LAST DAYS ON EARTH

It was Spring, and Elizabeth was out and about. She entered the restaurant, and her eyes instantly went to her preferred seat on the patio. A broad smile crossed her lips; the seat was open. It was a small restaurant, but the courtyard expanded that very nicely. Patios didn’t always have this kind of ambiance. It was relatively large and surrounded by a fence with misters on the roof line and heaters posted throughout. This made it comfortable for much of the year in Tucson and made it more private from the street. The interior bustled as it usually did during peak times. People lined up to the register, and servers hustled with food around the room. The Desert Rose was one of the few restaurants remaining in Tucson and Elizabeth’s favorite.

Unfortunately, they only opened one day a week after the asteroid. Elizabeth had made sure to come today. It would be goodbye, both to the restaurant and to Tucson. Pushing open the swinging door, she saw her reflection in the glass. Even with the lowered resolution, Elizabeth could see it matched her mind but not recent memory. She shook her head and went in, being careful.  

Move slowly, she thought.

However, the transition inside and her stroll to the counter went smoothly. Elizabeth chastised herself; old habits die hard. She ordered the usual chicken and pine nut salad and grabbed a chocolate chip cookie. She filled her cup at the soda station with the delectable sweet and tangy tea. Elizabeth often came here, especially before everything changed. The salad was tasty and included in her diet. However, now, that was unnecessary; at least she no longer needed to worry about her weight as much as she once had. The cookie was still an indulgence.

Elizabeth was careful to sit down without showing what she concealed underneath. She always carried, ever since it all happened. A die-off had been the immediate consequence of the asteroid, a killer asteroid that finally found modern civilization. It had occurred so fast there had been no time to prepare, and lawlessness was a logical consequence. You just tried to survive. Tucson had lost far less population than other cities, presumably because it was smaller and less tightly packed than cities like Phoenix, but a good portion of the streets were now quiet.

The abandoned stores were mainly empty. Many owners simply walked away if they had survived, and the employees only stuck around to take what they wanted. As a result, shopping wasn’t as hectic but less fruitful. On this last trip, Elizabeth’s finds were two sets of dishes, four blankets, and one car. She also scored on underwear—lots of underwear—which her tenant, Judy, had asked for. 

“It doesn’t matter what size; there’ll be no chance to get more,” Judy had said. So now Elizabeth had a truck bed full.

Someone from Mesaland would pick up the vehicle. Few wanted cars with so little gas available, but it was still a find for her group because it would receive a more efficient engine—no more poisonous batteries. She was still getting used to the new technology.

Elizabeth arranged herself on the patio table and added the pink sugar substitute to her tea. A content sigh escaped as she relished the sun’s warmth. She opened her book but did not get far into it before some figures appeared in her peripheral vision. Elizabeth looked up to find two anxious young men, one carrying her salad.

“You’re here. We didn’t know if you would come,” the younger man said.

A man sitting at a table nearby looked up at the intrusion and paused when he saw Elizabeth. He then resumed eating, but his attention was clearly on them.

“We know each other, but I don’t believe I’ve introduced myself. I’m Gene.” The older man extended his hand. Elizabeth shook it.

“I’m Marcos.” The younger man shook her hand as well.

“We were hoping you’d come in.” Gene gestured to the seat across from Elizabeth. She nodded, permitting them to join her.

“We’re guessing,” Gene leaned across the table, “that you’re leaving soon.”

She knew her neighborhood’s plans would probably get out. She had been lucky that no one had approached her before. Most of the residents of Mesaland were seniors who were the original homeowners and much less inclined to go rampaging or spreading rumors than other neighborhoods in the area. Together, they formed a coherent group and protected each other. This cohesiveness led to the eventual idea of escape being presented to them.

The fact some groups were leaving had become common knowledge. She couldn’t tell if people accepted the idea, and the press swung wildly in opinion; after all, where would you go? The whole planet was affected. These men did know about her and at least some of the plan. They appeared to be intelligent, resourceful, and desperate for an alternative. She was one of the leading recruiters, yet it disturbed her that many would be left behind. There was still room, though, since quite a few had chosen to leave Mesaland, her neighborhood, or had died.

“Why my group?” Elizabeth asked.

