CalemWind blew through the shattered bay windows, bringing snowflakes with it. No one would have imagined that just a few days ago a war had been fought here. The fire in the center of the room lit up the large room with its playful flames, casting our shadows around and keeping out the looming darkness. This was the only structure left intact. All the other buildings in our area had been burned, all that remained were their brick and steel skeletons. “Calem, what do we do? There is no food in these parts and we have not killed anything to feed others.” - Melanie whispered. “I don't know, without vehicles we will have to travel on foot. The closest base is Carson, once we get there we might find some adults. For now, just sleep, I'll keep watch" I replied. The only thought running through my mind was finding my parents, so they could keep me and my brother safe. Three days ago the troops passed through here setting fire to everything in their path. They destroyed all vehicles and burned many houses. Fortunately for our group, the largest house in our small community was looted but not burned. None of the working adults in the community were at home due to the new working arrangements introduced after the fall of the old government. If you are over twenty-one you have to take one of the trains to reach the various cities or bases to work, the only exceptions are those who are too old to do manual labor and are not specialized, their job is to supervise children. When the troops passed they killed the elderly and left us to fend for ourselves. We thought the trains would go home with our parents, but they... mid-paper... talking to the girls, "Well, Stefanie and Carly, you're both coming with me." As my father approached the elevator, the two girls following greeted Calem and Melanie. "Will they be okay?" He asked. “Yes, Mrs. Thompson was a teacher before she moved here.” I replied. “Before you go up, the five of you must make a wish in the waterfall,” Emma said. “It's one of the traditions here.” At the edge of the pool there is a basin filled with colored glass stones. The stones were made when the buildings were demolished to create Haven. Etched into the side of the sink is a poem my father told me every night before bed when I was young. Let your soul flow like river water, around the hard times, through the problems, past your worries. , and towards your future. My mother wrote it before she died, it's the last memory I have of her.