There was a loud, piercing and Earth-shattering boom that echoed furiously around me. Suddenly the lights went out. The TV was silenced. My initial thoughts was that there was a power outage in the neighbourhood. I reached my pocket for my smart phone. I taps the screen but it didn’t respond. I tried resetting it through the side but it didn’t show any signs of life. I mentally painted the layout of my living room as I started shuffling my feet and avoiding pieces of furniture that would trip me over in the darkness. I got to the hallway and into the kitchen, careful not to hit my hips against the table. My hands explored the surfaces like snakes in the darkness, the touch recognising familiar shapes and handles. I found the draw with the lighter. I pulled it open and scattered my fingers across its contents to find that small rectangular shape. I found it and took it out. Spark. A small flame illuminated the kitchen poorly. At least I wasn’t blind I randomly thought. Another idea, i searched another draw and found the really expensive candle that I got for Christmas many years ago. Who knew that I would need it now. I lit it and the flame jumped alive. At least I wouldn’t have to keep my finger on the gas.

I looked outside and I could see in the faint starlight others suffering too.