A NEW SUN

My name is Edward, and I found myself in a small convenience store in Seoul, Korea, with my wife and our 7-year-old son, Alex. We were there for my business trip, but the atmosphere was quite different from what I had experienced during previous visits. That year, 2012, a piece of news was spreading like wildfire all over the globe - the End of Earth was predicted for the same year. While many believed it was just fake news, a surprising number of people had fallen prey to this prophecy, leading to chaos and uncertainty across the country.

As we walked through the aisles of the convenience store, the air was filled with tension and anxiety. Strangers exchanged nervous glances and hushed whispers, and the usual cheerful atmosphere of the store had been replaced by an eerie silence. The rumors of the apocalypse had reached even the most remote corners of the world, causing fear and panic.

In the midst of this uncertain atmosphere, my thoughts kept drifting to my family's safety. I tried my best to stay composed for Alex and my wife, Sarah, but the weight of the situation bore heavily on me. As I paid for our purchases, I overheard snippets of conversations - people discussing escape plans, survival strategies, and heartfelt farewells.

Back in our hotel room, I decided it was time to address the situation with my family. We sat together on the bed, and I gently explained the situation, emphasizing that there was no scientific evidence supporting the prophecy. I reassured them that the world was not coming to an end, but it was essential to stay calm and vigilant amid the chaos.

Sarah, always the practical one, suggested we cut our business trip short and return home. However, my work required me to stay longer, and the fear of leaving our son fatherless if something were to happen left me torn. We agreed to reevaluate the situation in a few days, hoping the frenzy would subside.

As the days passed, the hysteria around the supposed end of the world only intensified. The Korean government struggled to maintain order, but misinformation and fear spread like wildfire. Protests erupted, and some people began hoarding supplies while others sought refuge in isolated regions, fearing the city's imminent doom.

With the situation escalating, my anxiety increased tenfold. I found it difficult to focus on my work as uncertainty loomed over our family's future. But amidst the chaos, I also witnessed inspiring acts of kindness and camaraderie. Strangers bonded over shared fears, and communities came together to support one another.

In an attempt to bring some normalcy to our lives, we explored the city when it was safe to do so. We visited historical landmarks and enjoyed traditional Korean cuisine, hoping to distract ourselves from the gloomy news. Although Sarah and I tried to shield Alex from the fear surrounding him, children have an uncanny ability to sense tension, and he became increasingly anxious.

One evening, as we sat in a park watching the sunset, Alex asked with tears in his eyes, "Daddy, will everything be okay?" It broke my heart to see him so distressed. I hugged him tightly and said, "We will do everything in our power to keep you safe, buddy. And remember, we're in this together as a family."

We went back to the hotel and slept through the night hoping nothing would happen in the meantime. I Woke up early in the morning. It was 5 am. It was about time the Sun would rise. I was still thinking about the news while staring out through the window of the building. While I was in my thoughts I noticed the sun was not rising. As a morning person, I knew when the sun would rise. I was a bit tense. I noticed some people who went out to jog, were looking at the west sky. Curious enough I went to another room where I can get to see the west sky more clearly. What I saw was something I never ever imagined or thought about. The sun was rising from the west.

My heart skipped a beat as I witnessed the impossible - the sun rising from the west. I rubbed my eyes, thinking it might be a trick of the light or my imagination running wild. But there it was, the unmistakable sight of the sun breaking the horizon from the opposite direction it should.

In a mix of fear and disbelief, I called out to Sarah, and together we watched in astonishment as the sun continued its unusual trajectory. Panic started to grip me as I recalled the doomsday prophecy. Could this be the sign of the end that people had feared?

Rushing to get Alex, we held him close as we gazed out of the window. Our little boy's innocent face looked up at us, seeking reassurance. I tried to hide my anxiety and managed to muster a weak smile, telling him that sometimes unusual things happen in the world, and we would find out what was going on soon.

