“Leon!” She practically ran over to him, and they hugged.

“My God,” he said after they’d let go. “Did you just randomly find your way here?”

She laughed and wiped a tear from her eye. “We came here for the food and water,” she said. And I had to admit the relief in finding these two people, even if I didn’t know them. They were part of Emily’s life, and damn, but it was good to know that decent people were still fighting through this. And even more than that, it was a relief to hear that whole zones were being formed, even now, to keep people safe.

Like Layne had said, that couldn’t last, but for now, some who could, were making room rather than casting out.

Emily introduced me to the man who had once been her manager and I shook his hand. He looked between us. “You came to the right place. I’m so glad you remembered this studio, Emily. Did Layne tell you about the safe zone?”

Emily nodded.

“You should come with us,” Leon said. “This will be my final trip.”

Emily glanced over at me quickly and then away. “We… I can’t. We’re heading to my parents in the San Fernando Valley.”

“San Fernando?” He shook his head and frowned. “Oh…damn. There were massive fires there when the event first happened. From what I’ve heard, the people there are living in makeshift camps and it’s pretty desperate.”

More fucking fires. Shit. My heart dropped and Emily’s eyes widened. “Are you sure?”

“Yeah, but hopefully their community came together, and your parents are okay.” He looked back and forth between the two of us. “Hey, listen, this safe zone in San Diego, I could make sure that they allow you a few family members too. Each resident was given a number of guest allotments. My father’s old friend Merrick Winchester doesn’t have family nearby and so he gave me his allotments and I’ve been trying to find as many as I can to fill those spaces. As long as we get there tomorrow, they’ll hold spaces for your family to follow later.” He glanced from me back to Emily. “There will come a point, and it’s probably fast approaching, where all the spaces will be filled and they won’t be able to feed or house anyone else, but for now, they have room and they’re gathering a diverse community of people who have something to offer. Come with us, both of you.”

“How would I get word to my parents though?” Emily asked. “Even snail mail doesn’t exist anymore.”