Part one.
The Virus Winter Storm.
It was snowing hard again today. This was the worst winter I had ever seen in my life, and it was only January second. So far, there have been about sixteen storms in a row, and it was all snow. The power went out just before Christmas, and the roads are all impassable. In fact, I haven't seen or heard a plow in over three weeks, and the generator quit when the last of the gas ran out.  If it wasn't for my wood stove, I would have already frozen to death.
    It all started back in mid November. I was in the kitchen listening to the radio while canning up the last of the apples, when the weather forecast came on. Eight to twelve inches of fresh white powder expected to fall overnight and into tomorrow. I like the snow and thought little of it. I took the long tongs and removed the last batch of jars from the big pot of water, and gently set them on a towel on the counter. That made twenty four more jars of food. I had a great harvest from my fruit trees, and a very good yield from the gardens too. I had peaches, and apples, raspberry jam, peas, onions, carrots, string beans, beets, corn, spinach, potatoes, and a whole lot of different pickled stuff. From cucumbers to cabbage. Hell I even had jars of meat. Chicken, pork, venison, and beef. I got laid off during the coronavirus shutdown last spring and spent most of my days at home working around the place. With the year the way it was going, I thought it was a good idea to be prepared for anything. The hurricane season started early, wildfires were ablaze, and the riots across the country were causing a lot of panic. I had lost power last winter for a week, suffered through the spring with no toilet paper, and things were getting crazier every day. But being at home all the time without having to leave and go out to work, was like being on the homestead in the time of my great grandparents.
      I planted out and maintained the gardens, fixed the roof, pruned the fruit trees, chopped and stacked wood for the stove, rebuilt the run to the chicken and duck coop, and gave the garage the deep cleaning it so desperately needed. The garage is my workshop. It is far easier to find the tools I need, and to move around when it is clean, and in good order.
    Anyway, here I was, all alone at home, stuck in what could have been my final demise, had I not took the time to prepare.
     The days were long and slow. Time felt like it was standing still. I used up all the batteries, and now had no radio, or flashlights. Only two oil lamps, with almost no wicks left. Another day or so, and I would only have the light from the fire in the wood stove. I go to bed early so I wasn't really worried much about light.
     I'm not sure, but I think it was early February,   when I began to freak out. I spent more time in the coop with the birds, than in my own house. I was lonely, and beginning to go mad. The storms just kept coming one after the other and the snow got deeper. No plows, no people, not a sound other than me and the girls.
    I gave up shoveling a few weeks ago because I couldn't throw the snow high enough to get it over the bank I had made, but the car was accessible. I needed to hear another voice. I grabbed the keys and went out to the car. I shoveled the snow toward the rear of the vehicle, now reburying the back end. I finally made enough space to open the front door and squeeze inside. I looked at the radio with relief. Then I put the key in the ignition. My heart sank. The battery was dead. I sat there in despair, my head hung low. I might not die from the cold or from starvation, but I felt more alone than ever. I thought, if only I didn't use the damn generator so much early on, maybe I would have some gas to run it now. Bang, it hit me fast and hard.
        The car has a full tank in it. I got out and went to the workshop and dug out a hose and the small plastic squeeze pump. I grabbed a gas can, and back out to the car I went. Now I had to shovel the snow from the back end to the front, to get to the gas cap on the side of the car. It took a while, but soon I had the tank cover open, and the hose down inside the tank. I put the plastic hand pump onto the hose and gave it a good squeeze. It immediately cracked and lost suction. I was gonna have to do this like in the good old days, suck it out. I put the hose in my mouth and began to suck hard. I could feel the pressure pulling back. It was like trying to suck a really thick milkshake through a straw.  I didn't get it on the first try, so I exhaled as far as I could, and then sucked as hard as possible. Swoosh, blaaa. The gas came up  fast, this time filling my mouth. I spit it out as I put the end of the hose into the container. I just kept spitting trying to get the taste out of my mouth. The gas can was now full, and I was happy. This five gallons should get me almost eight hours of power from the generator. I learned my lesson, and I will be frugal this time,  only using it for the most important necessities.
           The generator now filled and running on the back porch, gave me lights and the radio. I turned the tuner back and forth but all I got was static. What's going on I wondered, it worked fine before the batteries died. I gave it a couple of whacks, but still nothing. Back to the shop I went. I unscrewed the back to check the antenna, but it was good. I twisted a wire to it and held it to the pipes. Still just static. Could all the radio stations be down? Is the weather that bad and wide spread? What could be happening I had no idea. I was isolated and had been for months now. I went back inside and plugged the tv into the extension attached  to the generator. Clicked the remote and on it came. All snow. Every channel had only a white fuzzy screen. Okay, now I was feeling more worried and scared, than lonely. What could have happened that put out our communications network? Could the storms and weather really be that bad, or was it something else?
                I shut off the tv, and powered down the generator. I would save the energy, who knows how long this will last. I began to think of the movies I had seen. This was for sure like some of them. Climate change and all the stories of the end days. I sat there in the dark thinking that if we were in some kind of abnormal polar vortex, or maybe a nuclear winter, or some other life changing event, I would like to live as long as possible to find anyone else who may be alive.
          I decided to ration my food. I still had a few hundred jars on the shelf and if I ate half of my norm, I could last almost a year. If spring or summer does come, I'll be alive to see it.
         I began to get crafty. If I was to last, I would need to prepare even more for the worst. I wanted light for at night. The wicks had burned out weeks ago, although I had two gallons of lamp oil left. Lamp oil lasts a very long time. But wicks, I needed wicks. I remembered an old belt I had. It was an old green cloth army belt that I wore with my fatigues. The kind you pull through the buckle and it wedges on the small metal bar. Where did it go? I know it is in the house somewhere, I saw it someplace in the past year. After looking all over I couldn't find it. I got angry. I know it is here.
             I gave up my search and decided to eat. I ate right from the jars. What ever I needed to heat, I set on the top of the stove on an iron skillet placed upside-down, as to not have the glass sit directly on the stove. Tonight I was having beef, potatoes, and green beans. And for desert, some peaches. One third of each pint jar. The remainder would go out on the porch under the snow. That was my refrigerator.  I was lucky with water because I had two wells. One for the house which needed power for the pump, and one for the gardens and animals, which was a hand pump. Without that one, I would have to use the generator, and I was not ready to use up my limited supply of fuel. I guess the car still has about six gallons left.
             After I ate, I was putting the jars in the snow outside, when I heard a bark. It was low and almost inaudible. I looked from the porch but didn't see anything. I turned to go back in when I heard it again. It was more a whimpering than a bark. It had to be a dog or a coyote, but it could also be a fox I thought. It had just started to snow again and it was getting much colder. The snow was so deep, I wondered how anything, man or beast could get through. I decided to put my boots and coat on and go take a look.
