Happier times

“You went out,” Ester cried in disbelief, “into the radioactive wasteland, facing the mutant raiders, searching through the ruins of the cities… for a toy!? Look at you! You barely survived!”

“The world has gone to shit,” Stone growled, still wincing from his injuries, “but I wished just once I could show Janie a glimpse of a happier time.”

Stone gravely handed Janie what may have been the last toy on Earth. “Happy birthday, kiddo,” he said, with a warm smile.

Then he watched in horror, as the child casually discarded the toy, and proceeded to play with the box.