The Man That Watched It Go [A Short Story]

Transmission: USLS TO ISS

TRANSMISSION LOGS: CHARLES TO JAKE
SEPTEMBER 6th, 2089
USLS TO ISS
DAYS SINCE ARRIVAL: 289
START TIME: 1:26 PM (EST TIME) -DURATION: 37 MINS)

Jake: Charles, you there?

Charles: Hey Jake, I'm here.

Jake: You see the Asteroid too, right?

Charles: I'm pretty sure everyone on Earth sees it.

Jake: Yeah. Speaking of Earth, you wouldn't believe what we saw on the dark side of Earth.

Charles: What'd you see?

Jake: There were fires. Fires so large that we didn't even need our satellites to spot. I think they're rioting down there, Charles

Charles: Where?

Jake: Everywhere.

Charles: Jesus.

Jake: I can't believe it's come to this.

Charles: Neither can I.

Jake: I'm so scared, Charles. I never thought this would happen.

Charles: This is it. Our last day.

Jake: I hooked up with Rachel yesterday.

Charles: Really? How was it?

Jake: It was weird.

Charles: Weird? How?

Jake: Well it started off great, and then all of a sudden we both became emotional. We stopped and one thing led to another, we were crying all over each other as we looked at all the fires on Earth.

Charles: Wow.

Jake: I kinda regret wasting my time trying to have intercourse with her. Turns out, I would've been just as happy talking with her.

Charles: Is this Jake? This doesn't sound like Jake to me.

Jake: Haha, It's Jake. I know, this isn't the usual me, but with the world ending, it's made me realize all the important things in life. Has it for you?

Charles: Yeah...

Jake: There's a reason why I'm talking to you right now, Charles.

Charles: What is it?

Jake: Rachel and I thought about this all day, and we've come to the conclusion that we don't want to see Earth get hit.

Charles: What are you saying?

Jake: Goodbye, Charles. I hope you find peace before this all ends in this cruel world.

Charles: Jake, wait.

Jake?

Jake?!