BLACKOUT

by Becky Bain

(Originally published in the 'zine Within the Crystal Rose, Vol.5, under the title "Star Light, Star Bright," using the pseudonym ofAnna Gerard.)

Using the tiny beam from the penlight she carried in her purse,Catherine managed to get her door unlocked and stepped into the darkapartment. Dropping her things on a chair, she found herbattery-powered radio and turned it on. The still air in theapartment was heavy and oppressive, so she moved to open the balconydoors while she listened to the announcer describing theblackout.

All five boroughs, plus neighboring portions of Connecticut, NewJersey, and Long Island were affected by the power outage brought onby peak demand on this scorching July evening. A major malfunction atone of the power plants compounded the problem. But, the announcerpromised, they hoped to have electricity restored within thehour.

"Good," Catherine muttered, stepping outside in the hope offinding a breeze. She stood at the railing and looked down.There wasno moon. The pervasive blackness was pierced only by headlights ofthe cars below, and even those were few; most people were stayingindoors.

She glanced up and gasped, staring at the sky for a full minutebefore turning abruptly and hurrying to her front door. A suddenthought made her go back to the kitchen; she returned seconds laterwith a flashlight in her hand.

Moving at breakneck speed, she clattered down eighteen flights ofstairs with only the flashlight's bobbing beam to guide her. In thebasement, she made her way quickly to the far side, pushing boxesaside to clear the doorway to the tunnels. Scrambling down the ladderas quickly as she dared, she began to run.

Vincent had sensed her urgency and met her halfway.

"I'm glad you're here," she gasped, seizing his hand and tuggingimpatiently. "Hurry, there's not much time!"

Puzzled but indulgent, he let her pull him along to one of thePark entrances. They emerged into the sultry night and Catherinepointed upward.

"Look!"

Vincent raised his head dutifully and caught his breath. He hadnever seen so many stars. Head tipped back, he moved in a slowcircle, overwhelmed by the splendid sight.

"It's beautiful," he whispered in wonder.

Somewhere, far away, someone threw a switch. The city's lightscame on, and all but the brightest stars disappeared.

The End