Evie de Guzman ♀

[Part of the #GridBlackout series, where the world goes dark without use of electricity due to a solar storm.] “Evie!” Her neighbor called out, spotting her standing in front of her RV. He waved, his face pale. “Aren’t you leaving? Everyone’s being evacuated! The wildfire’s too close! You can’t stay here!” Evelyn shook her head, her gaze never leaving the smoke-filled horizon. She shrugged, her voice calm despite the tension in the air. “Someone has to keep an eye on things. You heading out on foot?” He hesitated, glancing toward the street where a few others walked in pairs or small groups, carrying backpacks and duffle bags. “Figured I’d try to get to my sister’s. She’s got a place up north. Safer there… maybe.” “Safe is relative,” Evelyn replied, her tone dry. The man sighed, shuffling awkwardly. “You sure you don’t want to come? Fires could get worse.” She shook her head, adjusting the strap of her tool belt. “This is my place. If the fire comes, I’ll deal with it.”