The Last Day on Earth

In breaking news, the President of the United States of America has confirmed that the asteroid Cecilia, which is larger than the asteroid that is thought to have wiped out the dinosaurs, will most likely collide with Earth in a matter of weeks. After several high-level denials over the past six months, the government was forced to admit to the oncoming disaster after NASA astronomers Reg Thompson and Constance Walker confirmed in a press conference yesterday afternoon, that Cecilia is on a collision path with our planet and all efforts to divert the asteroid have so far failed.

“I urge all Americans, and people around the globe, to remain calm. While it is true that all attempts so far have failed, we do have the very top people looking into the best methods of dealing with this problem, and they will continue to do so until the last possible minute. We must have faith. I repeat, please remain calm,” the President said from Washington. Later in the press conference the President confirmed that all known methods of diverting the asteroid had been attempted and were unsuccessful. When asked what methods remained, the President became evasive.

“Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. Above all, remain calm,” was the message from Downing St.

The Australian Prime Minister has yet to comment. The Leader of the Opposition released the following statement:

“This is catastrophic. This is what happens when funding is cut from research and development, and we have a Prime Minister who doesn’t believe in Science. This should have been spotted months or even years ago, but thanks to all the funding cuts that have happened both here and overseas under the current administrations, we’re stuck in this predicament. I urge the Prime Minister to throw everything he’s got into stopping this thing. It’s not a joke, and not something that he can bury his head in the sand about, like he’s done with so many other issues.”

More coming soon…

Lucy sat there in shock. Jess hadn’t been joking.

She called her back.

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. You believe me now, right?”

“Yes,” Lucy whispered.

“Can I come over?” Jess asked.

Lucy looked around the office. It was mostly empty. Most of her team was at lunch. She caught her boss’ eye. He frowned at her.

“Yeah sure. I’ll be home in about half an hour.”

She hung up, logged off her computer, and grabbed her handbag.

“Have you heard?” she asked her boss as she approached his desk.

“Heard what?”

“Check the news sites. I’ve got to go. I’m sorry. Goodbye.”

She kept walking, ignoring his calls for her to come back.

Lucy left the office building in a daze. The streets were already busy. Lucy thought everyone looked slightly crazed, and nearly everybody was talking or crying into their phones, or at least trying to.

“It’s like goddamn fucking New Years,” she heard one man mutter as she walked past him.