(Begin)
Everything was in place. Howard had managed to sharpen one of his crutches into a makeshift shiv. Using a torn piece of bedspread and some matches he'd found in his jacket pocket, he had been able to start a fire in the air vent above his room. It was only a matter of time before the alarm went off and the woman showed up to investigate.
Lo and behold, the door latch began to turn. With smoke quickly filling the room, Howard couldn't see very well, but as soon as he spotted a small figure heading towards him, he charged forward.
Unfortunately, the woman spotted him and ducked under his arm. Before he could react, she stuck a syringe in his side. Howard felt his strength leaving him as he collapsed.
When he awoke, he was once again chained to the wall and the woman was sitting across from him. If she's gonna shoot me, she'd better do it now.
Instead, the woman began to speak. "It seems we've gotten off on the wrong foot. I brought you here to save your life."
"You saved me?"
"Yes. I was driving by when I saw your car go off the road. I could have been on my way, but instead I dragged you out, brought you here, and gave you food. I expect you to show me some appreciation, instead of trying to kill me."
"Well, I'm sorry for that. Now can you let me go? I need to call my wife."
"I wouldn't bother. There's no one out there looking for you."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, there's no one out there. Yesterday, some kind of chemical or nuclear attack hit the South coast. Everyone caught outside was killed instantly."
"Where are we then?"
"My bunker. I knew something like this would happen, and I prepared for it. So long as we remain inside, we should be able to last a couple of years at most. Then it should be safe to leave."
"I brought you some fresh clothes. They belonged to my father, so they should fit you. My name's Michelle, by the way."
With that, she got up and left, locking the door behind her.
(Stop)