He kicked the pedal three times, sending the engine howling to the moon. Still the car slowed down. She turned around and saw two large bits of plastic lying on the road behind them. “Fuck!â€? was all he managed to scream as he furiously punched the steering wheel. Slowly the car came to a stop. She got out, stepping into a cold cloud of night and stared at the lights in the distance.

“And now?â€? he shouted shaking his head.
“Calm down for Christ’s sake. You’re really starting to piss me off! It’s not the end of the world.â€? she sounded angry this time. To her surprise he stopped punching the car and even breathed slower. He got out and put his jacket around her naked shoulders, holding her tight in his arms. “I hope you’re right.â€? he said.

Suddenly all hell broke lose. All around them hundreds of explosions went off and lit the land as if it were day. Red and orange light bursted out all around them. No matter where they turned, the sky was burning.

“Happy new year.â€? she whispered, still in his arms.