Around 1 PM, day 130, The diner was quiet. It wasn't empty, just quieter than usual—most people preferred to eat alone in their rooms. The occasional hum of a brief conversation or the soft clatter of plates being set on tables emphasized the silence.

Victoria Neumann sat alone at a table, stirring her tea. She watched the tea leaves spiral in the vortex she created. Her mind was somewhere else. Tired, exhausted, and it needed a break.

"You missed a good party last night."

Victoria looked up. Alice Hase, her closest thing to a friend in this shelter, grabbed a chair and sat across from her.

"Drinks, music, strawberry juice, and fresh fruits." Alice continued. "Hold no regrets. You still have a chance."

Victoria shook her head faintly. "I told you I'm not coming. Stop trying."

"Yeah, but you won't be like this forever." Alice said. "You can't just sit here—alone, sad, and depressed. We're all going to die, Vic. Everyone knows that. Might as well enjoy what's left."

Victoria smiled slightly. "They're trying to find solutions. Don't assume they'll fail. There's still hope. Besides, I didn't like partying before. Why would I'd start now?"

Alice leaned towards her. "Stop pretending, Vic. Life is short. Make the most of it. Eight people offed themselves already. Don't be like them."

"Not everyone is going to die," Victoria said, "There's hope. The projects are still going. I hear the farms are doing well."

Alice rested her elbows on the table. "Fine. But what if it's not enough? Are you going to spend the rest of your time babysitting your sister? hoping for a miracle?"

"It's not for long," Victoria replied. "She'll get well soon. And I'm finishing the nursing program. I'm not sitting around."

A server placed two bowls of salad in front of them. A simple salad—mostly cabbage and tomatoes, yet fresh and shiny for some reason. Victoria caught a faint citrusy scent. Lemon? Oranges, maybe? It could have been fresh juice or some dried powder.

Alice picked up her fork, and started poking. "First fresh food in a while. Guess that's something."

"Isn't it?" Victoria said. "This is s a good sign. A brighter future."

Alice smirked. "Try living in the real world for a while. It might change your perspective."

Victoria didn't answer, and took a bite of her salad.

Alice continued. "We had this at last week's party. The cabbage is too sour, tomatoes are too sweet. Doesn't work together."

Victoria continued chewing.

Alice exhaled sharply. "I'm not giving up on you. One day, you're coming with me. You'll see."

Victoria glanced up. "We'll see."

Alice laughed, standing. "Yes, we will." She left the table.

Victoria watched her go, moving the food in her mouth slowly. She looked down at her bowl. Small, unremarkable, but it meant something.

As the flavors settled, she realized Alice was right. The cabbage was too sour, and the tomatoes were too sweet. Together, they didn't work.

And yet, she kept eating.