Crying Body — John Abeln

A series of powerful earthquakes on the west coast simultaneously triggered a volcanic catastrophe destroying most cities, along with its population. Infrastructure, highways, telephone lines all destroyed. The president proposed a referendum to rebuild the West but was voted down by the East! Beus lives in the west. Wearing protective creams and special clothing, like all the others, Beus is tormented, barely surviving with his empty emotive compass. Life is controlled by the self-imposed ZooCoo! The Crying Body, an unusual species, arriving from thin air, assists pro-creation and child rearing in the west, and has a strong hold on Beus. But the desire to escape Etiwanda, creeps in. The myths about the East's chaotic and cruel existence have stopped anyone from the treacherous trek. Can Beus' journey east break him free? The ZooCoo said they will capture and punish him if he tries! What fascination on the other side of the mountains for him to take such risks?