Dispatches From Wall
Oct 8th, 2023
Woke up to Louise [my housemates’ cat] and Mr. Blue [a neighbor cat] having a brawl underneath the bed at 6am. He knows that our numbers are dwindling as we continue to try and hold the line. We lit a fire in the basement for warmth and we’ve begun rationing food and water. We fear it’s only a matter of days before we begin to starve. Still, we attempt to persevere and keep our spirits high lest our loved ones return. We spend the night hunting mice and cuddling for warmth. Even though our bodies grow weak, our hopes stay high, never wavering.
Oct 14th, 2023
We are adapting to our altered lives here in Fort Wall. Mister Blue has ceased his tyranny for the time being, although we continue to increase and fortify our defenses knowing he will return. I venture out daily to stockpile provisions while Louise ventures out to survey the land and beasts in our vicinity. The weather has taken a turn, but we’ve used some of Louise’s hair to fashion blankets. Louise keeps first watch at night and then comes and wakes me in the early morning for mine. We entertain ourselves with television and snacks. Anyone who saw us before the exodus would return to find much more stoic countenances. Yet despite our melancholy we trudge forward determined to survive. The fires here may soon die out, but our spirit casts a beacon brighter than even the most divine light of the heavens, to guide our kin home.
Oct 19th, 2023
We received a visit from Mr. Blue early this morn. While he remained amicable we assume he was merely using the guise of diplomacy as an opportunity to note any weaknesses of the fort. Thus we anticipate coming under siege once more.
As the season has turned we have come to accept that the departure of our beloveds was likely final. We are left to fend for ourselves, weathering the tempest of what may surely be our final days.
In that regard, I fear Louise is beginning to lose her mind. She seems to grow markedly more childlike and fussy with each passing day. I attempt to nourish her form with chicken and wet food with the hope it will give her strength to keep her wits about her, but I see the way she embraces oblivion. Her rations are also lessening at a concerning rate.
Yet another woe—I was alarmed to discover vermin scuttling along the ceiling of the observatory [office]. Ladybirds anticipating a feast of Louise and mine’s flesh! I know not what prompted the arrival of these ghouls, but just the very sight of the infernal wretches brings dread upon my soul.
In times like these I grow weary… Regretfully, I have made the decision to abandon my post at Fort Wall and take up the journey to Fort Davis come a fortnight. Hope still sometimes lingers in the hallowed halls of my heart, but I am quick to send those foolish ideas to damnation with the Ladybirds.