"That's an ominous thing to say, whilst our situation is bad we're all alive, and I'm sure we'll be out of here soon." I hurriedly said, putting a hope in my words that I didn't truly feel.
The look he levelled on me felt as clear as a crystal spring, he seemed to see my hollow feeling, as if I had a gap in my stomach. Most likely because he felt an identical one.
"Exactly, no reason to get all hopeless and antsy, we'll be out of here soon." said Andrew with a slight nod, and quick smile, "So let's all take a seat and get comfortable." With a grumble from Denise and shaky look from Rebbecca we did just that.
The silence began to echo around, and the flickering light in the corner of the car did little to dispel the looming dark of the outside tunnel. It felt as though we were a small island floating in a pitch black sea, hiding from the unknown depths.
I almost wished I could see sharks swimming by, at least then I could attribute something, some reason to my growing fear.
Deciding to attempt to find one, I got up and sat next to Liam, who had stopped praying, and now just sat on the floor staring at the ceiling. "This is more than just an earthquake isn't it, you feel it as well don't you", I whispered to him. "Indeed, I am quite sure the apocalypse has come, the Lord has decided to punish us sinners."
His words surprised me, though perhaps they shouldn't have, what other reason would a priest give for the end of the world? "God doesn't exist, we've seen enough proof of the truth of this world to know it was not formed by a religious entity." I refuted, I had spent a life studying the stars, my feelings were either wrong or the world was in the grips of some cosmic event. "We shall see, God will protect me from his challenges, for I am his servant, true and pure."
He closed his eyes after saying that, ending the conversation. 'Great' I thought 'The only other person who thinks something more is happening and he's a stubborn fanatic.' 'I can only hope I'm wrong and that we won't need to speak on this anymore.' With that I resolved to spend the time in silence, trying to comfort myself.
Just like that time passed, 1 hour and then 2. The expressions on our faces slowly shifted, at least on all but me and Liam who had already prepared for the idea that no-one was coming. The silent hope and patience on their faces gave way to a growing concern, and obvious anger. Andrew seemed the one exception, holding faith and patience in the system.
Others certainly didn't share that. "This is getting ridiculous, I'm going to get out and see what's going on." said Tim as he stood up. "Yes this is beyond reasonable, how incompetent are the evacuators" complained Denise "Go out and see where those fools have gotten to."
Andrew frowned and got up as well, "Getting out could just cause further problems, we really should just stay put." Though he stated an objection his hesitance betrayed his inner worry. "If they were coming then they would already be here, either there's more important emergencies or no-one is coming at all." I said.
"We've already long missed lunch and my baby must be starving, we have no choice but to go!" hurriedly said Rebbecca, though Rain was still calmly sitting there the opposite of his mother. "It can't be too bad to have a look," added Alison. With that Tim pulled on the doors, which were locked closed. After struggling to pull them he stepped back and went "Hmm." Sighing, Andrew stood up and grabbed the hammer behind the glass case.
"Oh yeah" Tim chuckled embarrassed, and took it before smashing out the window. The tunnels musky, but new air seemed to accompany an invading darkness. Our little car, separate from the world, a capsule from before the change, now rejoined it. With Tim's first step, the end of the world had found us.