The Ladies of Horror
Picture-Prompt Writing Challenge!

Cosmic Impact
by Sue Renol

A quiet walk along my usual trail always soothes aggravation from the day. Dusk is my preferred time, just after the sun sets and the sky is midnight blue. The stars begin to twinkle and the moon hangs above like a familiar friend. I like the alone time. As much as I love my husband, space is always nice.

I hum a tune while taking my time. The cool evening air feels wonderful on my skin. I let it caress me as I soak in its comforting embrace.

Then, darkness fades, and the light of the moon brightens. It blasts an unnatural glow, illuminating the world below as if it were day. The blinding light is accompanied by a thundering boom. It’s followed by a great rumble and a splitting crack which pierces my ears.

The sky echoes in repercussions as the moon splits in two. Its halves slowly increase the gap between themselves, leaving a grainy cluster of smaller pieces to fill the space.

I watch in horror as the most beautiful meteor shower I’ve ever seen spreads across the horizon. It is soon followed by the terror of what tore through the moon. Long, pointed, unnaturally shaped, as if it were meant to strike.

I take one last breath before closing my eyes and wait for the impact.