near me, do so by wanting something from me, that it's not me or my company, and then just steps away once they've obtained it. Yeah... that looks like a description that fits most of my life!... Not that I haven't noticed before... It's just that... Well...

- You're thinking about what I said, aren't ya? Daddy warned me about that... - I looked at her peaking from the entrance, but remained in silence. She, then, stand in front of the door sorting through some papers, and then, with the lack of my reaction she twisted her mouth and went away... - You look like you have a purpose, but... Why don't you stay for the night?

- ...I left... a friend downstairs. I... We should get going. You can come with us if you want. You've learned about the gathering announced over the radio? We're heading there now... - I finallld...

A long moment of silence was made followed by the same secondary noises previously being made.

- You sound... Busy! Can I help you with anything? - I tried to lighten the air but no reply was heard. - Do you wanna come with us?

- Can you come here, please? - I stepped away from the living room, crossed the hall and entered the room from where the voice was coming. - I need help carrying this... And... If you trust your friend, then I'll go with you! Just... tomorrow!

I instinctively smiled slightly as I heard that at the same time I've entered the room from where all the previous commotion was... Actually, there was only less than half of it left. Most of it is completely destroyed and quite literally open to the outside. The previously small marks of destruction found here and there, were all but invisible in that room. It was almost like I was near some collapsed building that I previously pass through. On the only remaining wall, a giant closet of drawers and the entrance... No door though. The floor was cracked and scary everywhere you look but she moved over it swiftly and with confidence.

- From the outside and given the circumstances, I'd say that this place was spared from devastation but I see that it is a fool's idea. - I confess.

- Yeah, you could say that! And I'm right in the frontier! What better view could I ever ask for? Right? - She said sarcastically but continued... - I'm hoping to make a great sale! Know anybody interested?

That caught my by surprise but not as much as the floor cracked suddenly and severely under her forcing me to grab and pull her inwards.

- Maybe you should do some repairs first! You know... Just the essentials... Floors... Walls.... Ceilings... What do you say?

Somehow she got intrigued by my response and I started to feel awkward. Nonetheless...

- Sure. I'm ready to go! But I still think we should go tomorrow and rest for the day. - She insisted while analysing me.

- Look, my friend is a dog. I don't know if it's a good idea to bring her here even if for the night...

She laughed hard again...

- What?! She's probably gonna poop all over the recked apartment? Oh big woop! ... I'm never gonna get those stains off! What will I do? - She continued her sarcastic remarks.

I couldn't help but wonder... "I'm an idiot!"

- Okay... I'm gonna get her. Be right back! - I said as I turned around to leave. At the entrance, I stopped and without turning around while looking down... - Thank you!

I left the building with no rush and started to call for Felicia. By the second call with getting a reaction from nowhere I started to worry... As I turned, there she was like a good girl right behind me. I sigh in releaf and exasperated all the sudden worries. I never had children of my own or even a dog as a pet, but somehow I feel very protective.

- Come on. We're gonna sleep indoors today and with a nice person nonethes!

She sprang up and instantly got ready...

- Be nice! - I quip.

As we got inside the apartment she petrified for a moment.. I'm fact, both of them did as they gazed upon each other. That lasted long as they ended up embraced between themselves.

- Traitor! - I said while smiling at the situation. - Her name is Felicia. - I promptly informed.

- Felicia... - She digested the name. - Yes! I liked that. - She declared. - I'm Donna! Nice to meet you! - Then, turning to me... - You sleep where we talked earlier and Felicia sleeps with me... If you don't mind that!

- No, it's fine!

It was starting to get really dark and it's best if we use the night to rest so I got myself as comfortable as I could get and just lied there.

'What's going on with the world?', 'Why isn't any help coming?', 'What is the right thing to do now?'... All these questions haunted me until I fell asleep.

A new day is starting... A ray of hope rise from the remains of some shades left by a nearby window, hit me with the first sunlight rays straight in the eyes.

