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“Great job, everyone. Stellar.” Clothes, plate carrier, mags, guns, backpack filled to go, you take one of those plastic rain ponchos and tie it around your neck. Might need it at some point, you’d wear it if it didn’t fuck with your mobility so bad. “Alright last thing on the agenda, gotta make sure I’m not doing all the work. We need our pipes working, I want you guys to get started on that. Don’t worry I’ll work you through it.”
You give your family the rundown on well repairs and the adventures of pvc tubing as you go to storage and take out one of the several tubs of water you have stockpiled. Drenching the amalgam of tied together white shirts you have in your hands until they’re all thoroughly damp. You make sure to quiz the family on how long exactly they can live without water, they ace it. You take what little is left and smear it across your clothes. Should do until you find a proper respirator. If the ones in the shed outside you forgot to pack survived.
You put your gloves on, your helmet, and slide on the airtight diving goggles. cumbersome but safe. You walk back into the main room towards the ladder as your lessons draw to a close. After everyone’s confirmations that they understand you can’t help but notice a wry smile on your wife’s face, she’s cracking up at the survival suit. “Well aren’t you just handsome.”
“Dashing aren’t I?” She giggles and you give her a light hug as you secure the last of your gear onto yourself.
“Daddy look like monster” your son chimes in, he’s still struggling with his r’s. You hold your arms up and begin to pen and close your hands rapidly. “Rah.”
You look utterly ridiculous.
It sends him into a giggling fit.
“Hey, stay safe dad.” Your daughter says, taking the opportunity to give you a parting hug.
“Hey, I will sweetie. Keep the rabble in line okay.”
“I will.”
“Awesome.”
You start to ascend the latter, looking down ti give everyone a wave as you do. Goodbyes are important. “Be back soon, gang” the chorus of byes as you march into the dark before the hatch door make it all worth it.
You take a deep breath and begin to open the door, you hear the rooms below seal up, that’s your cue. The grinding of metal fills your ears.
You crack the door, and blinding white light fills your eyes.
This is it.