           Walking was hard. It was like I was pushing through the snow making a tunnel, with each step forward I took. I was about three feet above the ground, walking on a frozen layer of crusted snow, and still it was face level in front of me. Every few steps, one foot would break through the crust and deeper down I went. Then it took me three more steps to get back on the crusted layer. How on earth could an animal with such thin feet and legs even move in this I thought, and turning around, gave up. It must have felt my soul quitting on it, because it barked loud and clear and was jumping up and down in the snow. I could see the snow fluttering and flying around a spot at eye level about ten feet still ahead. I worked my way forward and the animal stopped fussing and jumping, and began again it's whimpered cry. When I reached the spot I found a German Shepard, it's hair covered with frozen ice, lying on top of a human body.  
    End part one

Part two.
I pushed the back of my hand  toward him in a slow gentle movement. He licked it without any hesitation. His tail wagged but he was still whimpering. Feeling comfortable about his demeanor, I gave him a good rub and then a hug. Okay boy, I said, what do we have here? I softly yet firmly lifted and slid the dog to the side of the body. The dog wiggled tight to the side of it's master and licked what it could of the covered face. A small moan escaped from the lips. "Help me", said the voice. I am here I said. I will help you. With my fingers, I pushed the edge of the beanie up and off the eyes, and pulled the scarf down off the nose and mouth. I was amazed at what I saw. It was a woman. I couldn't believe it. I could hardly make my way out the door, and here she is miles from the closest house or anything for that matter. My name is Zachary, and my house is less than a hundred yards away, I said, you are safe now, you will be alright I promise. I lifted her up and put her over my shoulder. It was the only way I could carry her through the snow. With the extra weight, every step I took went through the crust, and down to the ground. If I had not already walked through this way, I don't think I could have carried her out. It took some time but we made it back to the house, with her loyal dog following right behind us.
               I layed her on the couch and covered her with a blanket. I got a cup of water, and gently lifted her head and put it to her lips. Her eyes opened and she slowly sipped from the cup. After a few minutes, she leaned her head up off the pillow and drank the rest in two big gulps. I refilled it and she drank some more.
    Are you okay I asked her? Yes I am fine she replied. I just feel very weak and tired. Suddenly she got exited. Where is Oreo she blurted out loudly? If you mean the dog he is right here. The dog licked her face. She smiled and relaxed as her hands felt there way along his fur. Good boy she said.  How long were you out there I asked? I have been walking for three days, I think,  she muttered in reply. Her head fell back and she was asleep. Her dog curled up right beside her on the floor by the couch. 
     Not wanting to leave her alone, I slept in the chair so in case she woke up, she would see me, and maybe not be frightened.
      When morning came, I woke up first. I guess three days of tunneling through the snow really takes it's toll on one. I put logs into the stove and set the old coffee pot on top. It was percolating in no time at all. I had no bread, but I did have fresh eggs, potatoes and beef from last night's dinner. I put them in a skillet on the stove. Today didn't seem the right time to eat from the jars. I put enough on the stove for the both of us, and opened a new jar of meat for Oreo. He scarfed it down fast and looked up at me for more. I gave him a bowl of water, and told him he would get anything leftover we didn't eat. My supply of food would dwindle fast now with two mouths and a dog to feed.
     I took the food off the stove and set it on the hearth. The woman was still asleep. I saw her breathing, and just let her be. She had obviously been through enough already. It was early afternoon when she awoke. I put the skillet back on the stove, and when it was warm we ate our breakfast together. There was nothing left over for the dog, but he wasn't really looking for it anyway. I guess that full pint of meat this morning actually filled him up good.
   Well I said, your dog is Oreo, I am Zachary, what am I to call you? My name is Celeste she answered smiling. Good morning Celeste. It is a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for helping me she said, I thought I was going to die. If Oreo did not bark and make a ruckus I told her, you probably would have. It is him you need to thank. Of course he was now at her side getting loved. He knew we were talking about him.
     How did you come to be outside my home in the middle of this God forsaken weird winter, I asked? Celeste looked at me with her big brown eyes, she was beautiful. It is kind of a long story she said. I looked out the window and it was snowing again. I have lot's of time, I said with a laugh. I think we will be stuck here a while, unless of course you want to leave. I smiled, and she quickly answered with her story.
" I am married with two wonderful little girls. They are my everything. I could not live without them. Their father and I are divorced. Him I can live without. He treated me like a child and has never respected me. He blames me for all his failures. We lived with my mom because he could not support us, and even that was my fault. Finally I had had enough. Since I was a young girl, I have suffered bouts of anxiety. He never understood just how bad It could be at times. He unfortunately made it even worse. So we divorced. After he packed and left us, and my mom's home, he fought me all the time about custody of the children. He pays no alimony, and barely any child support. But even the little he pays, he thinks was too much. He gets to have them every other weekend and some evenings during the week. I  have them the rest of the time. I do the schooling, Doctor appointments, practices and games, all the cooking, and every nurturing thing a mother can do for her children. But he paid too much. I just wish he would have loved them enough to be a nice and understanding man, and not so selfish in everything. I really did love him once. But now it is of no consequence. He has been gone for a few months. No one knows where he went. Any way, one day before he disappeared, he called and asked me to meet him at this little cabin about two miles from here. I said okay that I would, not knowing what he had planned. Maybe inside I hoped for him to bring the magic of love back into our lives. Boy was I mistaken. I left the kids with my mom, something I hardly ever do, and went to see him. When I got to the cabin he was working on the septic tank. It was behind the cabin and the top was dug up and open. He said the septic cleaner was coming. Why did you want me here I asked. I am sorry he said, about everything. I still love you and want to make amends. I thought maybe some time alone, just the two of us, would bring back some of the good memories. I have something special for you inside the cabin. I looked up at the front door. I wondered what it could possibly be. Go ahead in and see he said with a big grin on his face. Slowly I walked up the porch stairs. Maybe he is loving after all I thought. Maybe not having me in his life for a while, made him realize, just how much he loved me after all. I opened the door but at about six inches open it stopped. I thought it was stuck and gave it a good jerk and it opened wide. I heard something fall on the floor. My eyes could not believe it. There was a string tide to a shotgun, and to the door. The bastard tried to kill me. The gun was on the floor and I picked it up. The dumbass forgot the safety. I walked outside, gun aimed at him with the safety now off. The look on his face was one I will never forget. Surprise honey I said!  I forced him to get in the septic tank. He refused at first. I shot once over his head and told him he was going in either way. I could never trust this man again. He dropped into the tank. Standing up, his head was just lower that the lid. I pushed the concrete lid over the tank and his cries turned into nothing but muffled noise. Shovel after shovel I filled the hole. I even raked the top and put the grass seed down that he had in his trunk. I drove my car home. Then I walked the three miles back to the cabin. Everything was quiet. I drove his car a few miles the other way and abandoned it in the woods. Then I walked home. Every now and then I went back to the cabin to see if anything had been disturbed. It wasn't.  In November, I went one last time. I left the kids with my mom and the first storm hit, forcing me to stay at the cabin. There was plenty of wood and many cans of vegetables on the shelf. I made it until a few days ago. I knew this house was the closest so I headed this way. It was either that, or starve to death. I never dreamed the weather was going to be like this".  