I wakeup slowly feeling the laziness leaving my body as I try to move myself. Finally, I find my way to sit in a quirky way and my brain starts to tease me with the business at hand and the problems we'll face ahead. I start to feel heavy as I lift myself... stretching my arms as I let loose some weird noise... guess I'm just being grumpy.

Without time to enjoy it, Felicia enters the room in a rush and nearly flew against me! I don't really know how I was able to hold her off but somehow I saved myself at the same time, by grabbing her paws... She grunted with her happy tail, twirl a couple of times and left. I sit back trying to fully awake from my slow spring and she's back again with that inexplicable insane happiness. This time, a new partner in crime appeared... it was Donna, curiously observing from the outside of the room.

- I thought you were an early bird and not a lazy bum! I guess my father was just wrong. Get up and let's get going! - She announced.

- I'm not... - I stopped myself and just began to gather my belongings. - Do you need help with anything? - I asked loudly.

- No... just... just feeding her before we go.

- Ok... I'll wait for you both downstairs. - And with that, I left.

The air outside if still very much filled with dust still settling down, but you can feel a sweet breeze that feels like the morning...

The bike was were I left it but now it's almost irrelevant for there is only one. At least it can carry our stuff like a mule would. I parked right beside an upside down car in the street already burned down. Lost myself in thoughts when smoothly I felt a hand over my shoulder making me turn my head suddenly.

- Didn't want to frighten you! I'm... sorry! - While continuously looking at me, she throw me a half smile and then something pushed her a step forward forcing her to grab hold of my shoulder to balance herself. Felicia is being a trickster again...

- No worries... - I replied as I grabbed her opposite elbow to help her when she got struck. - Now you, miss Felicia - I continued in a pranky kind of way... - ...you do that again and you'll be in big trouble missy! Now come on!

With her head clearly down she slowly starts to walk in the direction I've randomly pointed. Meanwhile, Donna was laughing and shaking her head but she also started walking in the same direction following her.

- Ladies! I know I pointed that way but we haven't discussed itinerary and there's somewhere I wanted to go before going to the port. - I paused I bit... - Maybe the best course of action is for you and Felicia to go to the port and I'll catch-up later! Sounds good?

- ...fine. - She sigh heavily but didn't move.

- What's wrong? Did you wanted to come with?

- No, not at all. I get it. You have somewhere to be and I understand that. I just thought that we weren't splitting up, but don't worry it'll be just fine.

- What? No! There's just a book and a special memento that I want to pick up if at all possible 'cause I feel like I may not have another opportunity. That's all. - A big silence stand while our eyes crossed. Do you want to come with me?

It seamed that the only audible answer I'm getting is from Felicia that barked righ away, for Donna just stand ready, asking...

- So... where to?

- We'll go that way! If we get good pacing, we can get there by the end of the day, maybe a little earlier.

Donna called Felicia and they both just started to walk in the last direction that I pointed. I stand there ready to go but unable to leave it alone what just happened. I stared at them walking away until they noticed and called me up... Rushing my pace in the beginning I quickly caught up to them.

The leftover roads are mostly nothing more than just pathways these days. As we walk over them, they prove to be fragile and very brittled making us fall more times than we care to count and delaying or arrival, but still, as the night starts to fall over us, we've arrived.

Although some of it are still standing, practically everything is destroyed, including my 'once upon a time home'. An enormous pile of rouble is all that's left of the front of the building and also the only way to get in as unsafe as it may look. Everything everywhere looks unsafe or destroyed all around us...

- I'm going in! If... something... happens, better not go try and help. Just walk away and go directly to the port. It's that way! - After a short pause I continued. - I hope to be back in about an hour tops... but...

I waited for a response... some kind of reaction but... No more words were uttered, only a minor head shake in agreement and I left adventuring myself up the pile.

The mere climb was steep and treacherous leading me to the ground quite some times before I was able to get to the top and find some stable footing and a hole as an entrance to get in. The Sun was already setting and it's probably a bad idea to be in there with the aggravation of partially no light. Still, I'm somehow confident.

