Vencedores: Língua Estrangeira - Escalão A - Menção Honrosa

The Red Day

I wake up to a cold sweat. As I turn to the right side of my bed, I wipe my forehead and rub my eyes. I look around. The same bedroom. The same fractured world.

I get up and go to fetch a glass of water. It still vexes me that I must descend all the way to the basement just for that. I remember when I could simply twist a faucet and fill my cup.

How did the world become so broken, so swiftly? I ask myself, as if I do not already know the answer.

I check the time: 6 AM. The sun hovers on the horizon. Today is The Red Day. That is what they call it. One hour later I am ready for work. Stupid, I know. But it’s the only way to try and keep things normal. UV-blocking sunglasses - check. Oxygen mask - check. Backpack - check.
I still have a few minutes, so I turn on the radio.

The broadcast begins:

-"Good morning, everyone" – the announcer said – "though ‘good’ might not be the right word. Today marks the ninety-ninth day since the catastrophic solar storm commenced." - I calculate the date. After a brief moment, I conclude: the 9th of May, 2054. My birthday. The final day of humanity. How ironic. - "Do not forget to enjoy your last day" – continued the announcer – "The Red Day, as we like to call it. Tonight the greatest minds will initiate the grand event they have meticulously prepared. We barely understand it, but we are assured it is necessary for the survival of the planet. Right, Jenna?"

- "That’s right, Alaric. But let’s keep the mood light. Here’s a classic, from the early twenties: “Like Him” by “Tyler, the Creator”. Enjoy it – and remember to say goodbye to everyone you cherish."

As the music flows, memories surge.

Sunlight vibrating across my skin, leaving a crimson hue on my cheeks. Endless blue skies. Trees swaying.

Why did we ruin everything? So many campaigns, so many protests. “There is no planet B.” And now, all is lost, and we brace to sacrifice ourselves for the home we have ever known. I wish we had acted before it was too late.

Suddenly I return to awareness.

- "It’s already 6 PM?" – I whispered. - "My head… this is worsening."

I eat something and lie down. No one to say goodbye.

I stare at the ceiling. Echoes of laughter, euphoric screams, the scent of rain-drenched grass infiltrates my mind. Tears gather slowly at the corners of my eyes. I close them, grateful these are the last images I will retain…

Was it ever just a dream? The turquoise glow of the water shining at dusk. The chirping of the birds at dawn. The love we all felt one day. And now, it’s all gone. And we have to say goodbye. We have to. As we must die, for the sake of our own sustainability.