Wow. I like it.
So apart from what everyone else thinks when you hear "they are here". I like that you give no explanations, that it remains unknown what "they" is, what the sparks represent, and all the speculations about them. Very realistic. I feel, you relate to terrestrial events. It's always smart to circumvent them and talking indirectly through the power of fiction (or any other form of art).

I won’t go into details, but I’m sure you can imagine that some folks received this "event" poorly.

Very much so.

Tiring it becomes... yes. I agree.

I wouldn't mind though to have a smoke with you.