**First day of the winter semester– Ocean View University Upper Campus**
– 7:55 AM. –
At precisely 8:00 AM, Amie Dawson slid the key into the door of Professor Arthur Bennett's lab. The soft *click* of the lock echoed down the silent hallway, cold and empty. The door creaked open, revealing a pristine lab bathed in the harsh glow of fluorescent lights—but something was wrong. A strange odor slithered out, curling into her nose like the ghost of something decayed.
The smell was faint but suffocating, like rot hiding beneath the polished surfaces. It clung to the sterile air, stubborn and insidious.
"Did they forget to clean?" Amie whispered, stepping inside, her voice swallowed by the eerie quiet.
Outside, the building slowly came to life. Students filtered in, the usual hustle and bustle filling the parking lot and seeping into the science wing. On the second floor, an outdoor lounge stood calm and serene, a small haven for students in between classes.
Alice sat there, her heavy backpack slumped against the table as she stared blankly ahead. The sky was overcast, casting a gray gloom over everything, but Alice wasn't paying attention. She was waiting for her next class, lost in thought, watching the world move without really seeing it.
Then she heard it—a faint rustling.
She blinked, her focus sharpening. The noise had come from just beyond the stone boundary where the grass met the jagged rocks. She glanced around, but no one else seemed to notice. Other students were nearby, their heads bowed, absorbed in their screens.
A piece of bread, half-eaten, remained in her hand. Curiosity tugged at her as she stood up and drifted toward the sound. Maybe it was just a squirrel, she thought. Nothing dangerous, nothing out of the ordinary.
But her heart quickened with each step.
The rustling grew louder. The air around her felt heavier, colder. What she thought had been the movement of leaves became something more—a glimpse of flesh, raw and pale, barely visible beneath the blades of grass. Her breath caught in her throat.
It was not an animal.
Her stomach twisted. There was something wrong, something horribly wrong. She stepped closer, her pulse pounding in her ears. Then, without warning, a mouse shot out from the grass, hurling itself at her with unnatural speed. She shrieked, stumbling backward, crashing onto the hard ground.
The few students nearby finally glanced up, disinterested. As Alice scrambled to her feet, her face flushed with embarrassment, one of the other students noticed the mouse. With a brutal stomp, they crushed it, the snap of bone echoing through the cold morning air.
"You okay?" the student asked, offering Alice a hand.
Alice nodded, her breath still shaky. That's when she noticed it—a small red bite on her wrist, pulsing with an odd warmth. Her fingers trembled as she touched it, a strange heat radiating from the tiny wound. She stared at it, unease crawling through her veins. But she shook her head, brushing it off.
*It's just a mouse… right?*
She returned to her seat, but something was wrong. Her body felt strange—heavy, sluggish. Her vision blurred, and her skin tingled with an odd numbness. Panic flickered at the edge of her mind, but she ignored it, packing her things and heading to the restroom.
– 9:30 AM. —
Sweat beaded on Alice's forehead as she stood in the bathroom, her reflection staring back at her—pale, almost ghostly. She checked her phone, hoping for a response from her friend, Lana, who attended the same college. Earlier, Alice had texted her to bring a pad, convinced that the strange sensation in her body was just the onset of her period.
The message pinged back: *"Which restroom? The one near our old lab?"*
Alice typed a quick "yes," but just as she hit send, blood trickled from her nose. She wiped it away with trembling hands, staring at the crimson streak smeared across her skin. The room felt too quiet, too still. Her heartbeat pounded in her ears, a slow, sickening thud.
"Alice?" came Lana's voice from the doorway.
Alice's voice cracked as she replied, "I'm here, Lana."
Lana hurried inside, handing Alice the pad. "How do you not know when your period's about to start?" she teased, but her laughter died the moment she looked up.
Alice stepped out of the bathroom stall, her face a pale mask, dried blood smeared across her nose and cheeks. Her hair clung to her damp forehead, eyes vacant and glassy.
"What the hell happened to you?" Lana asked, alarm creeping into her voice.
