Day After Disaster, The Changing Earth Series

By Sara F. Hathaway

“How fragile everything had been. People walked through life everyday taking it all for granted, their cars, their cell phones, their lattes, their dramatic social issues and their medical problems.”

She started her day at her home in the mountains just like any other. There was nothing unusual about making the familiar drive down to Sacramento to go to work. Then in a flash Mother Nature decided it was time to create a new landscape. Follow the journey of a dynamic young woman, mother and wife, Erika, as she is thrust into a world turned upside down by a series of natural disasters. Alone in a mutilated city, she must navigate the path home, back to her family. Not knowing if they are alive or dead, Erika calls upon all of her survival instincts to traverse this broken environment. Will she make it home? Will her family still be alive? What will Mother Nature dish out next?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sara F. Hathaway
• Release date: Feb 26, 2018
• ISBN: 9781370264315

Sara F. Hathaway

Author Sara F. Hathaway is an individual with an insatiable urge for learning. She grew up in the woods of Michigan, fishing, hunting, gardening, canning, and horseback riding with her family. She loved to learn about the stories of times past from her great grandparents and grandparents. She learned about a time much different from our own when a trip to the grocery store was not all it took to make sure your family was fed. She delighted in the outdoors and learning how to survive there without the trappings of modern life.After moving to the rural mountain landscape of California, she attended The California State University of Sacramento and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in General Business Management. She managed many businesses, all while working on the manuscript for her fictional novel, Day After Disaster. Eventually she realized that her passion for the outdoors and learning about survival techniques outweighed her passion for the business world. She took her marketing skills and applied them to launching a successful platform for her first novel, Day After Disaster and its sequel, Without Land.Sara still lives in Northern California with her husband and two sons where she is at work on The Changing Earth Series. She delights in helping other authors find the same marketing success and enjoys her time that she gets to spend honing her survival skills while teaching these skills to her sons.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Erika bolted awake, screaming in pain. An intense burning ran across her entire body. Focusing her eyes, she saw an elderly woman stood over her with a mask on. In her hand was a pair of forceps, holding a big blob of melted cotton.

Henry, she’s awake, the woman said to a man that stood by her.

His massive stature startled Erika as the pain continued to surge through her body.

Hold her down, I just need to grab one more piece, the woman instructed the man. Fighting the man’s strength, Erika felt the forceps connect with the skin on her neck. The woman yanked, and Erika screamed, watching another piece of the melted plastic and cotton appear in the forceps.

Okay, we can take a break, the woman instructed the man.

His grip slackened, and Erika heard water pouring.

Here, drink this, honey, the woman told her softly.

Erika felt the glass touch to her lips. The cool water filled her mouth and ran down her throat.

We are not going to hurt you, honey, the woman said to soothe Erika’s mind. We’re trying to help.

Erika heard another glass being poured.

Now, drink this, the woman instructed.

Erika felt the burn of alcohol being poured down her throat. She coughed and sputtered, but it was warm and began to relieve the searing pain slightly.

We have to remove more of the clothing that melted to your skin. It’s gonna hurt, the woman told her, pouring another shot of the alcoholic beverage down her throat.

Erika screamed in pain as the tiny pieces were removed one by one. As the mix of pain and alcohol took over, she lost consciousness.



In her dream, she was in a hospital room. As she looked toward the door, her husband, Vince, entered. His curly hair was held down by a baseball cap and his dancing eyes met hers.

Hey, you’re awake, he commented in a voice that rung with bass.

Yeah, Erika replied, sleepily.

He came over and hugged her tightly. She breathed in the smell of her man. She felt secure and safe.

How did it go? Erika asked.

It went perfectly. The doctor says you will be back on your feet in no time, Vince assured her.

I was worried I wouldn’t make it home, Erika told him.

Now, why would you say a thing like that. You can’t get rid of me that easy, he teased her, laughing.

I love you, Vince, Erika told him, hugging him tightly. She didn’t want to let go.

I love you too, baby. Look who’s here, he said backing away.

