They looked over the ruins of a civilization that once prospered, once was full of life and beauty. In the middle of the ruins, a giant crater is visible, breaking up the jagged ruins that sat on an island.
"Welcome to Earth." Alex gestures to the ruins. "Population unknown."
"What do you mean unknown?" his female companion asks, looking up at the 26 year old.
He looks down at her. "My dad... he told me stories that has been passed down from generation to generation." He glances back at the ruins. "They say that the world used to be much more... crowded."
His friend opens up a map, it's edges worn and the creases torn in some parts.
"Hey, this looks like the river," she said, pointing at the faded blue line skirting across the paper. "Hudson River?"
"It's what they named the river Cali." Alex smiles down at Cali.
"Wait, so my name..."
"Is the name of a state." Alex throws his arm over Cali's shoulder. Cali reaches into her pockets and produces a slightly dirty plastic card.
"State of California" it read. A picture of a smiling lady, probably in her early thirties when it was taken, is on the left side of the card. The text to the right of the picture is unlegible and it's black color faded to a light grey.
"So, that's why my mom named me this," she whispers. "Her great-grandmother is from the west."
Alex nods with a small smile before tugging her back towards the vault. "We should get back. It's getting dark."
Cali nods and together, they walk back to the vault, the place that had sheltered them from the outside world.
(Inspired by Fallout)
YOU ARE READING
Short Stories
Short StoryJust a small book where I will write short stories. It might not be good, it might be good, who knows. This is also my testing grounds, so beware! Feedback is always appreciated as it will help my me improve.