"I don't feel so good…," Alice whispered, her words barely audible. Lana quickly wrapped her arm around her friend, leading her out of the restroom toward the infirmary.
They hadn't gone far when a male student, Michael, approached. "You guys alright?"
Before anyone could answer, Alice collapsed, her body crumpling like a ragdoll onto the floor.
"Alice!" Lana cried, panic flooding her voice. Michael rushed over, offering to carry Alice to the infirmary, lifting her frail body onto his back.
Lana, shaking, pulled out her phone to call for help, her fingers fumbling on the screen as she led the way toward the elevator. "Alice, please stay with me," she whispered.
Suddenly, a blood-curdling scream tore through the hallway.
Lana whipped around. Michael was thrashing, his face contorted in agony. Alice had latched onto his neck, her teeth sinking deep into his flesh. Blood poured from the wound, staining his shirt as he tried to pry her off, but she bit deeper, ripping into him with a feral intensity.
Lana froze, her mind unable to process what she was seeing.
This couldn't be real.
Michael screamed for help, but his cries were drowned out by the sickening sound of flesh tearing. Alice, her face now devoid of life, bit into his leg, shredding his skin as if consumed by a hunger that could not be sated.
"Help!" Michael gasped, blood gurgling in his throat. "Please—"
But Alice was relentless, tearing into him like a wild animal. Lana's feet moved before her mind did—she turned and ran, sprinting toward the science office.
Tears streaming down her face, she burst into the office, nearly colliding with Sophia Werner, a staff member.
"My friend—she's gone crazy! She's—she's killing him!" Lana sobbed, clutching Sophia's arm.
Sophia's face tightened in confusion, but Lana's terror was undeniable. "What are you talking about? Okay, first tell me where she is?" Sophia asked, already moving toward the door.
"No! We can't go back—she's not herself!" Lana cried, trying to pull Sophia back, but Sophia ignored her, hurrying down the hall.
And then they saw it.
Alice, hunched over Michael's lifeless body, blood dripping from her mouth. Her vacant eyes met Sophia's, and in that moment, something dark and twisted moved behind those dead eyes.
Sophia turned, her voice shaking. "Run! Go to the office! Lock the door!"
Lana didn't need to be told twice. She bolted, her heart hammering in her chest, Sophia not far behind. Behind them, Alice let out an inhuman scream and charged after them, her footsteps heavy and uneven. Michael's broken body twitched as he slowly began to rise, his eyes now just as lifeless as Alice's.
They reached the office and slammed the door shut just as Alice hurled herself against it, her bloody hands smearing the glass. Lana collapsed in a corner, shaking uncontrollably, her sobs barely audible.
"Mr. Dean, we need to evacuate the campus—now!" Sophia screamed into the phone, her voice laced with desperation.
"What do you mean?" came the dean's calm reply.
Sophia's hands trembled. "There's a student—she's gone mad, killing people! I'm telling you, we need to evacuate as quick as possible!"
**Elsewhere, the same morning...**
The bus glided into Liquaton Beach, its glossy exterior reflecting the early morning sun. Inside, college students packed the seats, their chatter blending with the hum of the engine. Laughter echoed, filling the air with a sense of excitement, as if they were about to embark on an unforgettable adventure. None of them knew the nightmare that awaited.
At the front, Professor Derek Martin sat hunched over, his face drawn with tension as he whispered into his phone. "I know, Alison. There's a lot riding on this project. At least it's funded, but..." His voice trailed off as he glanced around.
The project—a partnership between Ocean View University and Sincry State—was supposed to be groundbreaking. A rare opportunity for students from both schools, funded entirely by the universities, was intended to give them a leg up in the world.
Inside the bus, Tang was engrossed in her phone, flipping through the panels of a manga. Her eyes were glued to the screen, oblivious to the world outside. Next to her, Milly leaned over with a smirk. "Tang, don't you get motion sickness? Staring at your phone like that?"
Tang barely glanced up, flashing a lazy smile. "Nope. I'm good," she muttered, her focus instantly snapping back to the page, where the heroine of her story faced down some demon with a katana.
