Michelle and Open (Multiples Welcome)
The tolling of the bell woke Michelle from a pleasant dream involving Stephen, no doubt occasioned by their conversation yesterday. She wanted to go back to sleep--it was early still--but whenever the bell rang, it meant something important was happening. She rose and nearly stumbled over the boxes arrayed on the floor by her bed in the kitchen.
Boxes with her name on them. She slit them open and gasped, shocked, at the contents. Then she laughed with delight. A box of toiletries; a box of grooming supplies; one containing jeans, underwear and socks; and one with food supplies that would feed her for days. The dried beans would have to soak overnight, but everything else was ready to cook.
The bell had stopped ringing, but Michelle forgot about investigating the lighthouse for now. Maybe this was what it was signaling. Maybe not. She'd find out later.
Michelle rose, bathed in a the basin of cold water she had ready--with soap for a change, and shampoo for her hair. Despite the cold water, it was the most luxurious experience in days. Actual toothpaste and a real toothbrush, not a shredded plant stalk! Brushing out her hair was a pleasure, and tying it back with an elastic band was a huge relief.
As was dressing in clean new clothes. When she was ready, armed and wearing her pea coat, she made her way to the lighthouse. A lot of people were already there, eating and talking. She would eat, too--but first, she went to the kitchen to examine the chest freezer and generator.
"A chest freezer is all well and good," she said to herself, crouching to examine the generator, "but how long with the generator run? How much fuel do we have?"