#WritcoStoryPrompt68
A catastrophe has been predicted; we should be alert at all times. It does not describe anything but its severity - which is massive. All we can do is wait and be ready. It will occur at midnight on the dot. Here it comes! 12:01...
12:02... 12:03... 12:10.

Ten minutes of nothing. Anticipation has our blood running cold. An impending sense of acute embarrassment gradually replaces the fear of our lives ending. We've been had; it was a massive prank, and we are standing like fools.

We joke amongst ourselves to give some fun to this absurd situation. A few in the group try to play it cool. Claiming they never believed the prediction to begin with. Lies that folded over themselves at the slightest bit of scrutiny.

Overall, we all sighed with relief, knowing it was a hoax. I am way too young to die; the prospect of dying an excruciatingly painful death at the hands of who knows what frightened me to my core. My comrades will agree with me, saying that we can wait several more decades to learn if there is an afterlife or not.

With residual timidity, I twisted the key into the deadbolt and opened the door, albeit hesitant. It's one of those...