an apocalypse

Ash fell all-round, coating the air and painting it grey. Flakes of soot and coal danced like drunken butterflies wherever they looked. The blast had turned the sky red, like the blood of the many dead around them. Even as the world caved in around them, they couldn't help but notice the inescapable beauty of their destruction, a final triumph - whether that was a victory for nature or humanity, none knew. A half-burned newspaper was tossed carelessly near them, declaring doomsday. Their wine bottle near empty and their hearts full of guilt, sadness, regret, emotions that they could not and did not want to face. Bodies that ached and cried not for them, but for all they couldn't do. When eyes locked, an overwhelming evince of love and understanding poured as though a balloon had finally burst. They were all they had of each other. 

3 hours ago, the men in suits pressed a button that changed everyone's lives. Or rather, ended them. Numerous atom bombs released all over the world, proving predictions right - just a few years earlier. But that was expected of humanity, wasn't it? One very notable trait of the human race - the strong urge for self-destruction. Bombs rained from the sky, destroying anything and everything in sight until they impressed even Satan himself. 

And there it was. Their final night alive. As the very last of the atom bombs clicked in with a deafening sound ringing around the globe, they settled into the bed for one last evening. Old CD's were dusted off from shelves, photo albums brought out, half shattered wine glasses were used, uncaring of their danger. He put on his final suit, while she painted her fingernails. A heartbreaking longing for a different future fiercely gripped them both and didn't let go. Tears making a track on his face. "Oh, we're going out in style, babe." And everything was laid out. He put on their song and asked for one last dance. 

So that was how they would end. An outstretched hand, a curtsy and an old record player. She took his hand and smiled sadly. They twirled around her living room, dipping and spinning at every turn, swaying in tune with the music, her head on his chest, his head on her shoulder. His eyes sparkled. She suddenly grabbed him and pulled him closer into a bone-crushing embrace, her sobs echoing through the now hauntingly silent room. She took a shuddering breath, "Goodnight love." and everything went white.        

Loosely based off of 'As The World Caves In' by Matt Maltese