Work Text:
Beep
Beep
Beep
Like every day for the last twenty years or so, Alyx cracks one eye open in the dark. And just like every day before, her hand snakes out from the blanket to her phone. Only, Alyx does not hit snooze. Instead, she silences the device and sinks back into her pillow. She dozes, warm and floating in that state between consciousness and sleep; she doesn’t rise until rays of sunlight stream over her face as birds croon their aubade.
For the first time in forever, Alyx is… rested. Without anywhere to be. Stretching, spine curving backwards like a cat, Alyx raises her hands towards the ceiling and inhales deeply. Perhaps there was something to yoga, after all. A few more movements then she fishes her phone from its bed shroud. 7:34 am. Giggling and running in place on her tiptoes as if she is 15 not 35, Alyx declares aloud it is going to be a fucking phenomenal day.
For today is the Last Day . They’d known about the meteor for weeks but hid it from the public –only no one could hide the giant ball of fire in the sky now. She waters her plants, and while playing with her cat she responds to a few messages:
No, I will not be at work, FUCK YOU
Girl, we fucking called it #meteor2055
I love you
I love you
I love you
I love you
Blasting upbeat 2000s music she dances into an everything-shower and puts on her very own concert while exfoliating, shaving, and treating herself to a sinful amount of expensive deep conditioner. Steam escapes as she sashays out to the kitchen, naked save the towel-turban around her hair, not caring about a pudgy tummy or stretch marks. She shivers as the cool morning air kisses her damp skin into gooseflesh. Equal care is taken in making and eating breakfast–using the good plates!–when Alyx finally leaves the apartment it’s almost noon.
Laughing, she straddles her bike and finds out it’s true, you never forget how to ride! Soon she can even bike no-hands. She waves to everyone; the day is beautiful, warm but not hot, the sky a brilliant clear blue, and the meteor shining across from the sun like a brilliant daystar. It’ll get bigger throughout the day until it’s too bright to see anything else, but for now time is hers.
On a corner, a small diverse crowd gathers outside a divey little donut shop, around a short woman in a flour-dusted apron.
“How much?” Alyx asks, opening her bag. The sweet Korean owner shakes her head sadly, simply pressing the white bag into her hands. “These are my favorites. Enjoy, sweetie.” Alyx takes a bite in front of the baker; it’s the best donut she’s ever had.
The bookstore sets out bins and boxes, encouraging passersby to take a novel or two; a few doors down, Alyx is lured into an impromptu ceramics class. The power fails early in the afternoon; cell service goes next, but no one really minds. A mismatched band sets up in the street; everyone is encouraged to play. People dance and sing, share food and stories; Alyx meets neighbors she never knew she had. Around 3, someone suggests feeding the ducks before it’s too late, and everyone happily moves to the park, tossing bread and seeds to the awaiting water fowl.
Alyx rests against a tall tree. The branches sway in the wind, blue sky peaks in on her between the leaves, and lulls her into contentment. This is what life should have been like, it’s science fact. Humans happily being humans in the Garden of Eden.
It’s there she stays until the end. The light is bright, brighter than anything she’s ever experienced. But it doesn’t hurt. She feels relaxed, at peace, her entire being enveloped in a warm embrace. She surrenders to it, blissfully awaiting the sweet release of her consciousness to the ether.
Beep
Beep
Beep
Reluctantly, Alyx cracks one eye open in the dark, faint spots of color dancing before her eyes. The fading evidence of salvation. The whirr of a machine winds down and the door of the neuro-pod opens with a pop !
It’s always over too soon. Her face wet with tears spilled out of happiness, now fresh tears run out of grief for what she’s lost. Silently, Alyx gathers her things and exits into the drab and grey concrete jungle, throwing a glance back inside the building. Faded letters etched on the door promises “Unleash your wildest desire! Happiness guaranteed!” A large sign slapped over them reads: “ CLOSING SOON - TITLE 53 (§§ 000101 – 132)”.
With a sigh, she turns, and smacks directly into a man walking up. He starts, nervously backing up to a respectable 6 feet.
He gestures to his face. She forgot to put her mask on.
His eyes glance to the door, and back to her, as if trying to make a decision.
“Do it,” Alyx says aloud impulsively. The man’s eyebrows shoot up at the violation and he bolts away. She laughs, and calls after him, “It's worth it!”