Climate Change

The Beginning of the End

"I can't believe this is happening! Today of all days! Don't you remember the last time someone left to see if there were more survivors? One of them died! The rest never returned!! Alex died! Elizabeth disappeared! Grace disappeared! Justin disappeared! Ten years ago today! Why would you choose today?"
"Jayla, come on. That was ten years ago. They weren't prepared, they hadn't been scouting beforehand, and they certainly didn't have a plan. They got sick of being cooped up in this tomb so they went searching for adventure. We have a map, supplies, medicine, months of scouting and research, and most of all brains!"
"Cooper, I'm really worried. No one has been out on the surface longer that a few days in the last twenty years. Alex and the others were gone three days. THREE! How do you expect us to survive for months? Or longer? The last time the storm slowed down everything was still covered in ice. We're not acclimated to being in -36 degree weather for very long!"
"Jayla, I'm not arguing with you. Jordan, Aria, Cayden, Austin, Holly, Michael, and Sara are getting supplies together. Your uncle is the one who designed our gear. We have hydroponics that will survive the temperature, shelter that can keep out all of the elements plus provides heat, solar powered lighting for any type of lighting that picks up even the smallest trace of light, and every other piece of equipment you can imagine. The only thing we need, that I need, is you Jayla. You know more about the weather, terrain, and history even, than anyone else in this entire compound. You're the most brilliant person and the only one who can improvise with the equipment if need be. Besides, you promised me."
"Cooper, my brother died the last time! I can't leave on the anniversary of his death. Please, give me a little more time. I promise I'll go. I honestly didn't think it would effect me like this. Give me one week to finish researching and preparation for the expedition. After that we can go. Please?"
"Okay. Maybe Kale will decide to go by then. He's been trying to talk his dad into agreeing to allow him to go. I have to give it to him though, I wouldn't let my dad talk me out of going. I mean he's twenty-five years old. "
"Coop, he doesn't want his dad to think he abandoned him. Gavin lives 200 feet from them and he may as well live on the moon. Kale wants Jim to know he cares about him and will be back. Honestly, I can't imagine how Jim can see Gavin every day, but never be allowed to talk to him or his grandson. Kari let her daddy issues interfere with her family relationships. She threatened to not let Gavin spend time with Gage if he spent time with his family. I have no idea how either. We live in such close space , how do they even do that?"
"Jay, you're doing it again..."
"What?"
"Getting carried away and off subject. We were talking about our expedition and getting Kale to come along and you got sidetracked. "
"Oops. Sorry. Thanks. "
"No problem, sweets. "
"I'm going to go see Jamie in the lab. There are a couple of projects I'm hoping to finish before we go. They'll increase our chances of survival, maybe even provide a little comfort. "
Jayla turned towards the door and walked out of the small bedroom towards the lab.

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COOPER

     I sat on our bed, running one hand through my hair and over my face. How could I have forgotten what day it was? Jayla and I have been married for 3 years, but she's been my best friend since we were babies. After her mom died last year, she hasn't really been the same. Of course the anniversary of Alex's death would be harder. I'm such a doof. I'm going to have to make it up to her. How? I'm going to need to find something good to make up for it. First Though, I need to go talk to the team.
     I continued to sit on the bed, taking in our small bedroom. One more week and we wouldn't be confined to our small, cozy living space. The room was 9 ft X 9 ft and 7 ft tall. I'm 6'4" so it's still a bit tight, but there are no other options. Our double bed is situated in the middle of the room, blankets neatly tucked in, with a handmade patchwork quilt that was made with scraps of threadbare clothes that had worn out over the last 80 years that our families had been living in the compound. The room used to be decorated in luxury. The compound itself was initially intended to be an underground doomsday bunker/luxury apartment complex, catering to the wealthy and privileged. There is still an element of luxury to the place. Our bedroom is small, but the best is made of solid oak, with posts that are six inches in diameter, ornate designs carved into them. The walls were once a light gray color that now looked dingy and slightly green. A large, framed photograph of a field with green grass, multiple types of flowers, a lake in the background, and a little boy sitting on the dock on the lake fishing pole in hand, and his back turned. The sunshine is fading into sunset and the entire scene looks so peaceful and serene that I can't help but sit here and bask in the calmness of the painting. I try to picture the grass and flowers blowing gently in a warm breeze, the sound of the water rippling along with the wind, and the feel of the warm sun bathing me in warmth and wrapping me in a gentle blanket of happiness. I can only imagine it though, because I have never seen a field, green grass, a lake, or the sun. All I have ever known is this underground compound and ice. Ice, snow, and freezing temperatures. I'm grateful for the compound and the life I have. After the ocean currents stopped moving and the world's climate went haywire, 5 billion people had died in less than fifteen years. That number always blows my mind. We have about 105 people total in our compound right now. I've never seen more than that. I think that's why I'm so excited to find more survivors. I have read the books we have and I want to try to find any remaining pieces of how our civilization once was. The possibilities of what, and who, we might discover makes my heart speed up and gives me a thrill down my spine. 
     One thing at a time though. Right now I have to go talk to the team, give them our new timeline for the expedition, talk to Kale, and go over supplies again. Then, I'm going to find my wife and sweep her off of her feet with a romantic dinner and a quiet stroll through the hydroponic gardens. I might even try to talk Reggie, the food overseer, into letting me have some strawberries and a couple of bits of chocolate that I know he has hidden.  I hope so. I have to make up for being such a doof. Tonight will be about our family, tomorrow we focus on preparing for the trip of a lifetime.