Jenny, sitting behind them, leaned forward. "Hey, Tang, your sister goes to Ocean View, right?"
Tang looked up again, momentarily distracted. "Yeah. Otherwise, no way I'd be here," she said, with a hint of sarcasm. But even as she joked, an uneasy feeling curled in her gut, though she couldn't explain why.
"Come on, it's free," Jenny said with a shrug, gesturing to the bus full of students, their faces full of anticipation. It was supposed to be a break from the monotony of classes. A free trip, after all.
Milly rolled her eyes, slumping in her seat. "If it wasn't for the dean's connections, we'd never get a chance like this."
Jenny nodded. "Yeah. Our college's reputation is crap. Everyone says we're the worst, but maybe that's because they don't invest in new stuff, you know? We could use a shake-up."
The conversation fizzled as the bus pulled into the parking lot of Ocean View University. The towering buildings loomed overhead, casting long shadows that stretched toward the students as they stepped off. The air was heavy, thick with a strange, sticky humidity that clung to their skin.
Professor Derek Martin scanned the campus, his face tightening with impatience. "Where's Professor Mills?" he muttered to Maggie Morrison, who stood next to him.
"She said she'd be here in five minutes," Maggie replied, tapping her watch.
Before they could speculate further, a voice called out from across the lot. "Maggie!"
Professor Elean Mills approached, her figure emerging from the entrance to the Ferguson Center.
"It's been too long!" Maggie greeted her with a smile.
Professor Mills led the students toward the massive Ferguson Center, its looming structure casting a dark silhouette against the sky. Tang couldn't shake the growing sense of excitement that gnawed at her insides as they entered the vast auditorium.
Tang shifted in her seat, feeling the sudden urge to escape the stifling atmosphere. "I need to pee," she whispered to Jenny.
"Same," Milly muttered, quickly following Tang as they quietly slipped out and made their way to the restroom.
After Tang finished, she sat down at the couch near the entrance of the building, waiting for Milly. She glanced around, her mind wandering. That's when she noticed a girl staggering into the building, her body moving in strange, jerky motions. Her skin looked pale, too pale, almost... gray. Tang's stomach churned. Something about the way the girl's eyes darted lifelessly made her blood run cold.
But then her phone buzzed, snapping her back to reality. She shook her head and dismissed it as exhaustion or nerves. She went back to scrolling through her manga, trying to ignore the lingering dread.
Suddenly, a scream ripped through the air. Tang's heart jumped into her throat. The sound of panicked footsteps echoed from the auditorium. Students flooded out, their faces twisted with terror.
Jenny came running, her face pale as death. "Tang, we have to go! It's chaos in there—a girl just collapsed, then she... she bit the guard. And now—now he's attacking people too!"
Tang's breath quickened, her mind struggling to process Jenny's words. "What... what do you mean, 'bit'? Milly-where's Milly?"
"I thought she was with you", Jenny said in confusion.
"She's still in the bathroom", Tang said as she made her way toward the bathroom.
"We need to get her and leave—now!" Jenny's voice shook with urgency.
They sprinted to the restroom, throwing the door open, only to be greeted by a grisly scene. Blood smeared the floor, the mirrors, the walls. And there, slumped against the sink, was Milly, clutching her shoulder, blood dripping between her fingers.
"Milly!" Tang gasped, rushing toward her.
Milly's eyes were wide, her pupils blown. "He... he bit me," she whispered, her voice trembling. Her skin had turned an unsettling shade of gray, and beads of sweat formed on her forehead. "It... it hurts," she gasped, her breath ragged. "My eyes... they feel like they're going to explode."
Her body convulsed violently, and she collapsed to the floor, her limbs flailing uncontrollably.
Tang reached out to help, but Jenny grabbed her arm, holding her back. "Don't! This is how it started with the others!" Jenny's voice cracked, her eyes wide with terror. "We have to go!"
Tang's heart screamed in protest, but Jenny's grip tightened. As if on cue, Milly's body stilled. The air grew suffocatingly quiet, the only sound the faint drip of blood on tile.
