The Horizon Lab stood tall, its glass panels gleaming under the morning sun. Outside, the air buzzed with excitement as men, women, and children gathered for what was promised to be a revolutionary moment in human history. Security personnel ushered in VIP guests while journalists adjusted their cameras, eager to capture the unveiling of the world's greatest medical breakthrough—a machine that could cure cancer.
Among the guests was Mr. Lekan Henshaw, a wealthy businessman, accompanied by his wife, Martha, and their two children, Toby (10) and Mary (14). Their sleek black exotic car purred to a stop at the entrance, drawing the eyes of many.
Toby (excited, peering out the window): "Dad! Is this where they built the machine that fixes sick people?"
Lekan (smiling, adjusting his wristwatch): "Yes, son. A true masterpiece of science."
Martha (fixing Mary's dress): "It's incredible, isn't it? To think that we're about to witness history."
They stepped out of the car, their presence exuding elegance and affluence. As they entered the grand auditorium, the air inside was thick with anticipation.
At the center of the stage stood Janet McColm, the young, ambitious scientist who had dedicated her life to building the Horizon Cure Engine. She adjusted her glasses, her hands slightly trembling—whether from excitement or anxiety, she wasn't sure.
As she approached the microphone, the crowd erupted into applause.
Janet (grinning, addressing the audience): "Ladies and gentlemen, today, we stand on the precipice of a new era. This device…" (she gestures to the sleek, metallic structure behind her) "…is more than a machine—it is the future of medicine. The end of suffering. The dawn of hope!"
Thunderous applause followed. Journalists scrambled to capture every word, every movement.
Mary (whispering to Martha): "She looks nervous…"
Martha (softly): "Wouldn't you be? She's about to change the world."
Janet took a deep breath and turned to the control panel.
Janet: "And now… let us begin."
The moment her fingers touched the switch, a strange hum filled the room, a deep, unnatural vibration that made the air feel heavy. The massive screen behind her flickered—first with blue light, then red.
Toby (gripping his father's sleeve): "Daddy… something's wrong."
Lekan (sensing danger, voice firm): "Stay close to me."
Suddenly, the humming turned into a deafening screech, followed by a blinding flash of white light.
The ground shook. A pulse of pure energy erupted from the machine, cracking the floor, shattering glass, and distorting the very air around them.
Janet (panicked, screaming): "No! This isn't—this wasn't supposed to happen!"
Screams filled the air. People scrambled for the exits, but the force of the blast sent them flying back.
Lekan's instincts kicked in. He grabbed Toby's arm, then Mary's, pulling them toward the door.
Lekan (shouting): "Martha! RUN!"
Martha bolted beside him, her heels clicking against the trembling floor.
The explosion detonated. A violent wave of fire and radiation tore through the building. Glass turned to dust, steel beams bent like paper, and in a fraction of a second, the entire Horizon Lab was erased from existence—leaving behind only smoldering debris.
Then, there was silence.
The world as they knew it was gone.