        I sat in awe listening and hanging onto every word she said. I couldn't believe my ears. She had to be lying. Why would she admit all this now, and to me a complete stranger. Why didn't you  just leave and call the police I asked? He was trying to kill me she answered. I have a history of anxiety attacks. Who would have believed me? He would have surely killed me if I hadn't acted right away. I'm sorry for telling you all this, but you asked. I'm not a very good liar. Besides, the way this winter has gone so far, there may be no future anyway.
    So here I was, stuck in my place for the unforeseeable future, with a stunningly beautiful possible psychopathic woman, who I saved from sure death. Maybe it was God's plan for her and I got in the way. Sleep was not gonna come easy tonight.
        Throughout that first day, my mind was realing all over the place. I was lonely for sure, but I didn't have a death wish. Yes it was going to be a long winter, storms or no storms. I was afraid.
         When dinnertime came, I explained to her the rationing system that we could live on longer. She was in complete agreement. Oreo can have scraps, and since there are fresh eggs everyday, that's what he gets. That sounds like a plan to me I said. Then I wondered what she fed the dog all this time at the cabin. I wondered about the septic tank.
    I looked at her as she put the jars from dinner back under the snow. God she was beautiful. She couldn't possibly have killed or maybe even eaten the guy, could she? As she closed the door I asked her one last question. What did you feed the dog this past few months?
End part two.

Part three.
Oreo will eat anything she replied smiling. That wasn't quite the answer I had hoped for, so I dug a bit deeper. I had a dog once I told her, he only ate dog food and meat. Well I can see you never had kids she answered, Oreo is like a vacuum, whatever hits the floor, he eats like a staving rat. He always lays under the dinning room table by the kids at breakfast lunch and dinner, and follows them around whenever they have a snack. I think he might actually be a pig in a dog suit she laughed. All this time in the cabin he ate whatever I fed him. He is not picky.  I felt somewhat better at this point but my own fears left for some skepticism. Oh that is great I said, so he will eat vegetables too? That dog said Celeste, will eat just about anything we feed it. Well that statement didn't help me one bit. I stopped questioning her about the dog, and moved on to other things.
     It was getting dark now and we had no light. Usually I would go to bed about now, but with her here I wanted to stay awake. I opened the wood stove doors, added more wood, and we sat by the fire. This is nice she said, but I see you have oil lamps, can we light them? I told her my dilemma about no wicks and the missing belt. What about the dogs collar, she suggested questioningly? Wow I said, that is a great idea. I liked how quickly her brain worked. She didn't skip a beat. We will need to cut it in half she said, where do you keep the knives? Instinctively, I pulled out my pocket knife. I have always carried one. It is probably the single most important thing I own. I use it multiple times throughout each day. What a great invention it was. She reached her hand toward me for the knife. It's very sharp I said, as I release it from my grip. I can handle it she said, I'm not a child. I can see that I told her.
     Celeste took the lamp off the mantle and measured by eye, the width of the collar next to the small brass wick holder on the lamp. She cut the width we needed down the length of the collar, then cut it in thirds making three decent size wicks. She inserted the first piece into the lamp, and turned the little knob up and down getting it soaked with the oil. Now for a match she said looking at me. I got up and went to the kitchen. As I walked away from the fire it became pitch black. My hands fumbled through the drawer searching by feel for the matches. After a almost a minute I found a pack and headed back to Celeste. She lit her makeshift wick, and put the glass globe on the lamp. It worked perfect. I admired her for her skill and initiative to get us some light, and doing it by only the dim light of the fire. I watched as she set up the second lamp. Afterwards, she lit that one also and then twisted the third wick around a small clip on the bottom of the lamp. Then she blew it out. One light is more than enough for now she said, we need to conserve. I like this girl I thought, she is as smart as she is beautiful. How did you adhere the last wick to the lamp I asked her? Well I didn't want us to lose or misplace it she said, and there was a small clip on the bottom, so I just hooked it there for future use. That was a great idea I told her. Why thank you she said, my x would have never said that to me. You are very kind. I smiled and she smiled back. We sat by the fire for a little while longer and then I saw her yawn. Time for some sleep, I asked ? Yes that sounds like a plan. You can have my bed I told her, I'll take the couch. Don't be foolish she said, this is your house, you get to sleep in your own bed. I smiled again and picked up the lamp. No I said, you get the bed. Her eyes had a very soft kind look in them. Alright she said. Just for tonight. After that we can take turns on the couch if that is okay with you. I looked into her big browns and agreed.
      After walking her up to the bedroom and getting myself some sleeping gear, I gave her a pair of my shorts, and a big t shirt to sleep in. I have some old clothes that may fit you I said. They are in the closet. Feel free to dig through them in the morning. Thank you Zach she said. Is it alright to call you Zach? Yes that is fine I said, and headed back down. Goodnight Zach, she said when I was halfway down the stairs. I loved hearing her say my name. Good night to you too Celeste, I blurted out.
       I settled in on the couch and it was quiet. I wondered if she was asleep or if she was laying in bed awake as I was. I know I was alone for a while, and even very lonely, but I really liked her. Even with all my fears and insecurities, something about her intrigued me deeply. 
     Sometime during the night I heard the toilet flush. I was in and out all night. I guess I still had some concerns. I was again amazed by her. I forgot to tell her about the bucket of water to use to flush, but yet she knew enough on her own to use it. I got up and walked to the window. It was snowing again, and really hard. I put more logs into the fire, and then it dawned on me. Celeste never gave me my knife back. I looked around but I could not find it. I laid there on the couch awake the rest of the night. At the crack of dawn, I heard her stirring upstairs. There are two floorboards in the hall that creak, and the third step from the bottom too. Then very very quietly, I heard her coming down the stairs.  When I heard the third step creak, I closed my eyes and waited. Like a fox, stepping ever so lightly, she entered the living room and was heading toward the couch. I was trying my best to be still and breathe easy. I wanted her to think I was still asleep. I felt her presence right near me.
End part three.

Part four.
She just stood there for what felt like an eternity. I couldn't take it any longer. My one eye closest to the pillow opened just a hair to see what she was doing. Celeste was standing over me real quiet, and it looked like she was surveying the house. Her eyes looked out the window, and all around the room. And then back down at me. I was ready to defend myself, and I had the element of surprise on my side. She took one step closer and then bent down at the side of the couch, and picked up a log and put it in the fire, slowly opening and closing the black cast iron stove doors. I watched her carefully for any quick moves. Then she tiptoed into the kitchen. I relaxed just a little but what she did next, calmed my fear completely. She brought out the coffee pot and set it on the hot stove. Then she went back into the kitchen again. I waited for the coffee to percolate. After it was making a good amount of poppity pop pops noise, I opened my eyes wide and sat up. I stretched and yawned playing my role perfectly, when she stepped back into the room with the skillet all set up with breakfast for two. Good morning she said. I was awake early and figured I would make us some breakfast. After all you cooked yesterday and if this is going to work, I need to do my share around here. Well thank you Celeste I said, it is nice to have someone else helping out. I am not used to that. She smiled. Well maybe you better get used to it mister, in case you forgot, we are stuck here. Yes I said, indeed we are.
