The clocks stopped at 1:17. A long shear of light and then a series of low concussions. He got up and went to the window. What is it? she said. He didnt answer. He went to the bathroom and threw the lightswitch but the power was already gone. A dull glow rose in the windowglass. He dropped to one knee and raised the lever to stop the tub and then turned on both taps as far as they would go. She was standing in the doorway in her nightwear, clutching the jamb, cradling her belly in one hand. What is is? she said. What is happening?I dont know.Why are you taking a bath?I'm not.
In the story, time freezes at 1:17 when an intense flash of light is followed by a series of muted explosions. The characters, engulfed in confusion, are struck by the sudden loss of power and the chaotic atmosphere around them. The man instinctively checks the bathroom for light, but the darkness prevails, intensifying the sense of dread and uncertainty. He feels compelled to fill the bathtub, perhaps seeking some form of normalcy amidst the chaos.
The woman, appearing anxious and bewildered, questions the man's actions, trying to understand the situation unfolding around them. She clings to the doorframe, clearly distressed and protective, highlighting her vulnerability in this dire moment. The stark dialogue between them emphasizes their disorientation as they grapple with an incomprehensible reality, portraying the overarching theme of survival against an ominous backdrop.