Day three. The power is out. Your old radio finds one station.
A tired voice says: there was no emergency alert. No agency sent it. Do not follow its instructions.
33 cans. One gallon. You've followed every instruction.
A knock. A man's voice. It's over. The alert was fake. You can open up now.
You check the alert one more time. You tap: details. Sender.
It was sent from your phone number. Three days ago. At 9:14 PM.
And behind you, very softly, you hear the chain slide off the door.