Caroline was still smiling an hour later as she and Lincoln finished their breakfast in the empty dining hall of the hotel. Then they packed up the car with their supplies and got back on the road. She kept the radio close by so they could hear if the CDC made any more announcements. Even the sight of burned-out buildings, looted stores, and abandoned homes couldn't penetrate the small bubble of hope that now blossomed in her chest.

Four hours later, they were almost at her ...