His hope has disappeared like a coin in a magic trick. Linc has been walking down this dirt road for days now. His water ran out yesterday morning. Oh, the wonderful feeling of water on his dry, cracked lips. 

After Linc set up his little campsite in a shack that was out of the way a bit a few days ago, he has been walking on the same dirt road. Well, walking is a bit of an overstatement. It was more like dragging his feet across the ground. 

Hope has forsaken Linc. But his optimism contradicts. One of Linc's weaknesses is his optimism. But he holds on to it dearly. He learned it from his sister Evelyn.

[i]Flashback[/i]
"Evelyn, we need food, our supply is running lower and lower each day. We can't last much longer." Linc said, looking up at the metal roofing. "Linc, stop worrying, please. Just go to bed." Evelyn stroked Linc's sweaty forehead. A long scavenging trip preceded this.

"Eve, optimism wont keep our stomachs full."

"But it fuels the your faith. And nothing can be done without hope." Evelyn winked and smiled. Seeing her smile was as beautiful as the birth of the brightest star. 

Linc faded into a deep sleep, picturing her face.

[i]Present[/i]
Evelyn is what keeps Linc going. Without her optimism, there would be nothing to live for. To fight for.