Dexter, she exclaimed as her son came bounding through the door.

Mommy, you’re awake! he exclaimed joyously. He jumped up on the bed and hugged her. Vince hugged them both and Erika sighed with relief.



Erika slowly opened her eyes, wishing her dream could last forever. She didn’t want to wake up in this world. She was alone. The light was dim, and her body screamed in pain. She groped around frantically, ensuring her escape from Sacramento was real. Pain held her in place but her mind panicked, wondering where she was. Days of waking up in unfamiliar places made the terror she felt feel normal.

She took a deep breath and tried to focus her eyes to see through the blackness. Judging by the sweet smell of hay, she assumed she was in a barn. The bales were stacked around her, forming walls, and a blanket hung at an opening across from her bed. She tried to sit up, but pain pierced every inch of her body. The effort caused her to cry out.

Don’t move, honey. You’re in no shape for it, the woman’s voice commanded.

Erika watched the blanket that was hung in the doorway begin to illuminate. As it drew back, a woman with a lantern entered. Her small stature and curly gray hair was revealed in the flickering light.

Where am I? Erika’s mouth hurt to talk, but it had been so long since she had someone to talk to that she couldn’t refrain from doing it.

We’re safe for now in sunny California, in what’s left of Newcastle. Currently, we’re calling our barn home. Everything else was completely destroyed in the earthquake, the woman told her softly.

How did I get here? Erika asked, confused.

I was hoping you could tell us that, she answered. The woman’s body crackled as she sat down in a chair by Erika’s bed and put the lantern on a nightstand. "My name is Carol. My husband, Henry, has been out looking for survivors since the dam broke and flooded the valley. All that water mixed with all those chemicals, and the water became a nasty, toxic mix. We never found anyone alive. We had just about given up hope of ever finding anyone. He wasn’t even going to go out the day that he found you. We can’t be sure, but we think a volcano erupted out west. We didn’t know what it would do, but he went anyway. It’s a good thing he did because he brought you back in the wagon. He went back and got your supplies the next day.

That suit you made was a very smart idea. It kept the toxic water from eating away your skin. Unfortunately, the heated water melted the duct tape and cellophane to your clothes and skin. I had to cut it off very carefully. You have some severe burns where the plastic adhered to your skin. The good news is, you’re alive and you’ll be back on your feet in a few weeks. It’s incredible that anyone made it out of that disaster alive, her kind voice explained.

Where is everyone? Why were no rescue attempts made? I never even saw one helicopter, Erika questioned.

The earthquake must have been much larger than anyone thought possible, Carol explained. We thought that it only affected our area at first, but now, I’m not so sure. There have been no relief efforts: no National Guard, nothing. The television, computer, phone, nothing works. After months of waiting for rescue we’re fearful of people altogether. Some of the people have been looting. The neighbors we did find alive are so frightened they don’t want to leave their homes. She lowered her voice. People have been killing each other for food. The grocery stores were destroyed. There’s nothing left.

Two months? That’s impossible, Erika exclaimed. I was down in that hole for months? Her mind was scrambling to understand the implications of everything this woman was saying.

Down in that hole? Carol questioned inquisitively.

I survived in a bomb shelter, Erika informed her. But I had no idea I was in there that long. I kept thinking that help would come.

"The main quake happened two months ago now. Since then it’s all been aftershocks. The main quake was unlike anything we’ve ever experienced. The roar of the ground moving was deafening. It was as if a gigantic wave rippled and split everything. The roads have become impassable piles of rubble, cracked beyond recognition. The cars that aren’t damaged can’t clear the gaps and chunks strewn about.

Our garden was ripped apart, but we carefully replanted as best we could. By some miracle, our barn is sound, and the animals survived. The fighting has been centered around the stores in Auburn, mostly, but it’s bound to expand. Henry rode one of the horses into Auburn to get help. It took him a half a week to get there and back. Once he got there he just turned around and came home. He didn’t want to tell me what he saw and simply said it was horrible.

