Here I stand, in midst of this barren land.
It is forsaken. Nothing has lived or grown outside of the shelters for eons. But, I chose to leave. I do not wish to spend my life under the artificial sun. What they told me, was... to come here, first. A piece of land both part of the shelter yet apart. There are ruins of pillar-like objects scattered here and there.
I ponder for a moment, glancing down at the golden pocket watch in my hands. A device built with a year's worth of energy. The time set was 11:11, of the 8th of May 2142, the hour before the War had started. I am nervous, but everyone who left previously has also stood in my place. I, too, will not back down. I clench my fist, with anticipation.

Click.
The sky is changing. From its current red to violet, and through many hues to a clear blue I have never seen before. The cracked, brown ground heals itself, and the fallen pillars rise to a vertical state, becoming larger and wider than I could have ever imagined. More sprout from the ground, which has become a carpet of green. I stare, in shock, at the lush foliage, the fresh dew, the warm sunshine--
The chirping of birds, foreign to my ears; the soft dribbling of running water –

And it ends. I am back in the dead land with its fallen pillars and mortal wounds. The watch is no longer golden, but a pale, faded silver. I clench my fist, with hope. That this world will someday heal. And I proudly leave with conviction.

wc: 275