Chapter 25: Revelation
Twenty minutes later, Nox and the girls were outside, near a vending machine that had somehow survived whatever happened. They'd managed to shake out a few bags of chips and a couple of candy bars.
Nox leaned against a surprisingly intact brick wall, methodically chewing a bite of his chocolate, while the girls settled on a low concrete ledge nearby.
Kendra popped a chip into her mouth. "Hey, check that out. Most of the streetlights are actually on, and a bunch of those buildings over there still have power."
Yeda looked around, her head turning from one lit window to another. "It's not as dark as I thought it would be, not really. You think maybe... it means the destruction wasn't everywhere?"
Vasa observed their surroundings. "It's possible the primary event was more contained than we first assumed. Or essential services in some areas have been restored, or perhaps were never fully disrupted."
Nox didn't say anything, just kept eating. He'd noticed the lights too. 'Doesn't change much for me,' he thought.
"If the lights are on," Kendra said, her voice a bit quieter than usual, "then maybe things aren't completely messed up back home." She paused. "I need to know if my family's okay. My little brother, he's probably freaking out."
Yeda's eyes seemed to glisten. "My parents will be so worried. I just hope they're safe. I really need to find out if they're alright too."
Vasa looked down at her own hands, then clasped them. "My parents are resourceful individuals, and our home is relatively secure. However, uncertainty is a significant factor in any crisis. Ascertaining their status is a logical priority."
The three of them went quiet for a beat, each probably thinking about their families.
Nox finished his candy bar and balled up the wrapper in his fist. He watched them. All this talk of family, of people waiting for them, it was just background noise to him. He didn't have anyone. That was just a fact, like the sky being up, even if it was night right now.