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Rachel raises her hands defensively. "I realize this might seem like a lark. Considering the way people are treating one another, I can't blame you for being skeptical. At least be open to the idea. I'm only suggesting we look out for one another. Neither of us know the future, and I'm just trying to improve my chances while helping someone else. Think about it, and we'll talk again."

She takes out a slip of paper and places it on the kitchen table. "That's my cell if you need to reach me, for as long as phones still work."

She walks to the back kitchen door.

"Thanks for the chat," she says as she opens the door and steps outside to the yard. The sky above has a few fluffy clouds hanging, with the backdrop a powder blue. "By the way, I have a few things I thought might be helpful."

She steps to the side of your home where there lies a duffel bag, and she lifts it and hands it to you. "Good luck. Give me a ring for anything."

Rachel strides away across the yard and disappears behind the fence at the edge of your property.

You close the door, heave the duffel bag over to the kitchen table, and unzip it. On top is a machete, long and sharp and heavy. You take inventory of the rest of the bag as you unpack it:

- A six-pack of bottled spring water.

- A few meals worth of non-perishable food (10 units).

- A canteen.

- A flashlight.

- A first aid kit.

You place the food and water in cabinets and take the rest of the items to the inventory pile.