Two months? That means it’s. . . Erika was trying to calculate with a head so full of fog she was finding it hard to think at all.

It’s July 2nd, just two days until Independence Day, not that there will be any celebration this year. Carol mumbled that last part under her breath.

Oh no, I can’t believe this. I have to get home to my family, Erika sputtered with tears in her eyes. She was trying to imagine that this was all some horrible nightmare she was about to wake up from.

Don’t worry, honey. We’ll figure it all out in God’s time. Right now, you just need to rest and get healthy. What’s your name, honey? Carol wondered.

My name is Erika. . .Erika Moore, she responded.

Here, drink this, Erika Moore, she suggested.

Carol poured her a glass of water from a pitcher on the nightstand.

Should we get you to the restroom? the woman questioned.

I was going to ask, Erika answered.

Henry, Carol called.

The well-statured man entered the room. He stood six feet seven inches from the ground and towered above her. Erika knew by the wrinkles on his face that he was as old as Carol, but that was the only way to tell. His body was as muscular and strong as he was tall. Wrapping the sheet around Erika’s naked body, Henry lifted her from the bed. His huge hands were delicate and although the pain from the burns was breathtaking, Erika sensed he was trying to be as soft and gentle as possible.

He carried her beyond the blanket, and Erika saw they had made a home out of the hayloft. There was a kitchen area and tables and chairs. The aching of her body was clouding her mind as Henry placed her in the bathroom and pulled the blanket closed. She delicately used the facilities, wrapped herself back up, and called for Henry. All she wanted to do was lay her throbbing body back in that bed. She was done adventuring for the day.

Do you think you can eat something? Carol wondered as Henry laid her back into the bed.

I can try, Erika replied slowly, sipping the glass of water.

The woman left the room and returned with a bowl of steaming soup. She put it on a tray in front of Erika. Willing her hand to grasp the spoon, Erika winced as her flexing muscles caused her skin to stretch painfully.

Here, let me help, the woman intervened.

Erika laid back as the woman spooned the soup into her mouth. She saw tiny chunks of finely cut meat floating in the broth. Flavors of carrots, peas, and onions filled her mouth as Erika tasted the liquid. It was like heaven to her. She reveled in the flavors of real meat and vegetables that weren’t dried out. The hot broth soothed her insides. After eating, she slugged down a glass of water and fell back asleep.



She fell back into a deep sleep, consumed with memories of the last time she was with her family:

Dexter, please calm down, Erika scolded her son as the dishwater dripped from her hands. She grabbed a towel to dry them on her way across the kitchen to the family room. Her son, Dexter, launched himself off the couch and landed with a thud on the floor.

You’re just full of energy today, Erika exclaimed to the five-year-old boy.

His blue-gray eyes seemed to change color with his mood. They stared up at her innocently.

I got an idea, Erika suggested.

What, Mom? Dexter anticipated her response.

Since Grandma and Grandpa are still in Washington State, we need to go down and check on the property. Those darn raccoons have been harassing the chickens and I think they’re nesting by the shed. Want to go and eradicate them? Erika asked him.

Yeah! the little boy squealed with delight. I’ll get my slingshot! he announced as he ran into his bedroom.

Erika traversed the tiny expanse of their home to her bedroom and grabbed her cell phone. Pushing the button, she dialed her husband’s number.

Hey baby, what’s up? his masculine voice asked as he answered her call.

Not much, I was calling to let you know I’m taking Dexter and Ripper down to your parent’s house today. We’re going to see if we can get rid of those raccoons, Erika informed him.

Be careful, you know they’re angry little buggers during the day. I’m going to have to work late today. The concrete trucks were delayed, and we need to finish the dirt work before tomorrow, he explained.

Okay, you can pick up Dexter and Ripper from my mom’s and I’ll see you after my shift tonight, Erika replied.

Oh Vince moaned with disappointment. I forgot you had to work tonight. Now I won’t get to see you till late. Couldn’t you just tell them you’re sick?

No, I told David I would cover for him, but I’ll be home as soon as I’m done, Erika tried to console him.

