Neal managed to endure the early weeks following an EMP that obliterated the grid and critical infrastructures. His intelligence, skills, and resilience helped him traverse the now brutal world. As weeks became months, survival grew tougher, yet Neal persisted. Complacency crept in as he adapted to this altered reality. Initially, all seemed well, but soon lethal dangers appeared at his doorstep. Struck by tragedy, his desire to surrender surged, yet a vow he'd made fueled his perseverance, albeit barely. He was a man devoid of home, purpose, and crucially, hope. This all transformed one day on a desolate desert highway, where he stumbled upon a newfound reason to live.