The monolithic Colony walls have never looked so good. Sure, they’re still the same crappy old metal, but they now shine with an almost angelic glow. All the patchwork panels, over-protective guards, lingering smell of freshly caught salmon being prepared over a cedar plank fire; absolutely everything is perfect!

The proof is in my huge smile as we round the last set of pine trees. I can already hear the bells ringing at the end of Tin Pan Alley. Everyone going about their daily routine helps me get some mental distance from the cave and all its horrors. While the warm evening sun won’t make those memories disappear forever, it does help me see the brighter side of life. Like the fact that we made it here. Making it back was something I didn’t believe would be possible on several occasio...

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