You better. I miss you already. But seriously, be careful with the racoons. I love you and I will see you later tonight, he said, getting distracted by a question a co-worker was asking him.

I love you too. You’re busy, I’ll let you go, Erika told him.

Okay, bye, baby, I love you, he told her, ending the conversation.

Love you too, Erika replied as she hung up her phone. You ready, buddy, she called to Dexter.

Dexter emerged from his room in his camouflage overalls with his slingshot tucked in the front pocket and declared, Yup, all ready, Momma.

Look at you, stud, Erika announced, admiring his clothing choice. He spun around, his blond hair floating softly in the air.

They loaded their family dog, Ripper, into the car and started to drive down the highway. As they drove, Erika’s dream started to darken. A huge wave suddenly emerged, flooding the highway as the ground began to shake. She screamed to Dexter in the back of the car, but he had disappeared.



Erika bolted awake, jarred from her dream. She sat up slowly, anticipating the searing pain that came with movement. Her body was still sore and scabbed all over from the burns she had sustained, but the motion was not as bad today. She drew back the blanket but quickly brought it back up when she remembered that she was completely naked. Before long she heard Carol’s footsteps on the hayloft stairs. Erika listened to them pause in the kitchen area for a moment and then continue toward her room. The blanket pulled back and in popped Carol’s head, her fluffy curls pressed back as her head rubbed on the blanket.

Oh dear, you’re up. I’m sorry I wasn’t here when you woke, Carol exclaimed. You look much better today. Erika noticed that Carol walked very stiffly as she entered the room with a new pitcher of water. She sat down on a chair next to Erika’s bed. She filled a glass on the nightstand and put the pitcher down next to it.

How long have I been asleep, Carol? Erika queried, feeling like she was in a time warp.

Two days since you woke up last; it’s the Fourth of July, Carol said cheerfully. I doubt we’ll see any real fireworks today, but seeing you sitting up is fireworks enough for me. You must be feeling much better.

Besides feeling like I have been hit by a truck, I am not feeling too bad, Erika jested, wincing as the laughing caused her abdomen to ache.

Henry came in and helped Erika to the bathroom. Each time it was getting easier to move herself about. Carol had another bowl of soup ready for Erika when she returned to the room. Carol delighted in talking with Erika as Erika spooned the delicious broth into her mouth.

The pain will pass, eventually. I just wish I could do more for you. I’m not a doctor and our supplies are practically gone. I don’t even have any of my arthritis medicine left, Carol explained.

I studied a little about medicine, Erika told her, wiping a drop of broth off her chin. I trained as an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician), and I studied books on herbs for healing. I’m no doctor, either, but I do remember a few herbal remedies. Maybe I could get up, and find something for you and me. Erika was anxious to be up and about after lying in bed for so long. She knew she was a lot closer to home now, and she wanted to know just how close she really was. Looking for healing herbs seemed like a good excuse.

Carol was not as convinced as Erika that she was ready to be up and about yet and quickly countered. I don’t know, Erika; you’re in no shape to be going outside yet. Maybe if you could tell me what you need I could get it for you, and you could show me how to prepare it.

Erika was disappointed but decided that it was probably best to listen to this woman. After all, she did owe the couple her life at this point.

That sounds like it will work, she replied. I need a plant called plantain. It’s common in this area and grows in the grass. It looks like thick blades of grass growing from a singular plant. This time of year, it might have sprouts like flowers coming out of the middle. Also, if you could get me my clothes, I could try to get these legs moving again. Erika tried to slide the last part in real nonchalantly, hoping that Carol would at least let her get up and move around some.

Oh, I almost forgot all about your clothes. Hold on one second, Carol replied. In her enthusiasm, she jumped up from the chair. The rapid movement caused her to face to distort in pain. She slowly straightened up and left the room. Erika heard her steps across the floor again. They faded away and then returned. We had to cut your clothes off your skin, she explained as she drew back the curtain, and the cellophane you wrapped yourself in melted all over them. You have some more of those cooking clothes with your gear, but I made this outfit out of an extra pair of sheets. They shouldn’t irritate your burns as much as those thick cotton cook’s clothes. Carol held up a baby-blue-colored outfit and placed it on Erika’s bed.

