Chapter 1
I was at school when it happened. My friends and I were eating lunch out in the courtyard while enjoying the first sunny day of the year. We were sweating but it was much better than the cold of winter. We were dressed in shorts against the school’s dress policy but we didn’t get in trouble because the teachers were also wearing shorts after the longest winter on record.
My friends and I were laughing hysterically at an inside joke that we’ve had since third grade to now in freshman year. Then, unexpectedly, Mrs. Carlson came out into the courtyard and calmly asked all the students to come inside immediately. Despite her calmness, her face was wrought with worry and fear. She asked us to come into the auditorium.
People whispered amongst themselves as more students filed into the auditorium. They conspired over what might have the teachers so distraught. My 3 best friends sat in a short row in the back. Raine sits on my right with my other friend Caleb who is dating Raine. On my left, Dawn sits with her legs crossed and her hands on her knees. The entire room goes silent when Principal Brewer walks up the stage and fixes the microphone to her height. She clears her throat and begins to speak.
“Good Morning, students,” she doesn’t wait for a reply. “We have gathered together today because the school just got word from the government that the Sun is threatening to burn out. They say it will burn out at noon when the Sun has reached its peak. We will wait in here for the buses to come as we have told them to come earlier today to take you home. If you do not normally take the bus, you will go on bus 11. Please stay seated and silent until your name is called to pack up all things from your locker in a few minutes. Thank you.”
Principal Brewer exits the stage. I glance at the digital clock in the back of the room. The clock is at 11:13. Only 47 minutes until the world is plunged into darkness. Years ago, before I was born, our town officials decided that our town should be run by solar power. I bet they’re kicking themselves now. In all the chaos of people crying and teachers running around to get everyone on the buses, I didn’t realize that Dawn had grabbed my hand. I squeezed her hand knowing that that helps her anxiety. This might be the last time I see her.