And then, with a sickening crack, Milly's head jerked up. Her eyes, bloodshot and dead, fixed on Tang. A twisted grin spread across her face, a grotesque parody of the friend Tang had known.
"Run!" Jenny shrieked, pulling Tang toward the exit.
They burst through the doors and into the hall, their lungs burning, the terror gnawing at their insides. But before they could reach the exit, a security guard, armed with a steel baton, blocked their path.
As soon as the guard realized that they weren't hurt, he let them through.
Relief flooded Tang, but only for a second.
The guard was about to follow them when suddenly a guttural snarl came from behind him as something latched onto his back—a student, eyes wild and feral, sunk their teeth into the guard's neck. Blood sprayed across the walls as the guard crumpled, desperately trying to fend off the attack.
Tang screamed, tears blurring her vision as she and Jenny pushed past the dying students on the floor, their only thought to survive. But the horrors only multiplied. All around them, students were attacking each other, ripping flesh, gnawing at bone. Blood painted the surrounding as the once-thriving campus turned into a battlefield of carnage and chaos.
A voice crackled over the intercom, distorted and panicked: "Evacuate the campus immediately. This is not a drill."
Jenny grabbed Tang's hand, pulling her toward the football field, where survivors had gathered, their faces pale and hollow with shock. Professor Morrison, her eyes wide with fear, stood guard at the gate. She spotted the girls and hurriedly swung it open, ushering them inside before slamming it shut.
**Back at Ocean View's Upper Campus…**
– 10:30 AM –
Outside, walking towards the science building, Preston Scharfer noticed something was off. As he neared the entrance, two girls came sprinting out, their faces pale with fear.
"Run! Everybody, run away!" one of them screamed.
One of the girls crashed into Preston, sending both of them sprawling onto the ground.
"Are you okay? What's going on? Why are you running?" Preston asked as he helped her up, concern growing in his voice.
Before she could answer, a third girl appeared at the door, trying to escape—but was violently yanked back inside. Her desperate scream pierced the air, and suddenly, the panicked shouts of people inside the building echoed out, growing louder with every second.
The girl who had collided with Preston, Laura Hale, grabbed his arm. "We need to get away!" she urged, her voice trembling with terror.
Realizing the gravity of the situation, Preston quickly helped Laura to her feet and guided her away from the building. They hurried towards a student store just across from the science building, hoping to find some safety.
Inside the student store, two student employees, Russel O'Connell and Isabel Barr, were going about their usual tasks, unaware of the chaos outside. The store was calm until the distant sound of screams began filtering through the walls. Students outside were running in panic—some covered in blood, others screaming in terror.
"Lock the door, now!" demanded Mariana Carson, an older staff member, as she burst into the small convenience store attached to the main student store.
Russel, though confused, began heading toward the door to lock it when he saw Preston and Laura approaching, their faces filled with urgency.
"I can't just lock it! They're coming!" Russel argued, his hand hesitating on the door handle.
Mariana glared, but before she could protest further, Preston and Laura rushed into the store, just barely making it inside before Russel slammed the door shut.
"What's going on?" Isabel asked, her voice shaky as she tried to make sense of the situation.
Just then, an announcement echoed over the intercom. It was the voice of Wallace Maynard, the university dean.
"Hello, everyone. This is Wallace Maynard. I've been informed that there's an outbreak—a virus outbreak of some sort. We're trying to confirm if it's truly viral or some other contagious disease. Please seek shelter immediately, lock the doors, and, if possible, evacuate campus. Authorities have been alerted, but we need everyone to remain calm. If you're in the dorms, stay inside and do not leave. If you're on the upper campus, avoid anyone displaying suspicious behavior—they may be infected. I'll provide updates every other hour. My thoughts are with those affected. Again, evacuate the campus immediately. This is not a drill.."
Isabel's face paled. "A virus outbreak? What... what does that even mean?" Panic laced her voice as she began to pace the room.
Mariana, trying to stay calm, spoke firmly, "There's been an outbreak, but we'll be fine as long as we stay in here and keep the doors locked."
