A Day with Light
    
I was in bed thinking about the past, a time of sunshine, sports, riding my bike, but that stuff was gone. Those things were in the light, a place that is lost in time.
    
“Jack, come to the kitchen. I made breakfast,” yelled my mother.
    
Frantically, I hopped off my bed and scrambled to the kitchen. In my mother’s room I heard the news on TV. She always forgot about the TV because of her busy work taking care of the bunker.

My brother, Liam, and my mother were sitting at the counter discussing radiation levels. I tried to ignore them because I hated radiation talk. On the table were some dumplings and toast. I sat down, and then I heard Mom whisper to Liam, “Today is the day.”
    
Liam’s eyes went wide open, and he nodded very slowly.
    
I was kinda confused and thought, Whaaaaaat? But then I remembered the days of sunshine. However, the thoughts of torment and bloodshed came over me, bombs and guns giving people no chance. I was afraid of the outside.
    
“Jack, are you OK?” Liam firmly said with a stern face. “You have not eaten anything.”
    
I stutter, “Oh, umm, I was er . . . thinking.”

    
I was reading a book when Mom said, “Come here, Jack. It’s time to go.”
    
I knew what was coming, but I knew that I had to do it. I followed Mom down the tunnels until we arrived at the stairs. I shuddered as I carefully walked up the stairs and then asked, “Where is Liam?”
    
“He’s already out,” stated Mom.
    
When we finally got to the big door, I closed my eyes in fear as Mother switched the entrance lever, ready for what was beyond the door. Instead, I saw beautiful trees and people. I mean, it was hard to see them, but I could see every detail. The kids and parents flooded out of their bunkers and rushed out to play. I was crying hard and hugging Mom. All she did was smile at me and say, “Now go play with your brother.”