Time Fracture

WWIII

The specter of war, once relegated to the pages of history books and the silver screen, loomed ominously on the horizon, casting a long shadow over the fragile tapestry of our lives. Despite the assurances of pundits and politicians, World War III emerged as an unyielding reality, shattering the illusion of peace and plunging humanity into the abyss of conflict.

For me, war had always been an abstract concept, a distant rumble on the horizon that seemed to belong to another era. Yet, as the inexorable march of time unfolded, the once-distant drumbeat of war drew closer, until its thunderous cadence reverberated through the very fabric of our existence.

The onset of conflict caught the world off-guard, a seismic rupture in the tranquility of everyday life. In the scramble for safety, chaos reigned supreme, as individuals and families alike sought refuge from the encroaching storm. Yet, amidst the pandemonium, the question lingered like a specter in the night: where could one flee when the specter of war engulfed the world in its fiery embrace?

Since the tumultuous year of 2022, the geopolitical landscape had undergone a profound metamorphosis, as alliances shifted and erstwhile friends became bitter adversaries. In the crucible of conflict, my homeland stood as a pawn in the grand chessboard of nations, a mere stepping stone for belligerent powers seeking to assert their dominance.

As the fateful date of October 16th, 2026 dawned, the die was cast, and war descended upon us like a relentless tempest. In the chaos of the moment, my family and I found ourselves swept up in the maelstrom of events, our lives upended by forces beyond our control.

Amidst the cacophony of sirens and the clamor of panicked voices, my mother's calm demeanor served as an anchor in the storm, guiding us towards the uncertain safety of the suburbs. In the cramped confines of our car, amidst the suffocating weight of fear and uncertainty, my sister Vanni and I clung to one another, seeking solace in the familiarity of familial bonds.

Meanwhile, my elder sister Elethea, separated from us by the vast expanse of geography, lent her expertise to the war effort from afar. In the laboratories of Germany, she toiled tirelessly, seeking innovative solutions to alleviate the suffering of soldiers wounded in the crucible of conflict.

As the first salvos of war echoed across the horizon, I found myself grappling with a profound sense of dislocation, as the certainties of the past crumbled before the relentless onslaught of war. In the crucible of conflict, our family's bonds would be tested like never before, as we navigated the treacherous waters of uncertainty and upheaval, bound together by a shared determination to endure, whatever the cost.

Vanni's newfound celebrity status cast a shadow over our tumultuous reality, her aura of adoration clashing with the harsh realities of war. As she floated the idea of seeking refuge on a private island, I couldn't help but scoff at the notion, acutely aware of the dangers lurking in the shadows of our once idyllic existence.

"Private island, Vanni? Do you realize we're in the midst of a war?" I retorted, my voice tinged with a mixture of frustration and resignation. The trappings of fame seemed to blind her to the harsh truths that encircled us, her privileged perspective at odds with the grim realities that defined our daily existence.

Her response, laced with condescension, grated against my nerves, a reminder of the gaping chasm that separated our worlds. Despite her facade of sweetness and light, Vanni harbored a darkness within, her veneer of charm unraveling in the privacy of our home.

But amidst the discord, Vanni's antics paled in comparison to the weight of my newfound identity. Since discovering my latent powers as a witch, I had forged a deep connection with the earth, the tendrils of my magic intertwining with the very fabric of nature itself. With each passing day, the atrocities of war carved deep scars upon my soul, a visceral reminder of the fragility of life and the sanctity of the natural world.