Thank you, Carol, Erika said, reflecting on this woman’s kindness. I really have to thank you for all you’ve done for me. I owe you my life.

Oh nonsense, Carol said, patting Erika’s leg gently. I’m glad we could help. Like I told you before, we’ve been looking for survivors from Sacramento since the quake, but you are the only one we found.

I’m the only one. . .Are you serious? What happened to everyone? Erika was shocked.

I don’t know. No one could dream of an earthquake like this. People clear of the water barely survived, but the people down in the city never had a chance. We think that when the water hit Sacramento it simply washed everything out toward the West Mountains and the ocean. People couldn’t survive in the water once the chemicals all mixed together. It became as toxic as acid. The volcano that erupted over that way probably covered all of the aftermath. Carol stated with a sad, wondering look in her eyes.

I’ve wanted to ask you, Erika, how did you survive? Carol was looking very inquisitively at Erika.

All Erika could think of was the image of bloated bodies in the water. She didn’t want to think about the experience and hesitated to answer.

In a bomb shelter, Erika mumbled.

I bet that’s some story, Carol replied, sensing Erika’s apprehension. She changed the subject. I need to go and find that plant you need before it gets dark.

Thanks, Carol, Erika told her, holding up the clothes.

Without the enthusiasm for the outfit, Erika noticed that Carol rose stiffly from the rickety wooden chair. Erika guessed that Carol had watched over her the whole time she had been sleeping. Listening to Carol’s crackling body made Erika remember something from her herbals.

"Carol, do you have any meadowsweet planted in your flower gardens? Erika questioned inquisitively.

Yes, I have a whole bed. . .at least, I used to have a whole bed. I did save some. I just love those flowers.

Great, if you get the leaves from them, we can make a pain-relieving anti-inflammatory from them. They contain a chemical like that in aspirin, but meadowsweet can also be helpful for stomach disorders.

I’ll be darned. Who would have guessed that I have a flower bed full of the medicine I need? Here I’ve barely been able to walk and bend, and the whole time the medicine was right there, Carol exclaimed as if completely dumbfounded by this information.

I wouldn’t say it’s an instant cure, or even that it will work as well as the medicine you used before, but it will help. Erika countered.

You’ve made my day. What a joy having you around is going to be, Carol said cheerfully.

I can’t stay long, Carol. I must get home to my family. I can’t believe I’ve been gone for two months.

I know, Erika, but you’ll have to heal first. Just relax and concentrate on that, Carol explained.

Carol left Erika’s room and Erika heard her head down the stairs. She picked up the garments Carol had left for her. Her scabbed and crusty hands were a sharp contrast to the baby-blue soft cotton of the shirt. She ran her fingers over the V that was cut into the neckline as she pulled it over her head. Erika struggled to tie the strings sewn into the shirt into a knot. The pants, made of the same light blue material, were simply made with an elastic band around the waist to hold them in place. Erika pulled the covers back again and threw her naked legs over the side. Something poked her. She looked down and saw that her bed was made of hay bales with a thick foam pad laid over the top. Once the sheets were pulled tight over the top, it was soft and looked almost like a real bed, until you felt the side. Carefully, she stood up and slipped her pants on over the sore, scabbed skin. Erika thought the pain from the elastic band would be excruciating but it wasn’t that bad. That’s a good sign, Erika thought. The lack of pain meant the wounds were healing quickly. I’m going to have some nasty scars, but I’m all in one piece.

Erika’s bare feet touched down onto the cold wooden floor. They were cold but not painful. Erika figured that her shoes must have protected them. She strolled across the floor and looked out the window located in the kitchen over the sink. The window looked out to the north-west. At one time it looked over a wooded area that gradually molded into a valley that contained a city named Sacramento. On a clear day when the smog was not too thick, you could have seen skyscrapers looming in the distance and the endless shops, people, and cars. Human life and their creations as far as the eye could see.

