Ping - From the Apocalypse Read Online Free PDF Page B

and everything, had changed. She was cold. And she would have to go out to the woodpile again.
    But, while preparing for her trek to the back of the yard, just as she was about to open the back door, she could barely believe it — her cellphone was ringing and she had no idea where she’d left it!
    “Oh my God!”
    She raced around the kitchen. The sound came from the chair beneath the table — it had fallen behind a stack of Jon's magazines. She fumbled frantically to answer it in time.
    “Hello?” she gasped .
    There was soft, rapid breathing.
    “ Who is this?”
    W hoever was on the other end of the line was panting weakly but didn’t speak after prompting them several times. She wondered if they could hear her.
    “Dad? Is that you?”
    What if he'd suffered a stroke?
    “I can hear you breathing,” she shouted.
    It was a miracle the phone had any power left, since it had been days since she’d thought to take it to the car to be recharged.
    “ Listen, I’m afraid we’re going to get cut off in a minute. Can’t you tell me who I’m talking to? I’m snowed in here… but at least let me know who you are.”
    She sat down and took a deep breath.
    “ Look, I don’t know if you know me. But assuming that you do, well, you need to know that… I’m afraid Jon has passed away.”
    Kate waited until she could hear the breathing again.
    “I’m the only survivor in the entire town as far as I can tell. The roads are not plowed here. Oh, God… you’re the only one that’s called! I’ve tried so many numbers. So I know what you are going through, okay? You just have to hang in there for a while longer. Until people come looking for us. Can you tell me where you are?”
    T he person could be dying as she spoke. They were obviously in a terrible condition not to be able to talk.
    “ You know what, I’ve been extremely sick too… but I’m getting better, and, if you made it this far, I know you will too — I’m sure of it. Anyway, as soon as the snow melts I plan to check on everyone I know.”
    The breathing change d, suddenly erratic, with soft inward gasps, like quiet sobbing. Her heart was breaking.
    “I'm so sorry. Are you all alone like me? I hope it wasn't so bad for you. I phoned everyone that I know. No-one answered. Maybe you still have power? I have nothing here. It’s cold, but I’m managing. Hang in there, okay?”
    She suddenly realized t he breathing had the quality of that from a young child. “Can you tap your finger on the phone like this hon? Once for yes and twice for no. See?”
    Immediately there were half a dozen taps.
    “ Oh my God, yes! Now listen. One is for yes, two, is for no. Okay?”
    She waited.
    “Tap once if you can hear me honey.”
    There was one tap.
    “Perfect! Now listen carefully. Do I know you?”
    Kate heard two taps.
    “No?”
    Two taps.
    “Okay then… do you live close to me?”
    Kate heard two taps.
    “So is it just a fluke you dialled this number?”
    Two taps.
    “ No? Then how… oh never mind. Um, how old are you?”
    Seven slow taps.
    “You’re seven years old?”
    One tap.
    “Oh… I'm so glad you phoned me! I’m going to do my best to find you sweetie, do you understand? I promise. As soon as I can. Isn’t there anyone else around — like your mom or dad?”
    T he breathing quickened and immediately regretting having upset them, she said, “I’m so sorry sweetie. You are all alone, aren’t you?”
    One tap.
    “Listen honey… you have to be very brave. Where do you live sweetheart, in Canada?”
    Two taps.
    “No? Oh… That’s where I am. Um, what about the US?
    One tap.
    “You know what? I’m in Canada, but don’t worry sweetie. I can drive down to you. As soon as this snow melts then I can come for you. Is that okay?”
    One tap.
    “All right. Are you looking after yourself? Is the weather warm where you are?”
    One tap.
    “Good. Do you have enough food and water?”
    One tap.
    “So where do you live honey?”
    No