The story is told by Rick and Susan, two young students who have a courtship with each other. They're studying medical to become good surgeons, and they often visited London to study. Now that they can study at home, the two regularly visit each other for a long studying period, until they're ready for the university, probably Oxford. Rick has a brother and a sister, and though the two youngsters are playing around and making noise as soon as they get the chance, Rick ignores them while he's studying, otherwise he keeps a good eye on them. Susan doesn't have any siblings, but she wonders on occasions if her mother still cares about her. Her mother is a clothe collector, and when they make a field trip, this often gets delayed since the mother doesn't know exactly what to put on that day. Susan's father has taken more responsibility for his daughter, so Susan's bond with him is stronger than with her mother. Rick parents are more careful. They always make sure there's enough food and water available for them and the kids. Both Rick, Susan and their families are unaware of the events of the gas emitting from Mars. Today Rick is in the seventh heaven, as Susan drops by to study. Their families know Rick and Susan are in love with each other, and have approved a marriage, if that's coming up. But from the end of today in the story, the lives of both Rick and Susan will dramatically change... The fight for survival may be their last... read the story, and find out what will happen to the couple...