The days following Rob's call to his mother were a silent race of preparations. As always, Carmen took charge of contacting each family member with a mix of sweetness and natural authority that no one dared question. If Carmen said there was a meeting, everyone would come. It wasn't just respect: it was deep love and absolute trust.
On Saturday morning, Rob's house began filling with voices, laughter, hugs, and suitcases. Apolo and Maya, alert yet excited, sniffed each new visitor as if recognizing them as part of the "extended pack."
Carmen was the first to arrive. At 62 years old, she still carried herself with a straight posture and a firm yet warm gaze. She was the clan's matriarch—responsible, organized, always worrying about others, and with a heart that especially overflowed when it came to her grandchildren. Upon seeing Amélie, her eyes filled with tears. —"My beautiful little girl!"—she exclaimed, embracing her tenderly—"Oh, Rob, she's so big! And so beautiful!"
Jhon, his father, arrived just after her. Tall, graying, with a stern face, he kept his serious demeanor even at family gatherings. But when he shook Rob's hand and affectionately ruffled Matthew's hair, it was evident that his love, though contained, was deep and sincere. —"I'm glad to see you all well, son. This was needed,"—he said briefly, but his voice was heavy with restrained emotion.
Then the siblings arrived. Pully, Rob's older sister, was a strong-willed woman. Always orderly, with a critical gaze but a huge heart. Despite her firmness, she was extremely sensitive with children and adored her nephews and niece. She hugged Rob tightly. —"Brother… I'm so happy to see you all,"—she said, gently caressing Amélie with a genuine smile—"This little one has stolen my heart."
Arturo, the eldest brother, walked in with firm steps and a loud voice. He had always been the protector of the group, especially with his own children. His sense of justice was almost unbreakable, and his natural curiosity led him to explore everything from astronomy to home mechanics.
Along with Arturo came his children:
Benjamín, 19 years old, tall (1.85 m), athletic, extremely intelligent, kind, and very curious.
Nicolás, 8 years old, already 1.55 m tall, the gentlest and kindest person in the family, with a pure heart.
Julián, the youngest at 6 years old, hyperactive, curious, and extremely affectionate.
Marcelo, the youngest sibling, was the last to arrive. More introverted, he stayed close to his portable console but kept an eye on everything around him. He had a natural talent for video games and technology. Though he wasn't very talkative, his commitment to the family was unquestionable.
Rob looked at everyone gathered. They were alive, healthy, together. A miracle he had been unable to preserve in his previous life.
During the meeting in the backyard, Rob not only explained the importance of physical and mental preparation but also proposed a structured plan:
Family Preparation Plan:
- Physical Health: Exercise routines adapted for each family member, including children.
- Nutrition: Balanced diets focused on boosting immunity and endurance.
- Finances: Consolidating resources for strategic future acquisitions.
- Infrastructure: Searching for high ground far from the coast to establish a safe stronghold.
- Skills: First aid, basic agriculture, self-defense, and applied technology courses.
- Drills: Evacuation rehearsals and simulations for natural disasters and mutation events.
Rob also shared his analysis of possible future scenarios:
- Immediate social collapse following the first events.
- Accelerated mutation of fauna and flora.
- Technological failures affecting communications.
- Local and international armed conflicts over resources.
He explained that Chile, historically accustomed to natural disasters, had a unique advantage: resilient infrastructure and a culture of quick emergency response—something that would give them a small but valuable edge.
The goal was clear: not to be passive victims but to become a survival elite. —"I don't expect all of this to happen tomorrow,"—Rob said, his voice firm but filled with emotion—"But I want us to be ready. I'd rather be the crazy one who prepared than the fool who cried for not doing it."
The reactions came immediately. Carmen was the first to nod. —"I believe you, son. I've always believed you. If there's anything we can do to protect this family, we'll do it."
Jhon crossed his arms, serious, but nodded slowly. Pully and Arturo exchanged glances and then, one by one, agreed to be part of the plan. Marcelo, shyly, raised his hand. —"I can develop a family app to monitor our progress,"—he proposed. —"Perfect, brother,"—Rob smiled—"Every grain of sand counts."
And so, under a still-clear sky, surrounded by the laughter of children and the cheerful barking of Apolo and Maya, Rob saw the spark of hope he had longed for finally ignite.
That night, as the stars twinkled above them, Rob made a new silent promise. This time, he would not fail. This time, he would protect the last human stronghold.