So far, we’ve spent the first half of our day loading sandbags from a truck of sand. Gerald had a couple guys load the truck last night and haul it in from an abandoned highway department site near the state park a couple miles up the road. He said there is plenty more if we need it. I hope we don’t. This work is hard as shit. My arms are killing me from shoveling sand and lifting filled bags all morning. After today, I think I’m going to need my allotted weekly shower. Gerald said he’s got the well outside of town up and running, so we’ll have our first shipment of clean water soon, then we should hopefully be back to two or even three showers per person per week.
7:59 p.m.
I have to say, for living in a post-apocalyptic type world, our dinners have been pretty damn good here in Spencer. Tonight we had ham, served with optional sides of eggs, noodles, green beans, and mashed potatoes. It was super tasty and really hit the spot after a hard day’s work.
This afternoon we returned to our scavenging work. We currently have enough sandbags filled and in place for the moment. We can position more if the flood waters continue to encroach on the square, which most of the longer-term residents don’t think will happen.
At the end of dinner, Gerald told everyone that (weather pending) we will hold a Fall Harvest Festival this coming Saturday. Everyone, including those living outside town in the rest of the county, will be invited.
He said that it will be a nice chance for everyone to get together in a non-work setting. There will be a pig roast, games, drinks, and music. It sounds like fun, and the kids and I are looking forward to it.
For now, it’s off for a quick board game with Violet and Dylan, maybe a little reading, and then I’m going to call it a night. I’m pretty beat from today’s work.
P.S. – Chase snuck me another bottle of wine after dinner. I’m too tired for a glass now, but I’m looking forward to having one tomorrow night.
Thursday, October 10 th
7:19 a.m.
This morning, while we were eating breakfast, Dylan asked me if I thought any of his friends were still alive, and then he started crying. It really caught me off guard. So far, he hasn’t asked me questions about much of anything. I’ve honestly been surprised by his strength and resilience throughout this whole thing, especially for an eight-year-old. I wonder if he’s been in shock up to this point. It wouldn’t surprise me.
I wasn’t sure how to answer. Then Violet chimed in asking if I thought that Felix the cat was okay. I told Violet that Felix was probably doing just fine, and then I tried to assure Dylan that many of his friends were probably still alive. But then he wanted to know when we were going home and if he could see his friends when we got back.
It all dissolved into a sort of cry-fest that I did my best to handle, but it’s so darn hard. Single parenting can be difficult in the best of situations, let alone when you’re trying to deal with this…WHATEVER it is…end-of-the-world Armageddon shit.
I don’t want to hide things from the kids, but how do you tell your children that the world as they once knew it, and the friends that they once had, are gone forever? I mean shit, really? Not exactly something they teach you in parenting 101.
Instead, I tried to change the subject and remind them that the Harvest Festival will be here in a couple days and that they should look forward to that. I half-jokingly tried to remind Dylan that it could be worse…he could be back in school, studying, doing homework, and taking tests.
I don’t think it helped.
I told them I’d try to get them over to the rec center tonight for some video games and movie watching. That seemed to perk them up a little. But for now, it’s off to work.
12:48 p.m.
I don’t have much to write. So far, it’s just been another day of scavenging.
Dylan and Violet seem to have recovered after their little breakdowns this morning.
For lunch, we’re having some leftover ham from last night’s dinner made into sandwiches and served with potato chips and bottled water.
It’s cloudy today, but so far the rain has stayed away. Hopefully it remains that way. I’m sick of rain. It’s windy, though, and the temperature is only in the low 40s. It looks like the river level has stabilized, so we can refocus our full attention on scavenging again.
I wonder what I’ll do once all this scavenging work is done? What will my role be? To be honest, I don’t have a ton of skills to be put to use in this new world. Running an online store doesn’t quite go for much when it comes to job qualifications these days. I don’t fish, I don’t hunt, I don’t knit, I don’t sew, I’m not good at fixing things, and I’m an okay cook but not the best. I’m a pretty quick learner; so that’s a plus, but I’m not sure what the expectations are going to be for me pulling my weight. Maybe I can help tend the community garden that’s being planned for this spring. That sounds like something I could do. I don’t know what other roles there will be. I’m pretty good with numbers. If they need someone to keep a running inventory of the supplies we have on hand, I could do that. But Gerald, Carolyn, and Erika handle most of that. Guess I’ll just have to wait and see. All I know is that I don’t want us to be a burden on these people who have been so good to us. I want us to earn our keep in some way, whatever that way is.
1:41 p.m.
How quickly things change in this new world of ours.
We were stopped early in our work today. Gerald called us all to a meeting inside the courthouse. We sat in a courtroom while he addressed us. It was such a strange setting. I have to admit, while I’ve seen a lot of them on television, I’ve never physically been inside a courtroom before.
