I don’t know where I’d be right now if I hadn’t found it.
There’s a sink giving me access to clean water, and a drain on the floor that I use to clean my waste. There’s no natural light that filters inside, so I use a flashlight sparingly, because there are no batteries for when it will eventually die.
It’s far from what I’d consider home, but it’s kept me safe, and it’d continue to if there was still food.
I pull out the radio I’d turned off the day after I’d entered my ten-by-ten and switch it on.
I clear my voice, press the TALK button, and speak.
Remi:If anyone is out there, my name is Remi, and I’ve been hiding out since shit hit the fan. I’m running low on food, but I have medical supplies. Rubbing alcohol, iodine, bandages, and some pills. I’m not sure what they do.
I…I’m tired of being alone, and I’m willing to work to earn my keep. P-please tell me I’m not the only person in this godforsaken city left alive.
I release the button as tears stream down my face. I should have tried to reach out before I got so desperate, but I was afraid. I didn’t know what or who was out there. It’s very possible that the only people left alive are just as monstrous as the dead, but at this point, I don’t have many options.
I wait for several minutes, worried that no one heard my broadcast, but just as I muster the courage to talk again, static sounds through the receiver, followed by a rumbly voice.
Unknown: Remi, this is Gage, and I’d like to negotiate.