After getting in through the hole, I found myself in a big room with a long yet cracked dinner table at the end of it, a lot of smashed chairs laying around the table with only two of them still in one piece. On the side that I entered I'm guessing there was a TV and such since there are broken electronics mixed with rubble. A large single piece carpet fills most of the floor with an odd pattern of a giant flock of birds splitted in two groups. The light and the dark ones. Both groups flying towards each other. I stand there for a moment wondering what that could mean for the owner... Next to that room is the hallway and main entry. Aside from loads of dust and sand, nothing much is happening in here. My place is at the opposite end of the building and three floors up from where I'm standing, so in order to proceed, I confidently open the exit door and in doing it so I almost got under the large boulders that came crashing inwards. Big scare there but at least it left a way to crawl upwards and that's were I went...

A lot of dust is in the air due to the rock slide from before and because of that, I had to cover my breathing while crawling through the maze that became of the broken stairs. Finally arriving at my floor I noticed my door top shattered but with no signs of entering or tempering with it. It also doesn't look like a fresh break. A small boulder is locked on the side of the hole in the door and water from a broken wall sprinkles over it, darkening the exposed side of the rock.

With a little fear I slowly unlock and start to open the door. The small mountain of rocks by it remained completely in place even I slide entered my 'Once upon a time' home.

I had quite the big apartment divided by a kitchen, a bathroom, the small entrance hall, a good living room, a master bedroom and a secondary bedroom made into a library. Unfortunately, most of it's completely destroyed or impossible to access. From the rooms I have access, I grab my portable bag of tools of when I think of playing 'Mister Fix-it-all', a tablet where I stored some precious photos from the past, a book that I wrote and some other small odds and ends that I could get my hands on.

Lastly, I grabbed my cereal box still unopened and noticed the phone power cord. Hesitant, I ended up stuffing it all in my backpack.

Heading out, I noticed that between entering and searching, a good two hours have almost passed...

I look hesitantly to the exit I'll have to squeeze myself in and a little tremor runs down my spine like a warning. Still, I venture myself. Although scary, dusty and as dark as it lacks space to move freely, all was going fine until... my original entrance no longer existed. It had caved in somehow!

I have no choice but to go back and move upwards along the floors until I find an exit. As it was said, it was also done. Two floors up, there was an entrance to an apartment openly destroyed and some natural light could be seen in the distance as some kind of reflection. Being cautiously optimistic I venture inwards. A lot was destroyed but a clear path the balcony was available! The blinds were almost completely shut hence the darkness in that room. But it was a darkness with rays of hope! I've opened the balcony doors, went into the kitchen to grabbed a broom and went back. Since it's electrical blinds and no power is running through these walls, I must force it into opening and so it is. At first is was really hard to pull up but I managed to pull enough to such the brooms head. I took my time to rest and get my breath back, and then it finally gave it another go. This time, right from the get go, I felt it snap and all became easy enough for me pull up the rest. I probably broke the lock and because of that it won't hold itself pulled up, but I was counting on something like this happening and so I stuck the broom upright under it, securing it by its height.

As I entered the balcony, dirt, dried leaves and a ripped bag of plastic already deteriorating, fills the floor. The railing looks in perfect condition considering... I'm not very fond of heights and that's... well... too much! And if that's not enough, there's only rocks under it. I'm on the opposite side on where I entered in the building, and as such Donna won't be able to see me or even hear me. From where I am though, I could see Felicia sniffing around so I drop a vase to call her attention and it worked. She approached the shattered vase and I called to her. She responded immediately when she looked up and saw me, and after a couple more barks, she fled.

Analysing my situation, I realise that this is as low as I'm gonna get. Other possible exists are only at higher spots. So, I devise a plan to get lower no mater the fright it may cause me. And so, I went back inside the get all the bed sheets I can find and get my hands on, pilled them over the balcony exit and as I went for more, I thought a heard a voice coming from outside. Looked around, but didn't saw anyone.

