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Alternate Ending

Alternate Ending....

They all helped lower Vick into the ground. Cade kneeled next to his friend and put the wrestling belt across his waist. Everyone did their best to bury him quickly, silently, and with dignity.

One by one Cade and the others said their goodbyes to their friend. Tears welled, the wind was horrible, and no one said a word. 

With time expired Meg, Dwayne, Trina, Autumn, and Cade made their way in a hurry up to the checkpoint for Canada. There were guards posted everywhere. The grounds behind the border looked to be converted into a base. Tents were everywhere and in the middle was a large command center.

The border guards welcomed Cade and the others to Canada.

"You are only the third group of Americans to make it here," said a guard.

"We made it," exclaimed Autumn, "I never thought we would."

Several guards walked over to the group. One said, "Please follow us to the decontamination room, it shouldn't take very long."

Just as they turned to follow the guards, the nukes all landed. The ground shook violently, the air turned dark, and several mushroom clouds could be seen to the West, in America.

"Holy shit," said Cade "We did barely make it."

All became tearful as they followed the guards. Cade and Autumn held hands, as did Dwayne and Trina. Meg walked farther behind with her head in her hands. 

Led into a large tent that looked more like a locker room in high school than a government facility the guard said, "Everyone please get undressed and go into the room on the right." He added, "We will burn your clothes but new ones await you as you exit the showers.

Everyone got undressed shyly, friends are friends but naked people still blush. Hot, what felt like water steamed down from the ceiling. They were instructed to turn in circles to get maximum clean.

Finally after several minutes the showers stopped. The group exited and found towels and clothing. After getting dressed they met a General outside.

"Welcome to Canada everyone."

"Thank you for letting us come," said Dwayne. "Otherwise we'd be dead."

"I bet you guys had quite the adventure," said the General.

"It was more like hell sir," said Cade.

"Well there is more clothing and money for each of you in these bags, someone will give you a lift to Ontario where you can settle in or move on."

"Good luck to you all, oh yes, the mess hall is over there if you're hungry."

They ate a quick meal together and hopped into a jeep for Ontario. The group chattered happily about life and remembering friends.

As they unloaded from the jeep the Officer said, "Welcome home."

END.