Dark grey skies haunt the heavens above; death consumes the surrounding air, stalking me, chasing me, like a never-ending hunt. How could he do this to us? To me? Why would anyone create a masterpiece if they are just going to destroy it? A moment of weakness strikes me. My dehydrating body somehow manages to release a tear of pure salt; I wouldn’t dare waste moisture on a pathetic emotion. My aching arms drop to the floor, crushing the dead remains of nature, a shadow of the once vibrant wildlife surrounds my corpse-like figure. A silent scream escapes my mouth. What’s the point?
A distant explosion trembles the Earth below, I don’t even flinch. Explosions occur every other hour; each one is a constant reminder of the desolate wasteland that surrounds me, forcing my head to stay in this hellish world. Blood stains my brittle body; wounds cover me to the point where unblemished skin is scarce. Singed hair rests on my head; each fibre appears desperate to leave me. A single, lonely strand drifts gently in the subtle wind before me, just another reminder of my life before, of my children, my once beautiful wife.
My fingers reach for my pocket, pulling out an image of the past, a beautifully preserved heart-shaped locket containing a photo of me and my wife, a moment of pure perfection, frozen in time. A laminate piece of paper sits next to our photo. It used to contain an image of my once flawless face, but now, after these many years, all that remains is a crinkled-up photo, like a mirror, a reminder… My untouched face had been deformed to the point of no return, such an awful thing is the unrelenting truth of my true form, I’m no longer human, even I am a monster to the true human form, even though the “true human form” is what’s created this hell of the once perfect heaven.
My wife’s face lights up as I walk through the newly painted door frame. I’m greeted by a swarm of cheerful children, attacking my ankles with their hugs, all 3 of my children seem eager for the day ahead, if only they had known there was no day ahead, if only I had known this would be the last time seeing my wonderful children.
If only I had known, I would’ve done so many different things, in so many different ways, just to spend my final moments with them in the most perfect way possible, I wouldn’t want to save them though, the thought of them in this hell is worse than the thought of never seeing them again.
Shockwaves of metal piercing sound scan the land, a high-pitched shrill passes through me, like a ghost, shifting through my skull without the ability to truly touch me. Multiple car explosions contaminate the air with a black cloud, almost like a death warning, blocking out the calming sun. I mourn for the star that once warmed our world! I’ve forgotten the feel of the tropical heat, refreshing each and every inch of skin, on my dry, imperfect body. A chilling heat passes through me, waking me from my fantasy land of the past. Flames engulf the distant cities; everlasting embers stalk the air, each and every spark setting another object alight.
The bone dryness of the surroundings causes the slightest amount of heat to ignite anything and everything!
An impossible hope of recreation fuels me to rise. Crumbled leaves fill my hands as I elevate myself from nature’s grave. An abyss of death surrounds me, nothing more, and nothing less. Black and brown stains the metropolis of trees ahead, life is a privilege I’m not worthy of seeing.
Leaves drift their way towards the desolate Earth, falling to the reality of life; each individual leaf breaks up before contact with the ground, their fragility resembles the forest of abandoned buildings that had once covered my dead home, like an infection! That’s what we are, an infection, we’ve multiplied and contaminated our host, now we’ve dealt our final blow, our last strike, the inevitable result of our existence.
I took a few steps forward before something shocking appeared, something more shocking than the explosions and haunting death clouds… Nearly crippled by my wholey boot, a green leaf stood tall and proud on a brittle brown branch. I sat beside the little wonder of life and thought of all the possibilities for the world, before now I envisioned only greys, browns and stenches when I looked into the future, but now, I saw hope, I saw colour, and above all, I saw life. Before I stood to carry on my survival, I sang a gentle song, a song of hope and rejuvenation “sway sway my little friend, you've come to bless what once was the end, grow grow my brittle friend, be strong and tall and then you will send, all your babies in the hope to mend, my aching heart and my home of friends, sway sway my little friend, you've come to bless what once was the end“
“Be strong my friend, you hold all my hopes”
About the Creator
Medusa Stone
I am a Spanish author with a passion for human rights and all the untold stories of this world. Through my writing I try to bring awareness, heart and a little entertainment to those trying to escape reality.
