Unexpected World: The EMP Survivor Series Book 1
Page 18
Epilogue
On a parallel journey, not far from where Dillon and Holly were, Cassie, Ryan, and James plodded on.
Days of struggle foraging for water and edible plants had cast a gloomy pall over their steadfast resolve to live.
During days of lonely walking, they had not seen or heard any human habitation. The late October sun was unseasonably hot, the air thick with mosquitoes, and sweat stained the clothes of the ragged bunch. The woodland and swamp stretched before them, the vastness of the Atchafalaya Basin daunting.
There was no hour of rest for footsteps heavy with fatigue, and when they could no longer travel, the weary travelers sat down and made a poor camp under an oak tree.
The night was unbearably long. The three tossed and turned on the hard ground until finally, they each fell into a fitful sleep.
During the night Cassie woke and gazed at the twinkling constellations, trying to remember the names from an astrology course she had taken as an undergrad. Focusing on the stars and the Milky Way, she forgot her dire predicament for a moment. She relished the brief reprieve until Ryan stirred, bringing her back to their unpleasant reality. Cassie turned on her side and propped an elbow on the ground.
“Are you awake?” she asked.
“Yes,” Ryan whispered.
“Do you think I’ll ever get back home? My dad must be going out of his mind by now.”
“I’ll get you back home, one way or another. I promised you I would.”
“Ryan, how? We’re out of food and we’re down to one bottle of water between the three of us. We’re lost and you know it.”
“I’ll get us out of here,” Ryan said. “We have to keep traveling west. Cassie, don’t give up. Ever. As long as you’re breathing and as long as you can put one foot in front of the other, you can go forward.”
“Houston might as well be a thousand miles from here. We’ll never get there. I’ll never see my dad again.” Cassie’s voice cracked. She turned her head and sniffled.
“We’re not going to Houston,” Ryan said.
“What? I don’t understand. You said you’d take me there.”
“I have something to tell you.”
“I’m listening.”
“My parents said that if I was ever in trouble that I should go to the city of Hemphill, the county seat of Sabine County, which is across the Sabine River. We can’t be that far from there and we’ll be able to find someone to help us.”
“Really? Do you know someone there?” Cassie sat up, interested in what Ryan had to say.
“I know of someone.”
“Who is it?”
“Nobody you know. But it will be someone we can count on. I’m sure of that.”
“At least that gives me hope,” Cassie said. She put her head back down on the ground. “It should be morning in a few hours so I’m going to try to get some sleep. You should too.”
While Cassie slept, Ryan lay awake, letting his thoughts drift to the immediate problems he needed to solve. They were teetering on the edge of life and they needed shelter, water, and food. Unless he found those basic necessities, they’d all succumb to the elements.
Finally, Ryan drifted off to sleep.
The night crept by, the stars slowly giving way to a distant morning light, bringing a new day and different challenges to the survivors of an uncertain world.
END OF BOOK 1
About the Author
Chris Pike grew up in the woodlands of central Texas and along the Texas Gulf Coast, fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, and dodging hurricanes and tropical storms. Chris has learned that the power of Mother Nature is daunting, from floods to category five hurricanes, to slippery ice or desert conditions, all of which has been experienced. It pays to be prepared.
Currently living in Houston, Texas, Chris is married, has two grown daughters, one dog and unfortunately three overweight, worthless cats.
Chris is an avid supporter of the Second Amendment and limited government. Chris has held a Texas concealed carry permit since 1998, with the Glock being the current gun of choice.
Got a gun question or want to know Chris’s thoughts about the first rule of a gunfight? Or maybe a favorite knife? Or the choice of a rifle for any environment? Then email Chris at Chris.Pike123@aol.com. Your email will be answered promptly and your address will never be shared with anyone.
Before You Go…
One last thing. Thank you, thank you, thank you for downloading this book! Without the support of readers like yourself, Indie publishing would not be possible.
The other way to show your support of an Indie author is to write an honest review on Amazon. It also helps other readers make a decision to download the book. A few words or one sentence is all it takes.
So please consider writing a review. I will be forever grateful.
Also, this book has been edited, proofed, and proofed again, but mistakes or typos are bound to happen. If you find a mistake, email Chris at Chris.Pike123@aol.com and it will be corrected.
Uncertain World
Book 2
Book 2, Uncertain World, is slated for release as soon as Chris can get it edited. The stories of Dillon, Holly, Cassie, and Ryan continue for an unforgettable story about life after the EMP, personal struggles, and ultimate redemption. Want a sneak peak at an excerpt? Email Chris and you’ll have the first look!
All the best,
Chris