9:40AM CST, February the 23rd, 2010: The Day After the End
Went to the computer this morning, with little hope. I scratched at the keyboard in the murky shadows of predawn.
Go Play.
Click.
Nothing.
Go Play.
Click.
Nothing.
My mouse finger begins to bleed. I go to the living room window and draw the blinds. Peeking out, I look up and down the deserted street. The silence is eery. What will become of me?
8:00PM, February the 23rd, 2010:
Spent the day wandering listlessly about the house. Took stock of the refrigerator. I should make a trip to the market, but the sounds of distant explosions frighten me. Is it the TV next door, or has the looting begun? I don't know. I heard voices at the door earlier but hid in the basement with a softball bat clutched at my chest. I returned to the computer, just in case. Among the papers on the desk I find an old printout of the Dragonrealms logo, printed some months back... in the before time. I take the paper with me to my nest of blankets and sleeping bags in the basement, and put the image under my pillow.
7:40AM, February the 24th, 2010: Day Two of the New World
Woke to the sound of dogs fighting on the front lawn. The bucket I've been peeing in is starting to smell. The doorbell rang, and a muffled voice yelled "UPS!", but I didn't believe it. I trust no one. We are all on our own now. Later, around noon, I made my way to the garage, making sure to avoid the windows. I find an old toy sword, and fashion a shield from a cardboard box. Once back in the house I return to the basement and fight mighty gryphons in my mind.
4:15PM, February the 24th, 2010:
I dosed off after getting mind-locked in swordplay. I wish. The thought makes me laugh bitterly. The doorbell rang again, startling me. This time I go to the front entry and open the door a crack. There is a young girl there in a uniform.
"Would you like to buy some cookies?" she says, and I shudder. I know, I know this must be a trap. She is the bait, and once I open the door her gang will rush in and take my food and clean underwear. I scowl at her through the crack and curse. She flees and I feel triumph as I shove the door closed, locking it again to the world gone mad. The incident sends me to the computer, trembling. I try again, and click refresh until night falls, until my mouse finger begins bleeding again.
3:00AM February the 25th, 2010:
I wake from a dream, where I smile and grin and hug and tickle and lick strangers passing me buy, then slice off their heads and disappear in the middle of broad daylight. The sleepy images have made me sweaty, and I clutch at my bedding. I fall back asleep whimpering.
8:30AM February the 25th, 2010: She Returns
My wife and kids return home from visiting relatives. They ask me why does the house smell like pee, and how come the lights are all turned off. I laugh at their foolish optimism and return to my nest in the basement.
~Brian/Bahb
