“Equipped with their limited resources, determination, and knowledge passed down through generations, Citlali and Toussaint set sail, their submarine, cutting through the murky depths.”
In a not-so-distant future,
where the consequences of climate change had reshaped America’s geography, Citlali and her husband, Toussaint, found themselves navigating a world of submerged cities and dangerous journeys.
Living in the arid lands of Arizona, Citlali worked as a graphic design consultant, using her skills to visualize data for big tech companies.
As the seas swallowed major areas, the elites secured their control over sea travel, leaving common people to face the dangers lurking in the depths.
Moreover, the once-adaptable predators had evolved to thrive underwater, making it unsafe for those who lacked the means to travel in luxurious yacht-like submarines.
Citlali’s heart yearned for her scattered family, spread across Miami, New York, and Mexico, while Toussaint’s family resided in the Philippines. Their love for their families fueled their determination to connect with them, even in this dystopian reality. In addition, Citlali’s job provided her access to top-tier tech company data and communication devices, which she used to search for signs of life from her loved ones.
The initial flooding had been a slow onset, but a relentless series of monsoons and hurricanes ravaged the world within three months. Most of humanity had perished or lacked the resources to survive beyond a mere two weeks. Citlali and Toussaint, fortunate enough to be aware of the changing sea levels through Toussaint’s work as an oceanographer, had prepared ahead, ensuring they had the necessary supplies to survive.
A month had passed since the cataclysmic events unfolded, and Citlali’s desperation to reconnect with her family grew stronger. Her pregnancy added urgency to the situation, prompting her and Toussaint to seek safe above-ground land where they could raise their family. So, naturally, they looked toward Mexico, where Citlali’s family had owned land for generations.
With hope in their hearts, they managed to contact Citlali’s mother and brother in Zacatecas, confirming the existence of a safe haven. Their relief was palpable, as this gave them the green light to proceed with their plans. However, their path to Mexico was treacherous, with borders heavily armed and patrolled by the world’s elite, which aimed to deter climate refugees from seeking refuge.
Undeterred by the challenges, Citlali and Toussaint devised a plan to navigate the treacherous waters, carefully charting a course around the heavily guarded borders. Their journey would be by sea, a risky endeavor, but one they were willing to undertake to secure their future.
Equipped with their limited resources, determination, and knowledge passed down through generations, Citlali and Toussaint set sail, their submarine, cutting through the murky depths. The journey was dangerous, evading the evolved predators and avoiding detection by the elite forces patrolling the borders. After days of nerve-wracking navigation, they emerged in Mexican waters. As they made their way to Zacatecas, their hearts pounded with fear and hope. They were not alone in their struggle; countless others sought refuge in this once-peaceful land.
Finally, they reached the safe haven, where Citlali’s mother and brother welcomed them with open arms. The sense of relief and joy was immeasurable as they embraced their family, grateful to have survived and found one another in this chaotic new world. With the security of a safe haven and the support of their loved ones, Citlali and Toussaint embraced their future.
Together, they would rebuild their talents and determination, driving them to create a society that valued equality, sustainability, and compassion. As their child grew within Citlali’s womb, they found hope amid adversity. They would raise their family in a world where resilience triumphed over despair, where the bond of love would prevail even in the face of a changing world.
This story was inspired by a dream I had last night and used Dall-E and Chat GPT to fill in some of the blanks in the narrative.
