The New World (Tales at the End of the World #1)

Chapter 3

For a plant left to shrivel up in the desert to receive an abundance of rain is a feeling of pure joy. As if pulling this precious resource away would cause an eternal drought. That is how Morgan felt as she lathered her body in soap. She tried to ignore the person behind her. They stayed on separate ends of the shower switching to rinse off.

At some point, both planned to do a switch when they accidentally bumped into each other. Morgan, who was under the show head kept a level gaze at Nigel who was staring in return. Neither broke their gaze lest they see something they did not wish to see.

A few minutes passed in their stare down and neither moved. Nigel's hair was spiky and dripping wet. His lean torso was the first thing Morgan noticed. He was strong which would prove to be useful as he claimed.

Nigel took note of Morgan in return. To him, Morgan seemed more bark than bite. She had a fiery personality that he believed would be entertaining. She was remarkably beautiful too. Her brown hair and brown eyes was the first thing he noticed minus her personality.

After more silence, Nigel let out a cough, "Sorry, mind if I rinse off?"

Morgan blinked then nodded her head switching places. The rest of the shower was awkward silence until both changed and stared at themselves in the mirror.

"It's been too long since I've showered. I've forgotten how great it feels," Morgan let out content.

"Agreed," Nigel joked, "How else are the ladies going to see my beautiful, clean physique."

Morgan made a face, "Sure, whatever you say. I'm calling it a night. I call the bed."

"What no fair," Nigel pouted.

"If you want, you can have the car."

"The car's totalled."

"I'm well aware."

"Thanks for the care, I'll keep the couch," Nigel said lying on the stiff couch.

Meanwhile Morgan laid down in the large bed. She sighed string at the ceiling. She had an aching question, but held back. Luckily, Nigel asked first.

"What were you doing when it happened?"

"To be honest, I don't know myself. I was asleep and woke up to an empty house. At first I thought everyone just went on a an errand without me, but then I stepped onto the street. There was no one left. Then the storm came."

She swallowed, "It was horrible. The wind blew through destroying my home. In the aftermath, I crossed paths with my neighbour..."

Morgan choked feeling the memory of the entire experience. Flashes of what took place were in her head. They were forever etched into her memory. A single tear escaped her eyes as she fought to finish her statement.

"Mr. Marks was kind neighbour despite the fact I only ever interacted with him for such a short time. His words still haunt me, even now."

"What were his words?" Nigel asked cautiously sensing my discomfort.

"He said, 'Find the others. You must leave. There is nothing else here for you. You must survive'. It's pretty intense thinking about it now. I guess his words were what made me realize that there was nothing left for me at home. It started this journey."

"That's heavy," Nigel reacted, "Like you, I was asleep too. The night before, I was at a party for my buddy Rob at his cabin in the woods. Things were wild and the last thing I remember was a pain in my shoulder. I guess I might've had too much to drink that night. Anyways, I woke up and all my buddies were gone. At first I thought they were trying to prank me so I looked around the entire house with no success. After about a day, I ran out of food and drink and managed to make my way to the radio station. I've been there ever since."