It was all gone. The forest area now ended abruptly at the edge of a toxic lake occupying what had been Sacramento. The new toxic beach was about five miles west of the barn. A tear fell from Erika’s eye when she began to think of the hundreds of thousands of people that had died there. Why was I spared? she wondered. I was there, in the middle of the toxic sludge, and I made it out. Why me and no one else?

What am I doing just standing around? I need to get ready to go, she declared to the air. Her thoughts always returned to her family and getting home to them. Despite the never-ending destruction, she had to believe they were there, waiting. She couldn’t even imagine the alternative. It was the only thing saving her from breaking down completely.

Chapter 2

Even though Carol told her to stay put, Erika started descending the steep staircase anyway. Her jaw dropped in amazement when she reached the bottom. The animals’ area was meticulously clean, and its layout was ingenious. The space was split into quadrants by beautiful wooden planks and a large aisle ran down the middle. As Erika walked down the rows she gazed through the iron bars. Different types of animals occupied each living space. There were pigs, lolling in their straw, and rabbits bouncing in their hutches. Feed bins for each type of animal were located along the inside of stalls, with spaces for filling them that could be accessed from the aisle. Erika saw the sense in this: whoever was feeding the animals could walk down the aisle and easily fill the bins. The animals all had doors leading to outdoor pastures. Erika chuckled at the antics of the sheep, goats, chickens, ducks, and horses that she saw as she walked to the end of the barn. Two large rollup doors dominated this space, one of which was opened and revealed the golden landscape outside. Inside, the sunlight illuminated a workshop for butchering meat and tanning hides. Henry was there, working on a project. She quietly surveyed the other side of the barn. It was a general work area containing tack for the animals, woodworking tools, and mechanical tools. In the middle of these two areas was a table and chairs.

Erika jumped when Henry asked, Howdy, missy, how are we feelin?

Good, well. . .better, Erika answered in a startled voice.

Nice to see you up and about. You really had us worried there for a bit. His voice was deep and boomed when he spoke.

Thank you, Erika told him sincerely.

You are welcome, he beamed, satisfied he had brought her back safely.

Henry, I’m sorry to bother you while you’re busy, but Carol told me you brought my supplies back after you brought me here.

I sure did. They’re right over there by the work bench. That was quite an ingenious raft you rigged up there, and that outfit you had on. I didn’t even know if you were human when I found you, Henry rumbled out with a great chuckle. It worked though, by God it worked, and here you are. I can’t wait to hear about your adventure.

And I can’t wait to hear about yours, Erika countered slyly.

What’s that? Henry asked, confused.

Carol told me you went to Auburn. I must know what’s going on there. I’ll have to go that way to get home. Erika was focused on her family and eager to know what she would be up against.

I had a feeling you would be headed out first chance you got, he reflected. Anyone who could make it out of that mess down there must be very determined to get somewhere. That’s why I’m out here, trying to finish this bull hide. Your shoes were destroyed, and your feet are much smaller than my wife’s. This hide will make a fine pair of moccasins. They won’t be very fancy, and I hope you’re okay with wearing moccasins, but there’s nothing else we can do for you. You’re going to need some shoes to get home.

Henry, I would love a pair of moccasins. Believe it or not, I still own a pair that I love to wear. Thank you, Erika said. Her eyes began to tear up. "I have no idea how I could possibly thank you and Carol enough.

Touched by Erika’s reaction, Henry told her honestly, It’s no trouble, little miss. I heard you in your dreams crying for your loved ones. I knew that if I was in your position, the first thing I would want to do is find Carol.

Henry had a fierce determination in his eyes. Their brown gleamed into almost a golden color as he thought of her. It made Erika realize how distraught her husband must be. He must think I’m dead, she worried, wishing she had some way to tell him she was alright.

And you have a son I believe, Henry continued, interrupting her thoughts.

