Time for Bed

If you can’t change the ending, maybe you can change the script.

“…extremely aggressive maneuvers clearly indicate conquest. Civilian casualties are projected to be total in all remaining zones. The enemy is executing a full-clearing operation. No life will remain...”

CLICK!

“…all analyses confirm total operational failure. Resistance has collapsed. Allied forces have withdrawn. Hostile units will not take prisoners. No rescue is possible...”

CLICK!

“…the government has activated an end-of-life protocol. All civilians are urged to follow all instructions carefully and calmly.”

"Honey, please. That’s enough for now. Turn it off."

CLICK!

***

They moved their mattress into the living room so they could lie together, all three. The government's instruction sheet indicated everyone should gather in a ground-level room with open windows.

Hanna believed it was all for fun—a family slumber party. Maybe they’d watch a movie. Diane saw a child psychologist recommend that on TV.

She nervously glanced at the screen to check the countdown timer. There were people fighting in the street. Police.

Diane started to cry. Everything was just happening so fast.

***

Garrett had a deep cut on his eyebrow, blood dripping onto his dirty shirt.

He shook his head, resigned.

"What happened?" Diane, alarmed, tried to keep her voice low.

"I was thinking, what if I could get some of the masks?"

“But…why?” she asked, eyes wide.

"It was bad, Diane. Someone started shooting..." his voice trailed off.

"Please, Gare, not so loud," she whispered. "We agreed not to, I thought...?"

"I felt like I had to try. I just wanted..."

“I love you for trying,” she said, pulling him towards her. “I just love you.”

Garrett squeezed her so hard it hurt.

***

"Sweetie, please," Diane begged. "We all need to take the sleepytime medicine."

"I not sick! No want it!” Hanna protested. She clasped a tiny hand over her mouth.

"Watch daddy!" Garrett pressed the dosing cup against his lips and pretended to swallow. "Mmmm, grape!"

"Careful,” Diane cautioned. “They only gave us just enough..."

“Me do it,” Hanna negotiated, reaching for Garrett’s hand.

Diane leaned in and kissed Hanna’s temple. Smelled her hair.

“That’s my good girl.”

***

It almost felt like any other night.

They lay together on the mattress and softly sang along to Hanna’s favorite bedtime CD:

Everyone is sleeping—

From little fishies in the sea

To the birdies in the trees,

Yes, everyone is sleeping.

Oh, it’s time for bed,

My sleepy head,

I’ll see you when I’m dreaming.

They heard the rumble of trucks outside. Dogs barked as soldiers shouted to each other, working their way down the street.

Hanna, rosy-cheeked, was fast asleep—a relief.

Garrett squeezed Diane's hand. "Remember, breathe deep," he said in a tired voice.

Diane closed her eyes. Hanna, cozy and warm, was tucked in between them.

Rubber tubes slid through open windows. Then a hissing sound. The gas had a sweet, citrus odor, just like they said it would. She thought that smelled nice.

---