“It was actually organized years ago, luckily enough. There’s a community up in the hills above the ocean that has been running a co-op. A group of rich retirees who own these McMansions with huge yards got together and decided one would grow grapes, the other vegetables, another would keep chickens. They had a farmers market just among themselves every weekend and are self-sufficient if they want to be. I mean, these people are rich enough that they don’t even do any of the work themselves unless they want to. They have staff who live on-site now and take care of most of the labor. And there are pools in the majority of the backyards. They have water for years.”

Ah, a group of crunchy Californians with time on their hands, money burning a hole in their pockets, and a desire to feel like they were living off the land. Well, God bless them because it sounded like they were ahead of the curve. “Leon’s father was war buddies with one of the residents so that’s how he has an in. It’s grown a lot in the last couple of weeks as they’ve invited outsiders in. Leon made contact with a few strong men he knows who didn’t have a place to go. He offered them a spot in the community in exchange for guarding the gates. So now they have security. There are a couple of doctors among the residents, which is obviously important. And they love that Leon has brought in some artists and entertainers too. They know how important the arts will be going forward.”

Going forward.

“Oh,” Emily said. “I see.” She looked over at me, and for the first time in weeks, I realized I couldn’t tell what she was thinking. I felt hollow inside. I knew there was a wedge between us, and most of me hated it more than anything I’d ever hated, and part of me clung to it because I knew it’d be necessary for my survival when we parted. And the fact that history was repeating itself didn’t escape me either, which only added to my despair.

“How are you traveling there safely?” I asked. “There are barricades everywhere. Whatever path Leon took might already be closed.” Things were unwinding rapidly. Nothing could be counted on. Even if San Diego was less than two hours away by car.

“Yes. There are four blockades set up that are allowing people passage as long as they don’t stay. Guides will walk you through. They’re not bad people. They’re just trying to protect their own. Like I said, Leon’s traveled the route a few times, so they know and trust him.”

The door to one of the recording booths opened, and a man walked through looking sleep-mussed, his eyes widening when he saw Emily and me. “Emily? Holy shit. How the hell are you here?”