Before It Hit

chapter 1

    It was like any other day. I got up at 6 and made breakfast, got changed and got to my bus stop.
I went to school and did my learning and came home on the bus.
It was around 5pm when the T.V turned on and a PSA was going off. It was about a severe thunderstorm with potential flooding. It wasn't anything we worried about so we continued with our late afternoon activities.
At 6:37 we heard a loud bang. I ran to my window and saw green smoke covering my neighborhood. I ran down to my mom and told her to look outside. She did and locked all the doors.

“We need to get cover, this is not normal.”

I looked around “Can I get some things from my room?”

My mom looked at me and shook her head. “Quickly then run to the basement.”

I ran upstairs, grabbed a backpack and filled it with things then ran to the basement. My mom already had my dog down there and had her phone onto the news.
“Pardon this interruption; there is a nationwide emergency. Stay indoors and lock all windows and doors.” That kept repeating.

My mom stood up. “I’m going to make sure all the windows and doors are locked. Stay here.” I nodded and waited patiently. About 15 minutes later, my mom came back with some things. “Here, take this and keep it close.” She said while handing me a flashlight and some food.
Our dog Sunshine was just laying there oblivious to what was going on around her. We waited for any updates going on outside. I got up and grabbed the sleeping bags that were down in the basement by us.
I laid it down and sat on it. There was really nothing to do so I fell asleep. 

一

    I woke up to a blaring sound of a siren. My mom shushed me and she was looking at her phone. My dog Sunshine was sitting with her ears perked up.

“Mom? What’s going on-'' My mom put her hand over my mouth.

“I’m trying to listen to what is going on outside. Shhhhhh.” She whispered. I laid back and petted my dog. I looked at my watch and it was 11:27pm. I looked at Sunshine in her eyes.
“Are you hungry girl?” I whispered. She started to wag her tail. I smiled. I got up and quietly got her a bowl and some dog food. “Here you my good girl.” I said in a whisper.
She ate quickly. She’s always done that since I could remember.

My mom then sighed. “I haven't gotten any news updates and I can't really hear anything going on outside.”

I looked at her. “What is going on? Why was it so weird outside?” My mom shook her head.

“I’m not sure sweetie. But we will be okay I promise.” I looked over at Sunshine and gave a half smile.

“You're such a good girl.” I said softly.

Around an hour or so later the news came back on. “Attention all citizens, we are under attack. We have been hit with an unknown forgien object that has covered the majority of the world. From what we know if this substance is deadly and will kill you within more than 5 minutes of exposure. Please stay calm, close all your doors, windows or anything else that could let this gas inside of your home. Again please stay calm and we will have more updates when we find out more.”

My mom and I looked at each other. I was frightened. “What does this mean? What's going to happen to us? How will we get food or water?” I stammered out.
My mother took me in her arms. “I’m not sure sweetie but I promise we will be okay if we listen to the directions given to us. I am right here and will always stay right by your side okay?”
I hugged her tightly and nodded into her chest. It was going to be a long night of confusion and worry. I slowly drifted off in her chest as she rocked me just like a little baby.