      She made us eggs, with some peas and left over meat. The smell of the food was intoxicating. Maybe it was because someone else was making it, I don't know, but it was the best thing I ever smelled. She brought a knife from the kitchen and began cutting the meat into small strips. It was the perfect time to question her.  Why aren't you using my pocket knife I asked? I got oil on it last night when I was working on the lamp she said. I wiped it on my pants but it is not clean. Oh I said, I'll have to clean it. Where is it, I'll do it now I said. It is the best tool out of all the things I have, I explained to her. I usually carry one myself she replied. I must have left mine in the cabin by mistake. Yours is on the shelf next to the lantern. My eyes glanced in that direction. What an idiot I had been. There was my knife, safe and sound, and not hiding in her hand waiting to slice and dice me. I had let my imagination run wild for no reason. Thank you for breakfast Celeste. I love to cook she told me, although I usually have lights and a real stove. I smiled, this is as real as it gets right here I said, it is like living in the old days.  I never looked at it like that Zach she replied. You are right. It is like we are living a hundred years ago.
        My heart and soul were much lighter now. I was letting go of my own fears and anxiety. If she did kill her x, I'm thinking maybe she truly felt she had no choice.
      Together we began to shovel out the chicken run. The coop itself was large. It was ten feet by ten feet, with the entire area underneath it also an open area for the birds to move about. But they will be much happier having the run cleared. It took us a whole day to do it. The snow level was almost eight feet. I had spent some of my days before Celeste, inside the coop, but I never did shovel the damn run. But now it was clear. She opened the tiny door and the girls marched out one after the other. The ducks were quacking and the chickens were squawking. They were elated to be out in the fresh air, and in the bright daylight.   Just as we were finishing up, it began to snow again. I put my shovel against the house and headed to the deck stairs. Celeste followed me.
     Over the next couple of weeks, the snow continued. Each day, we would start the generator one time, checking to see if we had radio or television. So far we did not. Celeste suggested maybe the Covid virus really was as bad as they said. Maybe it wiped everyone out. I couldn't exclude her assessment. I have been alone for a long time now, and know nothing of what is going on outside my home. I guess if the virus spread so fast, I was lucky to live alone in such a desolate area. It may be the reason I, and Celeste are alive today.  Day after day we shoveled snow. We cleared the car and the driveway out as far as the road, hopping one day a plow or something, or someone would show up. The snow was too deep to try and walk, after all Celeste almost died just trying to get here.  It was early April, and the snow was still falling, but not as often. The days seemed to be a bit warmer, but there was no sign of melting. Although, the depth of the snow was no longer growing. So I guess to some degree, it was melting slowly. 
        Celeste proved to be so awesome. There was nothing she couldn't do, or at least there was nothing she was afraid or unable to try.  She even joked that if food ran out, (and it was diminishing), that we could eat Oreo as a last resort. That's gross I told her. She looked at me. Her eyes were sparkling and it looked like tears were coming. What is wrong I asked? My girls she said, I miss them so much. Not knowing anything about them hurts so much. I tried my best to console her. Ya know Celeste I said, being closer to town, they were probably rescued early on last fall. I'm sure they and your mom are all right. She put her arms out and I held her tight. She cried. We both knew, a rescue was possible, but with the virus, nothing was normal, and who really knew?
        We continued to share the workload. Only now, instead of her cooking, or me, we began to do everything together. We cooked, we cleaned, we shoveled,  we fed the birds, whatever we did, we did it together. We had just finished the driveway and the coop run again, when going into the house, Celeste slipped on the icy steps and fell back. I was right behind her and caught her in my arms. I got you I said, holding her tight. Her eyes and mine met, and were caught in each other's, and my mouth moved to hers for the first time. She held me back tightly, and together we kissed. I could feel my passion, and the heat from her against me filled my being. I was falling in love.
End part four.


Part five.
Maybe It was like Stockholm syndrome. That is when people who are captured or kidnapped begin to identify with their captures, and feel like they are supposed to be together. Or maybe it was just the compatibility we felt around each other. She brought out the best in me, and from what I saw, her best was also shinning bright. We no longer took turns sleeping on the couch. There was no need, love, or whatever was happening, had consumed us both.  We did chores during the day, and at night we laid on the couch in each other's arms by the fire. From a day where I was about to go mad, to this. For the first time, I wished deep in my heart, that the snow would never stop. I even selfishly hoped the virus had wiped everything else out. I was happier than I had ever been before. I was afraid if the spring comes, or the virus was gone, and we were once again back to normal, that Celeste and I would be no more. I loved her so much. What if the authorities knew she killed her ex husband and were waiting to arrest her. I would lose her for sure.
       Two jars she said. What I said? Two jars are all we have left. I knew we were low, and I didn't want to think about it. I looked at her. I had tears in my eyes. What's wrong Zach she asked? Nothing I said. I continued starring at her. Celeste I said, she looked at me inquisitively, when we run out of food, the eggs will not be enough to keep us both alive, we will eat the chickens and ducks. When they are gone, you have me. I want you to live as long as possible and get back to your girls. I will be your food. Don't be crazy she screamed. I could nev, if it comes to it you will I said. You have to. Celeste threw her arms around me, She whispered in my ear, I love you Zachary. I love you too Celeste I said,  and we fell to the floor right there in front of the fire.
    The shelves were empty and we were hungry, so was Oreo.  I had the ax in my hand and was headed outside to get our dinner. We had about four days of poultry left. We ate the older birds first, hoping to keep the layers laying whatever eggs they could. At this point, it was getting really scary. I had peace in my soul though. I knew what I would have to do, and I was okay with it. When the time comes I thought, I will go out to the coop and one squeeze of the trigger, and she would have enough protein for at least another month. Even feeding Oreo too. I would not leave her alone.
         The snow had finally begun to melt. The skies were clear, and the sun was shining bright. It could never melt fast enough at this point. We were having our last meal together. In the morning, I would kiss her one last time.
      We talked all night. She was adamant that we starve together. I reminded her that her girls, if still alive, would need her more than she needed me. She cried and begged, but I had made up my mind.
     We laid there as the first light of the day came through the window. I have a confession she said. I looked into her eyes. Nothing she could say would change my mind. I didn't kill my husband she said. My face cringed a little. What do you mean I asked. Well she said, I was scared. I did not know you at all and we were in the middle of nowhere. I know you saved me, but I was afraid. I thought that if I told you that I killed him, you would be afraid of me and not hurt me. Hurt you I replied, I could never ever hurt you Celeste. I'm sorry she said. Don't be, I understand completely. And just so you know, I was afraid. But some how my heart was  overcome with an undeniable attraction for you, and my fears disappeared leaving only love in their place. You have made my life complete. She held me tight. Please she said, stay and hold me, and never let me go.
     We laid there for hours. We made love over and over. I never wanted it to end, but end it must. I will make sure she has every chance to rejoin her children.
      It was getting dark and we went hungry. We gave Oreo the last two eggs. I had my pistol tucked in the back of my pants hidden by my shirt. I was ready. I snuck out into my workshop and wrote a note.
