"Captain, I think I'll go meet up with the guys at the pub." says Milano, stretching his arms.

"Alright, you can go, but also make sure to get some rest." Otilia agrees.

Brina yawns loudly. "I'm going to take a nap; I can't keep my eyes open... yawn."

"Goodnight." I bid them, even though it's hard to tell if it's night or day down here.

"Well, you're all dismissed." confirms Otilia.

"Night, Zombie." Brina greets me, then walks away.

"Bye, bye, guys." Milano waves enthusiastically, probably excited about the outing.

In reality, I'm not sure where to go. I haven't been assigned a room, and I don't have a role here in Rinascita. Everything is so new to me. I'm overwhelmed by the size and complexity of this underground refuge. My gaze wanders among people engaged in various activities, each with a specific task. I feel the need to explore, to better understand how this underground community, which I now call home, works.

Otilia, with her kind smile that radiates calm and confidence, turns to me. "Michele, if you'd like, I can show you around this place."

I accept with gratitude, recognizing her desire to make me feel welcome. "I'd love that, Otilia. It's all so impressive."

Otilia starts guiding me through the command center, explaining the different sections and their purposes. We observe screens with interactive maps and continuously updated data, offices where people coordinate vital resources, and a large meeting room where crucial decisions are made for the community's well-being.

Then we take the elevator and go up to another level. We arrive at the greenhouse, a place I find particularly fascinating. It's an explosion of green, with trees, plants, and vegetables thriving under artificial light. The air is fresh and fragrant, very different from the dusty and polluted air of the outside world.

"This is where we grow most of our food." Otilia proudly explains. "It's essential for our survival."

I approach one of the plants and admire the shimmering green leaves under the artificial light. "It's incredible. I've never seen anything like this before."

Otilia smiles, and we continue the tour.

She then leads me to the living area, where most residents have their own rooms. We walk along a circular corridor filled with doors. We stop in front of one door.

"This will be your room. Soon, you'll also be given an identification code. For now, we can access it with this card." she says, handing me a card.

I take the card, and she invites me to use it. I place the card on a reader next to the door, and the automatic door opens. The room isn't very large, but it has everything I need: a bed, a bathroom, a desk, and a small couch. All in just over 15 square meters.

"It's beautiful!" I exclaim happily. It's larger than the one I had at Domus Speranza and seems like a comfortable place to rest.

"I'm glad you like it. By the way, the General arranged for it to be next to mine. This way, if you ever need help or guidance, you can come to me." Otilia says.

She always manages to instill confidence in me. "I don't know how to thank you."

"There's only one way to thank here in Rinascita: hard work." she replies with her ice-blue eyes.

I nod. A community like this can only function if everyone gives 100%. Survivor communities can't afford freeloaders or dead weight. "I'd like to help. I've seen you all in action. Brina, Milano, and especially your leadership skills. I want to learn."

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She smiles at me. "There will be time to discuss that."

We go up another level, and as we explore further, I also notice a training area where people are physically training and learning self-defense. It's clear that security is a priority here, and self-defense skills are crucial for our survival. I want to become stronger. I want to be able to confront the raiders and prevent them from killing more people.

After showing me several levels, including the cafeteria, entertainment areas, and the workshop, Otilia escorts me back to the living area in front of my room.

"Goodnight, Michele. Rest up; tomorrow will be a busy day." she says.

I bid her goodnight and enter my room. I collapse onto the bed. It's more comfortable than I thought. Fatigue hits me in full force. I've accumulated quite a bit of it. Just a few days ago, I was on the brink of death, experiencing the scorching and lethal heat of the desert. I suffered from hyperthermia and was moments away from death. I watched my mother die at the hands of raiders, lost my home at Domus Speranza, and couldn't save my sister. I feel so weak and powerless. I went through those events without being able to change anything. I want to become stronger. I want the strength to protect those I love and my home. It's just too late to protect my family, but maybe I can make Rinascita my new home.

I decide to take a shower. A rejuvenating experience that I thought I'd forgotten. The daily water supply isn't much, and there's a meter that advances rapidly, reminding you of how much can be used at a time. Nevertheless, it's enough to enjoy it. I look at my naked body, full of bruises and blisters. The wound on my arm is beginning to heal.

I flop back onto the bed and let the gentle hum of the air conditioning lull me. I dream of many things, as if my brain needs to back up everything that's happened, but nothing is lucid.

Upon waking up, I'm informed that there will be a funeral ceremony for my sister. Otilia accompanies me to a place called the "Morgue." I see several steel compartments and imagine that they hold the bodies of the deceased.

The funeral ceremony for my sister is touching and solemn. Many Rinascita residents are present to honor her memory. General Venturi delivers a moving speech, speaking of the strength and resilience of the community and how each member contributes to our future.

I let myself go, crying in despair. Will I ever heal from this pain? Will I ever find forgiveness for failing to protect Maria as I promised my mother?

The ceremony is a mix of conflicting emotions. On one hand, I've lost my sister Maria, the closest person I had in the world. On the other hand, I see how much Rinascita values life and death, and how it does everything possible to ensure the survival and well-being of everyone.

After the ceremony, I spend some time alone in my room. I sit on the bed with thoughts swirling in my head about my future. What would I do now? Where would I go? I need direction, a purpose.

Shortly after, Otilia comes to visit me. She knows this is a difficult time for me. She sits down next to me and says, "Michele, I know this is a tough time, but I want you to know that you're now part of our community. Here, we all support each other and work together to survive. You have a place here; you have a future here."

"How can I overcome this pain? I can't forget."

"You don't have to and can't forget. You have to keep the memory of your loved ones in your heart. That's the only way they can survive through you." she says as if she has experience with grief.

"It's hard."

"I know. One step at a time, keep your mind engaged. Take care of the little things and set yourself goals. The pain will never go away, but it will evolve into something different that will give you the strength to move forward."

Her words comfort me. They make me feel part of something bigger than myself. But I still have questions. "Otilia, what will I do here? What's my role in this community?"

She smiles at me. "You'll discover that in time, Michele. For now, take the time you need to adjust. You might find a job you like, contribute to daily activities, and, most importantly, learn from us. We have much to teach you about life here in Rinascita."

I nod. It's a good starting point. I need to start immersing myself in this new reality, understanding how it works, and how I can contribute.

The next day, General Venturi addresses me again, "Have you seen enough, Michele? What do you think of Rinascita?"

I nod, still fascinated by everything I've seen. "Yes, it's all very impressive. I never imagined a place like this could exist."

General Venturi smiles with pride. "This is the result of hard work and the dedication of many people. We are determined to create a better future."

"General, I'd like to train to become a better fighter and explorer. I want to help protect this place."

General Venturi smiles approvingly at my desire.

"Very well, it's nice to see this youthful enthusiasm. Otilia, proceed with the training," he says, then turns to a woman in uniform, "Assign an identification code to this young man."

"At your command, General." Otilia responds, clearly pleased.

The General concludes the meeting: "Welcome officially to Rinascita, Michele."