THE RAIN IS LIKE SKY BLOOD. Some kid told me that while we were making our way through Utah. Poor thing looked like he’d been alone for a long time, but then again that’s where we all are now. Outside of the big cities there’s only a handful of us brave enough to dare the mutated wasteland this planet has become. They say we’re the unlucky ones. By “they” I mean those still living in the pre-war cities; cities which have been sheltered from the aftermath of mankind’s last squabble. They weren’t the rich ones or the gifted ones, they were just people who prepared for the worst. They are the people who lived and breathed paranoia. It’s a shame really. We all have to start again every time a couple of countries think it’s acceptable to pull the trigger on something or someone. The pre-war cities are like tombs and their inhabitants are guards.

“We should head west, you know. It’s safer out that way.” A strong yet fragile hand grips my shoulder. A man in his late thirties, at least that’s what he claims, stands beside me. His name is Jace. He sees the same bullshit I do. I’m sure of it. One doesn’t walk across the old highways without seeing a little bit of everything, or rather, a little bit of how everything used to be.

“I don’t think it makes a difference whether we go East or West. We’re still going to end up hitting an ocean sooner or later.” I push the frame of my glasses into the bridge of my nose. They’re a little too big, but I can’t really go around complaining about it. At least I have glasses.

“Not true, girl. Not true at all.” He pulls his hand back. “Ever been to the Oregon coast? Damn that’s a beautiful place.” “It’s still an ocean.” I shrug. “Only went for the odd trip. I prefer the falls myself.” He laughs. “That’s all you Canucks talk about: the falls.”

“There’s nothing wrong with appreciating the falls. It’s one of the only places that still looks half decent these days.” I pull the strap of my backpack tighter. Inside are only the essentials: a small pot, some canned food and a few knick knacks I picked up along the way. “We should head south when we hit the I-5.” He steps past me with both hands in his pockets now. “You’re too honest for your own good.”

“I was hired to do a job-” “And were already paid for it too. Cut and run girl. I’d rather not be hitting up Reno this time of year.”

I shrug. “You don’t have to come. You are the one tagging along, after all.” He rolls his eyes. “Don’t remind me.” And just like that I start walking. It takes a few seconds, but Jace ends up trudging along behind me. Doesn’t matter if he’s there or not, but the company is nice. Could be awhile before I run into anyone else. Not many people make their way through limbo like we do.