10:43PM SUNDAY                                            6 DAYS TILL THE WORLD ENDS

Dad never came home that night. Mom was worried sick and trying to clean the house which she does when somethings bothering her. Jazzy had left right after the announcement came on and was probably sitting with her mom doing what everyone was doing, waiting for the take back. For the HWEG to come out and say "We're sorry. The world isn't going to explode. Go back to your daily lives." James was sitting earnestly on the sofa. he hadn't moved since 8 this morning when he came down here. Me? Well lets just say I still didn't know what to think. I did know one thing, though, that everyone was refusing to admit, the world was going to explode. And we were going to die. And nothing could stop it.

Suddenly James moved. He stood up and looked at me and Mom. "I'm going to play X-box." I threw my hands up.

"What?!" I said "The world's going to end and your going to do what you've done for the past four years nonstop?"

"Relax, Chloe. You heard Dad. Its not ending today, its ending in six days." He said quite irritated.

"So? its still going to end. Don't you think you should spend this precious time with your family?" I snapped.

"Chill, Chloe. I could do that but I'm planning on annoying you guys Thursday and Friday that way the last thing you will remember is that I'm a sucky brother."

"So instead your going to lock yourself away from your  family and pretend like we don't exist?" I asked "Somehow that doesn't seem right..."

"All right both of you stop your bickering!" Mom said, hands on hips. "James stop messing with your sister and Chloe not everyone thinks your adorable." James snorted.

I made a face at him. "It could've been like Christmas. Both of us together yelling insults at each other from ten inches away as we drive down the golden gate bridge." I said as he left. Mom shot me a warning look. That was when I started bottling my emotions. By my standard I was doing OK when it comes to hanging with my family.

Smooth, real smooth Chloe. I thought. Get on Mom's bad side right before we all die.

"Chloe maybe you should go get a breath of fresh air. " Mom said analyzing my blank face. I just stared back at her.

"I think I just need some sleep." I said with a set jaw. I got up. Then there was a knock on the door. both me and Mom made a break for the door. I grabbed the handle flung it open. "Da- Who the heck are you?"

The man at the door wore jeans and a T-shirt that had some band i've never heard of one it and a pristine lab coat. Mom batted my ear.

"Don't be rude Chloe." She scolded. I ate my comeback. "I'm sorry for my daughter's rudeness. How can I help you sir?"

"Oh no, it not a problem at all. I was wondering if this might be the Dooley residence?" He asked

"Yes it is. How can we be of service to you Mr....?" Mom asked

"Trek Colin Trek. I have some grave news for you from your husband. He actually wrote it in a letter..." He pulled out a crumpled envelope and handed it to me. "Good Night Mrs. Dooley." Then he turned and speed walked to his car, a blue hybrid.

I looked at the envolope. It was labled Martha and kids. I ripped it partly open before Mom stopped me. "Wait." she said "James!!"

James appeared in the top of the stairs. "Yeah, mom?"

"Come with us to the kitchen. Your father sent us a letter." She led the way into the kitchen.

Once we were all seated around our kitchen island I finshed ripping it. The note was scribbled in Dad's neat handwriting but it was barely enough to fit on an index card.

Martha and kids-

Please forgive my absence I'm busy around here and with the sudden data collection everyone will be wanting my rear. To keep you all save my boss has offered me a place to stay so I'm taking it. I don't expect you to accept my decision but its already been made. I'll be home late on Thursady night.

                                                                                                                                  -Charles Dooley

"I'm going to take a long shower and then I'm going to bed." I said. I think I made it out of the room before hot red tears stared to roll down my face.