FO4 | Book 0: The Diaries of Anarchy ✔️

November 2, 2257

"What do you mean you want to leave?" I asked Emily.

We stood on a ramp of the upper stands, leaning over the railing and overlookin' the city. My fingers and nose were cold, and when I looked at Emily, I could tell hers were too. Her nose and cheeks had turned pink, and I could see her breath.

"I just feel... I don't know. I feel trapped."

"Trapped how?"

"I love Guy with all my heart, but he doesn't make me happy anymore. I don't know what I want, but whatever it is, I can't find it in Diamond City. I want to go out there. Explore. Discover things. I'm still young, and the thought of getting married scares me."

I pursed my lips. I couldn't say I didn't understand. After working with the caravans for so long, I enjoyed my freedom outside these walls.

"Guy is going to be devastated if I tell him," she mumbled, lacing her fingers together over the railing.

"Yeah. He's already pissed at me for losin' my job again."

Just last week, I had lost my job with the caravan. They caught me red-handed takin' Buffout from the supply when I couldn't get my hands on any from Dominic or the shops in Diamond City. The withdrawals were too much to handle, so I sneaked some out of the supply, and I got busted immediately.

The pricks pressed charges on me for theft once we got back to the city, so I had to pay back what I had stole, plus a fifty-cap fine.

"Not just that, but we just bought that other house beside Home Plate and knocked down that wall. After a big step like that, you'd think we would be focusing on marriage and having kids or something, but... I'm beginning to realize more and more that it's not the life I want."

"What do you say to him when he brings it up?"

"I just... smile and nod, then change the subject."

"Why don't you just be honest with him? You're stringin' him along."

"I know, I know. But he just looks so happy when he talks about it. I like it when he's happy. I don't hate him; I care about him a lot. I'm just... not in love with him anymore."

"But you're not happy." I frowned. "You do what you gotta. I don't wanna see you leave. You're the sister I never had. But... I support ya."

She gave me a small smirk. "Thanks, John. You know, after my grandma passed, you really helped me stay positive. I hope you know how wonderful it's been being your friend."

"Likewise, Emily."

Her face changed then. She started to cry. She wrapped her arms around me tightly and pulled me close to her.

I held her close to me in a tight hug. "You're the first person I've ever had the privilege of saying 'goodbye' to. Wherever you go, don't get yourself killed."

"I'll try," she said with a sad laugh. "Please, help me talk to Guy. I can't do it by myself."

"Of course." I pulled away from her. "Let's go."

We walked quietly back to the house past the square. Inside, Guy was there on his knees with his head under the sink, wrench in hand.

"Guy, can I talk to you?" asked Emily.

"Yeah, give me just a second to fix this sink. I think it's been leaking. Last thing we need right now is water damage — I don't wanna wind up replacing the floor, too."

"The sink can wait," she said. "It's important."

Guy turned to look at her, worry plain on his face now. "Okay... what's going on?"