The Light

THE LIGHTS

Did everything turn off? I hear the faint click of electrical appliances shut down left and right. My mother rolls her eyes and groans. She places the dish she was washing down and goes to the basement.  When she comes back up, her confused face says it all; our power circuit was fine.

People walk past our window. I need to check this out. It’s freezing out here I don’t understand why people would voluntarily go out at this time. The night sky shrouds everyone's face but I know general confusion is in the air.

The city skyline is beautiful, the fact that it’s the only light source really makes it shine. W-wait, why are the lights turning off? There is no more light. What the hell is happening?  

Let's go home, I’m cold and tired. Everything will probably be okay when we wake up...right? Mom nods her head in approval.

This blanket is comfy, Goodnight! Love you!

IT'S FREEZING! Guess the heater still isn’t working? The TV isn’t on and I can’t hear mom making her daily batch of coffee. Something must be up?

Thank god, she left some cereal! Hmm, what this.

“Had to leave for a meeting, back at 5. I would have texted you but it seems the power is still out. Have a good day and don’t be late for school!”

                                                                          - Love, Mom

Ah shoot, I need to get ready. What time is it? 7:00 okay. I got some time.  

I can just tell I'm going to be late, but at this point, I honestly don’t care. WHEW, how cold is it going to get? The amount of cars in the street is alarming, oh the street lights don’t work, that's why.

Who is honking so loud? Jesus Christ, we get it. Wait why is he getting out of the car I-.

Oh, man, are they going to fight... yup they are fighting.

You know what I’m just going to keep it pushing because I don’t have time for any of that. That crazy though… people cango one night without power and act like they lost everything.

I'm finally here, why is everyone in the schoolyard?

Wait really, they closed the schools because of a blackout?! Thank god because I had this biology assignment to finish. What do you think caused this blackout? Really, that’s… crazy. Umm okay, see you soon!

Did she really say that the power was out for the entire country? How could that happen, isn’t that impossible? I’ve only heard that in fictional stories, but for it to come true is insane.

Okay, so the country might not have power for weeks or even longer, what can I do, oh my god what can I do!

I know we need food. Okay, okay how much do I have? Okay, 35$ I can make this work.

Take a right on 22nd and then... Okay, there it is!

I guess people had the same idea whew. Ignore them we have to get dry food, remember nonperishable.

Crackers, soup what else OH of course water. Where would that be?

“Excuse me” I swear if this lady pushes me one more time.

Done! Great now I have to shove myself through this isle chalked full of people.

“Hi yes, that all. Do I put the cash in the bucket? Okay, thank you!”

At least I have some food for me and my mom… but will it last until the power comes back?