“Central City has claimed all of Phoenix- a regular dictatorial regime.” An enthusiastic spark shone in Marco’s eyes as he spoke. “We talked about going to Rocky Point because we had an offer to start a restaurant, you know, with fish, but it is impossible to pass safely through the border. It’s never been easy getting down there, but now, the police corruption and cartels have the border entirely. El Chapo and his son are out of prison and running everything. Their influence extends across most of the border.”

“Yikes.” Elizabeth had not realized things had gotten so bad.

“We heard Mesaland has a constitution and functional democracy. It’s a fledgling one, but they have a good model. I know your sheriff, John Bascom; if he is involved, that is an excellent sign,” Gene said, and Marcos nodded in agreement.

How could this work? They hadn’t planned for commercial enterprise to start up immediately. Maybe an empty house?

Why not start it with a salad? She smiled.

“I can cook quite well,” Gene said. “And Marcos here is learning quickly.”

“Yeah, I can make lasagna,” Marcos pointed to his chest as he boasted.

“You know, there is no guarantee what will happen or where we will end up. We hope to find something better, but we won’t know until we…” Elizabeth trailed off.

Both men nodded. “Yeah, but it’s worth a shot.” Gene gestured to the restaurant. “There’s nothing left here. They’re closing up today. So many other businesses are also shutting down, so few customers.”

“I heard,” she paused and looked where Gene had pointed. 

Many of the restaurant’s employees appeared to be watching them. In front of the group, two men stood out. Matt was the shift manager, and Jeff was the store manager. They were watching Gene and Marcos talking to her at her table. When Elizabeth focused on the two, Matt nodded to her. Elizabeth knew he had already been recruited, but he also knew the rules. First, present the idea of joining Mesaland, then let the Council tell them the rest. Knowledge of this was a precious commodity. It pleased her that Matt cared that much and knew he had followed those rules.

“How many want to come?” She asked, turning back.

“Uh, nine plus their families. Twenty-five in total,” Gene winced.

“I’ll have to ask. We screen everyone.”

“Anything,” Marcos said.

Explaining the trip always made Elizabeth falter. Luckily, that wasn’t her job; she recruited the needed ones that she thought would fit. Elizabeth focused back on the two in front of her and promised to phone in the proposition of twenty-five more people. The two men left to finish their shift. Elizabeth sighed and picked up her cup. Movement on her right caught her eye. She almost choked on her tea when she turned to see who was there. It was the last person she expected to see.

“I want to go, too.”

“Charles, …”

Elizabeth blushed a bright crimson and looked around to see if anyone was watching them. Nobody seemed to care; they were busy enjoying their last day at The Desert Rose. Why hadn’t she noticed him before? He got up and walked over to her table. 

He must have noticed the concern on her face. “It’s OK, Elizabeth. It took me a while, but I know why you left.”

“Oh?” She tried again to take a sip.

“Yeah.” He looked away as an uncomfortable silence fell.

Elizabeth cleared her throat, “OK, why did you think I left?” She put down the tea.

He turned to face her. “You didn’t want to be there… with me, but you felt,” he paused, “a duty? I’m guessing.” He held up one hand. “You weren’t what I originally thought, at least not entirely.”

She raised an eyebrow.

“Putting that together with recent events, I,” clearing his throat, “made some guesses.” He smiled.

How much does he know?  She searched his face and suspected he was smart enough to know quite a lot.

Charles was a tall man with brilliant blue eyes and a warm smile. He was smart, a surgeon, and they had gotten along very well. 

Oh, a bit too well! “So you figured it out. What did you mean about duty?”

“Well,” he leaned forward, talking in an even quieter voice, “Deciding to breed, especially at your age, was quite bold.” 

Elizabeth’s cheeks reddened again. She leaned back in her chair.

He put out his hand, “Not that you didn’t, uh, don’t, look spectacular.”

She let out a heavy breath.

“I could tell by some of your speech, the economy of your movement, and the knowledge you had from a past you shouldn’t have had. I don’t know how you did that, becoming young, but I bet it’s connected with the upcoming trip.” 

He studied her face, and when she didn’t reply, he added, “I take it you lost your husband?”

Elizabeth stiffened at this turn. “How do you know that?”

“I looked you up. The article in the Arizona Star about the die-off. It had included your husband among the dead of Tucson and those left behind.”

