The newcomer stepped into the dim light, revealing herself as a member of the Sisterhood of Copper, adorned in a suit of worn-out power armour. This was a group of once-powerful soldiers now wandering the wastelands, trying to restore some order.
“I’ve heard stories,” she said, her voice echoing inside the metal helmet. “A place where folks can feel normal again, if only for a little while. I’ve come to see if it’s true.”
Having established a sense of camaraderie with our gym, I was willing to provide what they sought. That’s when I remembered the pile of backyard trampolines I found. Their colourful, vibrant look provided an amusing contrast to the grey and dusty surroundings. It was an odd offering for a place that primarily dealt in lifting weights and sweating it out, but it offered a hint of joy in a joyless world.
As the trampolines were set up, the Sisterhood member watched, her interest piqued. When finally, it was ready, she clambered onto it. For a moment, she looked like a child again, her laughter ringing out, echoing across the desolate ruins. It was a sight to behold – a warrior of the wasteland, laughing in the face of despair.
And then there were the table tennis enthusiasts. I managed to scavenge what once may have been a table tennis table for sale in Australia, right in the heart of the old sports store I found. It was slightly warped from the heat, but it was still serviceable. People flocked to it, eager to feel the joy of competition that didn’t involve a life-or-death struggle.
From the mysterious members of the Sisterhood of Copper to the local ping-pong champ, my gym was starting to look less like a post-apocalyptic survival outpost and more like a community centre. And honestly? It gave me a sense of purpose. In a world turned upside down, we were all just looking for a bit of normalcy – a small beacon of the past that could guide us into the future.