    Celeste,
      I love you more than life. I want you to be strong and make it out of here and find your girls and hold them tight. I will always love you, and will help you from the beyond if it is at all possible. Thank you for coming into my life, you made it worth living, if only for our short time together. I am sorry I have to leave you like this, but it is the only way.
               You are forever in my heart,
                                            Zachary.
I folded the note in half and set it in the middle of the workbench where I knew she would see it. Then I slipped out the side door and headed for the coop. When I was near the coop door, I heard the generator kick on. A moment later I heard Celeste screaming my name. ZACH, ZACHARY she yelled. I took the gun and set it inside the coop. I'd be back soon.
        I slipped back into the shop and into the house. I immediately heard the television. I came through the hall and sure enough, there was a newscaster talking on the screen. Celeste threw her arms around me jumping up and down. We're saved she said excitedly, we're saved. I held her tight. I knew having the tv back was a great sign, but starvation was not far off.
End part five.  I hope you are enjoying the story so far.  It feels good to be writing. I love you

Part six
   It was the only station that worked. Channel 12 News. I was really glad it was the same channel I had left the television tuned too when I shut it off yesterday. Another minute or two of her having to search, and I would have been gone. Together we listened. The newsman said that the entire country was shutdown. Not because of the virus though, because of natural disasters ravaging north America. The northern states were buried in snow. He said the west coast fires were finally burning out, but the smoke was causing a blockage of the sun's warming rays, causing a constant cold weather event, with the end still at least five weeks away. The middle half of the country was suffering from massive tornadoes every day, and the south continued to have hurricanes. The only glimmer of hope for us was, that he said all through the winter,  rescues were taking place everywhere. As I had expected, the cities and towns were first. He said great big plows filled with food, fuel, and water, had been driven into the towns. It would still take a few more weeks for rescue workers to reach the outlying more rural areas.
    Snowmobiles dragging sleds were being used in the rescue attempts. The snow being so deep had hindered the operations across the northern section of the country, but the snowfall was getting less, and the slow melt was making the snow harder on top, and a little more forgiving for them to get through. Due to the country being in a total shutdown, the virus was gone. Testing had stopped in November when the snow pelted the countryside. The testing stopped and so did the spread of the virus. I found that part kind of strange. Anyway, we would still have to wait, and we had no food.
      The newscaster then began telling folks, if you are seeing this broadcast, here is a list of things to do to survive until rescued. The list was scrolling on the bottom of the tv throughout his newscast. He said the station would be on twenty four seven with updates whenever they came in.
   On the list were things like, burning furniture for heat, melting snow for water, using the snow for a refrigerator, moving everyone into one room, putting blankets over the window after sunset, etc. Then the sentence about food came across. It started easy. Ration what you have. If your food is gone, be inventive. Eat whatever is edible. Check your shelves. Honey, syrup, peanut butter, dry cake or pancake batter,  oatmeal or grits, dry potatoes, anything at all, eat it. Mustard and ketchup. Just eat it. After the shelf and fridge items, came other things, one of which would save me for another week.
      It said, flower bulbs in your garden. Many are edible. I had lilies. The bulbs were the size of medium potatoes. If the ground near the house isn't too frozen, We could dig them up.
  I went to the garage and grabbed the snow shovels and a spade shovel. Celeste and I shoveled our way along the front of the house. It wasn't too bad as the eave kept the snow about two feet away from the foundation of the house, and having the stoves burning constantly kept part of the ground from freezing. We were able to find about four pounds of bulbs.
     I was a little unsure if they were safe to eat, but I remembered a story I had once heard about the Dutch people eating flower bulbs during War World II. Many of them starved and froze to death, and some of those who ate the bulbs got sick, but most had lived. We heated two of them on the hot metal stove and ate them. They were kind of nutty in flavor, and we never got sick. Oreo had a taste and ate it, so we began cooking three at a time. We made it through two more weeks.
  The news said the fires were out and the weather should change within the next three weeks. They encouraged folks to stay calm and try their best to hang on. Then the feed at the bottom of the screen got a bit more serious. It read, in regards to your survival, if you have depleted every other source, your pets would have to be sacrificed. I couldn't believe they actually wrote that but it was true. Next it was even more gruesome. They alluded to cannibalism if you had any dead among you. No doubt others had already consumed their dead, as this was my plan for Celeste also. I loved her so much and wanted her to be with her children more than anything. Rescue for our area,  was still weeks away and the bulbs  were just about gone.  I kept thinking about Oreo. No doubt he would be enough to get us both through now.
     Later that night while we were sitting by the fire, I mentioned it to Celeste. Yes she said, I was thinking the same thing. But she said, let's wait until the last bulb is gone. I agreed and looked over at Oreo. He was getting skinny, but we would live.
       The next morning I let him out to do his business. He had an area of about two feet around the perimeter of the house which he used every day. We put our last three bulbs on the stove to cook. We would feed him one last time before we sacrificed him. I never believed I could do such a thing to a pet, but I did eat my chickens and ducks, and they were kinda like pets. I put the thought aside and opened the door and called the dog. Come on Oreo, time to eat fella. He didn't come. I put on my coat and walked the perimeter of the house. He was gone. I saw his tracks going only one way, in the direction from once he came from the other cabin with Celeste. I called him again but nothing. Then Celeste called him too. What had I done. Our only hope, and I let him slip away.
  Two days went by and we were more than just hungry. I had no idea of when a rescue might happen. Where I lived, was only a cabin here and there, and they were mostly summer places. Would the rescuer's even come this way. I thought about the gun in the coop, and knew it was time. Fate, and love, had brought me to the end. I loved her so much, this was my God given job. Her girls needed her. I waited until Celeste was asleep, and I took one of the oil lamps with me and slipped into the garage. When I passed the work bench, a shiny gleaming reflection from my stash of seeds caught my eye. Beans! I had a quart of dry pole beans for spring planting under the bench. A whole quart. They were packed with protein and could stave off my demise another few days. Maybe Oreo will even come back. With new found hope, I went back inside and climbed into bed with my love. Did he come home yet, she mumbled from her slumber? I just put my arms securely around her and fell asleep.
End part six.

Part seven.
Celeste was outside calling Oreo when I woke up. I got dressed and headed down the stairs. On the third step from the bottom, I thought about my silly fears of her killing me in my sleep. It would have been easier than doing it myself I thought. I shook my head and went to the back door. Any sign of him I asked? No she said, he's gone. He was awful skinny she said and probably weak. Yea he was I said, but I hope he finds himself some food and shelter. We put our arms around one another and held on tight. In her arms, it just felt like everything was going to be alright.
    I showed her the beans. Ah, holding out on me eh? She said smiling. No, I found them in the garage last night I told her. They were for my spring planting. What else is there she asked now excited. Just a handful of tomato seeds, and cucumber seeds. Not enough to do much. But if you wind up needing them, eat them. There are about two teaspoons full. Celeste smiled. We need to soak the beans she said. We went into the kitchen and put the whole quart into a bowl and added the water. This would be our first food in a few days now. I still had salt and pepper, and some onion and garlic powder. We sprinkled a little of each into the bowl of beans for flavor.