Social media exploded with images and videos of the sun's strange behavior, causing widespread confusion and fear. People speculated about the cause - some believed it was a natural phenomenon, while others linked it to the doomsday prophecy. The government was quick to respond, calling for calm and stating that they were investigating the situation.

As the day progressed, scientists and experts around the world worked tirelessly to understand the phenomenon. But they were unable to find the cause of it.

Meanwhile, the sun was rising from the west and it seemed bigger and bigger by the day. The growing size of the sun in the western sky added to the mystery and fear that had gripped the world. Scientists from different disciplines collaborated, trying to unravel the enigma, but each theory they proposed seemed to lead to a dead end. Governments across the globe issued statements to keep the public calm, yet tension remained high.

As the days turned into weeks, the sun's size continued to increase, dominating the western horizon like a colossal golden orb. The media dubbed it "The Great Sun," and it became a symbol of uncertainty and impending doom for some and a source of fascination for others. Conspiracy theories flourished, with some believing it was a sign of an otherworldly presence, while others saw it as a harbinger of the apocalypse.

For Edward and his family, the situation was increasingly unnerving. They stayed glued to the news, searching for any updates that could shed light on the phenomenon. But amidst the chaos, they found strength in their togetherness, supporting each other through difficult times.

As the sun's size continued to expand, it began to affect the Earth's climate and ecosystem. Temperatures rose, leading to heatwaves and extreme weather events in some regions, while others experienced unseasonal cold spells. Plants struggled to adapt, and agriculture faced significant challenges, resulting in food shortages and economic instability.

In the midst of this global turmoil, communities rallied together to support one another. Acts of kindness and resilience became more common than ever before. People learned to set aside their differences and unite to face the unprecedented circumstances that lay ahead.

Meanwhile, the scientific community intensified its efforts, leaving no stone unturned in their quest for answers. Observatories and research centers collaborated to study the sun's behavior, examining it from space and utilizing advanced technology to analyze its every aspect. Despite their best efforts, the cause of the sun's unusual behavior remained elusive.

As the months passed, a ray of hope emerged. A group of brilliant scientists discovered a correlation between the sun's changes and a series of rare cosmic events that were happening far beyond our solar system. They theorized that the alignment of these celestial phenomena was influencing the sun's behavior.

But that hope didn't remain for too long. Edward was out early in the morning to get supplies for his family. Throughout these tough times, he formed a hobby to see the sun rise from the west. Like every day, he went to an open space next to where they were living to watch the sunrise. The sun was rising from the west, and Edward got used to it. But something was wrong with the sun. It was looking more red than its usual form. And it seemed like the sun was still moving and eventually it was above his head. Edward's eyes were in shock and fear as he made a run for his family.

Edward's heart raced as he rushed back to the hotel, his mind filled with panic and confusion. He burst through the door, finding Sarah and Alex still fast asleep. He shook Sarah awake, trying to find the right words to convey what he had just witnessed.

"Sarah, wake up! Something's wrong with the sun! It's moving, and it's now above our heads," Edward exclaimed, his voice trembling with fear.

Sarah, still groggy from sleep, struggled to comprehend what he was saying. But the urgency in his tone compelled her to get out of bed and follow him outside. Together, they stepped into the open space where Edward had been observing the sunrise each day.

To their horror, they saw the sun now high in the sky, positioned where it would normally be during midday. The red hue of the sun was striking and unsettling, casting an eerie glow over everything around them. It was clear that something was terribly wrong with the celestial body that had once been a constant in their lives.

They stood there, frozen in shock, wondering what this new development meant for the world. As time passed, the sun's red glow intensified, and the heat became unbearable. The once pleasant morning turned into an oppressive inferno. Panic spread among the people in the vicinity, and everyone scrambled for shelter.

Edward, Sarah, and Alex retreated back to their hotel room, where they stayed glued to the news and online updates. The situation was rapidly deteriorating, and global communications were breaking down due to the solar interference. Governments struggled to provide coherent responses as they faced this unprecedented crisis.

