Ray Bradbury's "There Will Come Soft Rains" is set today (2026-08-04)

In the living room, the voice-clock announced the time, urging everyone to get up for the day, August 4, 2026. In the kitchen, the breakfast stove prepared eight pieces of toast, eight eggs, and other items. The city of Allendale, California, was now left with this solitary house amidst a landscape of rubble and ashes.

The house maintained itself, with tiny robot mice keeping the floors clean while the weather box outside informed of the rain. However, inside, the house stood still as rain continued outside, unaware of the impending danger.

After breakfast, the house continued its programmed activities, cleaning and maintaining itself. As the day progressed, the house was struck by a falling tree branch, igniting a fire. The house tried to extinguish the flames, but the fire was too strong. The house ultimately succumbed to the fire, leaving only one wall standing.

In the ruins of the house, a final voice remained, repeating the date August 5, 2026. This solitary survivor bore witness to the end of the once thriving household in the midst of a devastated city.