Everybody is dead

Seventh chapter : news frome the old world

Alan sits alone in the middle of the main room, as usual he has chosen a seat near one of the windows. He gazes out at the street, the buildings, and the sky with an empty expression. He is lost in his thoughts to such an extent that he hasn't noticed the day passing. It was almost a normal day, no shots fired, everyone was busy, and most importantly, no one was in danger. The feeling of security was something that Alan had practically lost, he didn't even remember what it felt like to be "safe" anymore.

He continues to gaze at the moon with a look filled with deep thoughts until his inner reflection is interrupted by someone entering the room.

Ferragus: Oh, sorry, I didn't know you were here.

Ferragus starts to back away to leave before Alan raises his arm to tell him to stop.

Alan: No, no, it's fine, we don't care. Come sit down, it'll be dinner time soon.

Ferragus nods and moves to sit beside Alan, also beginning to gaze at the full moon.

Ferragus: Dinner ? You're going a bit far in the idea of comfort, but I'm not complaining.

Alan: We make do with what we have.

Ferragus (chuckling at the situation): Even if tonight it's canned food on a bed of stale hospital bread ?

Alan: You're not helping the situation, you know that, right ?

Ferragus (smiling): Well, actually, I might be.

Ferragus retrieves his backpack, which was leaning against the wall next to him.

Ferragus: I didn't tell you, but I brought a camping stove with me.

Alan: Are you serious ?

Ferragus: Of course ! With this, we'll be able to have a hot meal. Don't tell me you haven't missed that ?

Alan: It's true that energy bars and packaged junk were starting to annoy me.

Ferragus: Ah, there we go !

Alan (rubbing his head in annoyance): And which canned food are you planning to use ?

Ferragus: Hmm, well, why not the cassoulet ?

Alan: Do as you wish, anyway, I doubt I'll ever eat a real meal again.

Ferragus (wanting to prove Alan wrong): And why's that ?

Alan: Because the day you manage to find a rib-eye steak with fries and veal jus, I'll have kids.

Ferragus (deciding to take Alan's words literally): Very well, then I suggest you start looking for their future mother now because one day I'll show up with the best rib-eye steak, Belgian fries, and veal jus from a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Alan (cynically): Sure, but first, you have to make this canned food edible.

He said, firmly placing the object on the wide windowsill.

Ferragus (takes the can): Alright, but first, I'll need fire.

Alan (pulls out his matchbox): Got it, here.

Alan throws the box to Ferragus who catches it, and he begins to get to work.

He starts by setting up his stove and opens the window to prevent the smoke from triggering an alarm that might still be active. He lights it up and heats a small saucepan that comes with the stove. Alan watches silently, the more Ferragus progresses, the more curious he becomes about the outcome.

The next step for Ferragus is to open the can. He does so and begins pouring the cassoulet into the saucepan. Then, he lowers the heat to allow the dish to cook at a low temperature but also to give him time to address the special touch of the dish, the bread.