Harem in a zombie apocalypse

[32] Music lesson

As the first rays of dawn painted the sky with streaks of orange and pink, we piled into Cassidy's battered jeep. A sense of determination filled the air; we had a long journey ahead. Ms. Yan and I got comfortable in the backseat, while Cassidy claimed her rightful place behind the wheel.

The moment the engine roared to life, Cassidy dug into her pocket and pulled out an old, worn-out cassette tape. Her eyes lit up with a sparkle I hadn't seen before. "This," she declared, holding up the cassette, "is what will keep us sane on the road."

She slid the tape into the old stereo system, and a moment later, the Jeep's speakers burst to life, resonating with the chords of a classic rock and roll song. Instantly, the cabin was filled with the raw, electrifying melodies of guitars and drums. The strong, husky voice of a singer who sounded like he had lived a thousand lifetimes filled the air, singing tales of love, loss, and life.

The music was a shock to my senses at first - the pure, unadulterated energy of it was unlike anything I had experienced before. But as we drove on, the rhythm started to sync with the rhythmic hum of the Jeep and the steady beat of my heart. It filled me with an unexpected sense of peace, wrapping around us like a comforting blanket in the chilly morning air.

Cassidy sang along with unabashed enthusiasm, her voice joining the chorus in an offbeat harmony that somehow fit the rustic feel of the music. I couldn't help but smile at her passion. Her energy was infectious, and soon, Ms. Yan and I were tapping our feet to the beat, our apprehension forgotten for the moment.

The desert landscape of Nevada flashed past us, a blur of arid yellows and browns. The rock and roll blaring from the speakers made an interesting contrast with the tranquility of the deserted highways. It was a picture of quietude and uproar coexisting, painting an accurate picture of our own mixed feelings – fear, anxiety, hope, and determination.

As we rode on, the music became our soundtrack, filling the void of silence and unease.

As Cassidy bobbed her head to the rhythm of the music, she shot us a knowing grin in the rearview mirror. "I bet you guys have no idea what you're listening to, do ya?" she called over the music. Ms. Yan and I exchanged a glance, then shook our heads in unison.

Cassidy laughed, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Alright, buckle up. School is in session!" she declared. "Welcome to the world of classic rock!"

With that, she embarked on an impromptu lesson, her passion for the music genre making her an excellent teacher. As each song transitioned to the next, Cassidy would eagerly provide a background about the band, the song's significance, and any interesting anecdotes related to it.

She played and began to introduce us to songs from bands like AC/DC, Queen, and The Beatles, each tune adding a unique flavor to our trip. Cassidy's love for rock music was palpable, her narratives painting vivid pictures of the era these songs were born in, transporting us to a time when music was as much a rebellion as it was an art.

By the time the sun had dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of purple and indigo, we had received an education in classic rock. Though the world outside was fraught with uncertainty, inside the Jeep, we were cocooned in a world of music, each note a testament to the resilient human spirit. As Cassidy turned the volume down to a gentle hum, we found ourselves in comfortable silence, each lost in thoughts of a world before the zombie apocalypse, a world where music was a solace and an escape.

Q: Have you listened to any song from the bands listed above?