.alert {
    position: fixed;
    top: 0; /* Start hidden at top */
    left: 50%;
    transform: translateX(-50%);
    background-color: #f44336;
    color: white;
    padding: 16px 32px;
    border-radius: 8px;
    box-shadow: 0 4px 8px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);
    z-index: 1000;
    opacity: 0;
    transition: opacity 0.5s ease-out, top 0.5s ease;
    font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;
}

.alert.show {
    top: 20px;
    opacity: 1;
}

.alert.hide {
    opacity: 0;
    top: 0;
}

button {
    padding: 10px 20px;
    font-size: 16px;
    cursor: pointer;
}

/* ---------------------------------------------------------------- */