Evolution Day: An American Apocalypse Chapter 3

The perimeter wall was raised to the maximum height allowed by the HOA—too high to scale even with a ladder. Infrared sensors lined the wall to alert me of any climbing attempts. Security cameras covered the wall and gate, monitoring from the street outward. All windows were replaced with bulletproof glass. The exterior doors were upgraded to electrified carbon-steel vault doors.

The villa's systems ran on an independent network, ensuring functionality even during power outages.

By 8 PM, the diligent delivery drivers had placed all my online orders in the basement.

As I drifted off to sleep, I groggily noted my two empty refrigerators and the snack wall that had been full just yesterday, now half-empty. Tomorrow, I'd fill them completely.

The next morning, I went straight to the nearby supermarket and cleared out entire sections.

My preparations were complete. Six days until Independence Day.

I had no family left, no one to warn or see.

I spent those final six days taking Duke and Cooper everywhere I'd wanted to go, eating everything I'd wanted to try.

The six days flew by. Independence Day approached.

The evening before, I didn't go upstairs to bed. Instead, I sat in the first-floor living room with Duke and Cooper, waiting.

Despite being ninety percent certain disaster would strike, I clung to that ten percent hope.

Given the choice, who would want to live through an apocalypse?

But fate loves its cruel jokes.

The wall clock struck midnight.

Outside, a blinding light suddenly illuminated the black sky. Looking up, I saw a meteor trailing a long tail of flames streaking across the sky. Night turned to day. The meteor fragmented in the atmosphere, pieces falling across the globe.

Duke and Cooper stared at the sky, positioning themselves protectively in front of me, barking warnings at the heavens.

I should have turned to comfort them, but suddenly I felt dizzy and, under their anxious gaze, collapsed unconscious.

I woke to intense heat.

In my semi-conscious state, I felt myself lying on something soft and warm, with something brushing across me.

I reached down instinctively.

Dog fur.

"Woof woof woof!" (Sarah, you're awake!)

Duke's excited bark filled my ears.

Oh, I'm lying on Duke. No problem then.

Wait... how can a full-grown adult lie on Duke?

As the thought registered, my mind cleared. I sat up quickly.

Cooper noticed I was awake. He stretched languidly and padded over elegantly, affectionately pressing his head against my neck.

I should have pulled Cooper into my arms.

...If I could actually fit my cat's head in my arms.

"Meow meow meow?" (Sarah, why won't you hold me?)

The long-haired orange tabby tilted his head, looking at me with wounded confusion in his large eyes.