Prologue
It is a beautiful early morning in the city of Pripyat, quite warm and clear. Anastasiya takes a sip from the warm milk she just made to help her sleep. She glances at the clock hanging between a photo of her husband and son.
1:23
She places the mug down on the coffee table and falls into her armchair, staring out the window. A strange light illuminates the night sky. Her brow furrows. She leans forward. The apartment shakes. The windows rattle. She screams. The bedroom door opens.
“Mom?” Alexei rubs his eyes and shuffles into the living room.
Anatoly follows behind him.
“What was that?” he asks.
Before Anastasiya can answer, the telephone rings. Vasily picks it up from the wall.
“Yes?”
“Comrade Baranov. You’re being called in.”
“What’s going on?”
“Explosion between Reactor Blocks Three and Four. Fire on the roof. All units—military and civilian—are being deployed.”
“I understand. I’ll be there.”
He puts the receiver down and turns to his wife.
“I have to go.”
“You’re not on duty tonight.”
“They’ve called in everyone. It’s serious.”
She steps forward and rests a hand on his chest.
“Be careful.”
“I will.”
He strokes her cheek.
“I’ll be back before sunrise.”
He kisses her forehead and leaves. The door clicks softly shut.
“Where’s dad going, Mama?” Alexei asks.
“There’s a fire at the power station. He’s going to help.”
She returns to the window. The light still hovers above the city, flickering like lightning frozen in place.
“The air looks wrong,” she murmurs.
“What’s all the noise?” Anatoly asks, peering over her shoulder.
“There was an explosion,” she says. “The plant. The sky hasn’t stopped glowing since.”
“They must’ve switched on floodlights. So the firefighters can see.”
“No. That light started before the explosion.”
Anatoly waves a hand.
“You’re overthinking it. Come with me to the railroad bridge. You’ll see it’s nothing.”
“I’ll come,” she says. “But when we get back, I’m packing. I’m not staying here. I’ll take Alexei and you with me. I just... I don’t trust the air.”