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By Yaroslav Gorohov3 days ago in Earth
Chinese EVs Closing In on America After Canadian Tariffs Deal
The electric vehicle race is no longer just about climate goals or consumer choice — it has become a geopolitical contest. And in early 2026, a subtle but powerful move by Canada may have tilted the board. By agreeing to sharply reduce tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, Canada has opened a door that the United States has worked hard to keep shut. While Chinese EVs are still largely barred from the American market, they are now edging closer than ever — not by crossing the border directly, but by entering through Canada. This development raises a pressing question: Are Chinese EVs closing in on America, and what does that mean for the future of North American auto markets? The Deal That Changed the Game Canada’s new agreement with China allows up to 49,000 Chinese-made electric vehicles per year to enter the Canadian market at a tariff rate of just over 6%, a dramatic drop from the previous 100% tariff that effectively blocked them. On paper, the quota seems small. In reality, it carries enormous symbolic and strategic weight. For years, both Canada and the United States aligned closely on keeping Chinese EVs out, citing concerns over unfair subsidies, national security, and the protection of domestic auto industries. This new deal marks a clear shift — and a divergence from U.S. policy. Canada didn’t make the decision in isolation. The EV tariff reduction was part of a broader trade reset with China, tied to agricultural exports such as canola and efforts to stabilize a strained economic relationship. Why Chinese EVs Matter So Much China is the undisputed leader of the global electric vehicle industry. Its manufacturers produce EVs at scale, often at prices Western automakers struggle to match. Brands like BYD, Nio, and Xpeng have already expanded aggressively into Europe, Southeast Asia, and parts of the Middle East. North America has remained one of the final fortified markets — until now. Chinese EVs are appealing not just because they’re cheaper, but because they’ve rapidly improved in quality, range, and technology. For consumers priced out of North American and European EV models, Chinese vehicles offer something rare: affordability without sacrificing features. Canada’s decision gives Chinese automakers their first legitimate foothold in North America — and footholds tend to grow. Why the U.S. Is Nervous The United States still enforces a 100% tariff on Chinese EV imports, making them effectively unsellable in the American market. But Canada’s move has triggered concern in Washington. U.S. officials argue that Chinese EVs entering Canada could indirectly pressure American markets, influence supply chains, and weaken Washington’s leverage in future trade negotiations. There’s also a political dimension. Both major U.S. parties have framed Chinese dominance in EVs as a strategic threat — not just to auto jobs, but to technological leadership. Modern EVs collect vast amounts of data, and lawmakers have raised concerns about cybersecurity and foreign data access. While Chinese EVs aren’t rolling onto American roads yet, their presence just across the border changes the conversation. Canada’s Risk — and Opportunity Inside Canada, the reaction has been mixed. Automotive hubs like Ontario worry that opening the market could undermine domestic manufacturing and strain relations with the U.S., Canada’s largest trading partner. Some leaders have called the deal “lopsided,” warning it could cost jobs if American retaliation follows. Others see opportunity. A more competitive EV market could lower prices for Canadian consumers and accelerate EV adoption. It may also attract Chinese investment into Canada itself — including factories, battery plants, and supply chain partnerships. If Chinese automakers choose to build in Canada rather than simply export to it, the country could position itself as a bridge between Chinese EV innovation and North American demand. That balancing act — between economic opportunity and political risk — defines Canada’s strategy. Are Chinese EVs Really ‘Closing In’ on America? For now, the answer is: not directly — but strategically, yes. Chinese EVs sold in Canada won’t automatically flood the U.S. market. Regulations, trade rules, and tariffs still stand in the way. But proximity matters. Supply chains overlap. Consumer awareness spreads. Manufacturing footprints expand. There’s also the possibility of a workaround: Chinese companies could eventually build EVs in North America to bypass tariffs altogether. This idea has already been floated — but it faces fierce resistance from U.S. lawmakers and unions. Still, history shows that once a global industry leader gains regional access, momentum often follows. 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By Muhammad Hassana day ago in Earth
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