We are waiting for the meat cars to pass through, and we met Shoeman and Shouwren. They were gracious enough to let us stay in their greenhouse.

We spend nights under the light of the moon discussing modern history. Unique among nature, humans became aware of their place in the universe: that we sit on a habitable planet; that we are aware that we sit on a habitable planet; and that we can ruin the life on our habitable planet.

This awareness led to an acceptance of the virtue of humility.

Our population declined during a series of devastating viral outbreaks. There are now 2 billion people, down from 8.6 billion. Populations have converged into isolated cities, allowing for new growth forests and grasslands.

Fishing has been restricted to the waters of coastal cities. Life on Earth has been regenerating.

These are hopeful times. This hope rides on a sense of destiny.

In our journey, one of us could be stalked and eaten by a tiger at night. Humanity likewise could be vanquished. But we have survived thus far, and we have learned from our mistakes. And we will continue to do so.