Hal has decided to stay in Anchor Rock. Out here, the skies are clear. Out here, there are people he loves. Out here, there will be no apocalypse.
During the day, Hal takes care of the goats: he never thought he would do something like this, and of course, it takes a bit of getting used to. With Elowyn's grandpa's help, however, he soon discovers that he's a natural. But don't worry, there's lots to keep him busy – being close friends with Renn (who has also chosen to stay), Hal sets up a campaign to raise money for a recording studio in Anchor Rock, in preparation for the band's tour. His main project, however, in between touring with the band and goatherding, is upgrading the library computer: with many friends from all over the place, Hal is sure he can get some supplies in from anywhere and have the computer running properly in no time. After all, isolation isn't the solution – as Hal has discovered.
Out of the members of the band, Nix and Renn have chosen to stay. He is glad that he will always have friends in Anchor Rock. Despite his general distrust of the police, Hal makes an exception for O.J (mainly because O.J's main job is looking after the Anchor Rock duck population), and vows to “sort out” anyone who suggests that O.J is not a “real” policeman (despite the fact that no one is saying this). But first, before Hal “sorts out” anyone, he'll have to get his strength up, and that involves eating some damn vegetables.
Occasionally, Hal takes a trip to the quarry, in the hope that he will get to see the stars again. This time, however, he knows that his friends Elowyn and Cassie are up there too, and he smiles. He is glad they are happy up there- but he's so, so happy he's down here.
By Sasha W.