The joyous, triumphant cheers of the few faithful believers who had waited were the first to break the silence of the Normat sector.
The little girl who had first spotted the vehicle was now jumping up and down, pointing with unrestrained delight. The handful of stubborn, hungry adults who had refused to give in to the blandness of the Nutritional Packs now looked at each other with wide, vindicated grins.
~HOOONK! HOOONK!~
The sound was a clarion call of hope. Doors to the grey, identical houses began to slide open as the residents, drawn by the impossible noise, peeked out.
Mex, who had been hiding in his house in embarrassment and self-doubt, heard the sound and his heart leaped.
He burst out of his door and ran towards the plaza, a massive wide smile of pure relief spreading across his face. He was the first to reach the Canteen as it came to a silent stop in the center of the square.
