As the year drew to a close, a major storm struck New York City. Winds raged along the East River, knocking buildings from their foundations and hurling debris into the streets below. At the same time, a massive tsunami devastated coastal cities around the Pacific Rim. China alone suffered the loss of over a million lives.
When the storms subsided, millions more people had perished. All over the globe, civilization had collapsed in a few places.Many people found themselves living in squalor, without access to electricity, running water, medicine, food, or shelter. Millions had lost their homes, livelihoods, and loved ones. Yet somehow, they all clung to life, refusing to give up hope.
The stockbroker's body lay in the middle of the road like some kind of grotesque monument. His face was covered with bruises and scratches, and he appeared to have suffered a broken jaw. He also had deep cuts on his arms and chest. A large pool of dark red liquid pooled beneath him.
