(Begin)
While Michelle settled down for a quick nap, Howard and Emmet met in the pantry.
"How'd you wind up here, anyway?"
"You might find this hard to believe, but I used to run track in Louisiana. I was a piss-poor student, but I did well enough to get a full scholarship to State."
"What happened?"
"I lost my nerve. My coach warned me that if I couldn't keep up with those fancy rich kids in class, I'd get cut. Then I'd lose my scholarship and spend the rest of my life cutting grass for a living. So instead of sleeping the night before, I got high and wasted. Missed my bus. As soon as I got the chance, I skipped town and hitchhiked my way to California. Figured I needed to get as far away as possible so they'd never find me."
"And then?"
"Got a job working on Michael's farm. He was a good man. Taught me everything I know about construction. And when Michelle asked me to build her a shelter, I did it as a favor to his memory. What about you? What'd you leave behind?"
"Sold clothes in a mall kiosk. Nothing to brag about."
"That's pretty sad."
"At least we're both alive."
"Life's funny that way."
"You think we could get out through the skylight?"
"Sure. But we'd still die. The air's poisonous, remember?"
"Could we build protective suits?"
"Maybe. We could try searching the garbage disposal for materials."
A quick search turned up an old shower curtain, some 2-liter plastic bottles, and other assorted bits. Using scissors, tape, and pencils stolen from the kitchen, the two spent several days sketching, cutting, and sewing together a suit, instructed by one of Michelle's survival guides.
When they were finished, one thing became clear. There was only enough material for one of them to escape unharmed.
"I swear I'll come back for you. As soon as I find some help."
"I wouldn't bet on it. Still, I'm willing to wait."
Having completed their work, the two waited for an opportunity to launch their plan. But it didn't quite turn out that way…
(Stop)