Peanut Butter Sandwiches

“I know that there was a big church here?”

“Used to be?”

“Yes, used to be, before…”

“Yea, before… come on let’s keep moving, it’s starting to get dark.”

“You mean the time of day or…”

“Sure…”

“Right, so where are we headed?”

“For tonight I figured we’d try the grocery store, stock up on supplies before we head east.”

“You think we can find somewhere to sleep before midnight?”

“Maybe, you’re from here, originally so do you know of any furniture stores?”

“Used to, if any are still standing.”

“That’s what I’m hoping about the grocery store, that it’s still there and that there is anything left inside.”

“Well I don’t think many people… survived, not up here on the surface.”

“No, they couldn’t have, how did you know to go down there?”

“I heard the sirens and noises, I didn’t have time to do anything but run and get into the shelter, most people were still motionless.”

“In shock.”

“That’s a poor choice of words, isn’t it?”

“It’s just reality.”

“There’s the store, looks like some of walls made it.”

“Good, let’s grab something to eat before we stock up.”

“Not good to shop while you’re hungry.”

“See you can still find humor in it.”

“It’s a coping mechanism.”

“Whatever works.”

“Grab some bread and peanut butter.”

“Got it, want Jelly?”

“Ugh never again, not ever.”

“I didn’t know being electrocuted would do that to flesh.”

“I don’t think that was normal electricity.”

“There was NOTHING normal about it.”

“Did you see anything? While it was happening I mean?”

“Nope, I didn’t come out of the shelter for two days. Did you?”

“I didn’t even open the vault until you knocked on it, I didn’t think I’d ever leave.”

“It’s a good thing I came along then.”

“How did you know I was there?”

“Been checking all the cellars and bunkers I’ve came across since I left mine.”

“So there could be more?”

“Could be, I just needed to find one, that’s what I promised myself.”

“One woman so we can procreate?”

“Don’t joke about that if you’re not serious.”

“I’m sorry, you didn’t mean…”

“I didn’t need to find a woman, just anybody.”

“It’s a lot better than being alone isn’t it?”

“Yea, but you know what? A week ago I wouldn’t have agreed with that for a million dollars.”

“Yea me either, I loved solitude. It only took one week for me to hate it.”

“It’s a lot different being alone when you don’t have a choice. I guess it was nice hiding away when I knew I could just, you know?”

“Go out and see people if you wanted? I know the feeling, it’s like even when I was alone before, I could feel people, feel them outside just waiting if I needed them. Or even if I didn’t I could feel the presence of humanity, a connection.”

“That’s good way of putting it.”

“Then when I thought I might really be alone, like really alone, wow…”

“That’s the loneliest feeling in the world.”

“I didn’t know it was even possible to feel that alone, it was unlike anything I’ve ever felt.”

“Now you don’t have to.”

“Shut up and eat your peanut butter sandwich.”