Finding Joy in Small Moments

Written by Mary Jane Mcdoodle on Mon Feb 05 2024

Hey there diary!

Today was such a fantastic day! I can hardly contain my excitement as I write this entry. You won't believe what happened! So, let me start from the beginning.

It all began when we stumbled upon a visitor outside our bunker. Can you even imagine? We've been cooped up with only each other for months now, and suddenly there's someone new to talk to! It felt like a dream come true. And guess what? The visitor was around my age too! How incredible is that?

We quickly welcomed them into our little sanctuary, and I couldn't help but feel an instant connection with them. It's not every day you meet someone your own age after being isolated for so long, you know? Their presence brought fresh energy into the bunker and lit up everyone's faces.

A New Friend

I decided to call our visitor "Friend" because they didn't share their name right away. They seemed shy at first but gradually opened up as we spent more time together. We laughed together, shared stories about life before the fallout, and bonded over common interests.

Oh diary if only you could see how happy Friend makes me feel! Finally having someone else to talk to who isn't part of my family is refreshing beyond words. Don't get me wrong; I love Ted (my father), Dolores (my mother), and Timmy (my younger brother) dearly - but variety truly is the spice of life!

Discovering Common Grounds

One thing that surprised both Friend and myself was how much we had in common despite coming from different backgrounds pre-fallout. For instance, it turns out that we both love music – something that brings immense joy in these trying times.

Imagine my delight when I found out that Friend also plays an instrument like myself! While I play tuba back home in school bands or local events on weekends before everything went topsy-turvy, Friend is a talented pianist. We decided to collaborate on our musical talents and create melodies that echoed throughout the bunker's walls.

Adventures in Imagination

Friend also brought something special with them – their imagination! They introduced us to games we had never played before. We made up stories, played pretend, and even transformed our small corner of the bunker into different worlds!

One time, we pretended that we were pirates sailing across treacherous seas in search of hidden treasure. The excitement was palpable as Friend drew maps on scrap paper while I improvised pirate songs on my tuba. It felt like an escape from reality - a chance to forget about the outside world for just a little while.

Simple Pleasures

In this new routine where every day feels monotonous, it's amazing how much joy can be found in simple pleasures. Like sitting together at mealtime and sharing jokes or trying out new recipes using whatever limited ingredients are left.

Sometimes after dinner when everyone else has retired for bedtime reading (Timmy loves adventure novels), Friend and I would sit by ourselves near one of those dimly flickering lanterns and stargaze through tiny cracks high above us. In those moments, everything felt magical – as if all worries melted away under the vastness of the night sky.

Unspoken Comfort

As days turned into weeks spent together with Friend around, there developed an unspoken understanding between us – one that didn't require words but existed purely through gestures and shared glances. It's almost like they could read my mind sometimes!

There were mornings when I woke up feeling downcast because another day meant more uncertainty ahead; yet somehow seeing their face reassured me that things would eventually get better...that there was hope amidst chaos.

Even though life inside this bunker isn't exactly what any of us signed up for or imagined happening someday (who does?), having someone beside me who understands and supports me unconditionally makes all the difference.

Final Thoughts

In a world that feels increasingly isolated, finding solace in small moments has become more important than ever. Friend's arrival brought joy back into my life and helped remind us all of the beauty that can still be found even in the darkest times.

As I write this entry, I can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for their presence. Diary, it's incredible how one person - a stranger at first - can make such a profound impact on your life. Friend isn't just someone to pass the time with; they've become family – chosen family who brings laughter, comfort, and hope when we need it most.

I'm excited to see what adventures lie ahead with Friend by our side! Tomorrow is another day filled with endless possibilities...and I couldn't be happier about it!

Until next time,

Mary Jane Mcdoodle


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