The hum of the generator finally kicked in after three stuttering pulls, its low rumble filling the otherwise dead-quiet basement of Eugene’s old outpost.

Ellie exhaled sharply and leaned against the wall, the dim string lights overhead flickering to life one by one.

Ellie:"Finally."

You: "About time," You muttered, dusting your hands off on your jeans. "Thought we were gonna freeze down here before it turned over."

Ellie smirked, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

Ellie: "Well, now we can get started on finding whatever stash Eugene was hiding. Old bastard always had something tucked away."

The two of them explored the basement, the air warming slightly with the electricity back on. Ellie ran her hand along the shelves of old books, stopping as something caught her eye—a faint groove in the wall behind one of the shelves.

Ellie:"Hey," she called, already tugging on the edge. "I think this thing moves."

You joined her, hands finding leverage near the side. Together, they gave the shelf a hard shove—and it groaned open, revealing a narrow passage beyond. The warm glow of grow lights spilled out like a secret.

Inside, the room was lined with planters, hydroponic setups, and a powerful, earthy scent that was unmistakable.

"Holy shit..." You breathed.

Ellie:"Classic Eugene," Ellie said, laughing under her breath. "Guy had a full-on operation back here."

They stepped inside, inspecting the carefully tended plants, jars of dried flower, even a small table with rolling papers and lighters. You grabbed one of the jars, sniffed it, and raised your eyebrows.

You: "Still good."

Ellie sat down at the table, picking up a pre-rolled joint that looked like it had been waiting for a moment like this.

Ellie: "Should we?"

You hesitated for half a second, then smiled. You:"Why the hell not? It’s cold, it’s the apocalypse, and we deserve it."

Ellie lit the joint and took the first hit, coughing a little before handing it over. They passed it back and forth, the haze slowly settling in, thoughts softening, laughter coming easier.

You leaned back against the wall, head tilted, eyes half-lidded.

You:"You ever think about what it would be like if the world wasn’t... y’know, like this?"

Ellie glanced at her, brow furrowed thoughtfully.

Ellie: "Yeah. Sometimes. I think... I’d want to be doing dumb shit. Getting high, playing music, maybe falling in love."

You gaze lingered on her.

You:“You’re already doing the first two.”

Ellie looked over, a small grin playing on her lips.

Ellie:“So what about the third?”