Most Flew South

The abandoned streets of New York City silently whispered tales of a forgotten era, a time when the hum of traffic and the chatter of pedestrians filled the air. But now, the eerie silence was all that remained, an unsettling reminder of the devastation that had struck. A plague, swift and merciless, had swept through the city, claiming countless lives and leaving behind a trail of despair. The survivors, huddled in their makeshift shelters, struggled to come to terms with the new reality. The once-great metropolis was now a shadow of its former self, a mere specter of the vibrant city that had once pulsed with life. Paul, a young man in his late twenties, had grown up in this bleak world. He had lost his family to the plague, his home had been destroyed, and the city's perpetual state of emergency had become the norm. Despite the hardships, Paul had persevered, fueled by a glimmer of hope. He had found solace in the virtual world, where he had connected with Justine, a woman from the other side of the city. Their romance had blossomed online, but despite their deep conversations and shared dreams, they had never met in person. The quarantine had made it impossible, and the dangers of venturing out into the unknown were ever-present. Yet, Paul had longed to meet Justine, to share in her joy and comfort her in times of sorrow. He had dreamed of this moment for years, of taking a step into the unknown and facing the risks that came with it. And now, after years of lockdown, he had finally decided to take the leap. Paul put on his hazmat suit, the bulky garment a constant reminder of the dangers that lurked outside. He checked the respirator, the communication device, and the various safety features, ensuring that he was as prepared as possible. With a deep breath, he stepped out into the abandoned streets, the silence of the city's emptiness echoing through his helmet. As he navigated the desolate landscape, Paul's anxiety grew. The streets were filled with the remnants of the old world: shattered storefronts, overturned cars, and graffiti-covered buildings. The city was a ruin, a testament to the destruction that had ravaged it. Paul's heart pounded in his chest as he continued on, driven by determination and a longing to be reunited with Justine. After what felt like an eternity, Paul arrived at Justine's shelter, a makeshift settlement in the heart of the city. He recognized the entrance, a nondescript door hidden behind a dumpster, its presence a testament to the resilience of those who had survived this nightmare. Paul took a deep breath, his hand trembling on the handle. He knocked softly, his anxiety giving way to a mix of emotions. What if Justine wasn't home? What if she had abandoned him, tired of waiting for a stranger she had met online? Paul pushed these thoughts aside, trusting that their connection would see them through this meeting. The door creaked open, and Justine stood before him, her eyes filled with a mix of fear and curiosity. Paul's heart skipped a beat as their eyes met, the years of online conversations crystallizing into a moment of pure joy. For a moment, the danger, the loss, and the hardships faded into the background as they gazed at each other, the first spark of hope rekindling in their hearts. "I'm scared," Justine whispered, her voice barely audible over the static of the communication device. Paul took a step forward, his hazmat suit an awkward barrier between them. "I'm scared too," he whispered back, "but it's worth it, isn't it? It's worth it to be with you, to take this chance." Justine nodded, a hint of a smile on her lips. Together, they stood at the threshold of their shelter, the once-divided world of online fantasies and harsh realities colliding into a singularity of hope.