Warning And Choices

Lian stared at her phone, her thumb hovering over the call button.

Telling her parents about the apocalypse was dangerous. If they didn't believe her, they might dismiss her warnings. If they did, it could change everything.

She took a breath and pressed the call.

It rang twice before her mother answered. "Lian? It's late, what's wrong?"

Lian closed her eyes briefly. How do you tell your family the world is ending?

"Mom," she said, her voice steady. "You need to listen to me carefully."

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The First Warning

Her mother paused. "Lian, what's going on?"

"There's going to be a disaster," Lian said. "Something terrible is coming in a few months. You and Dad need to prepare."

Silence.

Then, a nervous laugh. "What are you talking about?"

Lian clenched her fist. "I know it sounds insane, but I need you to trust me. Stock up on food, medicine, and supplies. Stay away from crowded places when things start getting strange. And if I tell you to leave the city, you need to do it immediately."

"Lian"

"I'm serious."

Her mother exhaled. "Honey, is this about the stress at work? You sound"

"This isn't stress, Mom." Lian's voice sharpened. "I know what's going to happen. Please, just do what I say. If I'm wrong, you'll only have extra supplies. But if I'm right…"

She let the sentence hang.

Another pause. Then: "Alright. I'll talk to your father."

Relief flooded Lian, but it was fleeting. "Thank you. And Mom?"

"Yes?"

"I love you."

Her mother hesitated. "I love you too, sweetheart. But you're scaring me."

Lian swallowed. "I know."

She ended the call before she could lose her nerve.

Chen was watching her from across the room. "How did it go?"

"She's skeptical, but she'll listen."

He nodded. "Good."

Lian crossed her arms. "You need to call your parents too."

Chen exhaled. "Yeah. I know."

---

A Soldier's Burden

Chen stepped out onto the balcony, gripping his phone. He had always been the strong one in the family the one who handled things. This was different.

His father picked up first. "Chen? It's late."

"I need you to listen carefully."

A pause. Then his father's voice, wary. "I'm listening."

"Something's coming. A biological disaster. It'll spread fast, and the government won't be able to contain it. You and Mom need to prepare."

His father didn't react immediately. That was a good sign. "How do you know this?"

Chen closed his eyes. "Because I do. Trust me."

Silence. Then: "Understood."

Just like that.

Chen exhaled. "Stock up. Don't ask questions. And if I tell you to move, you move."

"I'll take care of it," his father said. "Your mother"

"She doesn't need to know everything," Chen interrupted. "Just make sure she's safe."

Another pause. "You're not telling me everything, are you?"

"No."

His father sighed. "Alright. I'll get to work."

"Thanks, Dad."

"Take care of yourself, son."

Chen ended the call and stared out at the city. In a few months, it would be unrecognizable.

He turned back to Lian. "It's done."

She nodded. "Now we focus on surviving."

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