TW: Suicide, murder, drug use, swearing, depression, violence, existential themes, mental-health issues, attempted suicide

The world didn’t end with a flash or a bang.

It was quiet.

A phone in Australia switched off for the last time.

In Asia, a TV died.

In Europe, a calculator powered down.

And on a train in Canada, the wheels stopped turning.

On the morning of November 7th.

At 7:58 AM.

Technology stopped working.

DAY ONE

I glanced at Abby as pot smoke curled around my face, the lines of her face folding into a grimace on as she glared daggers at Camilla and Bradley.

“Would you two stop slobbering all over each other? No one wants to see you two snogging.” She snapped at them, I stifled a snort, turning my gaze so my eyes could flick over the happy couple.

Bradley gave a lopsided smile to Abby “We’re just showing affection Abs, chill.”

Before Abby could respond, my brother, Lou, cut in.

“Folks, lets not argue, a’ight?”

“Shut up Lou, no one even likes you.” Abby shot back

OK- That was was far enough.

“Abby, shut up, no one cares.” I snapped.

She was silent for a moment before muttering under her breath “You’re not the boss of me, Charlotte.”

I rolled my eyes as the train suddenly screeched to a stop, the blur of scenery outside screaming to a halt, the lights of the train flickered off, and phone screens turned black, my breath caught in my throat, eyes widening in fear as the air turned black all around me.

I could hear the confused murmurs of other passengers as the door to the drivers carriage was pushed open.

“Erm, Ladies and Gents, apologies for the holdup, however, the train is smoking and seems likely to explode, please evacuate in an orderly-”

He didn’t get to finish.

Immediately, people began screaming, there was a crash as someone smashed open a window, people began clawing their way out.

So what if others died if you lived?

I was out first; Then Camilla, Lou, and finally, Abby.

Bradley never got out.

I felt my heart halt as my eyes drifted to the blood coating Abby’s hands.

I didn’t say a thing.

Couldn’t.