Chapter 1

November 23, 2022

Conner

It was just a normal Wednesday. Conner slipped out of bed around 9:30. Today is going to be a great day! he thought. You see, Conner was 18 and had a lot of great things going for him. He was dating his dream guy, a kick ass car, and a large property full of horses. And soon he would bring home his boyfriend to meet his family, He was really nervous on how they would respond.

Conner walks out into the living room to see his mother and step father already up and watching the news. Stock market is still dropping? Crazy. He walks over to the coffee machine and pours a cup for himself. Soon, he thinks to himself, I'll pick him up from the airport and bring him here. Blushing at the thought of finally being together, he walks over to the microwave and pulls out a tray of leftover brownies he had put there last night. Right before he takes a bite, his phone buzzes on the counter. Julian! He smiles. He must be getting on his flight.

Julian: "Hey baby!"

Conner: "Hey! Are you about to get on your flight?"

Julian: "Actually, they had opened up an earlier flight for me. We took a detour and stopped off on a smaller runway in North Carolina to refuel."

Shocked that he was already so close this early, Conner struggled to find words to say,

Conner: "W-wow! That's awesome!"

Julian: "Yeah! We'll be in Georgia by 3:30! I can't wait to see you ba-"

Before he could finish talking, a loud siren wailed from the TV. An EAS?

"Hold on, something is happening. Give me a second."

Conner hastily walks into the living room to see the message stating that the American government has just fallen. What the fuck?! Everything was just fine yesterday! In fact it was improving! His mom had her hand clasped over her mouth in astonishment. Brook. His stepdad, blatantly said. "This is the end of the world? Huh, thought we would been blown up by now." Ignoring his comment, Conner rushes back to his phone.

"Babe, I-"

"Conner, they just cancelled my flight and there's fights happening everywhere. What the hell is going on?!"

Pulling himself together, he says, "The government just fell. Holy shit you need to get out of there. Find a car or something and get on the highway heading South. Don't stop until you run out of gas or if you see a blue 1998 Subara WRX STI."

"A what?"

"Jesus Julian, A BLUE SUBARU! That will be me. Also, if you find a weapon, bring it with you just in case."

"Okay babe. I will find you."

"Not if I find you first. I love you"

"I love you too."

After he hangs up, Conner walks over and explains the situation to his mom. She agrees that he should go and get him. As he starts walking out to his car, his mom calls out to him.

"Stop by your father first and protect yourself. You better make it back, I love you,"

"I will! I love you too Mom!"

He puts his keys in the ignition and feels the car roar to life. He pulls the shifter knob into reverse and backs out of the driveway. With ease, he whips the car around and speeds off into town. That blue Subaru was a former rally car, so it handled everything like a dream. Plus, it was turbocharged.

Within minutes, Conner was at his father's house. His dad used to be a mechanic and is his best friend. He helped Conner rebuild his car. He also had a nice interest in guns. Conner walks into the house.

"Dad?!"

"I'm back here!"

He makes his way back to the master bedroom. It's where every gun his dad ever owned is stored.

"Your mom called and explained what you are doing. You are going to go save that boy…"

Oh yeah. And he is super religious. He never liked the fact that Conner liked men. It makes him think that he failed as a father. Suddenly, his dad's arms were around him.

"Go save him. I can finally accept who you are. Ever since I knew you were dating him, I noticed you were so much happier. I live to see your happiness. Now, take this Ruger and Winchester. Go get him and come back safely. I love you."

Not knowing what to say, Conner embraces him again in another hug. He finally said it. It took 5 years but he said it. Before he started tearing up, he let go and said his goodbyes,

I'm coming babe. Don't worry, I'll find you.