Anyway, he told us that there had been a situation at the roadblock near the highway river bridge heading toward Bloomington. He said a group of armed men had confronted our security personnel and a skirmish had broken out. During the firefight, one of our people had been killed, and another injured. Three of the armed intruders were killed before they retreated.
Gerald explained that the men had come in search of supplies. When our people told them we’d be willing to trade, the men had become belligerent and said that it was a free country, that we didn’t own this entire town, and that they could and WOULD take whatever they wanted as long as it was in abandoned houses and hadn’t yet been claimed. Tempers flared and things got out of control. Our people had apparently called for backup when they saw vehicles approaching, and when our reinforcements arrived, that’s when the shooting started.
Gerald said he didn’t know if this was an isolated incident or whether these men were just a scouting party for a larger group with intentions of making a stronger push to enter the town later. He said that everyone needs to be on the lookout for potential intruders or people infiltrating the town to gain information about the number of inhabitants here, our defenses or our supply situation.
This really puts a damper on the upcoming Harvest Festival. But Gerald said things were still on for this weekend, at least for the time being.
Even though I didn’t know the man who was killed very well, a loss affects us all in such a small community. The only comfort we can take in his passing was that he was single and didn’t leave a wife or any children behind.
The other man injured in the fight seems to be doing okay; still, I think this whole event has been an eye-opening experience for the rest of our citizens. I’ve seen stuff like this back in Chicago, so it doesn’t surprise me that it’s finally made its way to small-town America. Maybe more than anything what HAS surprised me is how long it’s taken to reach us.
After the meeting adjourned, Gerald pulled me aside to ask me some questions relating to my experiences back in Chicago. I sent Dylan and Violet back with Edna so that we could talk. Gerald knew that our family had encountered our fair share of violence and wanted to know more about what to expect. I could only relate to him our own personal experiences, but I explained what Chris had told me about the roving gangs and their use of families to infiltrate homes, holding several
family members hostage to force the others to do their bidding. He found this both a terrible yet understandably feasible tactic for those desperate enough or evil enough to utilize it. I also told him how Chris had given us brief firearms training and that I was comfortable firing a weapon and had indeed fired one on multiple occasions in self defense along our journey here from Chicago.
To this point, only Gerald’s security forces have been given access to high-powered weapons (assault rifles and the like), but he thought it a good idea to begin training everyone on firearm use and safety. I agreed with him and said that I also thought it would be a good idea to provide all the adults at least a handgun to carry in the event intruders gained access to the town. He didn’t particularly like the idea, but agreed that in this sort of situation, it might be a pertinent move…at least temporarily.
And finally, I mentioned that he might want to consider positioning someone atop the courthouse rooftop. I explained that having lived in a third-floor condo back home, I had seen just how valuable holding the high ground could be and how Chris had used it to his advantage when defending our condo. I told Gerald I thought that if he put one or two of his best shooters up there with radio communication to the rest of the town and a fog-horn or bell or similar alert system, they could quickly notify residents of the square should the town be attacked or infiltrated. From that position, they could also help coordinate a defense should it be necessary and pick off any outsiders trying to enter the square.
He thanked me and said he appreciated my input and would consider what I’d said.
Then, to put his mind at ease about the weapon situation, I told him that I was never a big fan of guns, but that if I could learn how to safely use firearms and feel comfortable with them around, ANYONE could.
Gerald ended up giving everyone (security personnel excluded) the rest of the day off from work. The kids and I are going to have a nap then maybe take a walk and stop by the rec center for some games and play time before dinner.
P.S. – I dug Chris’ .38 handgun out of the top dresser drawer in the bedroom and reloaded it…just in case. I think the people here are a little more naïve, which I understand to a point. They didn’t see what I saw back in Chicago. But I’m not going to be caught unprepared. While they might not be ready for what’s out there, I sure as hell am.
10:04 p.m.
Tonight was nice, and it proved to be a good break from the stressful events of the day.
The kids and I took a short walk around town after our nap. We didn’t go to the river this time, instead choosing to walk the home-lined streets on the other side of Highway 46. They are such nice, cozy little avenues. It makes me somewhat sad that we didn’t get to visit the town before it was ravaged by the flu. I bet it was a sleepy little burg.
After dinner (pasta Alfredo with vegetables), Gerald announced that they had used power generated from the freight locomotive (that I have “so graciously blessed the town with” – his words, not mine) to power up the Tivoli, the town’s movie theater that’s located just off the square. He invited everyone, once they were done eating dessert (cookies and brownies), to attend a show there. He told us he thought we could all use something to take our minds off the events of the day and remind us of our not so distant past.
He was right.
The Tivoli was a neat old theater. I’d heard from some of the other residents that several fires had damaged the structure in the past, and at one point, it had been slated for demolition, but the town rallied to save and restore the structure. The theater was originally built in the 1920s in the Mission Revival Style, and much of the theater’s vintage charm had been maintained in the preservation efforts.
