5 Chapter 5: Home Sweet Home

As the lift ascends, my thoughts whirl around the surreal nature of our situation. Despite the passage of what should have been 210 years since the bombs fell, reality didn't quite align with the game's depiction. I'm not the protagonist, Nora's alive, and we have Shaun with us. Sofia, it seems, is the one thrust into the spotlight, her baby kidnapped by Kellogg, and her abrupt departure leaves me wondering if our paths will cross again.

But amidst this clash of memories, I must prioritize my family's needs. The world outside is a hostile wasteland, teeming with radiation, mutated creatures, and various factions vying for dominance. Before anything else, we need to assess the state of the world. Is the Project Purity operational? Have the Spore Vault and other threats been dealt with? And which faction, if any, holds sway nearby?

More immediately pressing is the state of our home and supplies. Does our bunker still stand, and is the food and water within still viable? Our stash of weapons and ammunition may prove crucial for survival, but their condition remains uncertain after two centuries. And as for our money, its value in this new world is a mystery.

Yet, amidst these concerns, I can't shake the nagging worry of encountering danger upon our emergence from the vault. Ghouls, Yao Guai, even deathclaws—all pose significant threats. And with our supplies limited, our odds of survival seem perilously slim.

As I ruminate on these thoughts, I retrieve a Pip-Boy from my bag, hoping it might offer some assistance. But its functions are limited, its previous owner long deceased. Despite the wealth of data stored within, it offers little practical use for our current situation. With a sigh, I return it to my bag, resigning myself to the uncertainty of our future in this unforgiving world.

I give Nora a side hug and play with Shaun, his laughter providing a brief respite from the stress weighing me down. However, any relief is short-lived as the gate above us opens, unleashing a scorching heat wave that feels like it could liquefy us. But the real horror begins when my right hand starts sizzling, veins turning blue and emitting an eerie glow, even the bullet wound throbbing with an unearthly light.

As my hand begins to bloat upon contact with the sun, Nora notices the strange vapor emanating from it. Locking eyes with her, she sees the fear etched on my face. The pain is unbearable, as if unnatural cold and searing heat are battling for control inside me. I watch in horror as a blue crack forms on my skin, oozing a whitish fluid.

Realizing the danger to both me and them, I sprint behind a nearby container, stabbing my hand with a knife. The liquid pours out in buckets, creating a literal cloud of smoke reminiscent of liquid nitrogen. The pain subsides, leaving my hand and forearm a pale blue, but at least the agony has ceased.

Gasping for air, I return to Nora and Shaun, who are waiting, tears streaming down their faces. "What's happening to us, Duncan? Everything's so strange… I'm tired…" Nora's voice trembles with fear and frustration.

I pull her close, Shaun nestled between us, but she recoils at the icy touch of my arm. "I'm sorry, Nora," I murmur, feeling helpless. "I wish I knew what was going on. But at least we're together." She hug me again.

Taking in our surroundings, I'm struck by the sight of grass and trees, a stark contrast to the desolation of the vault. Nearby, a box holds a Glock, a reminder of the twisted reality the mods I installed will give us. Equipping the gun, I grab some Nuka-Cola caps, causing Nora to question my choice.

In a moment of awkwardness, I fumble for an explanation. "Uh, I like caps," I blurt out, earning a deadpan stare from Nora. Laughing nervously, I suggest heading home, eager to leave.

As we descend the hill, we cross a bridge and catch sight of the first remaining house. Along the road, we encounter a radroach, which I quickly stomp on. Finally, our house looms in front of us. As we approach, the door swings open, shocked I pick the glock and aim at the door, I stop and holster the gun as it is revealed to be Codsworth stepping out.

"Mister! Madam! And little Shaun ! You have no idea how long I've been waiting!" His voice is a beacon of normalcy in this broken world we find ourselves in.

"Cosworth! You're alright," Nora exclaims.

"No, madam, I'm not," Cosworth replies solemnly. "Do you have any idea how difficult it is to clean the rust off the car? And unfortunately, I lack the capability to repair the roof. However, the kitchen is in good working order, and your bedroom is clean with fresh bedding. But I regret to inform you that the eggs and milk in the refrigerator have long surpassed their expiration date by 200 years, 210 years to be precise. I recommend replenishing your supplies by visiting the mall."

"210 yea—" I begin, but before I can finish, Nora faints. Quickly, I take Shaun back into my arms before he falls.

"210 years without sleep is bound to take a toll on your health. I must insist that you both rest before you faint as well, Mister Mason," Cosworth advises, his tone shifting from somber to cheerful.

Deadpanned I watch as Cosworth takes Shaun from me and heads inside the house. "I'll take care of little mister while you attend to madam," he says before disappearing indoors.

"I am too tired for this shit" I mutter to myself, as I princess carry Nora to the bedroom. The house is in pretty good shape if the small hole on the roof is all clean and tidy. I close the front door behind me.