I don't know much of it but I do know a couple useful knots like the "double fisherman's knot", which I immediately started to use to lock together the fabric that I had found, so I can create something like a rope.

Finishing it, looks sturdy enough for me to use. Now, the only thing missing is the 'lock' which I'm planning on creating from these curtains. I'm hoping that they are as strong as they look.

I twist them together for more resistance and started twirling like a snake through a couple of the bars in the railing of the balcony until, after completely twisted together, I binded then together using the same knot as before. From there, I took one end of my newly made rope, and twist and turned with my lock making sure it was as secure as I could possibly get, and throw outside the rest, stretching it along the building.

Starting at the uneven floor from the balcony I try to get myself used to the height and to get courage to overcome my fear of heights. For a moment, the wind blows hard, like pushing me over the railing. When it pass, I somehow loose my grip and as a small earthquake hit, it was enough to push me out.

By sheer luck, I end up grabbing my 'rope' and I thank it a million times that it is holding my weight, and the earthquake stops. Shaking all over and with a racing heart, I fear the danger is not yet over, and I try to slowly drop-slide myself through the rope that I so dearly created, when I realise it will only get me to the first floor balcony. None the less, I took that opportunity with caution and from there it was actual a very easy parkur drop to the base level of the street.

At that moment I felt observed and was right about it... I had more than two pairs of eyes glancing at me all the time.

As I got to the base floor, I stumble and fall. Got a knee and an elbow scratched, but ended up faking a small injury. Intensely, I grab my foot as in pain and the extra figures start to gradually show themselves from behind a giant tractor tire. A couple about the same age as me, scratched a little everywhere and with tired expressions, came closer and closer to me.

At about five steps apart they stop, fixating someplace else. Some distance behind me, I found Donna with what looks like a gun pointed at them as they froze in scare. I breath deep as started...

- Hello there! Who are you? She won't shoot without reason to, so... don't give her one!

Both of them look momentarily at me and then focused back on Donna. Understandable... The guy looks like it's literally shaking and although the girl looks deceivingly weak, she's the one to break their silence.

- We... have no home now. We survived but our family died so we could be saved. Please don't kill us! We just want to find people and survive. We promised we would to our mother.

Either of them were clearly frighten but desperate to show themselves. From my bag, I took out the bread I've found earlier.

- I believe you can put the gun away, right? ...and you two... here. You look hungry! - They accepted the bread with hesitation and eyes wide open. - We should get going before it darkens completely. - I look at Donna looking for some kind of answer as if questioning her if we should invite them to join us.

- Yes... I'm sorry to scare you. - She put away her gun. - We're are you headed? ...and... who are you? - Donna questioned.

After a few crossed looks between them, they started to explain, taking turns to speak.

- We were locked in the building of the coffee shop of the family. We were closing up and cleaning when we got caught. With the first signs, we took shelter on the dispenser but ended getting locked away. After some long hours all appeared to had faded away and we starting to dig out as we could. Eventually, we were able to free ourselves. That was yesterday. After that we haven't seen anyone... - She stopped, took a deep breath and continued. - ...at least, no one alive that is. You both are the first ones we've seen since, but... it's such a mess everywhere that... I believe... we're afraid.

A paused silence created something like a friendly connection...

- Do you know about what's been happening? - I started as they looked at each other in silence. So I continued. - A very long and dangerous shower of meteors bathe us all. We don't know the extent of the damage it caused but what ever the case may be, it is most likely, in a dimension never ever seen before in recorded history. But it looks like there are some plans for rescue in existence. On the radio we accidentally listened to a looping recording, indicating every survivor to head to the nearest ports and wait for briefing and transportation some time around the next Friday. We are heading there! I suggest you do the same. Do you wanna come?

- How do you know it's not a prank? - The girl started. - I mean... well... it could be bad.

As I was about to speak, Donna stopped me.

