Black Sun by Clifford Beck - HTML preview

Chapter 71

Abby was suddenly jolted awake when the truck ran over a bump near the intersection of routes 112 and 145. “Where are we,” she asked.

“Hey, sleepy head, you were out for a while,” Randy replied. “We’re in the town of Bleeker.”

Leaning forward, Abby saw stands of Pine trees that seemed to go on for miles, in spite of the blanket of darkness the night had thrown over the landscape. Looking up, she gazed in amazement at the countless stars hanging adrift in the sky. “It’s beautiful,” she said.

With a soft voice, Sharon spoke with an anticipated tone. “There’s more. You’ll see.”

Turning onto route 125, they passed Bleeker Cemetery on the right. Sharon had committed Bleeker Mountain’s typology to memory and reminded him of the upcoming turn. “I know where it is,” he said.

Slowing the truck, Randy turned left onto a dirt road, putting the headlights on high beam. Driving into the darkness of a wooded area she had never been before left Abby frightened enough that her as her hands began trembling.

“Where are we going?” Abby asked. Seeing her break out in a nervous sweat, Sharon leaned towards her and with a soothing voice briefly offered an explanation. “We had to set up as far back into the woods as we could so no one would see us. People have really changed since all this happened.” Abby had no idea what to expect, but somehow assumed it involved shelter—perhaps a crude camp. “You’ll see what I mean.”

The road was littered with bumps and mud, while tree roots crisscrossed here and there, adding to the discomfort of a lengthy drive. Finally, a light gleamed out from the woods, leaving Abby cautious but curious. Sharon turned to her again with a broad smile.

“We’re almost there,” she said.

Moments later, the trees opened to a flood of light as a modestly-sized settlement came into view. Abby’s eyes widened with astonishment.

“Oh my God,” she said. “How did you do this?” Randy pulled the truck over and shutting off the engine got out and began unloading items from the back. Until now, Abby had not noticed these things, but having a closer look saw that they had also been searching for food and clothing.

Getting out of the truck, Sharon guided Abby, who seemed too weak to get out on her own. Once on her feet, she stared at what could be seen as a small community, equipped with small wooden houses, floodlights and generators. With an arm around her, Sharon walked her to the center of what was essentially a village. “Everyone,” she began. “This is Abby. She’s going to be staying with us.”

Abby’s fear turned to tension as the strangers approached her. But their smiles and welcoming voices soon eased her nerves as she realized that she was, in fact, in the company of good people. Sharon continued with the introductions. “I want you to meet someone,” she began. Walking her over to a small generator, she grabbed the attention of a man who appeared to be making repairs to it. “Eddie, this is Abby. We found her near the woods outside Duanesburg.”

The man turned away from his work and greeted her with a warm smile.

“Abby,” he said. “How are you?”

He noticed her disheveled appearance and suggested to Sharon that she received clean clothes and food. He also recommended that a living place be provided for her, as she was now a permanent member of their community.

Before carrying out Eddie’s suggestions, Sharon went on to briefly tell Abby how their settlement came into being. “Eddie used to work in solar science for NASA. He’s the one who saw the storm coming. He prepared all of this—shielded batteries, solar panels and power cells. We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him.”

Eddie didn’t handle compliments well and flushed with embarrassment.

“Oh, come on,” he said. “I couldn’t have done any of this without all of you.”

With her arm still around her shoulder, Sharon turned back toward the small crowd that had gathered. Even children, woken by the commotion, stood watching their new arrival. It had been a long time since Abby had felt the comfort of safety, but it was with Sharon’s next words that she became part of something truly consoling.

“Welcome home, Abby.”

End