Rick’s first words as he pulls Henry feet-first out of the rubble were an expression of such gentle concern that they melt Henry’s heart. But then Rick turns him over and realizes he’s a guy. The two are alone in the deserted underground passages of the downtown core, the city above in ruins due to a nuclear near miss that destroyed the power grid and fried all electronic equipment. Yet all Henry can think about is his burning desire to hear that tone in Rick’s voice again. He knew that isn’t likely to happen. Rick is obviously straight, a survivalist, big, obviously capable, and built. Henry, on the other hand, doesn’t seem to bring much to the table. But Rick himself acknowledges two are better than one. So they team up. Their goal is to stay alive as they try to escape the city. It isn’t going to be easy, but there’s a growing sense of connection between them, feelings that challenge the dark desperateness of their situation. Can love flower in a new and brutal world ruled by survival of the fittest?

The Man with the Big Gun

That’s when we heard the first shot.3: Conflict


Rick ducked and threw himself onto the floor next to me. I was thrilled that he put one hand protectively over me. Then I realized, as his hand came into position over my mouth, that he was silencing me.


Oh, I thought. But still, contact was contact, and it mighthave meant something, that initial gesture.


“Come out with your hands up!” said a voice from one of the corridors.


“If you don’t,” continued the voice, “I will start shooting.”


You already have,you idiot!I wanted to shout back.


Rick shifted and I felt his mouth next to my ear.


“You go to the left, on your stomach,” he whispered, his breath warm and tickly in my ear. “I’m going to get my rifle. Okay?”


My heart was pounding, but I felt as much excited as scared, though that was probably due to his proximity and his arm over me.


Chapter 7