The Rick! The Jessica!! Then The Risca!!!

Chapter 34: Echoes of a Lost World!

Rick began to recount his harrowing journey after leaving their home. He traveled 165 miles to Houston and took refuge in a gas station motel for two weeks. Alone with his thoughts, he grappled with feelings of inadequacy and betrayal. His mind was consumed with doubts about his own worth and the authenticity of their relationship.

The weight of his emotions grew unbearable, and in a moment of despair, he attempted to end his life. "I tried to pick up the call when you rang, but I couldn't," Rick admitted, his voice choked with tears. "I was hanging there, ready to let go, when the military team raided the motel. They saved me and brought me here, to this medical camp."

He paused, gathering himself. "They questioned me, wondering why I had tried to take my own life. They didn't want me to leave, fearing I might try again. With the asteroid crisis looming, they drafted all able-bodied men over 21 to help. I felt I could redeem myself by joining them," Rick explained, his voice trembling with shame and regret. "I couldn't face you after what I'd done. You were my source of joy, my everything. I'm so sorry," he concluded, tears streaming down his face.

Cutting to NASA's camp, phase two was completed, and phase three was underway. As the clock approached 9:45 PM, the tension in the control room was palpable. Henry's heartbeat quickened as he ordered the detonation of the nuclear missiles at 10 PM. Three massive explosions rocked the moon's surface, propelling fragments towards Asteroid Risca's path.

The world watched in anticipation as the collision unfolded. The asteroid, met with the force of the moon's debris, fragmented into millions of smaller pieces. The impact was so powerful that it disrupted satellite communications and plunged NASA's command center into darkness.

Jessica, now understanding Rick's pain, reached out and held his hand, a silent promise of support and forgiveness. "I'm here for you," she whispered, her eyes filled with empathy. Rick nodded gratefully, and they stood together, finding solace in each other's presence.

Their emotions spilled over, and Jessica pulled Rick close, expressing her love with a passionate kiss. They clung to each other, knowing this might be their last moment together. Above them, the sky illuminated with the fiery descent of asteroid particles, raining down on Earth.

In a bittersweet gesture, Jessica retrieved the wedding ring they had once bought together. They exchanged vows and sealed their love with a kiss, their private ceremony amidst the chaos of the impending impact. As they shared their final embrace, a large fragment of asteroid hurtled towards their location.

Moments later, the impact shook the ground, engulfing everything in smoke and uncertainty. The Earth trembled as landmasses shifted and the atmosphere filled with debris. Humanity could only wait, hoping that their last effort had been enough to avert catastrophe.