A Short Story About Nuclear War

A US test of MIRV warheads in a ballistic missile. In typical applications, this would be the last thing your eyes were able to see

“Mommy, look! A falling star!”, the child yelled, and pointed. There was a burning line in the sky, splitting into a claw-shape.
The mother enfolded her child in her arms, hugging her tightly to her breast, “Oh, sweetie. Close your eyes and make a wish.” She turned her back on the falling suns and breathed deeply of the warm smell of the child’s hair.