By Brian K. Bolen
“Here’s to the last day of the world, Casie,” Paloma says, raising her glass.
Glancing over my shoulder, I see endless whitecaps smashing against the gagged rocks. Two weeks ago, this beach was teaming with people and pretzels.
“I can’t drink to that.”
“How about our health?”
“That’s a joke.”
More bodies are washing ashore, each looking pallid and bloated like ripe toads.
“What do you think caused it?” I ask.
“Who knows? Who cares?”
Anger flashes across my face, but it’s not her fault.
“To us,” I say.
We clink glasses, watching the last setting sun. Too bad it’s breathtaking.
Poses an interesting question about how people react to disaster. I like the contrasting attitudes of the two women in the face of helplessness: insouciance versus regret.
Perfect ending line for flash. “Too bad it’s breathtaking.” Powerful.
I always wonder if I knew the end was coming, how I’d spend my last moments…