Fear the sun

Harley

Twenty eight days ago, solar radiation scorched the surface of the Earth of all human life. Now the flora and fauna have taken over the land and sea. Domestic animals that once relied on their humans to survive, run wild and crazed, but now, only the ones that could hunt and scavenge are left. Quick growing plants took over the buildings and structures, loosening the screws and joints causing some structures to fall.

★彡

I remember the day that my mother urged me into the underground bunker. I always thought we'd never have to use it for real. But my parents were world renown scientists that had predicted a solar storm. I believed them, of course, unlike most 15 year old girls, who usually thought their parents were full of nonsense. But mine weren't, they were full of logical ideas, and thought the world of me. They had redesigned the bunker to survive anything short of the Earth exploding, and also into something that serves as my bedroom. My parents took no risks with keeping me safe and I understood that.
Especially now, as the safe lock clicked, signalling that the radiation, temperature, and levels of gases were healthy for humans, I was glad for my parents foresight. It had been 28 days since mum nearly pushed me into my room/bunker. I estimated that I had a weeks worth of food left, but half a weeks worth of water, so I was glad that I could leave my safe hold.
Jumping down from my mezzanine bed, I rushed over to the door. Fiddling with the handle for a few moments, I flung it open. Flesh air rushed past me, like the wind... Wind, what was that doing going through the house?
Running up the long set of steps, I arose into the living room. It looked normal, a relief, with books and papers spilling out of the bookshelves, the couch covered in soft colourful pillows, and sunshine shining through the oversized french doors. My parents were all about eco and environmentally friendly ways. Behind the house were five large water tanks, two wind mills, and a lightning rod that my father had invented to catch and store the electricity from the lightning to power the car and house.
Stepping over all the different objects and items that were scattered across the room, I made my way toward the dining room that had the closest door to the backyard. That was where I usually found my parents working on something that would probably explode.
The dining room wasn't how it usually was, most of the time there was cooking utensils scattered all over the kitchen bench drying, cause mum has massive cleaning fits or she had just finished trying to cook a meal. Most of the time I cook because I'm the only one who can. They'd probably get sick from eating something they shouldn't have if I wasn't here. I thought with a mixture of humour and fear. It was barren, everything put away, nothing 'out of place.' This sort of thing only happened when we went on family vacations.
Leaving the dining room through the back door, which had been left open, I gasped. The usual bright green lawn was a dark burnt orange, and the wooden fence that shielded our yard out from our neighbours eyes no longer did it's job because it wasn't no longer there.
A single tear fell from my eye as I realise what had happened. My parents were right, but wrong. Yes there was a solar storm, but it was far stronger that they had predicted. Swallowing the lump that was forming in my throat, I ran all over the yard, from front to back, back to front, back through the house, searching, hoping to spot another human being. But nothing but dogs tearing at each other, and birds dancing through the air. Seeing such contrasting scenes happening, as I fell to the ground, crying. This can't be happening! I thought in aguish. I can't be the only one. There must be others who survived! But I knew that couldn't be true, my parents had explained to me the dangers of a solar storm and to hope for other survivors was just plain silly.
Curling up in a ball, I wept. My cries echoing through the silent house that was once full of happy noise and laughter.
After a while, I gathered myself up, thinking only of survival now. A more practical mind, and if my parents were up there watching me, I'd want to make them proud.
While it wasn't very likely for there to be other survivors, I had to at least try. A small part of me didn't want to be the only one left, or to give up hope of my parents.
Going from one room to another, I moved in a dream like state. An unfeeling being collecting what bits and pieces she wanted from the house. This was the only way I could deal with taking things that once belonged to my parents. I choice my gear carefully, packing light and taking only what I needed.
As I passed through the gates, that once proudly stood, but now lying on the driveway, I swallowed another lump. I may never come back here, back to my home. I could get lost out there, or attacked by something. I hesitated, fear halting my steps. The world out there, all scorched and bare of human life seemed alien and terrifying. But a little voice in my head said, don't lose hope. And that was all I needed, as I stepped onto the road, and headed up the small hill, that rose up.

It was well past noon when I stopped to rest. I'd been walking for hours now and drops of sweat were rolling down my forehead. Sitting on a park bench, I felt empty. The world was so weird and different now. I'd come across a few badly scorched bodies being feasted on by wild dogs. After the fifth I began to lose hope, but now as I'm sat on the bench I heard a short bark. Looking up I saw a small terrier looking up at me, wagging his tail happily. Blinking I realised that he wanted the piece of bread in my hand. I tossed the bread to the dog, who ate it in seconds. A small spark of hope awoke in my heart. If this little pup could survive, so could people. And with the spark of hope of other survivors, came the hope of my parents surviving.
With new purpose, I pushed myself off then bench and thought of where my parents might have went after they ensured my safety. That was when it hit me. They must be at the city hall. They would have gathered as many people as they could and took them to the bunker under the hall. I felt so silly for not realising it earlier.
Crouching down, I let the terrier sniff my hand before patting it on the head. "Thank you." I murmured "Thank you for giving me hope." Straightening up, I started making my way towards the city hall. After a few metres, I looked back to see the terrier following me. Smiling, I whistled. His little ears pricked at the sound and he came trotting up towards me. Giving him a quick pat on the head, I started running towards the hill that the city hall was built on.
As I came up the hill, I slowed down to a walk. Puffing, I thought of how happy my parents would be to see me. But when the city hall came into view, I stopped. Several bodies lay before the hall and in the steps. Not wanting to believe, I ran up the stairs, ignoring the bodies. Running straight to the stairwell the led down to the bunker, I felt tears rolling down my cheeks. As I got to the door of the bunker, I stopped. I sent a silent plea to every god out there I could think of as I pulled down the handle. There were several gasps and shouts as I open it. Stepping inside I was relieved to see other people. I scanned the room, trying to spot my parents. I only saw the mayor who, with a sober face, walked up to me. He gave me a hug. Stunned, I gulped. "No..." I said, tears running from my eyes.
"I'm sorry," the mayor said softly. "They didn't make it."

★彡

It's been a week, and now after all the bodies were collected, a mass funeral was held for all those who died. Clad in black I stood with the few survivors, a scarce 30 of us, as we listen to the end of the mayor's speech.
"... And we will remember Janet and Bill Clarke, who were the heroes who saved us all. May their daughter, Harley find peace. We will remember."