     I started the generator and the tv came right on. Nothing new was being reported nationally, but local rescues were ongoing. The death toll was growing and it was estimated to get a lot worse. I guess a lot of folks were caught totally off guard. Our society does not preach survival preparedness. People like that are called conspiracy nuts. Funny thing is, every day it seems one conspiracy theory or another is proved to be true. In every town, schools were filled with people. In the larger towns, folks were already moving back into their homes. Roads were being cleared and food and water were being distributed. And the best part was the sky was clearing and the temps were getting warmer. We both just might make it out of here I thought. I turned to Celeste and put my arms around her. I leaned to kiss her and she pushed her mouth hard on mine. As our tongues met, the alert on the tv sounded. It was an updated emergency announcement.
    The tornadoes and hurricanes had also stopped. It was the longest season of active hurricane and tornadoes in modern history. Reports had begun to roll in from around the world. North America was the only continent affected by the abnormal weather patterns. What on earth was going on. Celeste looked at me and said, remember when the earthquake hit Haiti and Chili in 2010, and Japan in 2011? Yes I said why, what about it. I remember reading about a secret Tesla project called HAARP. It was said at the time that his invention could cause earthquakes, tsunami's, volcanic eruptions, and control weather patterns. That's nonsense I said. No one can do that. Look at the news she said. He just reported people seeing those strange colorful lights in the atmosphere, just like in those earthquakes back in 2010 and 11.  That's just conspiracy's I told her. Forget about that silly stuff. This has to be from God. God wouldn't do this she said, but evil wealthy men would.  I turned off the news, glad the country was finally in recovery, and rescue missions were taking place everywhere. The number of dead must be unfathomable. We are strong though. We will come through this.
      Celeste put the beans on the wood stove and I added more logs to the fire. It would be great to have some food in our bellies. After about five hours the beans were ready. They were tough, but a welcomed warm meal. Maybe soaking or cooking longer may have made them softer, but regardless they were good. I called for Oreo, but once again nothing.
     We stretched the beans for five days. We, like Oreo, were getting skinnier than we already were. Hunger was always with us. The news was no help. Nothing new was happening where we were. I thought maybe we could start walking out, but we were already weak, and would surely succumb to the elements once we were away from the house and into the woods. Again the coop. I had lasted this long, but for Celeste to join her girls, it seemed I would have to leave. It was lunchtime and I was starving. I didn't say it out loud nor did Celeste. I told her I was going to get the lamp oil in the garage and refill the lamps. Okay she said. I didn't want her to know that I was gonna do it right now. She needed food, she needed to live. I reset the note on the workbench, and quietly opened the door and went into the coop. I sat on the nesting box and took out the gun from under the hay. I thought about my birds. I missed them. I was sorry  I ate them. Well God I said softly, if this is how it has to be, than so be it. I took the gun in my hand and put it to my left temple. It would be quick and painless. I counted one, two, RUFF RUFF, RUFF RUFF. I pulled the gun away and threw it on the floor and dashed out of the coop. There was Oreo barking and jumping all around. He looked pretty good too. I guess he found food. Celeste heard him from in the house and came running outside. Oreo jumped up on her licking her face all over. My eyes filled with tears and so did Celeste's. We both hugged the dog. We missed him so much too. Not because we needed food, but because we loved him. I heard Celeste's stomach growl. I knew I would be back in the coop in a little while. We went into the house and gave Oreo some water. He drank and then began barking and running back to the opening in the snow again. He kept stopping and turning around and barking at us and then running again. Listen yelled Celeste listen, I hear it I said. It was a motor of some kind and it was close. The dog disappeared and a minute later reappeared in the snow like path from the other cabin. Behind him were two men on snowmobiles. We waved our arms high screaming here we are, here we are. As the men approached, Celeste threw her arms around me and cried. So did I, we were saved. End part seven .

Part eight
    Are you alright, asked the first man to reach us? Yes we are, I said. But we are very hungry. The second man pulled his snow mobile next to us. We have to keep moving Joe, day light is not gonna last long. I know said the first man, his name was Joe. Ok folks, he said, both of you please climb into the sled. What about  Oreo asked Celeste? Him too, said the other driver, without him we wouldn't be here right now. What do you mean I asked? Well he said, we were doing rescues on the other side of the mountain. There are many more year round homes down there. While we were searching, your dog showed up out of the woods. He barked and cried something fierce  until we began to follow him. We tried to stop and turned around once, and he went nuts. He got in front of our machine's, and growled at us until we turned again and resumed following  him. We figured he was leading us to his owner, and here we are. He would make a great rescue dog interrupted Joe. We strapped ourselves into the sled. I was in back, Celeste sat between my legs, and Oreo between hers. She held him with her head on his back the entire ride back into town.
        The snow was deep and the roads buried. No rescues or plowing had even started anywhere I could see on the whole ride back. About a mile from the center of town, things began to be shaping up. Road were plowed in the middle, and the snowbanks were huge. They were mounded almost twelve feet high on the sides, burying the driveways and the cars in them. Some folks had already begun the long task of digging out. I thought about what a great job me and Celeste had done keeping our driveway and the chicken run cleared. When they do finally plow my area, I will only have the road side of the driveway to deal with. I tightened my arms around her tighter. What a team we were. Or should I say had been. We were rescued now, who knows what is to become of us and our new found friendship. Was it real, or just a port in the storm. Suddenly I felt her hands on mine around her waist. I love you I whispered in her ear. She squeezed my hands twice, as if to say, me too. At least that is what I wanted it to mean.
      The closer we got to the school, the clearer and better the surrounding conditions were. Big yellow backhoe's and bulldozer's were clearing the huge mounds of snow. They were filling the dump trucks, and the trucks were dumping it in the river. It was going to take some time to say the least. I wondered to myself if all the snow going into the river would cause flooding somewhere downstream. The driver pulled up in front of the school. As we climbed off of the sled, he said good luck folks, and then as if a necessity he said, take care of that dog, he is really special. I will replied Celeste, I will. She bent down and hugged Oreo tightly. His tail was wagging, and he was licking her face again. I also bent down and gave him a big hug, and a good rubbing. I noticed he was still very thin under his fur. I thought he had looked a tad fuller at the house, but it must just have been his coat fluffed out more to keep him warm.
      As we entered the school, the sound of the snow equipment and the power generators, faded from the loud beeping and rumbling noise, to more quiet like in a hospital. They let us bring Oreo inside too. The place was filled with people. Some in makeshift beds, covered in blankets, some in chairs, and still other spread across the floor like on the ground at woodstock. The place was filled. Many were skinny and their faces seemed long and drawn. A woman came up to us and said she was a nurse. She questioned us on how long we were stranded, what and how often we had eaten and drank, and about our overall health. She had us sign a registry so our names could be posted  on a board outside, that we were there, and alive. She gave us each a handful of vitamins and a paper cup of water. After swallowing the pills, she directed us to the cafeteria were we could get something to eat. We both had a cheese hamburger and fries, and a good hot cup of coffee. They even had food for Oreo. Dry dog food, but it was food. A couple of times while we were eating, he slipped under the table and ate scraps that someone must have dropped. He was a smart dog.
