The comet was as big as Texas when Earth crossed into its path. It began around midnight, as the sun's rays vaporized its icy surface, setting the stage for the most spectacular sky show the world had ever seen.

As particles from the comet entered Earth's atmosphere, streaks of neon yellow, blue, green, and purple ignited the night sky. Those still awake gasped in wonder, calling it a gift from God.

The glowing dust drifted downward, staying lit like tiny fireflies as it fell. Children, wide-eyed with excitement, chased the colors, giggling as they reached out to catch the shimmering light in their hands. But the moment their fingers closed around it; the glow faded—leaving nothing but dull, gray dust.

For hours, the world forgot its worries, lost in celebration, awe, and joy. Then, by 2 a.m., the colors were gone. The skies darkened. The world fell silent once more.

By morning, there was no physical evidence that the meteor shower had ever happened. But the consequences would be unmistakable. And irreversible.