But then, a loud thud echoed from the door connecting the convenience store to the main student store. A scream followed, then another—and soon, the sound of chaos filled the air.
Mariana cautiously peered through the glass window on the door, only to witness a scene of horror. Blood splattered across the walls, bodies piled on the floor. Then, a face appeared at the other side of the glass, staring straight at her, its eyes dead and cold. Mariana gasped, stepping back as she quickly locked the door.
Inside the convenience store, there were eight people—three staff members, Preston and Laura, and three other students, along with an older man. The tension was thick, fear gripping everyone as they realized the danger that surrounded them.
**Elsewhere on Campus**
– 11:00 AM. –
In her dorm room, Kyana slept soundly, unaware of the chaos unfolding outside. Her class had been canceled, and she was relishing the extra sleep. However, the unusually loud commotion outside began to filter into her consciousness.
Her phone buzzed, rousing her from her slumber. Groaning, Kyana answered the call, her voice heavy with sleep. "Hello?"
On the other end was June Pham, Kyana's best friend. "The sun's high, and you're still in bed?"
Kyana glanced at the time on her phone. "11 AM? Damn, my alarm didn't go off."
"We're here already," June said.
Kyana scrambled out of bed, making her way downstairs. "Come inside, I need to get ready."
Outside, June and her boyfriend, Samuel, stood waiting near the entrance to the dorm. The usually quiet campus was bustling with people—cars honking, students rushing around with panicked expressions. Something was clearly wrong, but June and Samuel waited for Kyana, unaware of the full extent of what was happening.
Soon, the two of them were inside Kyana's dorm room. "Lucky for us, your roommate isn't here," June said as she made herself comfortable.
"Yeah, she's out of town. You guys hang out while I get ready," Kyana said, heading to the bathroom.
As she finished up, her phone rang again. This time, it was her younger sister, Tang. The sound of crying immediately made Kyana's heart race.
"Tang, what's going on?" she asked, her voice shaky as she walked out of the restroom and looked outside. There, she saw a car crash into a pole.
June and Samuel followed her gaze. "What the hell is happening out there?" June asked, her face pale with confusion.
Kyana turned to Samuel, who also attended Ocean View University. "Check the school email."
Samuel quickly pulled out his phone. After a few tense seconds, he looked up, his face grim. "There's been a virus outbreak," he said.
"Is that why everyone's freaking out?" June asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
Samuel nodded, his expression grave. "It sounds like some kind of... zombie outbreak."
Outside, chaos had erupted as people abandoned their cars, trapped in the gridlock of unmoving traffic. Panic gripped the scene as the unthinkable unfolded—people were attacking one another. A girl leapt onto the back of a stranger, sinking her teeth into him, while nearby, a group of students tore into someone helpless on the ground. Blood stained the streets, and the air was filled with the distant wail of sirens.
June's face drained of color. "A zombie outbreak? What are we supposed to do?"
Kyana's focus shifted back to her phone. "Tang, where are you?"
"I'm at the football field," Tang answered, her voice trembling.
Kyana turned to the others. "I have to go get her. The football field isn't safe."
June grabbed her arm. "You're going to get yourself killed! We need to wait for help."
Before Kyana could respond, a loud bang came from next door. "What is that?" June whispered, her fear mounting.
"It's coming from the room next door," Kyana said, cautiously approaching the bathroom door that connected her room to the neighboring dorm.
When she opened it, she saw the bathroom door on the other side already ajar. Inside, a girl staggered around, her clothes soaked in blood. As the girl turned toward Kyana, her eyes wild and empty, she lunged forward. Kyana barely had time to slam the door shut, but the girl's arm got stuck, her hand flailing madly through the gap.
Kyana shoved the girl's hand back and managed to close the door, but it wouldn't lock. "Help me block this!" she yelled.
Samuel and June rushed over, pushing a desk against the door just as the girl on the other side began slamming against it, her strength unnerving.
As the three of them stood in the room, the sounds of chaos growing louder outside, Kyana's mind raced. They were trapped, and outside, the world was falling apart.
