In an apartment in any given city, two friends shared the quiet of an ordinary evening. One of them sat in front of the television, focused on the news, while the other prepared dinner in the small kitchen.
"In other news, we've just received information that in six hours, a cosmic storm will reach Earth. I want to clarify that this poses no danger to any living beings on the planet, according to scientists from the Space Research Institute," announced the presenter on the TV with calm authority. On the screen, images of astronomical graphs and simulations of the phenomenon played out.
"On the contrary, due to the magnitude of this unprecedented event, auroras will be visible around the entire globe," he continued, as the images transitioned to breathtaking landscapes illuminated by dancing, colorful lights.
"So, we recommend you take this opportunity to prepare to enjoy this magnificent view provided by the universe. After all, it's not every day you can see the northern lights from the comfort of your own home and with advance notice," he added with an enthusiastic smile.
"From all of us at the network, we hope you have an excellent time. Don't forget to take pictures to remember this incredible day!" the commentator concluded with eloquence.
"Did you hear that, Nathan?" Jake asked from the couch, his voice brimming with excitement.
"Yeah, I heard it," Nathan replied, though his tone carried more weariness than enthusiasm.
"That means we'll have to go grab some stuff to watch the show, right?" Jake pressed, turning to look toward the kitchen.
"Yeah, but we'll do that after dinner. So stop talking and come help me carry the food to the table," Nathan shot back, refocusing his attention on the freshly prepared meal.
"You're such a buzzkill, man. I came over to play video games, not to be your servant," Jake retorted with mock indignation as he got up to help.
"That was the plan—until you decided to crash at my place," Nathan countered with a smirk.
"But after this, we're going out for some beers and snacks to enjoy while we watch the auroras. Deal?" Jake suggested as he served his plate.
"Yeah, we'll do that," Nathan agreed, starting to eat as well.
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Hours later, the northern lights began to stain the sky. From the rooftop of the building, the friends watched the spectacle in complete awe. The colors swirled, forming majestic structures that seemed to paint the sky with ethereal brushstrokes.
"This is incredible, man," Jake said, sitting in a chair with his gaze fixed on the heavens.
"I know. Coming up to the roof to see it was a good idea," Nathan replied, trying to capture the scene with his phone.
"Perks of living on the top floor, I guess," Jake joked, his eyes never leaving the dancing lights.
Silence settled between them, a reverent stillness that only the sky's splendor could justify. They spent several minutes gazing at the auroras, each lost in their thoughts.
"Hey…" Nathan said suddenly.
"What is it?" Jake asked, not taking his eyes off the colors.
"You'll always be my best friend. You know that, right?"
"Of course I do, you idiot. That's why we've always stuck together, like brothers, right?" Jake replied with a light laugh.
"Yeah, I know. Together till the end," Nathan murmured, turning his eyes back to the lights in the sky.
"So why the random question?" Jake pressed, now looking at him.
"I don't know. I just… have this feeling that something bad is going to happen," Nathan confessed, averting his gaze.
"No matter what happens, we'll get through it together, like we always have," Jake declared confidently, standing up from his chair. Then, with a smile, he added, "Besides, nothing bad ever happens in Crystal City. It's the most peaceful place in the country—maybe the world."
"I guess you're right. Maybe I'm just worrying over nothing," Nathan admitted as he took Jake's outstretched hand to help him up.
"You always worry over nothing, man. Everything's going to stay just the same," Jake assured him, giving him a playful pat on the shoulder.
"Yeah, I hope so," Nathan murmured, though his face betrayed an unease he couldn't quite shake.
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However, beyond the stunning spectacle of the northern lights, something else had begun to stir in the world. Changes, imperceptible to humanity, but no less relentless.
And those changes brought nothing but bad news.
Nothing would ever be the same after that night.
Nothing.