- Look!... we are not asking you to believe us or what we are saying, nor even the radio recording. Heck, we are not even asking you to join us. We are just inviting you to come along for the ride, to see for ourselves and decide if it's true or not! It's not like tomorrow you'll have to go to work, right? We are just believing that no matter how bad a situation is, there's still hope if we just try! We lost people... our homes... our everyday lifes... Why not believe we can rebuild it all again and fight for a better future? - We all looked at each other. - I won't defend our position any further. You want to come with us, and you are welcome. We, are definitely going... now! Just... don't turn life in a big budget disaster movie!

And with that, she picked her stuff and started moving away.. A moment after, I followed. They didn't move and they faded into the distance as we walked our path...

As I picked up Donna's pace I could clearly see the running tears falling from her checks, under a now reddish sundown glow.

- It's their decision! You did very well to try to persuade them. Donna, let's find a place to sleep! Ok?

- No! I mean... Can't we just keep going with the moonlight? - She recalls my attention to the moon by point towards it. - We need around three days to get there, right? We could be a little bit ahead of time. Maybe get a better feel about what will happen or... something, or...

- Ok. - I tried to smile a little but stopped immediately as I saw a heavy tear drop right before she looked away. - Of course we can...

I reach a pocket in my bag and retrieve an unopened pack of Kleenex, opened it, softly grab her left shoulder to call her attention and show support as I handed then with my other hand. She was trembling with tears running her face in a nonstop single motion, just like in accordance with her feet that take a step after the other in an uncertain way. I feel so helpless towards people sadness...

- Why don't we stop for a little while? I... have to... make inventory. Yeah, I... just throw stuff in here earlier and brought it so... it's all a mess inside. - I noticed my own voice shake and ready to fail. - Look, there's a clea... cof... clearing! ...please?

She shook her head in agreement and we parked over some rocks of what looked like it used to be a fountain. For a while, I kept myself busy by taking out all of my backpacks content and put it all in again. Meanwhile, she would silently cry on the other end. I quickly finished repacking and dropped the bag right on front of us while I slowly sit beside her. Slowly, I rub my hand over her shoulders increasing the area until I was across, on the other shoulder and she dropped herself over me, crying even more fiercely and effusively.

Silent tears came dripping down her cheeks... Her eyes were either dancing like in search of something or strongly shut tight as if wanting to flee from reality. I've seen her cries before but it was nothing compared to now. Before it was merely a few tears streaming down as if caused by dust, but now it's not just tears but also a great sadness within being released in one go. Maybe too much was bottled up and now it's just near impossible to stop before being completely relieved. No matter the case may be, and although I'm only mentally making suppositions about what can cause such sadness, such despair and so much drainage of one's self, the truth is that I'm completely powerless, again...

Without thinking, I act... with one of my hands already over her shoulder, I simply stop and grab hold of her, trying to stop her feeling of losing strength. With my other arm, I reached inside my pocket to retrieve the bag of Kleenex which I slowly delivered to her as she grab them with both of her hands joined together and shaking a little. Within me, a great sadness was already very close to overflowing but I kept repeating to myself to be strong no matter what, because she needed to see that she can hold on, for no matter how sad one can become, everybody have the power to overcome it, although I was continuingly being put to the test...

There was absolutely no sign of getting better and so I pulled her completely towards me and let her rest with her head on my chest , very close to my shoulder, and with the other hand I started to clean her tears. One by one, I scrape tear after tear with only the side of a finger, but that seamed to made her cry more intensively. Instinct took over as I raised her chin with my free hand and began to kiss every droplet of tear she cried until, after a while, she stopped crying and we just stood there looking at each other. I slowly pushed myself a tad away from her to be able to get a good look and sealed it with a small long kiss on her forehead. After that, she straightened herself, looked around the floor like something somewhere had fallen, pulled me away while asking me to release her. Trying to be of further help, I inclined forward, towards her but she just stand. I sigh with my eyes closed shut and sit properly.