   After we finished eating, we were sent to a man in the gym, who gave us each a wool blanket, and showed us the area on the floor where we could sleep. Celeste asked him about her girls and her mother. He told us all those who had been rescued and were staying here, were listed on the board outside. She ran toward the door, with me hot on her heals.
   When we got outside, two more snowmobiles pulled up in front of the school. Both had stretchers tied to the sleds. One was an old man, the other was completely covered. I assumed that person was dead. We walked across the schoolyard to where the board was. It was three sheets of plywood tied to the fence and painted white. There was a crowd gathered around. Everyone it seemed, was looking for information about their own family and friends. The board was set up in categories. The names of those rescued alive and staying at the shelter was first. We searched through the names. There were hundreds, if not thousands. Her girls and mom were not on the list. Second was the names of those hospitalized. Again we searched but could find nothing. My heart was heavy for her. Her eyes were tearing up and  her finger was now moving down and up the board faster and faster. My eyes were moving a bit slower as I did not want to miss a name. I guess her motherly instinct was reading far quicker than I ever could. Once again, their names were not there. The third list was a list of names that said inquire at the principal's office. That was were the emergency director of FEMA was set up. We scanned the list up and down. I knew in my soul that this was the list of folks that must have died. Suddenly her finger stopped and froze on a name, then just as fast as it had stopped, it resumed it's journey through the names. They were not on that list either. This time I was relieved that we came up empty.
Celeste was visibly shaken and began to cry. I put my arms around her to console her. Maybe they are at another emergency center near by I said. I'm sure they are alright. I was just speaking words. I had no idea where they  could be, or if they were alive or dead. This was the only school for ten miles. It made no sense to me that they would have been taken anywhere but here. Celeste was still crying. Let's go to the directors office I said. Maybe they know something more inside. She turned and ran toward the door and I followed.
      Once inside I grabbed her and turned her to face me. It's going to be alright I said, everything will be okay. I think I was assuring myself, as well as trying to comfort  her. She put her arms around me and said okay. We held each other for a moment, and then went into the office.
            I am looking for my two daughters and my mother, Celeste told the woman at the desk. All the names of the people who have come through here are listed on the board outside on the fence said the woman. That is all the information I have. What about the list that says to inquire inside, asked Celeste. Did you find their names on that list the lady asked? No said Celeste. I'm glad replied the woman. If their names are not on one of the four lists outside on the board, then they did not come through the rescue center. I couldn't believe that with her house just about mile from here they weren't rescued. Could they still be in the house? If they were, for sure they would not have survived. WHAT DO YOU MEAN FOUR LISTS, blurted Celeste suddenly and loud, there are only three lists on the board. No said the woman there are four. We were just out there said Celeste loudly, there are only three. Rescued staying here, rescued hospitalized, and require inside this office. The woman looked at us. The fourth list was posted earlier today, it is the rescued and gone back home list. Here let me find my copy. I posted it myself she said, someone must have removed it. My heart began to settle down. Please God, let their names be on this other list. Let them be at home safe and sound, I thought to my self. Kind of a silent prayer. Here it is, I found it! The lady handed Celeste the list. It was five pages long and it was not in alphabetical order. Give me two pages I said. Celeste handed me the last two pages. Just as I began to scroll, Celeste screamed out loud, I FOUND THEM, I FOUND THEM, THEY ALREADY WENT HOME. She was crying again but this time they were tears of joy. I was all choked up and crying too. I know how much she loved and missed them, she had talked about them constantly over the past weeks while we were trapped by the snow. Her smiling through the tears was an awesome sight to behold. I was so happy for her. I could feel her emotions coursing through my own being. I grabbed her and held her tight. She was trembling with excitement.
      We left the office hand in hand. She was beaming with joy. Man was she beautiful. It was late, and now dark outside, but she wanted to go home. The roads were hard packed snow and very passable. I assumed that since her family went home that it was clear the whole way. We could walk it in about and hour. We were still weak muscle wise, but our adrenaline was pumping hard. We were walking down the road just just outside the school zone, when we heard a  snowmobile coming our way from the school. It was one of the drivers who had rescued us. I think his name was Joe. Can I give you a lift he asked? Thank you, yes, I said, and we again climbed aboard the sled. Me in the back, Celeste, and then Oreo. We were at her house in no time at all. We got off the sled and thanked the man. We both hugged him, and then he gave Oreo a big rub. Good boy he said. We said goodbye and off he went. Celeste and I turned toward the house. It was dark and quiet, accept for one room with a dim light. That is my mother's room she said softly, they are here.
    We walked up the driveway to the garage door. She entered the code on the small panel and the door began to open. Before we even got inside, her mother and the girls came bursting out if the inner door and the two girls ran to Celeste and jumped up at the same time into her arms. They were all crying and so happy to see each other. It was as if I was invisible. It was great to see such loving interaction. I was so deeply moved in my heart I can not explain. I loved Celeste, and I could feel the instant love for her girls and mom. I felt like I was floating on air. When the Girls were done hugging and squeezing and kissing her, she put them down and hugged her mother. Celeste introduced me to them all. This is Zachary, he saved my life. Then we began to walk into the house. Celeste's mom suddenly turned around facing Celeste with a strange look on her face. Her lips opened and the words came out like in slow motion. Celeste she said, they found his body. Celeste eye's turned to mine, I was in shock. End part eight.

Part nine
I couldn't comprehend what I was hearing. She said she didn't kill him. In a flash, my mind relieved the entire time we were stuck in my house, from the moment I heard Oreo bark out in the deep cold snow, to right here right now. They found his body said her mother. It rang in my ears. My brain was on fire. She said she didn't kill him. She said she lied out of fear of me. How could I have been so stupid? But what we had was real. We loved each other, I know I loved her. And for sure I was not mistaken that she loved me too. A thought popped into my head. If she didn't really kill him and was not checking out the cabin to see if anything had been disturbed when she got stuck there, then what was she really doing there, I never asked her that. How was it she became stuck in the cabin by me, away from her family. Surely she did it.
      Again her mother said it. They found his body Celeste, did you hear what I said? Y,Yes mom I know, she answered with a bit of a stutter. I saw his name on the list at the school emergency center when I was searching for you and the girls. It was on the list of those found and to inquire inside the office. I knew then he was dead. Celeste's eyes looked in mine, I'm sorry she said, I should have told you. I remembered her finger stopping on a name on the board, but had given it no thought. But now, thoughts were all I had.
       Him and his girlfriend's bodies came in together while we were there said her mom. I heard the rescue driver say that they had succumbed to the cold and froze to death. Oh my God, I thought to myself, she killed them both.
      The girls were already inside the house and didn't hear our conversation in the garage. I barely heard it. My blood pressure was sky rocketing, and my heart was beating faster than ever. I felt weak in the knees like I was going to faint and then I just blurted it out like a fool, "You killed him, you really did it. And her".
Celeste looked at me with tears in her eyes. You really believe that I could do that after all the time we spent together? I thought we had something special. I thought maybe you were the one. My true soulmate. 
