Not only have they disappeared. Almost everything has disappeared, period. And in a few more paragraphs, that "almost" will be no longer applicable.
Hang on. That's odd.
There's no given reason for this or even for the protagonist - ohhh. Very clever, Morgan.
Morgan Kalka is a short story science fiction writer responsible for the cheery Journeying Across, about what happens after the apocalypse - kind of. He's known for his dark worldview and brief, fragmented style.
Tropes common in his work:
- Kill 'Em All
- Mind Screw: HOW DID? WHY DID? WHAT?
- Riddle for the Ages: See mind screw.
- Shoot The Shaggy Dog Story: We might not know much about what's happening, but we know it's going to die.