Hunker down till 'spring'
From Torg Adventure
You help your mother. In a minute, she wakes up enough to help you get her to bed. Your sister's help too. You tuck her in. She pulls your hand. You lean down.
"Your father is dead. You're the head of the family now. You know what to do," she says, just before passing out again.
You think about what just happened. Clearly, your father knew he was in danger when he gave the ground hog code. He was definitely shot. Even if he is still alive, he'd expect you to protect the family and not jeopardize everything to save him -- especially since he's basically a dead man anyway. Whether your mother really knows he's dead doesn't matter.
A feeling of determination fills you as you mentally take on the role of your father, protector of the family. You decide you are going to follow the next part of his plan, communicated to you with his last words -- "The ground hog sees his shadow." You are going to hole up in the shelter for six more weeks, listening to the radio, but not responding. After that, you'll have to rely on your own knowledge, experience, and intuition to get through the next years. You bow your head and mourn your father's passing briefly.
You walk to your sisters and say, "Before he was shot, Dad's last words were the code phrase for 'It's too dangerous outside. Stay inside until it's safe.' We're going to stay inside for at least six weeks, listening to the outside world, but not talking back." They both crumple a little in disappointment. With a more upbeat voice, you continue, "But, we have books and cards. We can keep ourselves entertained for the duration."
Tracy whines, "But we were hoping to get outside soon. It's starting to smell like ass down here."
"I'll see what I can do about getting more fresh air down here. Since the radiation is gone, it should be fine." You hug them both in a group hug to comfort them. They cling tightly to you. Your mind wanders to register the feel of their breasts pressing against your chest. You shake your head to clear the wicked thoughts.
"Why don't you guys make something to eat. I'll check on Mom and the radio."
"Okay," Milly says as the two of them walk to the storeroom.
Your mother appears to be sleeping. You check her pulse and temperature, which are normal. She just needs to recover from the shock of losing her husband, you decide.
Tracy is right -- it is beginning to smell rank. You turn up the ventilation fan to pull more fresh air down.
Your sisters emerged from the storeroom with a tray. You sit at the table, and they set things down and sit. They've made tuna salad and crackers with water. Everyone's spirits seem recovered, and friendly banter resumes and even a few jokes. After dinner, you play a game of Hearts. Milly wins, when on the last hand, she Shoots the Moon, taking all the hearts and the Queen of Spades.
The other two go to bed, while you listen to the radio a bit longer before hitting the sack. You almost immediately fall asleep.
What next?