“Oh…yes,” Elizabeth fiddled with her napkin. “He went on a business trip to Germany right before the asteroid.” She squinted to try to hold back the tears. “That was the last I heard from him.” She shrugged.

Charles nodded, “I understand how difficult it must have been. I have lost everything, too.” He nodded toward Gene and Marcos. “I don’t want to pass this up.” He leaned forward to emphasize his question. “Mind if I go?”

“Why?” Not because of me, I hope!

“Because I have nothing here—no friends, not much of a practice—a fresh start sounds very appealing.”

Relaxing, she said, “Yes, it does.”

He would be a good addition, a cardiologist and heart surgeon with an excellent practical mind for any aspect of medicine, even General Practice. Charles waited.

“It will be an adventure, for sure.” She eyed him closely and nodded. “As you heard, there are more hurdles.” She laughed.

Elizabeth picked up her phone and called for the clearances. Computer databases still worked. The sheriff was able to check criminal records, both federal, state, and county. John also could get a lot of information internationally. It paid to be in law enforcement. From his friendship with Jeff, the restaurant manager, he could get additional data on the people who worked at The Desert Rose. This is one of the ways Matt was cleared to go. Within an hour, it was done, at least acceptance from the Mesaland side. In the meantime, Charles moved his food over to Elizabeth’s table, and she remembered why she had initially sought him out. The group was ready to leave when she and Charles finished their food. Elizabeth went back into the restaurant to refill her tea. It was bittersweet, so much change!

A server approached. “Hi, Elizabeth. Thanks for letting me come. By the way, I’m Kyle,” he said, reaching out his hand.

“Call me Liz. Nice to officially meet you.”

She looked up into those fantastic green eyes. Wow! Behind him, Kate peeked around. Her long red hair had always intrigued Elizabeth, and it looked like she was coming, too. 

“She’s Kate,” Kyle said.

“You, too?” Elizabeth asked.

“Yes, if it’s OK,” she smiled and dipped her head.

“You’ve all been cleared. It is good that Jeff and John, our sheriff, know each other.”

A fella with a man bun strode up to Elizabeth, holding out his hand. He wore the chef’s uniform of a manager with his name embroidered on the shirt. 

“So glad to be coming along, thank you. I’m Brad,” She shook, smiling.

“I’m glad I get to take a piece of home with me. You are most welcome.” It will be good to have so many new leaders. 

One last person vied for her attention; he was tall and appeared slightly anxious but confident. She had seen him before, but it was rare as he worked weekends. “And I’m Aaron. I am so glad this worked out.”

It was a bit overwhelming. These people she knew well, sort of. Not knowing names before and knowing them now was disorienting. Variety was the game’s name now, and she was glad to get this infusion. Many residents of Mesaland were now younger, but these people thought younger.

The employees had come to work with their cars already packed. However, Charles was unprepared. He needed some time to shutter his practice and gather his possessions. This didn’t take long, though, as there wasn’t much left to save.

While they waited, Elizabeth thought of one more stop she wanted to make before going home. She had come to terms with her husband’s death but had not given up on her friend Kelly Nelson. Kelly wanted to stay in Tucson to look after her aunt and uncle. Moreover, the eldest daughter had returned with a new husband. Kelly was adamant about staying, hoping something would change in this crazy world. Maybe now she would be more willing? Brian, Kelly’s husband, seemed more amiable to the idea, and that would help.

Elizabeth guided the caravan to Nelson’s house. They piled into the dwelling, which could barely hold them all. Elizabeth had known the Nelsons since Brian and her husband, James, worked in California in a large nursery. Brian had worked well with James and never was intimidated, even though James was over six feet five inches while Brian was well under six. Elizabeth knew this was rare. She was six feet tall, and he even treated her well. They would be an excellent addition if Elizabeth could find a way.

When the Davis family moved to Tucson, it was for a better living arrangement. It was now necessary to take Elizabeth’s parents into their home. James was lucky to find a job he loved as much as California. He had the distinct ability to translate between scientists, engineers, and government bureaucrats, just like her father had, which made the employment possibilities more varied. It had been a good move, but now it felt empty.

