Capsule

Chapter 4

They spend the night clearing the fourth floor, and after making a hole in the southeast wall, they start to carefully clear the debris away from the massive dimple in the flooring. Sheet metal and drywall crash onto the grounds below. They manage to clear all of the debris by morning. They block off the hole in the wall with a rotting couch from one of the reading nooks. Both men are gasping and panting as they limp down the stairs.

"I don't think I've worked that hard since before I went under." Synth says, catching his breath.

"You should try dragging a broken-down car across a city," Yonge replies, equally exhausted.

They walk down to the fire pit and pull up two of Synth's chairs from the same reading nook as the couch.

"How did you manage to get this from nothing?" Yonge asks.

"Honestly, these books." Synth responds. "I am not a survivor, by any means. I nearly died of starvation in my first few weeks. But I don't know; I'm good at following instructions, no matter how vague. Once I see the path I need to follow, I can make up the rest. But you, without books or anything, you got a car to work."

"I don't remember much from before. But there are... pieces... scattered around my head like broken glass. I have skills and knowledge, but I don't remember learning them. However, it gives me a rush when I do something like that. Taking something that was ruined and bringing it back to life."

"Do you think anyone will bring this place back to life?"

"I don't think so. I've been on the road for... a month? Maybe two? Hopping city-to-city. There is no one and nothing out here with us."

"Is everywhere else like this?"

"Pretty much. There is something up with the weather, though. The cities are pretty stable, but when you're out of the open... I've seen small towns eroded to sand by dust storms. I've seen tornadoes tear up land like it was trying to build a new world within itself. It's terrible out there and lonely too."

Synth reaches out to Yonge, and Yonge holds his hand.

"You're not alone anymore, and neither am I." Synth says calmly. "If we stick together, I think we can make it."

"It's good to be around others again," Yonge says, matching Synth's tone. "Thank you, Synth. Get some sleep. I'll keep watch."

"You don't need to keep watch. Those ceased-up doors keep the dogs out."

Synth pushes the chair back and lays down in front of the fire. Yonge does the same. He knows he will sleep easier. He worries about being so trusting, but he figures they're the last two people on this earth. Better to be trusting than fearful. He closes his eyes, something about the presence of another person. He feels safe and protected. As though his mind were set back on the civilized track by Yonge's arrival.

They wake up at around midday. Synth is hungry but full of energy. He goes to wake up Yonge. Yonge wakes up with a start.

"Hey Hey Hey, relax. Relax! It's me." Synth says, trying to diffuse the situation.

Yonge begins to calm down. He sits up and looks around, remembering where he is and that he's not alone.

"I have some traps I need to check." Synth says. "Do you want to come with me?"

"Uh.. yeah, sure. What time is it?" Yonge asks curiously.

"By the looks of it, noon. It's dry as hell out there. We're going to need to stop at my reservoir."