364

You check the time—8:15 am.

The house phone rings—Jaime's name appears on the caller ID.

"Jaime? Are you okay?"

"Yep, I'm good for now. Something interfered with my CB yesterday when we spoke, but now my phone's working. Weird. So, how's it going?"

As you hear his voice, you feel a sense of relief, and you fill Jaime in on everything that's happened since you last spoke.

"I don't know your plans, but it might be best to stick it out there for now. How are you on food?" he asks.

"Pretty good. I have a few days' worth of food."

"Great. Good planning," Jaime says. "This isn't going to be over anytime soon. It sounds like Colorado has been hit hard. Looks like we're being quarantined. The military set up checkpoints, and FEMA camps are going up outside of quarantined areas. I'd be careful if you do go out. There's news of widespread looting and rioting. I met up with some people not far from where you are, just to be safe overnight. I'm leaving them in a bit and will scout out some safe havens for us. If you need me, though, don't hesitate to call. I'll make my way there. Damn, I gotta go. I'll see you soon. Stay safe, my friend."

"Okay, Jaime."

The call ends, and you consider your next move.

You dial Billie's house, and the line rings over and over with no answer, not even a voicemail message. You don't know her smartphone number, so you try the house line again, with the same result. Is she still alive? Did she abandon her home, or was she forced out? What if she's hurt and needs help? Are her brothers still alive? Since Billie's your neighbor, you could walk over and check on her, but every action has risks in the apocalypse.