Sterling’s text message made me smile as I made my way through the empty apartment. Once in our room, I was momentarily mesmerized by the sight outside the tall windows. Over the last month, I’d seen bright blue skies, sprinklings of clouds, and astounding sunsets ablaze in shades of reds, purples, and oranges. This sight was different, in an eerie sort of way. I stepped closer to the glass.

Beyond the panes there was nothing.

Nothing was a poor choice of ...