Return to Youngstown

Chapter 6: Planning for the Future

The bunker was quiet, the silence thick with contemplation as the family processed the wisdom in Margaret Mary's letter. Her fierce spirit seemed to fill the room, reminding them of the strength they carried within them.

Michael stood at the makeshift table, the letter still clutched in his hand. "Grandma always knew how to get through to us," he said, his voice tinged with a mixture of sadness and resolve. "We need to follow her advice."

Mary nodded, her eyes wet with unshed tears. "We should check out St. Edward's Parish. If she said there are supplies there, it's worth the trip."

"We'll need a solid plan," Daryl added. "It's not safe out there. We can't just walk in unprepared."

Michael agreed. "First, we need to ensure the bunker is fully secure. Jelani, can you and Todd handle that?"

Jelani nodded, his expression determined. "We'll make sure it's fortified."

As the family dispersed to their tasks, Michael pulled Zachary aside. "Let's go over the supplies and see what we need to prioritize. We need to be smart about our resources."

Zachary, ever the diligent assistant, followed Michael to the storage area. "We have enough food for a few months if we ration carefully," he said, scanning their inventory. "But we should start a garden to supplement our supplies."

"Good idea," Michael replied. "Let's set up a plan for that as well."

While Michael and Zachary sorted through the supplies, Jelani and Todd worked on fortifying the bunker. They reinforced the entrances and set up a rotation for keeping watch. Meanwhile, Mary, Alexis, and the children arranged the sleeping areas, aiming to establish a sense of comfort and routine.

That evening, the family gathered to discuss their next steps. The news from Zachary's tablet was grim, with reports of escalating conflicts and foreign troops taking advantage of the chaos.

"We need to make that trip to St. Edward's Parish," Michael said. "But we need to be careful. Todd, Jelani, and I will go. The rest of you stay here and keep everything secure."

The next morning, Michael, Jelani, and Todd set out for St. Edward's Parish. The journey was fraught with tension as they navigated through back roads to avoid military checkpoints. The once familiar streets now seemed hostile, every shadow a potential threat.

As they approached the parish, Michael whispered, "I still can't believe Grandma kept this place a secret for so long."

"She was always a step ahead," Jelani replied, his eyes scanning the surroundings.

Inside the parish, the hidden entrance to the basement was exactly as Margaret Mary had described. They found a room stocked with supplies – canned food, medical kits, and even weapons. It was a treasure trove of resources, a testament to their grandmother's foresight.

As they loaded the supplies, the tension between Michael and Todd surfaced. Todd, carrying a heavy crate, paused and looked at Michael. "I supported Trump because I believed in his promise to make America great again. I thought he was our best hope."

Michael stopped and faced Todd, his expression hard. "And look where that got us. Martial law, foreign troops on our soil, and our families hiding in a bunker. Was it worth it?"

Todd's face tightened with pain and regret. "I didn't see this coming. I just wanted a better future for my kids. I was wrong, okay? I was wrong."

Jelani, sensing the growing hostility, intervened. "We can't change the past. Let's focus on surviving this."

Suddenly, a loud noise outside made them freeze. Todd, already off balance, stumbled and fell, clutching his leg in pain. Michael and Jelani rushed to his side.

"Todd, are you okay?" Michael asked, worry etched on his face.

"I think I twisted my ankle," Todd replied through gritted teeth.

"We need to get you back to the bunker," Jelani said, helping him to his feet.

The return journey was slow and cautious, every step fraught with danger. By the time they reached the bunker, Todd's injury had worsened. Alexis  and Mary immediately tended to him, their medical training from years of dealing with family emergencies coming in handy.

As Todd lay on a makeshift bed, he looked at Michael, his expression a mix of pain and regret. "I thought I was doing the right thing supporting Trump. Now look where we are. This is all a nightmare."

Michael placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You're here now, Todd. That's what matters. We'll get through this together."

As the family settled into their routine, the situation at Penn State weighed heavily on their minds. Mariah, Tyler, and Candice were in the thick of the protests, their involvement putting them in constant danger.

Late one night, a message came through from Mariah. "The National Guard is cracking down hard. We're organizing a major rally tomorrow. We need all the support we can get."

Michael read the message aloud to the family. The gravity of the situation was clear, and a heavy silence filled the room.

"We have to stay strong," Mary said, her voice breaking the silence. "For Mariah, for everyone out there fighting."

The next morning, as they were finalizing their plans for the garden and other long-term survival strategies, Zachary spotted something alarming on his tablet. "There's a convoy of military vehicles heading our way."

Michael's heart pounded. "Everyone, get ready. This isn't over yet."

The sight of the approaching convoy marked the beginning of a new and dangerous chapter in their fight for survival. The family braced themselves, knowing that their unity and determination would be their greatest strengths in the battles to come.