Ethan woke early, the cold already seeping into the air. He descended into his bunker, the familiar hum of the generator a comforting sound. As he prepared his breakfast, the national weather alert radio station crackled to life, filling the small space with static-laden voices.
"Severe winter storm warning in effect for the entire region. Temperatures expected to drop significantly. Please take necessary precautions."
Ethan shook his head, a bitter smile playing on his lips. "Necessary precautions," he muttered. "If only they knew."
He stirred his oatmeal, the steam rising in lazy spirals. The radio continued its monotonous warnings, but Ethan knew the truth. The storm was far worse than they were letting on. In the original timeline, the hosts of KPLC had quietly evacuated, leaving the city to fend for itself. No one had any idea what was truly coming.
"They lied," he thought, his mind drifting back to those chaotic days. "They knew it was more than just a storm. They knew it was the end."
He remembered the panic, the desperate scramble for supplies, the way people had turned on each other. The memories were still vivid, etched into his mind like scars. But this time, he was prepared. This time, he had a chance.
Ethan poured himself a cup of coffee, the warmth a small comfort against the encroaching cold. He listened to the radio, the voices droning on about emergency shelters and road closures. It was all too little, too late.
"By the time they realize the truth, it'll be too late for most of them," he thought, a pang of guilt twisting in his chest. "But I can't save everyone. I can only save myself."
He took a sip of his coffee, savoring the bitter taste. The bunker was stocked, the generator running smoothly, and the insulation holding up. He had done everything he could to prepare. Now, all he could do was wait.
As the morning wore on, the temperature continued to drop. Ethan glanced at the thermometer on the wall, watching the mercury fall steadily. He knew that by nightfall, the world outside would be an icy wasteland.
"Just a few more hours," he thought, his resolve hardening. "Just a few more hours, and it'll all begin."
He finished his breakfast and set the dishes aside, his mind already racing with plans for the days ahead. The Deep Freeze was coming, and this time, he was ready.