Free The Divide: Origins by Mitchel Grace Page A

she is?”
    “Yeah.
I just didn’t think those rules really applied anymore. Anything could happen
in an instant now. We’ve got to get to know everyone fast.”
    “Good
point. I’m thirty-three.”
    “Is
that all? Why were you so concerned about not having a family yet?”
    “Because
now it’s over. No one wants to bring a child into this world. It’s not fair to make anyone grow up in this.”
    “You’re
assuming things won’t get better. The weather patterns are crazy, but I’m sure
things will even out eventually.”
    “Do
you actually believe that? This would be one amazing bounce back for our planet.
If I were betting on it, I would say things are only going to get worse. What
do you suppose is causing all this?”
    “It’s
possible that the comet moved our planet slightly, which could’ve caused
everything to go crazy. As for if I believe things will get better, probably
not. I think it might even out a little, but this is the planet we’re likely
stuck with. We’re people , though. We have a history of
adjusting and thriving in times of crisis. You’ll see. You’re going to have
that family you want. Life won’t ever be the same, but it’ll be worth living
again one day.”
    “I
hope you’re right.”
    “Me,
too. I’m going to wake up Zoe and Walter. You should look around the place for
anything we might need on the trip.”
    “Will
do.”
    Max
got Zoe and Walter up, and they found some police cars outside. There was one
truck. It would be more spacious, and it might just bowl over someone if need
be. They chose that one, but there was a problem. The keys weren’t in it. That
was quickly remedied when Rebecca walked outside with a bag and several keys.
    “I
found these in there. I don’t know what key goes to which vehicle, but we’ll
figure it out. This was the best find,” she said and tossed him a bag.
    Max
looked into the bag to see that she wasn’t joking. There were several pistols
and plenty of ammo in it.
    “Great
job. Walter and I are going to get our stuff back. You and Zoe should find the
right key to the truck and get it warmed up.”
    It
took a little time, but Rebecca eventually found the right key and cranked the
truck. As they sat in the back, she noticed that Zoe wasn’t saying a word. It
was awkward, but silence wasn’t anything she couldn’t handle.
    “Are
you all right?” Zoe finally asked.
    “I’m
fine. You’re the one who got hit. How are you feeling?”
    “It
wasn’t as bad as it looked. Given, it didn’t feel great. I was just asking
because after you killed that guy, you went into shock.”
    “I’m
sorry about that. I should’ve been the one doing the shooting. You’re just a
kid. I definitely won’t be dropping the ball again.”
    “You
didn’t do anything wrong. I was pretty shaken up after I killed my guy, too. I
just didn’t have much time to think about it because I got hit.”
    “Are
you okay now that you’ve had time to take everything in?”
    “He
tried to kill me, so as far as I’m concerned, he got what he deserved. Max told
me that the man who saved me was going to be coming with us. What do you think
of him?”
    “I
don’t really know much about him yet. I guess we’ll see. Let me ask you
something that’s kind of off subject, Zoe. Who were you before all this?”
    “Why
does that matter now?”
    “Because
it just does. I think it’s important that we hold onto who we used to be. It’s
only been a couple of days, and this world has already changed us. We’ve killed
people, and we’re thinking of Walter in terms of how useful he’ll be and completely
ignoring what we can do for him. That’s fine because it’s what we have to do, but
one day we could need to remember who we used to be because we might be able to
go back to how things were.”
    “I
don’t think that’s happening, but I’ll tell you. I was a little different from
most girls my age. People were starting to date, and friendships were