Aftermath

End

Narrator’s P.O.V.
(2079.09.17. 07:30)

The weak rays of the sun slowly broke through the smoke- and dust-polluted air, through the thick clouds of ash. As the faint light illuminated the streets, the barely standing walls of the houses, and the lifeless bodies lying on the ground, the sight was simply depressing. Depressing to see the result of human greed, ambition, and lust for power.

Amidst these conditions, in a place converted into a bunker beneath the old watchtower, the last surviving members of the Paw Patrol were waking up. Marshall, Rubble, Skye, Rocky, Zuma, Everest, Ryder, and Menta. The entire bunker consisted of two larger rooms and one smaller. Ryder slept in the small room, while the pups slept together in one of the larger ones.

As usual, they began waking up in a neat order. By the time the last pup had opened their eyes, Ryder had prepared their breakfast. The little food that barely filled a quarter of their bowls — that was all they had. Their supplies were depleted. It was only a matter of days before Ryder would have to send someone out on another supply run.

(2079.09.17. 08:15)

Silence ruled. Sadness and pain were frozen on everyone’s face. They were scattered around the room, lying or sitting. No one felt like doing anything. Since the beginning of the war, so much had happened. Too much for them to be able to smile or play. They were aware of the danger that at any moment a bomb could fall upon them, one that could mean the end of the whole team. They were aware, too, that at any minute someone could break down their door, ending their lives with a machine gun or a grenade.

Everest’s P.O.V.
(2079.09.17. 08:45)

A heavy silence settled over us. We still hadn’t processed our losses. The deaths of Chase and Liberty had shaken everyone. Before the war began, Skye and I confessed our feelings for each other. I was unimaginably happy that the first dog I had ever seen as more than a friend felt the same way about me. It was an incredible feeling. I was happy. Then the war came and... and we just quietly kept loving each other. No one knows about us. I don’t mind — we never had the chance to tell anyone. It wouldn’t have been right. What bothers me is that I feel like we’ve grown distant. But I can only think of her. Even now. Without realizing it, my eyes searched for her. When I found her, they stopped on her. She’s so cute. I want just one thing: to go to her, hug her, kiss her, and whisper in her ear how much I love her.

Everest’s P.O.V.
(2079.09.17. 08:50)

My train of thought was broken by the static of the radio. Sometimes I get angry at myself for only thinking about myself and Skye even in a situation like this. Am I right to do that? Or should I not? I can’t think straight. The static filled the room, seeping into my mind, my ears, everything it touched. Everyone was already staring at the device, and I did the same.

Marshall’s P.O.V.
(2079.09.17. 08:55)

The radio had been crackling for at least five minutes. The sound hurt all of our ears, growing louder and louder. It was becoming unbearable. I could have run away. I wanted to run from that sound. Every time I had heard it before, it meant bad news. I didn’t want to wait to find out what news would come now. I just wanted to run. But no matter how much will I had, my eyes were frozen on the device. My body stiffened like a stone statue. I couldn’t move a muscle. I’d lost track of time — I didn’t know how long that sound had been filling me. All I knew was that it hurt. It hurt terribly to listen.

Rocky’s P.O.V.
(2079.09.17. 08:59)

The static stopped as suddenly as it had come. Only then did I notice how deep the silence in the room had become. We all sat in stillness, focused on the radio. Waiting. The silence was so empty. Everything felt empty. Ever since... ever since Chase died. I know I can’t imagine how much it must hurt Menta, but it’s not easy for me either. Maybe I sound selfish, but I just... I just miss him. Unspeakably. I want to hug him, kiss him, curl up beside him, sleep next to him — just be with him. Like before the war began. Memories made tears well up in my eyes. They wanted to fall, but I held them back. I’d show them I’m stronger. I can’t cry now.