"But there are others," persisted Gary. "You can't be the last man left alive.”
"There were others," said the old one, "but they left. They went to a far star. To a place prepared for them.”
A coldness gripped Gary's heart.
"You mean they died?”
The old man's thoughts were querulous and impatient.
"No, they did not die. They went to a better place. To a place that has been prepared for them for many years. A place where they could not go until they were ready.”
"But you?" asked Gary.
"I stayed because I wanted to," said the old man. "Myself and a few others.
We could not forsake Earth. We elected to stay. Of those who stayed all the others have died and I am left alone.”
Gary glanced around the room. It was tiny, but comfortable. A bed, a table, a few chairs, other furniture he did not recognize.