Ellie: I’ll get some kitchen towels from our house so we don’t ruin yours.

Alex sat awkwardly on his neighbor's sofa and felt safe for the first time since it all began. Only an hour had passed. He took a deep breath, and at that moment, the pain finally set in. His right shoulder, hip, and knee were all hurting. The shoulder was by far the worst—he could barely move it. Fuck, I think it’s broken.

He looked around while Wendy filled a bucket in the kitchen sink. He decided to send some messages to his family. His phone still didn’t have internet, but he started writing messages to his family so they’d be sent as soon as he regained connection.

Alex lived abroad. His mother, brother, and three sisters were in Argentina. They were all married and, combined, had 12 nephews and nieces. He typed a message to the family group:

Hey everyone, I don’t have internet, so I’m sending this to arrive as soon as possible. Ellie and I are fine; we’re back home. Thinking of a worst-case scenario, this could get ugly. Fantasy worlds usually have dangerous creatures. If things get bad, the key to survival is sticking together. The safest place would be Vicky’s house, since it’s in a gated neighborhood. I know this might sound like “a lot,” but as soon as magic becomes available, start training. If everyone can carve their own destiny, power might become a decisive factor. I repeat: TRAIN. You too Mom!

Jenny returned with her medikit. She looked Alex over from head to toe.
Jenny: OK, where does it hurt?
Alex: Scraped leg, bruised knee, bruised and scraped hip, badly hurt shoulder.
Jenny: You fell off your bike, right? Let’s check your head first.
Alex: Big hit, but I had a helmet.

Jenny flashed a small light into Alex’s eye.
Jenny: Responsive. That’s good. Let’s continue with the leg.
Alex: Do you mind if I send a message to my family in the meantime?
Jenny: Uh, no, it’s fine.

She checked his ankle, twisting it gently.
Jenny: Does this hurt?
Alex shook his head. Then she moved on to his knee.
Jenny: How about this?
Alex: A bit.
Jenny: And this?
Alex: Nope.
Jenny: That’s very good news. Your legs are fine, just a bit bruised.

Alex finished his message and sent it:

Also, it’s important to divide roles in your group and specialize. Santi and Tommy can explain more.

Jenny: Let’s check the shoulder now.

As soon as she moved it, Alex couldn’t bear the pain.
Jenny: Extend your arm forward.
Alex tried, but the pain stopped him. Jenny touched his shoulder all around.
Jenny: It’s dislocated.

She sat next to him, placed her foot against his ribs, and said, “Don’t let me pull you.”
Alex: O… OK? Count to three?

Jenny didn’t wait. She pulled on Alex’s arm while pushing below his armpit with her foot. They both felt the shoulder pop back into place.
Jenny: Try moving it in circles.
Alex (while doing it): Hurts a bit, but I can move it now. Thanks! I wonder why Ellie isn’t back.
Jenny: Go check on her, and don’t force that arm too much.
Alex: Yeah, thanks!

Alex said goodbye to Wendy and Jenny and headed to his apartment. Ellie was standing in the living room, frozen, staring at the TV. Apparently, that was working fine.

Alex walked over to her, and he finally saw why she was shocked. The news was showing the army on the streets. Three orders had been issued:

1. Everyone should Stay indoors. Schools and Institutions would remain in charge of minors until order was re-established.

2. Emergency services were on full alert.

3. The army was deployed to maintain order, with the use of force against looters authorized.

The screen showed images of looting, destruction, and fires, followed by riot police and soldiers catching looters and taking people into custody. The destruction was extensive, affecting multiple cities and towns across the country. Reports estimated several deaths, possibly dozens or even hundreds, caused by accidents, violence, and repression.

The worst part: it wasn’t just in Chile. It was happening worldwide. Some countries had already spiraled out of control, with deaths in the thousands. Armies in conflict zones were on high alert, as the chaos provided opportunities for aggression.

By noon, phone lines were working again, albeit slowly, as everyone was back at their houses using Wi-Fi.

Alex called his mother and brothers back in Argentina and was relieved to know they were all okay. They had plans to gather for a few days. Ellie’s mother, also in Argentina, had arranged to stay with friends.

A national broadcast began at 12:00.