Almost the entire town turned out for the showing. The movie was a feature-length cartoon that I’d never heard of (although Dylan and Violet said that they had heard it was coming out before the flu hit). There was even candy, popcorn, and canned soda served. Erika came with Travis, who wanted to sit beside Violet. Dylan sat on the other side of Violet, and I sat beside him. Chase came too. He sat beside me. Even in the darkness of the theater, I could feel the death stare I was receiving from Erika. What was I supposed to do? Ask Chase to move?
Throughout the entire movie, I kept getting little signals from Chase. When he’d laugh he’d touch my knee lightly or nudge my arm playfully. When he’d comment on the movie to me, he’d lean in just a little closer than necessary to whisper in my ear. I’m just glad I had the kids between me and Erika; otherwise, her eyes might have burned right through me. I just want to scream, “IT’S NOT MY DAMN FAULT YOUR MAN IS INTERESTED IN ME!”
I’m trying my best to play the innocent. I’m not going to respond to Chase’s little come-on’s. I’m just going to let things take their course. Who knows, I might be imagining all this and Chase is just trying to be friendly.
Friday, October 11 th
8:07 p.m.
Sorry I didn’t have a chance to write earlier. This morning we were all busy taking showers. At lunch, we had a double funeral. Not only did we have to lay Scott (the guy who was killed in the firefight yesterday) to rest, but Chuck as well. Chuck was the man who worked on my scavenge team and who had come down with the flu. His death was another unexpected blow to the morale of our small community. He didn’t appear to have had the Su flu, but apparently the strain he was infected with – whatever it was – was bad enough to kill him. He wasn’t in the best of health to begin with from what I’ve heard, but his passing still came as a shock.
Unfortunately, death, dying, and regularly seeing decomposing corpses is starting to become the norm for me. While I wouldn’t say I’m immune to such things yet, nor do I think I’ll ever be, like anything, I’m starting to become steeled against their effects. It used to freak me out when we’d come across the remains of flu victims during our scavenging work. Now it’s just another part of the job – an unpleasant one of course, but I’m getting more accustomed to it nonetheless.
Unlike most of the flu victims we find around town, we took the time and effort to bury the two men in the town’s cemetery that overlooks the river. It’s a very nice spot for a cemetery. Atop its highest point is a small war memorial. There are several old cannons mounted there as well. After the service, I let Violet and Dylan run around and play for a few minutes with Travis before returning to work. It’s been so rainy lately that I thought the opportunity to let them stretch their legs for a few minutes out in the fresh air would do them good. Erika and I supervised. There wasn’t much small talk between us…there never is. I’ve seen her talk to other people. She even laughs and smiles and seems like a decent individual on occasion, but I never see that side of her when I try to strike up a conversation.
I’m looking forward to the Fall Harvest Festival tomorrow. I think everyone is. We all need something to get our minds off the death of our neighbors.
For now, the kids and I are going to spend some family reading time to try to keep their learning on track. I’m not as concerned about Violet. Edna appears to be a very adept teacher. But I AM concerned about Dylan. I don’t want his educational progress being stymied (even though I know it is right now) too much as we trudge through this ordeal. I try to throw math problems and little history lessons at him during our scavenging work, and Chase has been teaching him things about cars and mechanical stuff that I know nothing about. More than anything, I want him to keep up on his reading – something he was not very interested in before the collapse of civilization, and seems even less interested in now.
Saturday, October 12 th
10:23 a.m.
The farmers market was cancelled for today so that the town can get ready for the Harvest Festival. Anyone who lives outside of town can bring supplies with them for trade before the festivities begin around five o’clock. My job for tonight is to work the hot chocolate/hot apple cider stand. According to Gerald, another integral part of my role will be to spike the apple cider when requested by the adults. I’ll be provided an array of
liquors with which to work.
Sounds good to me!
At this point, it appears the weather will be favorable for the event. The sky is actually blue for the first time in, well, I can’t remember how long. It’s chilly, but that’s the way fall time is supposed to be.
For now, since the weather is holding, I’m going to take the kids for a walk over to the elementary school and let them run around at the playground. Then it’s back home for lunch and naps in preparation for our big night out!
4:06 p.m.
It’s been such a lovely day so far…let’s hope it stays that way. I’d say it’s only in the upper 40s, but the sun and lack of a breeze makes it feel warmer.
Our time at the park was nice. The kids got to run and play on the jungle gym and burn some of that pent up energy kids at their age always seem to have an excess of. Personally, I enjoyed that nap that came after lunch more, although it was good to see my little ones having fun and looking like regular kids again. I don’t get to see enough of that in this messed up world of ours.
Now we’re just relaxing, getting ready for this little shindig to start in about an hour.
I have to say, it’s nice to feel some semblance to our old lives return again. If Chris were here, it might almost seem like a normal Saturday afternoon.
Sunday, October 13 th
10:10 a.m.
WOW! What a night! So much to write before church. Where to begin?
The Pandemic Diaries [Books 1-3] Page 21
