The Apocalypse Blog
by Melanie Edmonds

Our indulgences came with a price tag attached. There were more than a few sore heads this morning and a lot of cleanup to do. It was worth it in hindsight, once the hangover fog had started to clear from the room.

There was a chunk of supplies to refill. Those of us not too badly affected by the alcohol went out to seek new sources, and we found that the air outside was a sharp slap after the softened edges inside the warehouse. Nothing is more sobering than the bite of winter air at your ears and nose, and the sudden need to watch your footing.

We didn’t find any food or water stores today, but we did stumble across something useful. I was poking through boxes of stationery to see if there was anything in there we might use when Nugget ran in and tugged on my sleeve. She led me outside to the next lot, where Conroy and Thorpe were looking at the wares. An acid-scorched sign declared the place ‘Campervan Extravaganza’.

We’ve come across a few campervans in our travels, but none in a state we would risk on these roads. This place had many to choose from on its yard, though, some of them in good condition. Could I get any of them going? When the boys asked, I shrugged and said I’d try. It was definitely worth a try; a van like one of these would be perfect for transporting our injured friends.

We managed to get a couple of the vehicles working and took them back to the warehouse. I need to go over them and see what work needs doing before we can take them with us.

 

Everyone seemed lighter by the time we got back. I don’t know if it was yesterday’s celebration or the new vehicles, or just the relief that the end of a hangover brings. Whatever it was, I’m glad of it. We needed a reprieve from the horror of the last few weeks. Even the cat was walking around with more confidence, begging for strokes and scraps of leftover stew with a straight-up tail.

We have a lot of work to do to get ready for the road again, but I’m looking forward to it. Nearly time to get going again. It’ll be good to move forward.