Self Apocalypse: The Beginning by John French Read Free Book Online Page A

was missing my TV.  I had never missed it while here before, so I was trying to figure out why it was haunting me now.  Probably because I knew I wasn’t going to have one at all while I was living here.  Funny how we become so dependent on the luxuries surrounding us.  They actually become needs rather than wants.  Part of this chapter in my life was going to have to be re-evaluating my lifestyle and those things that were really important in life.  Well, at least I had a radio.  That would be my social connection at camp.
     
    As the days rolled by turning into weeks, spring finally gave way to the summer heat.  Refrigeration was a serious issue now, and something I could concentrate on with the completion of the raised shed.  I had planted a small garden that was now beginning to come forth from the ground.  I couldn’t wait until I was able to reap the benefits from it.  It had been a long time since I had planted one, and was shocked that the plants were actually growing.  I have to admit, it was a very satisfying feeling knowing I was accomplishing so much on my own.  I now had no doubt that I was going to make it.  I just needed to conquer the refrigeration issue and devise a plan for the most efficient way to heat the camper this winter. 
     
    The loneliness was beginning to set in a bit.  I guess that was going to be another issue that I was just going to have to deal with.  For now though I could take a ride into town for some supplies and take advantage of talking with someone.  I made a short list of items I wanted and took off down the road in the truck.  As I drove into town I started to realize just how secluded I was.  I also started to think about mobility in the winter time.  They didn’t plow these roads, so I was going to have to think of something if I wanted to get into town in the winter months.  Otherwise I would truly be a hermit.  I remembered seeing a place on the outskirts of town that sold snowmobiles and other recreational vehicles.  Maybe stopping in to do some price shopping wouldn’t be a bad idea.  My planned budget didn’t include vehicles, so I was going to have to be very careful.  Already I could see myself running short on cash from unforeseen needs. 
     
    It wasn’t so much of a ghost town today.  People were out and about, and the overall mood seemed to be a good one.  After walking around town to pick up supplies I found out that most everyone was jobless, and just walking around to avoid going nuts.  It was nice to see a place where the folks kept a good look on things, and continued their life despite the great odds.  Unlike in the city where everyone had been preying off one another.  The people here seemed to actually be helping each other.  I guess that’s what happens in a small town when everyone knows each other.  Word spreads fast in a small town too.  I had many people saying hi to me, and ask if I was the fellow living in the mountains like a mountain man.  I always thought people would think I was crazy, but the folks in town actually admired my conviction. 
     
    In the center of town I found a chalk board displayed at the park.  The park was more of a small lawn shaded by scattered oaks for events.  The board was large, and was probably from one of the classrooms in the local school.  It was littered with advertisements from locals looking to trade or do business.  As I was reading I noticed one in particular that stood out to me.  There was a farm nearby that was selling and trading items from their barn.  I decided to take a ride up to see what they had on hand.  Maybe I would find something to help out at the camp. 
     
    The farm was just a short drive out of town, and stood on a hill overlooking some of the largest fields I had ever seen.  They had plenty of livestock roaming about the property.  I was hoping they sold beef locally, as I was in need of some meat.  I parked the truck in front of the large red barn