A Ring is in the sky, the United States launched a nuclear attack on itself, and Arthur just wants life to be normal.
In the Year Zero, the Ring appeared in Earth's skies. The United States has fallen apart, and the world endures nuclear winter. In Year 8, Arthur, born and raised in Portland, Oregon and son of the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, seeks a better life in the Holy State of Zion, the new capital of scientific advancement, which claims to be a "sanctuary for the righteous."
However, this "sanctuary" does not appear to be what it seems.
Elliot's partner was his whole world, but after Allan's death, his ghost haunts Elliot's dreams. Everyone tells Elliot to move on, but he isn't sure he can.
*****
It's been a year since the love of Elliot's life, Allan, passed away. Everyone thinks he should have recovered after that much time, but Allan still haunts Elliot every night. He struggles to maintain relationships with his family, and despite a coworkers interest he can't summon up the courage to date. Elliot is living for the past, because to live for the present means he'll have to live with a hole in his heart. But the question Elliot has to face chases him through his monotonous days: is mourning Allan with everything he has truly living?
[[word count: 40,000-50,000 words]]