We gazed out from the promenade towards the sea. The tide was in and the sun glittered off the small waves heading towards shore. Despite the weather, the town was nearly empty. We’d snagged an ice cream from a harassed vendor who was on the verge of closing up. We wandered down to the sea front clutching our cones.
“Your ice cream is melting,” I said.
Lucy licked her fingers. Behind us a car roared away, its tires squealing. Maybe it was the ice cream vendor, there weren’t many folk left.
“What a waste of time.”
We watched the sea. I checked my watch. It was nearly time. I took Lucy’s hand.
“It’s been a lovely day.”
“It has.”
Above, the sky was ripped open and a fiery streak blazed overhead. It was predicted the asteroid would land somewhere in the mid-Atlantic. And then, that would be that.
“Yes, what a lovely day.”
∼ RJ Meldrum
© Copyright RJ Meldrum. All Rights Reserved.
Pen of the Damned 
It could never be a lovely day when that happens…
LikeLike
I guess I’d like to spend that last day hugging my family and grandkids
LikeLike
This is my plan for the end of the world, too. Great story!
LikeLike
A terrific story, with a wonderful chilling undertone.
LikeLike
I liked the way you use brevity to the last sentence. The ice cream cones, so comforting and pleasant as well. Another success!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I meant I like the USE of brevity to enhance the shock of the last sentence!
LikeLike
There are definitely worse things than finishing off your last day with an ice cream by the sea, like being mauled by a bear just beforehand. So all in all a rather happy tale!
LikeLike