Starvation

Starvation is a funny thing. It forces people to do things they didn't believe they were capable of.

When society collapsed, Hagan Wesson grabbed a backpack and wandered off. Life without rules suits him just fine, and in the beginning, there were plenty of things to find in abandoned houses. Five years later, most things have been picked through, and it's becoming harder and harder not to fall prey to starvation. Which is why, when he sees Dylan, he believes he can trade some apples for a kiss.

Starvation is a dangerous thing. It turns strangers into enemies.

Dylan Hixon bought a cottage on the headland to get away from people before the collapse even happened. He never believed he'd have to live off the land, but he gets better at it every year. He's working hard, and people always take, take, and take, which is why he won't allow anyone to set foot on his property. He would like some apples, though.

Hagan doesn't mean Dylan any harm, and yet he threatens to shoot him every time he visits. Would Dylan allow him to come inside if he brought more apples? And how many apples does he need to gather to get that kiss?