In the new dormitory of the shelter, the interaction among several roommates gradually became more lively. Dali, a former head chef of a high-end hotel, demonstrated his social skills. His speech was full of energy and enthusiasm, as if the crisis of the end of the world had little impact on his emotions. His cheerful personality and continuous efforts to find topics slowly infected those around him, including Jack.
Jack, originally feeling depressed due to the sudden change, gradually brightened up under Dali's influence. He began to participate in light-hearted conversations and share this rare but precious joyful time with his roommates.
Bruce, the former company manager, behaved exceptionally mature and composed. He smiled and said to Jack, "Young man, you must take good care of yourself! You are our hope for the future!" His words revealed encouragement and expectations for Jack.
Jack blushed and humbly responded, "No, it's not just me! The future of the shelter depends on everyone's efforts to thrive." Although he felt somewhat puzzled about Bruce's true intentions, he still maintained a positive and optimistic attitude.
During this brief exchange and conversation, the relationship between the roommates gradually became more harmonious. Each of them brought different stories and backgrounds, but in this shelter, they all became a part of each other's lives. In this unknown and challenging new world, mutual support and collaboration will be the key to their survival.
Just as the roommates' conversation was becoming more lively, the speakers in the room suddenly emitted a voice, interrupting their conversation. It was the voice of Director Adam, which resonated through the broadcast system in every room. His tone was still calm yet powerful: "Residents, today's distribution will be canned food to address today's dietary needs."
He then went on to explain the situation of the bathroom facilities: "Please note that our bathroom facilities are not fully operational today. You can use the toilet, but you cannot take a shower for the time being. We are working hard to address this issue and hope to provide complete service as soon as possible."
Shortly after Adam's broadcast ended, the roommates heard a knock on the door. Jack went to open it and saw a staff member in a blue uniform standing outside with a handcart filled with canned food. The staff member handed over their portion to Jack: four cans of food and four bottles of mineral water. In addition, he also gave Jack a deck of playing cards, seemingly to provide some entertainment and diversion.
Jack took the supplies and nodded in thanks. He turned and placed the food and water on the table, then showed the deck of cards to his roommates. Although these canned foods and playing cards were simple, at this time, they became a part of their shared life, a small comfort in difficult times.
Dali, Owen, and Bruce all gathered around to inspect the simple supplies together. In this environment, even such a small distribution of goods brought them a sense of comfort. They tacitly realized that in this shelter, they needed to face life's challenges together, and these simple daily moments would become a part of their shared memories.
In the shelter dormitory, Jack and his roommates were enjoying canned food while happily playing poker. This simple entertainment brought them a bit of relaxation and laughter, temporarily helping them forget the difficulties and uncertainties of the outside world. As time quietly passed, night fell deeply.
Just as everyone was immersed in the game, the broadcast system once again transmitted the voice of Director Adam. His voice sounded particularly clear in the quiet night: "Dear residents, please note that our bedtime is at 10:30 every night. This is to ensure effective power distribution and everyone's healthy sleep. In ten minutes, we will turn off all lights."
Upon hearing the announcement, the roommates began to tidy up the playing cards, put the canned food and water bottles back in place. One by one, they finished washing up and prepared to rest in bed. The atmosphere in the room became quiet and warm, as everyone was getting ready for the new day.
Jack lay in bed, waiting for the lights to go out. The lights in the room turned off as scheduled after ten minutes, plunging the surroundings into darkness. However, despite feeling exhausted, Jack found it difficult to fall asleep. His thoughts kept churning in this peaceful night, feeling anxious and struggling with the sudden crisis, new living environment, and uncertain future.
In the darkness, Jack felt the breath of his roommates and the peaceful atmosphere around him, but his own heart felt like it was being suffocated by an invisible burden. He knew that this shelter would be his entire future life, and he needed time to adapt to all these changes. Jack closed his eyes, trying to calm his mind and slowly embrace this new world and new life.
Jack lay in the darkness, endless thoughts flooding in like a tide. He recalled this morning, a seemingly ordinary day, never expecting such earth-shattering changes. In the morning, he was still in a university classroom, planning for the future; and now, he lay in the cramped space of the shelter, facing a completely new reality of life.
The collapse of the country, the disappearance of home, and even the safety of family have all become unknowns. The suddenness of these changes has left Jack feeling lost. A deep sense of melancholy wells up within him: a familiar and secure world has crumbled in an instant, replaced by uncertainty and fear.
What weighs most heavily on him is the possibility that this shelter may become his permanent residence for the rest of his life. This cramped space and limited scope of life will be his entire future. Jack's emotions are particularly fragile at this moment, as he experiences an unprecedented sense of powerlessness and loneliness.
In the darkness, Jack silently gritted his teeth, trying to suppress the sadness and despair in his heart. He knew that he had to be strong, to adapt to this new life environment, for survival, for the possibility of the future, even if it was just a faint glimmer of hope. But on this sleepless night, Jack's mind wandered between nostalgia and worry, searching for his place and meaning in this new world.
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