Tucson’s standard of living was lower than California’s, and many old homes had a casita on the property. As a result, her parents could have monitored independence and be around for the grandchildren. These features fit well into their plans. It was suitable for a few precious years, and Elizabeth was grateful for that time. Her parents lived into their 80s, and Elizabeth had to admit that was a good life span, but she was thankful they didn’t have to witness Earth now.

The Nelsons followed a few years later, needing to stay near Kelly’s aunt and uncle. Things had gone well for the family. Brian worked as an installer of solar panels, an asset much needed with rising energy costs. Now, all the adults in the family worked, and the young children pitched in where they could. It was a tough time. Nevertheless, they could be an excellent addition to Mesaland, especially for all the kids they could bring.

Elizabeth introduced her troops; first, Gene and Marcos explained that they had approached her at the restaurant, and then Charles, who was there purely because of his serendipitous desire for lasagna. However, Elizabeth did refer to him as Dr. Murray, which alerted Kelly. Before Kelly could question Elizabeth about “Dr. Murray,” Sarah, Kelly’s second youngest, rushed up to Elizabeth and took her hand.

“Lizzie, read us your book?” Sarah pulled her into the living room toward the couch.

The other children invited Gene and Marcos to join them on the floor, and they all dutifully sat down. On a trip to France, Elizabeth returned with a small board book and other gifts for each child. The book had gone over well in the household, but the youngest, George, had thought Mamma was crazy reading the strange words. By now, though, the children had mastered them.

“Tourne’ a droite’!” All the kids stood up and danced in a circle to their right.

“Tourne’ a gauche’!”

“A gauche’,” they chanted with giggles, then turned left, wrinkling their noses, holding their hands high, and lifting their feet sequentially as if stepping in something distasteful. They had learned that gauche also had a disgusting American meaning and delighted in putting them together. Finally, all erupted in laughter and fell to the ground.

***

Charles had watched the game for a while and wandered into the kitchen. 

Why had the Nelsons not taken Elizabeth up on her offer? Charles wondered. 

They seemed like someone he could get along with, but who knew?

The couple appeared to struggle to accommodate all these strangers in their home. They were relieved when five Desert Rose employees immediately offered to help with food. Jeff and Kate helped organize, mix drinks and put the food on the kitchen island. Kelly and Brian huddled at the other end of the kitchen in front of their pantry. Their backs were turned to Charles, and as he approached, he overheard Kelly speak in a hushed tone.

“I wonder if he is the doctor Elizabeth wanted to seduce,” Kelly’s voice was disapproving.

“Yes, it was me, but she didn’t go through with it.”

Turning red, Kelly spun around. “Oh, I am so sorry. I didn’t know you were there.”

Charles waved his hands as if erasing her comment and said, “No, I understand your reaction. It took me a while to realize that Elizabeth was not who or what I thought she was. Her appearance in my life was much more complicated than what became of my fractured ego. When those two,” he gestured at Marcos and Gene in the living room, “showed up at her table today, and I, as it happened, was sitting at the next table. It became clear how important this situation might be. I knew I had to be a part of it.” 

Brian nodded his head in agreement. “Yes. Most people I know are grief-stricken and out of work. Her project offers hope.” Brian paused to find the right words, “Elizabeth asked us to go, but I can’t see leaving our home and Kelly’s family.”

“Why don’t you take your relatives? Charles offered a reassuring smile. “What good is your home if everything descends into chaos?”

***

The laughter had died out in the living room as the five kids ran outside. The rest of the Desert Rose employees and their kin were chased out of the kitchen for lack of space. Charmed by the game, they now followed the kids into the backyard. With Sarah on one side and her younger brother George on the other, they pulled on Elizabeth’s arms until she gave up and headed outside. Gene and Marcos dutifully followed, joined by the golden retriever, Harry. Apparently, they all needed a serious energy release. After a few minutes, Elizabeth had to stop. She was laughing hard and out of breath. Elizabeth was younger now and full of so much more spirit, but she couldn’t match the children’s exuberance.

A scream broke through the merriment. Elizabeth looked up from her bent-over position. Halfway across the yard, something very gruesome had appeared. Her brain had trouble processing it. The creature hissed. A giant human-sized brownish-orange beetle covered with a sickly moist exterior had an iron grip on Sarah’s arm as she twisted and cried.

End of Chapter 1

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