The next day began as it always did. Aiden and Lila sat on their favorite park bench, sketchbooks in hand. The small lakes waterfall in front of them burbled softly, its rhythmic sound blending with the chatter of children playing nearby. The sky was clear, the sun casting warm rays across the park. Everything felt peaceful for once—perfect, even.
Aiden glanced over at Lila's notebook, grinning. "Is that supposed to be me?" he teased, pointing at her quick, exaggerated sketch of his messy hair and tired eyes.
She laughed, nudging him with her shoulder. "Don't flatter yourself. You're not that handsome."
"Well, your art says otherwise." He smirked, flipping his sketchbook closed. "I'm done with mine. You want to grab lunch?"
"Not until you show me what you drew," she said, trying to peek over his shoulder.
"Maybe later," he replied, tucking the notebook under his arm as he stood. "Come on, I'm starving."
Lila rolled her eyes but followed him. They walked toward the edge of the park, their conversation light and carefree. But as they passed the fountain, a sharp, unnatural sound split the air—a deep rumble, like the earth groaning in pain.
The ground beneath them shook violently, and a deafening roar erupted from the horizon. Aiden turned, his heart pounding as he saw a massive explosion tear through the city skyline forming a mushroom. A wave of heat and force rushed toward them, shattering windows and uprooting trees.
"Run!" Aiden shouted, grabbing Lila's hand. They sprinted toward the nearest shelter, but the shockwave hit before they could make it. The blast threw them off their feet, and Aiden's vision blurred as he hit the ground hard.
The last thing he saw before darkness consumed him was Lila reaching for him, her face frozen in terror.