- I need to go to the bathroom. - She said... and walked away.

I gulped dry at the hole situation. I felt it was tuff on us both, but clearly tuffer for her. For all intents and purposes, I just actually met her for just a few days now. I guess it's only normal to be difficult to trust someone new enough to be opened about it and share our despairs with each other. Somehow, I trust her and feel that she trusts me back but still, something feels amiss like there's something that doesn't belong... Trusting, is a very special gift that is given...

I remained there, quiet and lonesome until Felicia came for me. Very slowly, she exited the shadows were she was lurking and got closer. Close enough to start liking my entwined hands like liking a wound. I knew she understood the sadness that we were expressing, and without notice, I collapsed on my knees and hugged her. On the next moment I felt the weight of her snout drop over my shoulder and with it a small dog cry.

Don't know for how long I remained like that, but I became alert and fearful when she forcefully e and abruptly pulled her head and started growling at the darkness. It is now, completely night and on the floor, just a small hand-crank flashlight almost losing juice, lighted the surroundings. I picked it up, turned it off and hoped for my eyes to adjust fast to the darkness. At the same time, a big cold feeling when through my spine and it was no shiver. I squatted and quickly exchange the hand-crank flashlight for a battery powered one, took out a small empty bag and dropped on it all of my rechargeable dead batteries and an opened energy bar pack and closed it, leaving it by my side. Following the growls, I tried to figure in the shadows out were she was looking at, and with that, I put two or three steps between us in the opposite direction and throw my backpack into a burnt car.

Lastly, I went for Donna's backpack, removed the screwdriver placing it on my belt and also throw it into the same car.

Felicia wasn't calming down no matter how much I'd pet her. Finally, I simply whisper:

- Were's Donna? Find her, girl! But be careful!

I grabbed firmly to her fur and she pulled me through that darkness quite a distance... Some stars danced in the sky while bathing a small clearing with very low light but enough to see a body laid on the floor. At the distance, a shadow appears to be fleeing the scene running away. I looked back at the layed down body and almost stopped my breathing as step by step, I shorten the distance.

Finally, I got close enough to depict more details and silently rejoiced for not being Donna. The laid down body was clearly of a woman's, dropped on her belly. I placed her arms by her side and began to turn her around. Right after, I hear sprinting footsteps towards me and by instinct I flee to the side and quickly stand ready for what I could. Standing still, gave me an advantage as I was the first recognize who was shortening distance with me at a fast pace.

- Donna! Donna stop! It's me!

She began to slow down but almost immediately restarted her sprint. I took a small step back right before she arrived, but she didn't stop and she shocked with me at the same time that she hugs me deeply while burying her face in me. At first I was petrified for the unexpected gesture but then began to hug her back. I felt her arms around my chest, squeezing a tad and then more every moment it passes, just enough that it didn't hurt. Resting my chin on her shoulder did not lasted long for her forcefully pushed me away and punched me in the gut.

- You're welcome... - I said in a hurtful way.

- Where were you? - ...and left to observe the woman on the floor. With no answer, I followed.

We tried to put the unconscious woman more comfortable by wrapping a jacket lying on the floor. Her's, I suppose. Grabbed the flashlights and turned then on. Donna and I looked immediately at each other, but no word was needed, we understood our worries.

The woman on the floor looked very young, maybe early twenties at most. Her cheeks showed remarkable old bruises, but it was her head that was slowly bleeding although nothing critical. She is wearing light brown hiking boots with long and thick white and gray socks. Some short tight jeans pants with a very thin black belt. And a very light white top covered by a light gray shirt and a light white wool sharp. She have short light brown wavey hair spread all over the place and some is already stained with blood.

I don't know what to do and I don't think it's a good idea to slap her awake 'cause she's already bruised and it could be bad for her, so I grabbed her nearest hand and began to slap it while calling out to her. Donna was more direct. She slapped her only once but so hard that out made me cringe on the spot but it sure did the trick. The downed woman began to slowly open her eyes...