"The clocks stopped at 1:17. A long shear of light and then a series of low concussions. He got up and went to the window. What is it? she said. He didn't answer. He went into the bathroom and threw the lightswitch but the power was already gone. A dull rose glow in the windowglass. He dropped to one knee and raised the lever to stop the tub and then turned both taps as far as they would go. She was standing in the doorway in her nightwear, clutching the jamb, cradling her belly in one hand. What is it? she said. What is happening?

I don't know.

Why are you taking a bath?

I'm not."

I believe this passage along with the constant flow of ash, the way people have died that the man and boy encounter, the complete lack of animals, and the man's illness (lung cancer?) would point to some sort of nuclear cluster bomb. Perhaps a mass exchange of salted nuclear bombs.

I'd like to know your thoughts.

Edited for reasons.