– 12:00 PM. –
In the dimly lit house, Professor Arthur Bennett sat at his dinner table, carefully slicing through the freshly cooked meat on his plate. His movements were deliberate, almost too calm for the grim reality that surrounded him. The flickering light cast long shadows across the room, and his eyes shifted toward the open pantry door.
There, crouched in the corner, was Rachel. Her face was streaked with blood, her once-lustrous hair now tangled and caked with grime. The smell of decaying flesh clung to her like a second skin, the stench almost unbearable. Her body twitched unnervingly, and her breaths were ragged and shallow.
Professor Arthur's lips curled into a slow, eerie smile. "Rachel, dear," he crooned, his voice unnaturally soothing, "are you hungry?" With a casual gesture, he set a bowl of fresh, raw meat on the floor in front of her.
Rachel responded with a guttural growl, her eyes—now lifeless and dull, clouded over by whatever monstrous force had taken her. She shrieked, her voice echoing through the house, an unholy sound that made the walls seem to tighten.
"Go ahead, dear," Professor Arthur said, his tone disturbingly affectionate. "Fill your stomach."
Rachel lunged forward, her bloodied hands trembling as she tore into the meat, devouring it with primal hunger.
** Sincry Grove **
– 12:30 PM. –
On the television screen, a flashing alert reads: **BREAKING NEWS: Mysterious Virus Outbreak at Ocean View University—Authorities Urge Extreme Caution.**
The camera cuts to Vanessa Gomez, the anchor of Dash News. "Welcome back to Dash News. It's October 19, 2024, and I'm Vanessa Gomez. Today's top story: Panic and confusion are sweeping through Ocean View University as reports of a deadly and fast-spreading virus outbreak emerged earlier this morning. Initial reports describe violent and erratic behavior from those affected, creating a rapidly intensifying crisis on and off campus."
Grim footage begins to play.
Eyewitnesses recount scenes of sheer chaos. Students and faculty members are seen fleeing in terror. In one particularly disturbing clip, multiple students attack each other in a frenzy, resembling a rabid, animalistic assault. Social media footage shows blood-covered individuals, some disoriented, others lashing out violently at those around them.
The headline flashes again: **Campus Lockdown: Authorities Advise Immediate Evacuation.**
"University officials, led by Dean Wallace Maynard, have issued a campus-wide lockdown, urging students to either shelter in place or evacuate if safe to do so. In a public statement, Dean Maynard confirmed the situation remains ongoing, and law enforcement, along with emergency response teams, are en route to contain the outbreak."
"Please, for your safety, stay indoors and avoid anyone displaying abnormal or violent behavior," the dean urged in his statement. "We are working with health authorities to assess the cause and spread of this outbreak."
The university's science building and student stores are currently locked down as students barricade themselves inside. Eyewitnesses report seeing many injured, with visible bite wounds, leading to growing fears about how the virus spreads.
### **Early Theories and Unanswered Questions**
Medical experts remain puzzled. The behavior of the infected suggests a neurological disturbance, possibly similar to rabies or an unknown pathogen affecting brain function. The term "zombie-like" has already trended across social media platforms, though officials have yet to confirm any link to such drastic transformations.
"We're still gathering data, but the virus seems to spread quickly, likely through direct contact," stated Dr. Angela Moss, a local epidemiologist. "Until we understand more, avoiding the infected is the best way to stay safe."
### **Containment Efforts Underway**
Local police, in collaboration with the Centers for Virus Control and Prevention (CVC), have begun containment measures. A security perimeter is being established around the campus, although there are concerns that some of the infected may have already ventured beyond university grounds.
Officials are urging all citizens in nearby areas to stay indoors and avoid anyone displaying aggressive behavior. While first responders have confirmed multiple casualties, the total number remains unclear.
