8 -The Signs Are Worldwide

Autumn's POV

For as long as I could remember, Aunt Rose was never the affectionate type. The day I moved in with her and Uncle Ray, it turned her world upside down. She took me in, not out of kindness, but because she had no other choice. I believed Rose disliked me because I was a constant reminder of my mother and how different they were from one another. Peggy Winters, my mother, was outgoing, smart, and a social butterfly, while Aunt Rose, her sister-in-law, was quiet, kept to herself, and had married but couldn't have children.

Everyone who knew my mother said I was just like her, friendly with a cheerful personality, and all of Aunt Rose's patients loved me. I took their minds off their worries by dancing and singing in the house, making everyone laugh and feel happy despite their pain. I love dancing and having fun; one day, I had hoped to dress up in fancy clothes and go dancing in the city of Terra. But now that Calvin is gone. It'll never be a reality.

Life in Madhfel often felt lonelier, with only the wind and sky as company. Despite the attention from a few local guys, I never envisioned myself living as a farmer's wife. Yet holding on to my dreams, despite everything, gave me hope.

After leaving the house to buy supplies, I felt the cool breeze against my skin and admired the Madhfel scenery. I reflected on my childhood, having lost both my parents before I could even remember their laughter. Aunt Rose's old house was filled with silence, louder than any storm, and each day felt like a test. There was no room for fairy tales—my life was unvarnished, and I learned that turning away from the truth only left me stumbling in the dark.

Some people talk about Cupid’s arrows, the sudden flash of love, as if it’s something magical that can change your whole world. I never bought into that, even with Calvin; it took me time to fall for him. Love, for me, was cautious—a slow-burning flame I protected fiercely. I believed in its existence, sure, but I never trusted it to save me. I learned to call a spade a spade, to see the world as it was, not as I wished it would be. That honesty shaped me, made me resilient, and sometimes made me a little stubborn.

Adjusting to change became second nature after I lost my parents and moved in with Aunt Rose and Uncle Ray. I learned to pack my life into boxes and preserve memories. Friends came and went, and I often questioned if anyone understood the depth of my loss. I never mastered the art of pretending or ignoring pain; instead, I faced it head-on and savored joy, aware of its fleeting nature.

After shopping for clams, fish, and gauze, I stopped by the Madhfel Cafe. I checked out the interactive online feature showcasing personal travel stories. I used to visit every week before losing my job.

I enjoy visiting here since it’s an affordable way to see how people in other countries live and interact. The cafe has changed recently, though it is still unique and fun. You get the first 10 minutes of live, interactive video for free, but after that, it costs a few dollars, which I can’t afford. I’m just happy to take a seat for the complimentary part.

Even for just 10 minutes, I feel like I’m traveling the world, escaping this small town. A special news report flashes on the screen, and my heart races with nerves and excitement as the handsome AI news anchorman starts asking me questions.

Are you a CONCERNED citizen?

I replied, "Yes!"

Are you seriously worried? Are you a CONCERNED citizen?

I nod and say yes.

Are you seriously worried ABOUT YOUR FUTURE AND THAT OF Planet Earth?

I answered yes again.

Then, if you are, you might want to consider the challenges you and everyone else will face during these tough, critical times. Get Ready! Because you’re about to see what’s happening every day in different parts of the world:

“Now we are heading to a beautiful place on Earth, called Australia!"

The interactive AI news reporter tells me what’s happening. It almost feels like my seat is moving as the screen zooms across the globe, and I watch with growing excitement. Suddenly, I’m inside a home in Australia, where a family is gathered around their television.

The anchorman says. "As you can see, increasingly the internet is proving to be a dangerous place to visit."

A fourteen-year-old girl is at the computer, unaware she's talking to a pedophile. Her slightly older brother is being bullied online, while their parents are in the kitchen, upset about trolls and hackers who stole their credit card information, putting them thousands of dollars in debt.

'And it’s not just this family,' says the AI news reporter in Australia. 'It’s happening all over the world and beyond. Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the world... The internet provides another outlet for one of the worst traits of humankind​—the capacity to be vicious and cruel to one another.' Then, words flash across the screen:

FINANCIAL INEQUALITY:

"Now let's travel to the United Kingdom to Oxfam, where a confederation of 20 independent charitable organizations has been focusing on the alleviation of global poverty for many decades. "

  Even though it’s sad to watch these events, I’m still curious and excited. I’ve always wanted to visit the UK. Wow, it’s beautiful here!

A recent Oxfam International report reveals that the eight richest people have as much wealth as the poorer half of humanity. Oxfam states that "broken economies" are concentrating wealth among a wealthy elite, mainly impacting the poorest, particularly women. This growing inequality is linked to rising social unrest.

I know this is true, especially the part about women. Women are often paid less than men for the same job, and many times they’re left raising children alone. My heart aches over these truths, but before I can drop a tear, I’m whisked away to other places around the world.

The Global Risks Report 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland, explains. “It's pollution of the air and sea. It has become an increasingly grave threat to human health here on Planet Earth. Also, insect numbers are in steep decline in some lands. Because insects pollinate plants, scientists are now warning of a potential “ecological Armageddon.” Coral reefs are in trouble, too. Scientists estimate that about half the world’s reefs have died in the past 30 years."

I'm asked if I have any questions with only a minute left. One question, I was hoping for quick answers to before my time ran out. Are governments around the world able to make the changes needed for a safer, more secure Planet Earth?"

The screen flashes the words in big bold print. "Sorry, Your Time Is Up. If you would like to extend your travel time, you can purchase tokens and continue your exciting informational travels. Once you upgrade your trip by making a payment, you can ask questions, and we will provide answers. Thank you for experiencing Planet-G****e." The screen in the booth turned off, and it was time to go.

I didn’t have any money to buy tokens for the upgrade. I knew I had to head back. I started home with the food and supplies for my aunt Rose. As I pedal my bike quickly, the sky changes from bright blue to a strange dark gray.

"Is rain on the way?"

I watched the dark clouds gather out of nowhere, their edges glowing white. The sky looked strange again this evening. But I kept pedaling home. It was times like this one when I really wish I had been able to keep my job long enough to buy myself a car. If I had a car, shopping trips like this would be so much easier.

The last of the daylight was fading. 

That’s when I saw it: It wasn’t a tree or a boulder or anything that belonged in the middle of the road. My heart pounded as I realized it was a body. A person lurched out of the shadows and into my path. I barely had time to react. I grabbed the brakes, tires screeching on the gravel, the world tilting as I swerved to avoid hitting the person. Time seemed to slow, and every sound grew sharper. The figure fell, landing in the tall grass at the edge of the road. For a moment, everything felt frozen. The air was charged, the sky grew darker with the last light of day diminished, and I instinctively did what any other human should do. I went to help. I had no idea that nothing would ever be the same.