The moon had always been there for as long as humanity could remember, ever since we crawled out on our first steps onto dry land, gazing up into its light. It gave us comfort knowing something so close existed above us—that if anything were wrong here below, someone would hear us scream. But now that same moon has fallen upon humankind's head like a curse cast down from heaven itself. The night sky blazes bright red with fire. Its surface is covered in black smoke, rising high into the air. In some places, it looks like snow is covering everything beneath. At other times, you can see only molten rock burning fiercely across every inch of its face. No matter your vantage point, though, one thing remains clear: the moon has shattered.
It took time for people to realize they weren't dreaming. Even longer to understand exactly what it meant when their world began shaking under the weight of a falling object. For many, death was not far off. Many lost limbs, eyesight, hearing, and even life itself. Those who survived did so because fate chose to spare them just enough strength to survive through the days until help arrived.
For those lucky few, however, survival became merely another burden to bear. They lived each day wondering whether tomorrow would bring salvation or doom. Will I wake again in the morning sun, free to live my normal routine once more without any sign of danger lurking nearby? Or am I doomed never to rise again from these ruins of flesh and bone, forever trapped within this nightmare existence where nothing makes sense anymore?
If you are reading all of this, then chances are good that you have made it past today alive. If so, consider yourself fortunate indeed! And know that while others may think otherwise about you, there is no shame in being happy about surviving. To be honest, most of us don't feel much pride in living after such a terrible tragedy. We're simply grateful to keep breathing and to find food, water, and shelter. Some even pray for deliverance from God himself—even if he does exist somewhere beyond the stars. Others cling desperately to whatever scraps of civilization remain intact, hoping against hope that maybe, someday soon, things might get better. A lot of folks go mad along the way, too, but let me tell you right now, dear reader: You've got plenty to worry about before worrying about getting crazy. So take heart, friend, for your sanity isn't yet gone.
And do try to enjoy tonight. After all, it won't last very long.
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