8 -The Signs Are Worldwide

For as long as Autumn could remember, Aunt Rose was never the affectionate type. The day Autumn moved in with her and Uncle Ray, Rose's world turned upside down. She took Autumn in, not out of kindness, but because she had no other choice. Autumn believed Rose disliked her because she was a constant reminder of Peggy Winters—Autumn’s mother—and how different they were from one another. Peggy Winters 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 Autumn’s mother said Autumn was just like her, friendly with a cheerful personality, and all of Aunt Rose's patients loved Autumn. Autumn took their minds off their worries by dancing and singing in the house, making everyone laugh and feel happy despite their pain. Autumn loved dancing and having fun; one day, she had hoped to dress up in fancy clothes and go dancing in the city of Terra. But now that Calvin is gone, it will 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, Autumn never envisioned herself living as a farmer's wife. Yet holding on to her dreams, despite everything, gave her hope.

After leaving the house to buy supplies, Autumn felt the cool breeze against her skin and admired the Madhfel scenery. She reflected on her childhood, having lost both her parents before she 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—Autumn’s life was unvarnished, and she learned that turning away from the truth only left her 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. Autumn never bought into that, even with Calvin; it took her time to fall for him. Love, for Autumn, was cautious—a slow-burning flame she protected fiercely. She believed in its existence, sure, but never trusted it to save her. Autumn learned to call a spade a spade, to see the world as it was, not as she wished it would be. That honesty shaped her, made her resilient, and sometimes made her a little stubborn.

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

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

Autumn enjoys 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 Autumn can’t afford. She’s just happy to take a seat for the complimentary part.

Even for just 10 minutes, Autumn feels like she’s traveling the world, escaping her small town. A special news report flashes on the screen, and her heart races with nerves and excitement as the handsome AI news anchorman starts asking her questions.

Are you a CONCERNED citizen?

Autumn replied, "Yes!"

Are you seriously worried? Are you a CONCERNED citizen?

Autumn nods and says yes.

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

Autumn 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 Autumn what’s happening. It almost feels like her seat is moving as the screen zooms across the globe, and Autumn watches with growing excitement. Suddenly, she’s 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, Autumn is still curious and excited. She’s 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.

Autumn knows 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. Her heart aches over these truths, but before she can drop a tear, Autumn is 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."

Autumn is asked if she has any questions with only a minute left. There is one question she hopes for quick answers to before her time runs 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.

Autumn didn’t have any money to buy tokens for the upgrade. She knew she had to head back. She started home with the food and supplies for her Aunt Rose. As Autumn pedals her bike quickly, the sky changes from bright blue to a strange dark gray.

"Is rain on the way?"

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

The last of the daylight was fading.

That’s when Autumn saw it: It wasn’t a tree or a boulder or anything that belonged in the middle of the road. Her heart pounded as she realized it was a body. A person lurched out of the shadows and into her path. She barely had time to react. Autumn grabbed the brakes, tires screeching on the gravel, the world tilting as she 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 Autumn instinctively did what any other human should do. She went to help. Autumn had no idea that nothing would ever be the same.