Epilogue: Jack

Jack was back in the city, and likely for good this time. It offered a unique sort of protection that the wilderness couldn’t provide. He had plenty of supplies, food that was unlikely to perish shortly, and he had even found a greenhouse that was relatively intact, so he could begin to grow things and make his own food.

The nights were still marked by paranoia. One night, Jack heard noises from a nearby building. He began to pack all his things and started scanning the horizon for places to run – but halfway through packing, thought differently, and unpacked. Running had gotten him nowhere but back where he started and with a few horrifying memories to mark the journey. Whatever was in the building across the street could come at him – he’d be ready when it did.

Morning came. He walked around the city, taking in the uniquely beautiful urban environments. Reaching into his pouch, he pulled out an apple and took a large bite into the side of it. The sun was still high in the sky. The noises from the nearby building resurfaced, and he turned to try and find the source. Suddenly, climbing over the side of a fallen concrete support beam, Jack saw a small child, no more than 6 or 7 years old. The child dusted himself off and turned, jumped at the sight of Jack, and remained still, with a slight tremble.

Jack smiled softly. “What’s your name, son?”

The child stared at Jack for a moment before responding.

“…Roland.”

Jack grinned, and extended the apple to the child.

“We shall not cease from exploration

And the end of all our exploring

Will be to arrive where we started

And know the place for the first time.”

Shanti. Shanti. Shanti.