After countless letters from meteorologists and endless cries from the public, the world governments finally came up with a solution.
A global summit was scheduled to be held in Beijing, China in five days time on January 8th, 2029.
All world leaders, stakeholders, top scientists and space experts were invited to discuss a single question:
Who would be sent into space? How? And when?
On the appointed day, they all gathered.
The meeting was intense, filled with heated arguments, unending debates, and even moments that almost erupted into physical confrontation. But after hours of deliberation, a final decision was made:
Astronauts would be sent into space on January 15th, 2029, two weeks before the countdown begins.
Fifteen astronauts would be chosen, one from each of the 15 countries with qualified, experienced space programs.
These would be the best of the best, top-tier, elite, highly trained professionals.
During the meeting, a well known respected and retired Chinese astronaut, Master Lee, who attended as a stakeholder, stood up.
He mentioned someone unexpected.
"There is one name that has surfaced more times than I can count.
"Liliana Ezekwe"
"The young Nigerian astronaut who graduated with first class honors. She has been sharing consistent updates, research, and safety information on social media since this catastrophe began."
His words resonated. Everyone present nodded in agreement. Liliana was an obvious choice, brilliant, selfless, informed, and already acting like a leader.
Then, Master Lee did the unthinkable: he volunteered to go on the mission himself to represent his country China. The room applauded.
Soon, all fifteen countries submitted their best candidates. The list was finalized.
The meeting ended.
But that very night, politics and power collided.
Some of the World's wealthiest individuals had gotten wind of the space mission.
Fearing for their lives, eager to secure their survival, and eager to make a name, to be known across the globe.
Each with different reasons, they began contacting high level officials. With enormous bribes and political influence, they bought spots on the mission.
Five of the qualified astronauts were quietly replaced.
Among the most shocking swaps, Frank's Peters, a first class U S astronaut, was replaced by Mike Olujimi, a Nigerian fourth class weather forecaster.
Unbeknownst to Mike, his parents had bought the seat for him.
The next morning, the names of all ten selected astronauts and 5 replacements were announced on television.
The world was watching.
Families celebrated their own.
Except for one family.
The Ezekwes family.
Liliana was happy and excited. But her parents and brothers were devastated. Fear gripped their hearts, they couldn't bear the thought of letting her embark into a dangerous mission. What ifs filled their minds.
Her mother cried daily, her father urged her to decline the offer.
But Liliana stood firm. She had made up her mind.
The Fifteen astronauts were invited to a three day intensive training program in Nigeria, where they'd receive expert physical and psychological training and preparation starting on 11th to 13th January 2029.
On the first day, Liliana and Andrea finally met.
Since Andrea learned that Liliana would be part of the mission through the announcement on TV, he has been over the moon. Now standing before her , his admiration overflowed.
He approached her immediately after the training was over.
To his surprise Liliana already knows who he is.
She recognized him immediately.
Andrea had been her crush back in university.
She was in her first year. He was in his third.
She fell for him the day he gave a speech during a school event.
She tried several times to approach him but never had the courage.
When he graduated, she was heartbroken for months.
Now, seeing him again in person, and hearing him say he had been following her online, supporting her silently, and had fallen for her felt like a dream the universe had hand delivered.
From that night, Liliana danced in her room, overwhelmed with joy .
He was going on the mission too.
The next day of the training, Liliana came early as planned with Andrea.
Andrea was already staying at the astronaut camp, having traveled from Spain.
They spent the morning talking, laughing, sharing stories, their connection was instant, deep, and magnetic. It felt like they had known each other for years.
Their moment was interrupted by the loudspeaker announcement for training.
After the session ended, they drove off together to a nearby hotel.
Liliana called one of her twin brothers and let him know she wouldn't be coming home that night.
They had only planned to spend time and talk more, to understand each other better. But one thing led to another, and they ended up booking a room.
Their minds said "it's too soon" but their hearts and bodies said otherwise.
Every kiss felt like magic. Every touch sparked electric heat.
They savored each other as though the future was uncertain, because it was.
They returned to the training camp the next morning for the final preparation.
After the training, Liliana bid Andrea goodbye and went home to rest before departure day, which was just two days away.
She couldn't stop smiling.
The sadness she once felt had turned to hope and butterflies. That night, the connection, the warmth stayed with her like a melody.
A smile lingered on her lips.
"Lili… Lilian…. Liliana!" Andrea called out, snapping Liliana out of her sweet bubbles, gently tapping her arm. "You've been smiling nonstop. It's like you were in another world."
She blinked, refocused, then grinned.
"I was," she whispered. "Our world."
Suddenly, a deep voice interrupted.
This is not the time to fantasize, young girl."
Everyone turned.
It was Master Lee seated behind them.
Shock rippled through the crew.
"He's been here this whole time?"
They looked at each other, puzzled.
How did no one notice him? When did he board?
No one had an answer.
Master Lee smiled.