“Dark winds blowing. The heavens raining fire. Four horsemen, widening gyres. Apocalyptic imagery.”

She fell into bed next to him and smiled, but the concern showed in her eyes. He grinned back and put his hand on her arm. “Don’t worry. I’ll keep you safe.”

He rolled up out of bed and walked over to the apartment window. The skyline was beautiful on fire, black buildings against the fiery firmament. She joined him, putting an arm around his waist as she gazed out into the orange haze. Surely the city was not abandoned, but it felt very, very empty.

They pulled each other close as the world burned.