In the End-time Sandstorm, I Buried My Mother-in-law's Family in the Sand

On the second-to-last day before the apocalypse, I went out to gather a few more supplies. By this point, I’d already stocked up on most of what I needed, but I couldn’t shake the thought of how boring life might get once everything fell apart.

I waited until Luther was at work and my mother-in-law was out at her dance class before heading back to their house. I set up hidden cameras in a few strategic spots, curious to see how they’d react when they realized they were cut off.

So far, they hadn’t noticed that I’d canceled their access to our joint accounts. They were probably down to their last bit of cash by now.

I couldn’t wait to see the panic set in when they realized there was nothing left for them to live off of.

Last time, I had foolishly stocked up on supplies after hearing the weather warnings, and it ended up keeping Luther, his mother, and Hayley going for a while. They repaid me by turning on me at the first sign of trouble.

This time, I wasn’t going to make the same mistake.

As I was leaving, I ran into Hayley in the neighborhood. She got off work earlier than Luther, and when she saw me, she waved her keys, smirking. “Well, if it isn’t Sophia. Enjoying your hotel stay?”

I gave her a cold smile. “Much better than staying in that house that reeks of you. If I hadn’t come back to grab a few things, I wouldn’t have known how fast it picked up your scent.”

Her face went pale, and she looked at me in shock.

I didn’t bother sticking around to see her reaction and just walked away.

They said in times of peace, you bought antiques while in times of chaos, you bought gold. On the final day, I kept a bit of cash on hand and used the rest to buy gold.

I also grabbed some books and downloaded movies, TV shows, and e-books onto my phone and tablet.

That evening, I treated myself to a feast, sweet and sour ribs, braised fish, and cumin beef. I savored every bite.

Around nine, as I was settling into bed after a shower, my phone rang. It was Luther.

I didn’t answer. They’d probably just realized the cards were deactivated and were calling to beg.

Later that night, just as I was drifting off to sleep, the sandstorm arrived silently. The end of the world had begun.