   My eyes looked down at the cold concrete floor. Then I looked directly into her eyes and asked, did you do it Celeste, did you kill them? end part nine.


Part 10
Celeste looked at me again with tears in her eyes. No she said, I did not. Then why were you at the cabin I asked her? If you need to know that bad, I was at the cabin taking some time for myself. I needed to regroup and find myself after my divorce. I needed to reflect on what things I did wrong, and the things I did right. I was hurting so bad inside you could never imagine. Then she turned crying and burst into the house. I felt like a piece of shit. What is wrong with me, I thought to myself. Here I have found a girl I am head over heals in love with, and I am already savataging our relationship. What a dope I am.
   I followed her inside and grabbed her by the hand and swung her around facing me. I threw my arms around her and pushed my lips on hers. She tried to struggle, but I held her tight, and in an instant she was kissing me back. Her hands squeezed and pulled me even tighter to her, and her tongue darted into my mouth. I'm sorry Celeste,  I muttered through our intermingled tongues. She bit my tongue to shut me up, and just kept kissing me.
      Suddenly, one of her girls called, "mom". It was as if we had forgotten where we were. Our embraced relaxed, and then we separated. Celeste ran into the living room with her girls and mother, with me right behind her.end part ten.

​Part eleven, The End!
The moon was full and bright. It was like a night light in every window. The only light on in the house, was the one we saw from the road up in her mom's room. Cathy was Celeste's mom's name. The light was hooked up to a small battery bank, which was in turn connected to a 600 watt solar system. It was small, but it kept the refrigerator running and some lights on. Even the tv worked. I am already planning on making a setup just like it at my cabin, when things return to normal. After talking and getting acquainted a little, and the kids were reassured that thier mom was home to stay, we all went to sleep. I looked at Celeste wondering where I was to sleep. It was funny, she replied without me even saying a word. You can sleep right here with me she said. I have some old pajamas that should fit you just fine. I was amused at the turn of events. I remembered saying something similar to her, the second night she was in my cabin. I changed into the PJ's, and crawled into bed next to her. We cuddled, and within seconds, both of the girls were at the side of the bed. Mommy, we want to sleep with you tonight. I immediately got up and picked them up at the same time, and put them in the bed next to thier mother. I'll take one of their rooms if that's okay I said. Celeste smiled and winked at me. Goodnight girls, Goodnight Celeste, I said, I'll see you in the morning.
       The sun was up, and it was about eight o'clock when we all awoke. Cathy was already in the kitchen cooking breakfast. She had about a one weeks worth of food, that she had gotten off one of the rescue supply trucks. It was all dry and dehydrated goods. She was cooking us powdered eggs. They offered her water too, but her well pump was hooked up to the solar system, so she did not take any. It had snowed about an inch during the night, and I wondered how the panels worked covered with snow. I asked Cathy. They don't, was her reply. I looked at the running water with a questioning face. The battery bank is better than most folks think she said. You learn to be frugal, even with power usage she said. Do you have to clear the snow I asked? Most people do she said, but if you look at our roof, you will see it has a very steep pitch. Almost like an Aframe. The snow just slides off. Ice on the other hand, has to melt. We only use the solar when the power goes out, she told me, and so far, the batteries have not failed us. I'm glad I said, as I made some mental notes for when I got home.
     She mixed up a pitcher of milk, and added a couple spoons of coffee creamer that was in the cabinet. It tasted like fresh milk. The eggs were good too. After we all had eaten, we got dressed warm and went out to shovel around the house, and then we walked the road helping her neighbors.
    Life went on like this for almost another month. Trucks full of food and supplies, came about every ten days. And slowly the snow mounds receded. It was June before we saw the dirt and grass. I was a part of the family. I no longer questioned Celeste on her husband's demise. I knew in my heart, he and his girlfriend died from the devastation of the long cold winter.
    It was on a Sunday morning in late June, when I went home for the first time. I walked the three miles, as gas deliveries were not yet available, and most stations were still closed. I entered through the back door, looking over the chicken run as I went in. I missed my girls, but they saved our lives, and for that I was extremely thankful. Everything was just as we had left it. On the table, was the last little bit of pepper and tomato seeds. I smiled. At least I could replant them. I would have to wait until the agro stores reopened, to get more beans and other seeds.
      I pulled the cord on the generator and it started the first pull. I went to the garage and got out my battery charger, and hooked it up to the car. It still had a little gas. Plenty to get me back and forth from Celeste's. After setting up the charger, I noticed the coop door was wide open. I ran out in such a hurry, I never shut it. I walked inside and there was the gun on the floor. I thought about what I had almost done. I really did love this woman.
     There wasn't much to do, because when we left, it was all up to snuff. I did have a couple dishes to clean, and some dusting. But other than that it was as livable as ever. Around four o'clock I started the car. I let it run for a few minutes, and then drove back home to Celeste's. As I passed the cabin where Celeste was held up with Oreo, I slowed the car. I guess I must have some trust issues of my own, because I needed to see inside. I pulled into the driveway and put the car in park. I walked into the yard. I didn't see any kind of disturbance in the dirt or the grass. I turned around and went to the front door. Being cautious, I slowly opened it. My eyes scanned the room. There was dry blood staining the wooden floor all around the table. Even the one chair was covered. What happened here, is all I could think. What did she do? There were a ton of empty cans in one corner of the room, and a few bits of chewed bones still on the floor. I opened the back door, and there was a small mud room, before the door to the backyard. There were animal skins in a small pile.  I opened the exterior door and stepped out onto the deck. There were two decking floor planks missing. Underneath I saw a couple empty food cans, and an empty snare.  I went back inside, and on the counter by the sink, I saw a small pocket knife. I remembered Celeste saying she had always carried one like me, and must have left it in the cabin. I put it in my pocket, and then I took it back out and put it on the counter again. It appeared that she had somehow captured and killed, and eaten the animals raw, and also fed the dog. No, I would leave the knife. I would not remind her of what she had to do, in order to survive. I know by the love in her heart, it was probably the hardest thing she had ever done. I admired her strength and ability to survive against all odds. So many lost thier lives this year, but not her. I could only imagine what she could do, if she had to save her kids also. She was amazing. I fell deeper in love with her right their in that room, than I had already been. I closed the door behind me, and drove back to her house.
       Together we decided that I would live in town with my new family. We would use the cabin on weekends to get away. Only three miles into the woods, but what a retreat it was. The girls, Cathy, Celeste and myself, replanted the gardens, started a new flock of chickens and ducks, chopped and stacked firewood, and spent our days and nights together. We set up an automatic feed and water station in the coop. It fed the birds all week until we came back each Friday night. The peace and love we had, was so sooo good. It was as if we had all been together our entire lives. I loved them, and they loved me. That fall, I taught Celeste and the girls to can our own food, and how to make pickles.
      I knew in my heart there was nothing in life that we could not get through together. Three years later, Celeste made an honest man of me. We were married at our local church, and lived happily ever after. Oreo too.
    I would like to thank you for reading my stories. I hope you were taken away for a little while. Your comments are making my heart happy as I read through them. You are my Celeste, and I love you all!