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Chapter 19 - Chapter 19: The Happy Shriners

The next day, Ethan listened intently to the radio, a sad but bemused voice coming through the static. One of the preppers, a ranger who often scouted the area for hidden caches, was sharing a strange and unsettling discovery.

"Folks, I've got some news," the ranger began. "I was ranging around, checking on some of the semi-hidden caches we leave for survivors. You know the drill—those caches are marked so other preppers know not to take them, ensuring any lucky survivors have a chance to make it to the nuclear reactor camps."

Ethan nodded, understanding the importance of these caches. They were lifelines for those still out there, struggling to survive.

The ranger continued, his voice tinged with sadness. "I came across the Shriner's Guild Hall. The people who had hunkered down there… they were all frozen overnight. Every single one of them had a wide smile on their faces, and they looked at peace, lying on the ground. There was a frozen handprint on the wall."

A murmur of concern spread through the radio waves. "Perhaps this is the work of those ice spirits," someone piped in, causing everyone to become more cautious of the strange entities.

Ethan felt a chill run down his spine. The ice spirits were becoming more active, their presence more menacing. The thought of those people, frozen with smiles on their faces, was haunting. It was as if the spirits had lulled them into a false sense of peace before claiming their lives.

He knew he had to warn the community, to make sure everyone understood the danger. Picking up the radio, he spoke with a steady voice. "This is Ethan Parker. We need to be extremely cautious. The ice spirits are not to be underestimated. Keep your doors locked at night and avoid dark areas. If you hear knocking, do not answer. Stay safe, everyone."

There was a chorus of acknowledgments, the community taking his warning to heart. The fight for survival was becoming more complex, the supernatural elements adding a new layer of danger.

Ethan turned off the radio, his mind racing with thoughts. The Deep Freeze had brought unimaginable horrors, but they had to stay vigilant. The ice spirits were a constant threat, but with caution and unity, they could face them.