Chapter 430
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Adam and Eve were sleeping. It was probably November 29th, as mankind once measured time. It seemed a bit cold, but they couldn't use too much fuel for heat,so they snuggled. Then came a loud crash which startled them both awake. They both feared what it could be. It had suddenly became much colder, that might confirm their worst fears. Adam and Eve went to the attic. The roof had caved in. This room was completely covered in snow. They could see outside, at least ten feet of snow, more coming down. They knew they'd never be able to repair this without freezing to death. Adam checked their snow-suits. One was too damaged to use, the other one might be able to help one of them to the Ark. But neither would leave the other behind like this. Unless they could somehow get the Arks to send someone for them, they were going to die very soon.
Adam tried talking to the nearest Ark. It was in the mountains of what was once West Virginia. Three years ago Adam helped build this Ark. It was only a few miles away, but in this weather it might as well have been galaxies away. They were grateful Adam told them. They might have to re-adjust their Arks, but from what Eve could tell they wouldn't be sending anyone. They couldn't risk their limited manpower and resources to protect two canaries. If Adam and Eve could get to the Ark on their own they'd be taken in. But it was clear that wasn't realistic. Adam came back to tell Eve the bad news. She already knew, from what she'd heard, and the look on his face. They were going to die.
They were going to die, it was only a question of how. Either they would freeze to death, or they could use the gun on themselves. Although Adam and Eve feared Hell, at the moment they feared the snow more. In theory one of them could take the snow-suit and take their chances. But after all they'd seen, all they'd done, they couldn't leave the other behind. They looked into each other's eyes and agreed. They would die together, on their own terms. Adam took the gun and put it to his head. He found himself unable to pull the trigger. Adam didn't know if it was fear or the cold that prevented him from doing this. Eve took his hand, she gave him the courage to die. They never wanted to be apart again, not for one second. Eve put herself side by side with Adam. The bullet would go through Adam's head, all the way into Eve's. With his first beloved by his side, Adam pulled the trigger.