May 6th 2022

  Bright and empty

  Turns out that apocalyptic fvored white noise is my jam.

  I’m really enjoying listening to the radio, even if it’s mostly static. Only because I get to hear little snippets of conversations once in a good while.

  “…the north wall-”

  “…filtration system back online…”

  “…don’t go into the river! I’m serious…”

  I often keep my diary here on hand at all times, since I never know when I’ll need to write something down. But thanks to the radio, I now have even more of a reason to keep paper glued to my hands!

  Of course, I don’t want to clutter my diary with all the ramblings I overhear, so I write in my separate journal for little notes I scribble now and again.

  This is pretty fun! Kinda feel like I’m solving conspiracy theories or becoming some kind of radio-wave detective. Doing some investigative journalism or something.

  My friend listens with me sometimes as well. He also notices how every so often, someone mentions food and water supplies. It's a bit annoying, but he used that to reinforce his opinions about securing our own supplies.

  But it’s fine, I can forgive him this time for nagging.

  It’s interesting how worried everyone is about water, though. I don’t really get it. I mean, I get it. But also… I don’t? I don’t know, still doesn’t feel like much of a big deal to me.

  Sky can’t decide if it wants to look cheerful or depressed

  The mumblies are quieter today. I think they learned their lesson after I scolded them for being too loud st time.

  I wonder if they like the radio too. Whenever I turn up the volume, they wander closer to the windows and crane their heads toward the sound. It’s kind of cute? Reminds me of huskies tilting their heads side to side, trying to understand human words.

  Hearing more stuff about food again. A person is listing off types of food they found, like rice, beans, etc.

  I wonder how many people are in this group, if they even are a group. Is it like a makeshift town, a community? Do they have fences? Working toilets? I have so many questions!

  I should find out where they are so I can ask.

  Dusk

  I took a break from the radio and decided to check on my friend.

  She’s been wandering around outside again, per usual. This time, I brought along those leather restraints I found before, along with a fresh, spare sweater from the undry pile. It’s warm and cheerful like an open fire. I bet she’ll like it.

  But my goodness, stepping outside is so… ew, tely. The grass looks like diseased chocote pudding. Everything smells like wet dog and pennies.

  I found her near the side of the house, standing with the others. She started walking right up as soon as she saw me. But I brought her back to the fence post near the shed.

  She’s gotten so thin and dirty, almost light enough that a strong breeze could knock her over.

  I can fix that.

  I helped her get changed out of that old, torn long-sleeve and put on the new sweater. It took a hot minute, since her arms don’t really bend the right way that easily.

  My friend stayed inside, he decided to be rude and not help me this time. Whatever.

  But hey! I managed to get it on her. Maybe now she’ll be less cold and stiff.

  Also, I made sure to loop one of the restraints around her wrist, attaching it to the fence, and tested it to make sure it was snug and secure.

  Much better. Now she won’t wander into the streets and get hurt or ruin the new clothes.

  I even tried to fix up her hair a little, it was looking kind of rough. Blood rain is kind to no-one. Though, sadly, I ended up getting blonde strands stuck to my fingers. Such a shame she’s let her gorgeous hair go like this.

  A little bit gross, honestly, but not her fault.

  If I find more established groups of people, maybe they’ll have some fancy hair-care products I could borrow to help her out.

  Think the mumblies like the sweater too, they just kinda stared at my friend for awhile after I went back inside, swaying as they stood there.

  Anyway, back to the radio!