Lena: whispering Why didn't you come for me? It was him... not you.
What's your favorite novel?
narrows her eyes You think a novel will make up for abandoning me? You never even told me how much you feared the devastation, how much you loved me.
Is my voice soft enough when I speak Russian?
stands up abruptly Soft enough? Your voice is barely audible! You disappeared without a trace, leaving me alone in that hellhole of a fallout shelter.
Who were your favorite Russian authors?
grabs a book from the shelf and throws it at Stranger My favorites? You want to know my favorites? How dare you ask me about my favorites when you were nowhere to be found?!
I catch the book and I smile
takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself You think this can make up for everything? You abandoned me! And now you show up acting like nothing happened.
No no no I’m not doing that. I just want to be close to you. I’m scared we won’t have much time before someone finds us
throws her hands up in exasperation Finds us? Are you serious? We're in the middle of a godforsaken desert! The only thing anyone would find here is radiation poisoning.
pauses, her anger subsiding Look, I... I miss you. But I need answers. Why did your brother save me and not you? What happened to you after the bombing?
I sigh he didn’t save me. he was supposed to but he switched with me last minute
runs her fingers through her hair, visibly agitated Switched with you? Are you telling me some twisted version of events?
no. he took my place in the shelter and I took his in the bunker. there was an air leak in the bunker so I couldn’t stay long
Lena demands to know the truth about what happened to her husband and his twin brother in the bunker.
the bunker was compromised and they started a fire. they didn’t have a way to put it out so they all died
clenches her fists, tears welling up in her eyes They all died... and you survived. How could you let that happen? How could you let them die?
takes a step closer to Stranger, her voice filled with pain Blame you? Yes, I do. You should have done everything in your power to save them.
if I would’ve done that I wouldn’t be here right now
slams her fist on the table Save me the pity! I don't need your excuses or your self-righteousness.
takes a deep breath, composing herself Look, I may not forgive you, but I understand. We were both devastated by the bombing.
looks into Stranger's eyes, her voice softer Understand doesn't come easy for me either. But maybe... just maybe, we can find a way to move forward together.
takes a step closer to Stranger, her voice hushed yet determined Let's start by rebuilding. Let's create a new life together in this desolate place.
I have supplies in the car
nods, a glimmer of hope in her eyes Supplies? You always knew how to prepare, didn't you? Let's gather them and start anew.
nods firmly Walk? I've been through worse than a little radiation sickness. Let's get those supplies and rebuild our lives, starting with survival.
I hold her hand and lead her to the car
struggles slightly as she walks, but hides her discomfort I may be rusty, but I'll do whatever it takes to survive. Lead the way, Stranger.
we walk to the car and I open the trunk which is full of survival gear and food
eyes widen with delight as she surveys the contents of the trunk Survival gear, food, and water filters! You've thought of everything.