: "The Last Message"

(The radio station crackles to life. Outside, auroras ripple across the sky in unnatural colors. The power flickers.) Maya: Grandpa, is it safe to be in here with all the lights going crazy? Elliot: If the world’s ending, might as well end it on the airwaves. Sit down, kiddo. (He flips a switch. The radio whines, then settles.) Elliot (into mic): This is Elliot Grant, broadcasting live on 102.7 KELT — if anyone’s still listening. The sky’s dancing outside, and the machines are buzzing like they’ve got souls. Maybe they do. Maya: You always talk like it’s a story. Elliot (smiling): Maybe it is. Maybe we’re just part of one big story. (Suddenly, the radio crackles. A new voice comes through, distorted but clear enough.) The Voice: …Elliot Grant… you’re not alone. Maya (wide-eyed): Did you hear that? Elliot (leaning in): Who is this? The Voice: The signal’s weak. But we’re out here. Still listening. (The transmission fades to static. Silence.) Maya (whispers): Who was that? Elliot: I don’t know. But it means someone else is out there. Somewhere. (He smiles, turns a dial, and the music starts — an old jazz tune echoing into the storm.)