Yes, he’s five now. His name is Dexter. He’s so funny and full of life. He has pure blond hair with steely gray-blue eyes. As Erika described her son to Henry, sadness overwhelmed her. I miss him so much. I just hope he and his daddy are okay. I must get home to them. Vince will know I’m alive, Erika told Henry confidently, but she was really trying to convince herself more than anyone. I always told him that if some great catastrophe ever happened, I would be a survivor. I taught myself how to survive in nature and studied herbal medicine. I couldn’t shake the feeling that one day it would come in handy. All that is going to pay off now. I just have to get myself together and get home. Erika steadied her voice and wiped the tears from her face.

Henry knew he shouldn’t have touched on such a fragile subject. He’d wanted to test Erika’s strength and determination. She would need a lot of it to face the challenging place the outside world had become. Henry felt that the woman that stood before him, although short in stature, possessed a very strong heart and an unrelenting mind that, once set to a goal, would not stray. Her body structure was solid, and he was sure she had been an athlete before the world had changed. The fact that she could navigate the wilderness made her journey home not merely possible. Henry knew what the world beyond this snug barn had become. Erika’s chance of making it to her family depended on her being self-sufficient. For that she would have to be physically and spiritually strong.

Sorry, I’ve been babbling. You probably want to get back to work and I should check on my supplies, Erika said, distracting Henry as he gazed out the open door.

Erika, I believe you will make it home and I’ll do anything I can to help you get there, he boomed, stepping forward and placing his hand gently on her shoulder. He already had a feeling, when he found her on the beach, that she was a special person. He only had to confirm it.

Thank you, Henry, I’m humbled. I hope that I can do something to help you out while I’m here, to repay you for all your generosity, Erika said, unsure of what she could possibly do.

Erika was enjoying the fresh air. Her muscles felt good as they warmed with use. Talking with Henry gave her a way to vent her sorrow and rekindle her determination to get home. She walked over to a sorry-looking raft. It was how she had arrived on the beach where Henry found her, but it was little more than a pile of plastic melted to a wooden slab now. The plastic jugs that Erika used to create pontoons for the raft to float on were melted into a mass of plastic and duct tape. The wood tabletop that composed the sitting area was in good shape, and the crates that held her supplies looked to be intact, for the most part. She’d started looking through the purses she had used to store her goods when Carol came around the corner. Carol’s eyes opened wide in surprise and she almost dropped the basket she was carrying when she saw Erika.

"Oh, my goodness, honey, what are you doing down here? You don’t need to be going through those things right now. You need to be upstairs resting," Carol insisted.

Erika swung around as if she was being scolded by her grandmother. She dropped her head down.

Give the gal a break, Carol. She just needed a good stretch, Henry shushed his wife.

Erika looked up with a small smile and he winked at her.

I’m sorry, Carol. I’m feeling restless and figured I’d check on my things and have a smoke, Erika told her.

You know those things will kill you. I don’t think in your current condition that is the best idea, but I guess a little fresh air won’t hurt. Hurry upstairs, and we’ll try to fix one another up. I’m going to get dinner started, Carol said in a motherly tone.

We’ll be up later, hun, Henry bellowed deeply.

Carol walked through the aisle of the animals to the stairs and disappeared from sight.

Did you say you had a cigarette? Henry questioned once he was sure Carol was gone.

Yes, do you mind if I have one? Erika asked. She was used to the antismoking bias that so many people displayed nowadays and wondered if she should have brought it up at all.

Only if you can spare one for the old man who saved your life. Carol made me quit a few years back, but I guess a lot has changed lately. It would make me feel. . .normal again, he requested.

Sure, I found quite a few packs in the restaurant I used to work in. What kind do you want? Erika was thrilled that she had something Henry valued that she could share with him.

You got a Marlboro Red?

Yup, I got one of those. Here you go, Erika replied, handing Henry a cigarette that was only slightly bent from the trauma of the trip to the coast.

He took it and ran it under his nose, smelling it. Erika lit hers and then handed him her lighter. They stood at the edge of the porch, looking out. The greens and blues filled