There had been fire. Lots of fire. Lots of fire streaking from the sky to the ground, setting the ground aflame. Cities had burned. People had died, screaming and afraid for their lives.

Lily had only survived because she'd been in a remote area, going for a nature hike, and the fireballs had only struck the most populated areas. It had wiped out the world's entire population, and she had had no idea until she'd returned to the city in her car and saw it in flames.

That had been traumatizing, to say in the least.

She'd screamed, she'd run through the city, howling, searching among the dead — the smoke stung her nose, scalded her mouth and throat, and she couldn't breathe — and she'd found her parents and sister burned beyond recognition —

Nothing had been the same after that.

She'd been believed to be the only survivor. Of course, there was no one else to confirm it, everyone was gone.

Or she'd thought so.

Lily stared at the sleeping man. She'd been walking in a forest, scouting for undamaged food, and she'd stumbled upon him.

He was barely stirring, moaning weakly, but he didn't seem like he was hurt. He just seemed...dazed. Discombobulated.

"Mmmgrrr," he groaned. His eyes fluttered open and went wide as soon as he saw Lily standing over him. "Wuzzgoinon?"

"The entire world was wiped out by an enormous fireball from space, possibly from some beings beyond our imagination," she informed him brusquely. "At least, that's what I believe. There isn't anyone to confirm it. You and I are the only ones left."

"...Wow." He took it better than she thought, even managing to sit up. "So we're really the only ones left?"

"As far as I know," Lily said. She gave him a once-over. "What happened to you?"

"It's embarrassing, but since you can't tell anyone…" He paused, clearing his throat. "I may have tripped and hit my head pretty hard."

"Well, welcome to the new world," she said, holding out a hand. "I'm Lily."

"James."


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Sci-Fi September Day 27 - Someone believes they're the last person on Earth. Until…