It was Nov. 8, 2016.

It took one night to undo eight years of work put forth by President Barack Obama and his administration.

It took one night to undo eight years of social progress, to jeopardize the basic human rights of minorities, refugees and our gay brothers and sisters.

It took one night to reignite Russia’s control over Eastern Europe, to destroy our alliances with our partners in Europe.

It took one night to lose control of the executive, legislative and judicial branches.

It took one night to give the National Rifle Association what they’ve been seeking all these years.

It took one night to make walls, plausible only in a political nightmare, a reality.

It took one night to tell victims of sexual abuse that their voice doesn’t matter.

It took one night to throw away abundant scientific evidence concerning climate change.

It took one night to prove Twitter rants resonate louder than real policy discussion.

Eight years. Hope and Change.

CNN’s projections loomed on the newsroom’s screens.

First, Ohio. 

Then, North Carolina. 

Finally, Florida.

Suddenly, it was clear.

One night would take it all away.