She tried to push past him, but he didn’t budge. “Shelby, you need to listen to me.”
“What’s wrong?”
She felt, more than heard, Max and Lanh come to a stop behind her. The rain continued to pelt against the roof. Thunder crashed in the distance, and her heart—it stopped, waited, prayed.
“Carter’s had an accident.”
“What kind of accident?”
“He’s okay, but you need to prepare yourself.”
“Because—”
“His leg…it’s bad.”
“His leg?”
“Georgia’s doing all she can. It’s too early to tell, but infection has set in, and his blood sugar levels are all over the place.”
Shelby darted around him, yanking the screen door open, and bounding into the house. Her heart hammering, she skidded to a stop in the kitchen at the same moment that Georgia walked in from the back porch.
Instead of speaking to her, Shelby rushed down the hall, opening the first door and the second.
Georgia caught up with her, took her hand, and led her to the last bedroom on the right side of the hall. She stopped outside the closed door, turned to Shelby, and said, “You need to be strong…for him.”
The storm had stolen most of the day’s light. Lightning flashed, and Shelby searched Georgia’s eyes for some clue as to what they were facing. She trusted this woman, but she couldn’t stand in the hall and discuss her son’s situation. She had to see him.
“We’re going to weather this. Together, we will find a way.”
Wanting desperately to believe those words, Shelby squared her shoulders, put her hand on the doorknob, and walked into the room.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. The story opens to a world in chaos—no power, no medical services, and an uncertain government. And yet Scripture reminds us many times to “fear not.” Read Isaiah 41:10; Philippians 4:6; and 2 Timothy 1:7. Do these words apply to every situation? Why or why not?
2. Shelby’s group encounters a family of three living in a gas station. Joel was a software engineer. Danielle was a teacher. Although the world has changed and they no longer have jobs, the skills they learned in those jobs are still useful. What skills do you have that would be useful in a post-technological world?
3. The group called the Remnant was formed to fill the vacuum left by local government. “We would need to defend ourselves, but we also wanted to be able to help others.” Is this realistic? Were we to lose all power, do you believe groups would form to help one another? Historically, this happened with groups like the French Resistance. Can you come up with another example?
4. When Shelby’s group arrives in Austin, things are even worse than expected. A vast number of people are homeless. Children are orphaned and alone. Animals are out of the zoo. There is no one providing food or protection or basic sanitary services. Do you believe this is a possible scenario? Why or why not?
5. Green Tech Elementary is based on the Eco-School USA program. Their stated goal is to provide “a voice for wildlife, dedicated to protecting wildlife and habitat and inspiring the future generation of conservationists.” More than 3500 schools in the US participate in the program. What is your opinion of such a program and why?
6. We find that a perimeter fence has been erected around the state capitol in order to protect state leaders and also to keep out the people who are desperate as well as those who would like to overthrow the government. Is the fence a wise decision or a poor one? Why do you think so?
7. Shelby believes that her prayers have been answered when she finds out they will receive the insulin, but later the same night she wakes trembling with fear. Max reminds her that the God of Job is the same God watching over them. Read the verses from Job, chapter 9. Do these words bring you comfort in times of trouble, or do they only cause you to have more questions?
8. There are clues that Danny Vail is not who he pretends to be, that he is not to be trusted, but no one sees those clues. Why is that? And how can anyone know the measure of another person?
9. Max explains that human ecology is the “study of the relationship between humans and their natural, social, and built environment.” If you could sum up human ecology in one sentence, based on what you see in the area where you live, what would it be?
10. The story ends with Austin crumbling, Patrick separated from his group, bandits about to attack High Fields, and Carter gravely ill. And yet there is hope for Shelby and her friends, hope for their future. How is that possible? What could happen to right these terrible situations? And how is it related to Roy’s admonition that “the world is changed one person at a time”?
AUTHOR’S NOTE
Massive solar flares are not fiction. The Carrington Event occurred September 1-2, 1859. Aurorae were seen as far south as the Caribbean, and telegraph systems throughout Europe and North America failed. More recently, large solar storms were recorded in 2003, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2015. Research by NASA scientists indicate there is a 12 percent chance a large storm will happen in the next 10 years. This report stresses that while coronal mass ejections and solar flares are not physically harmful, they could blow out transformers in power grids and disrupt satellite/GPS systems. A recent assessment by the Department of Homeland Security reported to Congress that a massive electromagnetic pulse event caused by a solar flare could leave more than 130 million Americans without power for years.
The Eco-School USA Program began in 2009 through the efforts of the National Wildlife Federation. In 2015, 3545 schools within the United States participated in the program. More information can be found at http://www.nwf.org/Eco-Schools-USA.aspx.
The Saint Mary Cathedral in Austin dates back to the 1800s. For purposes of this story, I moved it to a different part of the city, but it can be visited at the corner of East 10th Street and Brazos.
Human Ecology is an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary study of the relationship between humans and their natural, social, and built environments. A human ecology degree is offered at more than fifty universities in the United States as well as other universities worldwide.
EMERGENCY PREPARATION LISTS
Emergency Kit for Your Car*
• Jumper cables
• Flares or reflective triangles
• Flashlights with extra batteries
• First aid kit: Include any necessary medications, as well as baby formula and diapers if you have a small child
• Food: nonperishable items such as canned goods and protein-rich foods like nuts and energy bars
• Manual can opener
• Water: at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days
• Basic tool kit: pliers, wrench, screwdriver
• Pet supplies: food and water
• Radio: battery or hand cranked
• Cat litter or sand: for better tire traction
• Shovel
• Ice scraper
• Clothes: warm clothes, gloves, hat, sturdy boots, jacket, and an extra change of clothes for the cold
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Charged cell phone and car charger
How to Treat Someone in Shock**
• Lay the person down, if possible. Elevate the person’s feet about twelve inches unless head, neck, or back is injured or you suspect broken hip or leg bones.
