"We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year." Karen sang, jolly, clapping her hands.
For the first time since it was built, the base was in a festive atmosphere. Alex could see everyone's faces filled with happiness.
Someone had dragged old metal tables into the main hall and lined them up into one long row.
A string of salvaged battery lights hung along the ceiling beams.
The walls were still bare concrete and steel plates, but for tonight, they had paper snowflakes taped everywhere.
A few people laughed when they saw them.
"Who made these?" Someone asked, holding one up like it was a rare treasure.
Another survivor raised her hand, then quickly lowered it. "I did. It looks weird, right?"
"It looks good," other said "It is symmetrical."
That single line made her brighten. She rushed back to tape another one on the wall, standing on her toes to reach higher.
Karen kept singing, not caring that her pitch was not perfect.
A pot of hot soup steamed near the back.
