This post was written as part of the 100 Word Challenge for Grown-Ups over at Julia’s place.
After
Sirens screamed. Birds fell silent. The sky turned red, then black as ash started to fall. Darkness came. Streets filled with people, unsure where to go or what to do. The looting started. Then the fighting: best friends, brothers, fathers and sons.
Those who died that day were the lucky ones. For the rest a slower death awaited: cold, hunger, sickness.
Before
The president regarded his horror-struck staff, who were backing towards the door, desperately awaiting his order to evacuate to the underground bunker. “I had no choice! They threatened us!” He took his finger off the red button. “It wasn’t my fault.”
SJB Writing 
Chilling! You drew frightening details out of a frightening scenario.
Thanks Ré.
Chilling piece. How I hope and pray that this doesn’t happen. Scary to think one man has so much power.
Doesn’t the buck stop with the president?
Nice piece. I like the way you have structured it with after coming first, ahead of before.
It should stop there, but since when did that stop any politician trying to place the blame elsewhere??
ooh – this is very scary, and so easy to imagaine.
This gave me chills…
Powerful, great description and the ultimate action! Great job!
Very well done. I generally don’t like reading horror stories or unpleasant stuff (too scary) but that doesn’t deter from your skill in describing both the situation and the human reaction,
Thanks!
A great entry this week. I loved the ‘after’ coming before the ‘before’ as it built up the suspense. Excellent!
Oh my worst case scenario. Very effective description of the aftermath.
I agree with Lynda in that you chose well by putting the aftermath scene first to build suspense. I would also say chilling, but I try to avoid being overly redundant. Good job, SJB!
Fabulous job – a powerful (and chilling) piece to read. Great job in hooking us with that opening scene – I liked the reversal.
Thanks. I often write my pieces backwards, so I decided for a change I would actually put the end first.
Oh S-J – that is really good, but also very creepy!! I literally had goosebumps (only just going down now!) What a ghastly, terrible scenario. And all too realistic (though mercifully less likely under Obama than Bush!!) Very good piece indeed.
PS Thanks for your comment on mine, which must have come minutes after I posted my second entry! I have actually now posted a third alongside the second one, if you have a moment to spare!
Glad it had the desired effect. Let’s all hope that nobody that crazy ever gets into power…