The Final Expedition

Day Sixty-One

I awoke, the comforting warmth of Natalya pressed against me in the total darkness of the sleeping compartment. We were both squeezed into a sleeping bag to keep us together while we slept. I switched on the small light on the wall of the compartment. Natalya stirred, her eyes flicking open.

“Good morning.” I smiled.

“Good morning.” Came the sleepy reply. “What time is it?”

“Not quite time yet.” I replied. Natalya wrapped her arms around me, her head resting against my shoulder. I returned her embrace and we held each other close for a few moments.

“Do you ever feel guilty?” she asked me.

“Guilty? What for?”

“You and I.” she replied. “Only two months ago the entire planet was devastated, billions killed including our own family and friends and yet we have somehow put it all behind us and started a relationship. It seems selfish, disrespectful.”

“You feel we should have a respectful period of mourning before allowing ourselves to find any enjoyment again?” I replied thoughtfully. “You might be right. But personally, and I don’t want to sound callous, but I think that we need to worry about ourselves first. If we spent all day thinking about how bleak the future looks, we’d end up in the depths of depression like Flynn. I think there is precious little to enjoy left in the world and we need something to live for, some glimmer of light in the darkness. I haven’t forgotten about my family and friends. I think about them every day, but I’m sure wherever they are, they would rather see us happy.”

“I’m not sure my family would be so happy to see me in the arms of a foreigner.” Natalya smiled. “They were very traditional.”

“Well, in that case you have an obvious alternative.” I quipped. Natalya chuckled and playfully elbowed me in the ribs.

“Time for me to go.” She announced, unzipping the sleeping bag and sliding her lithe frame into her flight suit.

“Time for the float of shame.” I smiled as she eased open the door of my compartment. Natalya smiled back, before putting her finger to her lips and silently closing the door behind her.