Time 12:10 pm. The whole world was trying to understand this new situation. The sun didn't move an inch. The world was waiting for an answer from the scientists that were working on this situation. The cloak hit 12:12 pm. And the End Time began to tick as a sudden earthquake struck on the whole of Korea. with destructive force.

The sudden earthquake caught everyone off guard, causing widespread chaos and devastation. Buildings swayed, and the ground shook violently, leaving people scrambling for safety. Panic gripped the streets, and communication networks faltered as the seismic activity wreaked havoc.

Edward, Sarah, and Alex found themselves in the midst of the chaos. They huddled under a sturdy table in their hotel room, holding onto each other tightly. The tremors seemed to last forever, and fear consumed them as they wondered if this was a consequence of the sun's instability or an entirely new disaster.

As the earthquake finally subsided, they cautiously emerged from their hiding spot, surveying the damage around them. The once bustling city now lay in ruins, and the atmosphere was heavy with uncertainty and grief. They checked their belongings and found that their supplies had been scattered across the room, but thankfully, they were unharmed.

When they thought it was over, the earth started to shake again beneath them. The second wave of the earthquake caught Edward and his family off guard, and they struggled to maintain their balance as the ground shook violently beneath them. The already damaged hotel began to crumble around them, and debris fell from the ceilings and walls.

With adrenaline coursing through their veins, they hurriedly made their way through the collapsing building, navigating through the chaos and darkness. Sarah held tightly to Alex's hand, while Edward led the way, trying to find the safest path to the exit.

The screams of other guests and staff echoed through the halls, adding to the terror of the situation. The once-familiar environment had become a nightmarish maze of destruction and uncertainty. Each step they took was fraught with danger, and they had to be vigilant of falling objects and unstable structures.

Finally, they reached the stairwell, only to find that it had partially collapsed, blocking their escape route. The realization that they were trapped intensified their fear. They knew they had to find another way out, and fast.

Thinking quickly, Edward spotted a partially open window nearby. With the last of his strength, he pushed it open, and a faint glimmer of daylight shone through. Without a second thought, he urged his family to climb out, one by one. With Alex in his arms, he hoisted himself through the window, and Sarah followed suit.

As they emerged onto a narrow ledge outside the building, they saw that the city had descended into chaos. Other buildings were also collapsing, and emergency sirens wailed in the distance. The ground continued to tremble, making every step treacherous.

With their hearts pounding, Edward guided his family along the ledge, seeking a way down to safety. They moved carefully, trying to remain steady despite the aftershocks. It was a heart-wrenching journey as they witnessed the devastation of the city they had once known.

Finally, they found a fire escape that led down to the street. They descended carefully, taking each step with utmost caution. The sight that greeted them at ground level was heart-rending. The city they loved was now reduced to rubble and dust.

Amidst the destruction, they found people helping one another, offering comfort and support. Edward, Sarah, and Alex joined the efforts to assist those in need, even as their own fear and exhaustion weighed heavily on their shoulders.

As the emergency broadcast echoed through the air, the gravity of the situation became even more apparent to Edward, Sarah, and Alex. The earthquake they had experienced was not isolated to their city or country; it had affected the entire world. This catastrophic event was unlike anything humanity had faced before.

Helicopters hovered above, relaying crucial information to the people below. The broadcast informed everyone that the earthquake was part of a global seismic event, triggered by the instability of the sun. The sun's inexplicable behavior had caused a chain reaction in the Earth's core, leading to earthquakes and natural disasters on a scale never witnessed in history.

With heavy hearts, Edward, Sarah, and Alex listened to the broadcast, knowing that they were part of a collective struggle that spanned continents. The devastation and loss of life were beyond comprehension, and the scale of the disaster left humanity reeling.

The emergency services, governments, and organizations worldwide were mobilizing to provide aid and support to those affected. Relief efforts were underway, but the scale of the disaster posed immense challenges. The need for food, water, shelter, and medical assistance was overwhelming, and resources were stretched thin.

Edward was with his family he was looking at the sky where the sun was still soaring. He could only think of worse from there on.