Prologue

The world ended on March 5th, 2060 at 7:00 pm GMT. Nuclear warheads across the world were launched, all targeting major cities across the globe. Current calculations estimate that ¾ths of the world’s population was killed that day. Smaller countries’ populations were wiped clean, with few remaining. Larger countries suffered massive hits to their population numbers, though chunks of their populus remain.

The devastation was so sudden. One day countries were signing unprecedented peace treaties calling for nuclear disarmament; but, on the next they were all firing their entire nuclear arsenals.

Those of us who remain are now living in underground bunkers dug out during the peak of the second Cold War’s hysteria. They’re not the most spacious or pleasant spaces, but they’re liveable. 

All outside contact has been severed. Nobody knows if any of their family or friends outside their bunker are okay. The only way for us to manage is to stay hopelessly optimistic about their safety.

Though living isolated in bunkers is taxing, it’s far better than anywhere above ground. It’s been a year, and the radiation levels outside are too high to even consider leaving.

 To go outside without a specialized suit covering every micro-inch of your body is masochistic; and, ignoring the need for breathing equipment is suicidal. It feels like a couple dozen eternities have passed, but nothing’s changed.

It’s New Years today…

My one wish this New Year is to see the outside world. But that may be asking for too much.

Robert Gray, signing out.

…………..click

My family and I have been living together in our bunker for 3 years now, though it feels much longer than that. Recording these audio files has been the key to maintaining what little sanity I have left. Going outside is still a pipe dream, at least in our area.

Robby Gray, signing out.

…………click

We’re running dangerously low on supplies. Time is running out and there’s nothing we can do. It’s been FOUR YEARS, and we still can’t leave these prisons! Since we can’t leave, there’s no way to get food. At this point, dying may be all we have left to do.

….

………...click

…. (labored breathing)

If you hear me right now, then this means I’m dead, my skeleton is probably glaring at you right now. If you’ve come here for supplies, I’m sorry we have nothing of interest. However, items you want here you have my permission to take. There’s nothing I can do to stop you…

…

Since I’m dead...

End of audio diary.

Final entry date: November 20th, 2064