• Begin CPR if necessary.
• Treat obvious injuries.
• Keep person warm and comfortable.
• Follow up.
How to Care for Chickens
• Chicken coop: Allow two to three square feet per chicken inside the henhouse and four to five square feet per chicken in an outside run. Be sure the coop protects the chickens from predators (weasels, cats, raccoons, dogs, and hawks). An elevated roost, nesting boxes, and a roof should be included in your coop.
• Flooring: pine shavings or straw
• Food: Allow to free-range if possible and supplement with veget
arian table scraps and chicken scratch (cracked corn, milo, and wheat). Also offer pulverized oyster shells or eggshells to laying hens for calcium.
• Grit: Chickens need grit to digest their food. Offer sand or grit unless birds are able to free range.
• Water: Chickens need fresh water at all times.
• Clean out the coop at least once per week
• Check daily for signs of disease, heat stress, etc.
How to Build a Greenhouse
• Choose a south-facing area, with a preference for morning sun over afternoon sun.
• Consider areas that will receive more sun from November through February when the sun has a lower angle.
• Pick a well-drained area or create raised beds.
• Create a cistern to catch rainwater falling from the roof of your greenhouse.
• Cover with something that light can penetrate (plastic film, glass, double-walled plastic).
• If possible, provide heat in winter.
How to Create and Maintain a Compost Pile***
Compost piles mix yard and household organic waste and produce rich soil for gardening. Compost is finished when it crumbles easily and you can’t identify any of the original ingredients.
• Choose a spot away from the house.
• Use a bin or simply create a compost heap. The important thing is to have good air circulation.
• Partial shade is preferred.
• Water compost pile as necessary (too much and the pile will be slimy and smelly). Aim for moist, but not sopping wet.
• If necessary, build a roof over the compost pile.
• Turn the pile often. Use a pitchfork or spade to aerate.
• Include brown materials high in carbon—wood, bark, cardboard, cornstalks, fruit waste, leaves, shredded newspaper, peanut shells, peat moss, pine needles, sawdust, stems and twigs, straw, and vegetable stalks.
• Include green materials high in nitrogen—alfalfa, algae, clover, coffee grounds, food waste, garden waste, grass clippings, hay, hedge clippings, manure, vegetable scraps, and weeds.
• Avoid weed seeds, diseased plants, inorganic material, meat, bones, fish, fats, dairy, pet droppings, and synthetic chemicals.
How to Raise a Wild Pig
• Use a dog crate or baby playpen to house piglet.
• Provide warmth until the piglet is two weeks old.
• Feed piglets goat milk. Put several teaspoons of milk in shallow pan. Feed every three to four hours for the first week. After the first week, add baby cereal to milk.
• Slowly work in cottage cheese, yogurt, etc. and reduce number of feedings.
• At eight weeks, piglets can eat regular pig food. Reduce feedings to twice a day. Pigs may be allowed to free range or be fed slop (leftovers from humans).
• Provide fresh, clean water at all times.
• Build a sturdy outdoor enclosure, including shelter from the elements (lean-to, etc.)
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* per ready.gov
** per webMD.com
*** per planetnatural.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vannetta Chapman writes inspirational fiction full of grace. She is the author of several novels, including the Pebble Creek Amish series and Anna’s Healing, Joshua’s Mission, and Sarah’s Orphans. Vannetta is a Carol Award winner, and she has also received more than two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. She was a teacher for 15 years and currently resides in the Texas Hill Country. For more information, visit her at www.VannettaChapman.com.
All It Takes Is One Night to Plunge the World into Darkness
Life in Abney, Texas, is predictable and safe—until the night a massive solar flare wipes out all modern technology.
Shelby Sparks, novelist and single mom, had one goal: to provide for her diabetic son. In the wake of this global disaster, her mission hasn’t changed. Only now, medication is a priceless commodity, and the future resembles an apocalyptic nightmare.
Max Berkman and Shelby were once sweethearts, but he lost his chance at claiming her love years ago. When the abrupt loss of power ushers him into a leadership role, he rises to the occasion. But his highest priority—to keep Shelby and her son safe—could prove to be the biggest challenge of all.
As the brilliant northern lights give way to deep shadows, Max and Shelby’s faith will be tested like never before. Only one rule remains: Find a way to survive.
In this first book in an eerily plausible dystopian series, a memorable cast of characters must navigate a familiar world thrown into chaos.
When the Lights Go Out…Who Will Be Ready?
All Gabe Thompson wanted was a rewarding and challenging career in the U.S. military. He’s about to get his wish.
The government knows that a massive solar flare could plunge the entire world into darkness for decades to come, but few believe it will ever happen. The governor of Texas is hoping it won’t but planning that it could. She implements her brainchild, the top secret Operation Nightshade, and Gabe suddenly finds himself chosen to train for the end of modern society.
When the government learns their darkest fear is about to become a reality, Gabe can’t warn anyone of the impending disaster—but he can stock his shelves and do everything in his power to ensure his neighbor, Lenora Diaz, will survive as long as possible.
Gabe must race against a cataclysmic solar clock if he hopes to be in position when the blackout descends.
This free, e-only novella is the perfect addition to an exciting and thoroughly realistic dystopian series.
ABOUT THE PUBLISHER
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To learn more about Harvest House books and to read sample chapters, visit our website:
www.harvesthousepublishers.com
HARVEST HOUSE PUBLISHERS
EUGENE, OREGON
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