Time is a fickle thing

We're already two years into the future! What the frick! Just one year before the apocalypse, this chapter would not follow our ship, but the world, or people who "betray" them before their return in the past.

------------------------

As the sun set on the third year, the world had transformed into a haunting shadow of its former self. Cities lay in ruins, overtaken by nature's relentless encroachment and the remnants of humanity's desperation. News of wars, environmental catastrophes, and societal collapse filled the airwaves. For those who still had communication, every message was tinged with fear and uncertainty.

Liam and David's disappearance sparked a moment of concern among their tight-knit group of friends. The text that had arrived the day of their vanishing was now read with both nostalgia and dread; it became a somber reminder of the past that felt so far away. "We'll be there for New Year!" echoed in their minds like an unfulfilled promise.

Over the weeks, whispers of the couple's fate circulated among their friends. Some believed that they had found a way to escape the turmoil, retreating to a hidden refuge in the mountains. Others feared the worst, imagining that they too had fallen victim to the chaos engulfing the world.

And just like that a year passed.

As the new year approached, the remaining friends held on to rituals that felt like anchors in the storm. They gathered in what remained of an old community center, sharing stories of better days, reciting laughter and joy that seemed almost alien in the current climate. People brought what little they had: canned food, worn-out blankets, and flickering candles that cast long shadows on the crumbling walls.

In this gathering, there was a bittersweet unity. It was a reminder that despite the world outside, they were still alive and human, yearning for connection. As the clock neared midnight, a flicker of hope ignited within the group. They lit candles in honor of their missing friends, unsure if it would ever reach them, but it felt right nonetheless.

Suddenly, amidst the dim light and hushed voices, a rumble shook the ground—a distant reminder that the world hadn't forgotten its cruel parodic nature. Yet, it also drove them to embrace the moment. They linked arms, standing together as the countdown began.

With each passing second, the weight of despair momentarily lifted. "Three... two... one!" They exhaled a collective breath, a release of pent-up fear and grief, and shouted, "Happy New Year!" The sound echoed through the broken hall, reverberating against the walls as if even the universe listened.

In that moment, they chose not to dwell on loss or fear but to honor the bonds that remained. The intensity of their shared emotions painted the night sky with flickering hopes, like stars emerging from the darkness.

And somewhere far beyond the reach of their fading light, Liam and David stood at the edge of an unknown expanse, gazing into the dawn of a new world—one that was just as daunting, yet beautifully untouched. With hands entwined, they whispered to themselves completely uncaring of others than each other.

The fourth year began.