The cold air on the balcony felt sharper once the warmth of my mother’s presence was replaced by her frantic retreat. I stared at the empty doorway, the word "extinction" echoing in my head like a death knell.

I was about to chase after her when my phone buzzed in my pocket—a sharp, rhythmic vibration that broke the silence.

I pulled it out, the screen illuminating my face in the dark. It was a text from Lira.

[ Lira: I’m turning into the driveway now. Don't let the gloom get to you, Angie. I know Malcolm and Allison are busy playing soldier tonight, so I’m coming to take over. I'll...