### **Evacuation Centers and Safety Protocols**
Emergency evacuation centers are being set up in collaboration with city officials. The following locations have been designated as safe zones for those who can safely evacuate:
- St. Jonah's Church, 2 miles west of Ocean View University
- Ocean View Sports Complex
- Central Library on 5th Avenue
### **Public Reactions**
Panic-stricken family members are flooding hotlines seeking updates on their loved ones. On social media, fear and uncertainty continue to escalate, with students posting real-time videos of the unfolding events.
"I saw people biting each other—it was like a scene from a horror movie," one student posted before fleeing the area. "No one knows what's going on."
### **CVC Response: Quarantine Under Consideration**
The Centers for Virus Control and Prevention have issued a high-level alert. If the virus proves highly contagious, full quarantine measures could be enforced. Authorities are still investigating the cause, with speculation swirling around the university's research labs.
"We're exploring every possible cause, including a potential biological accident," a CVC spokesperson commented.
### **Stay Updated**
This story is developing. Stay tuned to local news and emergency broadcasts for ongoing updates about the Ocean View outbreak.
---
**Safety Guidelines:**
- Avoid contact with anyone showing erratic behavior.
- Do not leave your shelter unless absolutely necessary.
- If you see an infected individual, contact emergency services immediately.
- Secure all doors and windows.
- Follow instructions from local authorities.
Stay vigilant and take every precaution until more information becomes available.
---
**For additional information, contact:**
Ocean View University Emergency Hotline: (555) 123-4567
Local Emergency Services: (555) 987-6543
As the news broadcast fades, Sia Lee collapses to the floor, her heart pounding. Her two daughters are students at Ocean View University.
Xavier Yang rushes to help his wife up. "They'll be fine, Sia. Don't worry."
Tears well up in Sia's eyes. "But I haven't heard anything from them—they're not answering their phones."
Xavier tries to offer a comforting smile. "Nothing bad will happen to Kyana and Tang. Trust me."
Sia buries her face in his lap, sobbing quietly.
---
**At Liquation Beach**
Another person watching the broadcast is Marina Wilson. Her hands tighten into fists as she watches the chaos unfold.
Her son, Raymond Hernandez, walks in from the kitchen, turning off the TV. "Mom, watching this is only going to make you more stressed."
"But your father has been missing for days, Raymond," Marina says, her voice trembling.
Raymond sighs, finishing his glass of water. "Dad's a technician. He's probably working late, or maybe he's tied up with something at work."
Marina shakes her head. "But he's never been away for more than three days. I heard he was heading to Ocean View University to check on the science building's heating system. What if—"
Raymond grabs his jacket, cutting her off. "Alright, Mom. I'll go check on him, though I'm sure he's just at the company."
Marina clutches his arm tightly. "Promise me you'll be careful. Please, find your dad and make sure he's safe."
Raymond forces a reassuring smile, nodding. But deep down, he shares her unease. His father, Jim Hernandez, hadn't responded to any calls or messages. Raymond had even tried contacting his father's coworkers, but they were equally in the dark about his whereabouts. A growing pit of worry settled in his stomach—Jim might still be trapped at the university.
– 3:00 PM. –
Amber Perkins sat in her car, honking in frustration after being stuck in gridlock for almost three hours. She had just returned from a trip to Northern California, only to find the highway at a complete standstill.
Sighing, she stepped out of her car and surveyed the situation. A sea of vehicles stretched out in front of her, honking incessantly. It seemed the highway was closed.
She quickly dialed her mother. "Hello, Mom?"
"Amber, are you okay?" her mother's voice asked, filled with concern.
"I'm fine, but do you know what's going on? The highway is blocked, and even the alternate routes are shut down."
There was a brief silence on the other end before her mother replied. "Amber, there's been an outbreak. A virus. Authorities announced they're building a perimeter wall around Ocean View University to keep the infected contained, but..the city,I-"
"They're trying to build a perimeter wall around the whole city?! This is ridiculous!" Amber exclaimed as she realized.
Her mother's voice softened. "As long as you're safe, that's all that matters. Everything will be okay."
"No, Mom. I can't just let this happen. I'll call you back." Amber hung up, determined.
She marched toward a group of soldiers guarding the highway blockade. One of them stepped forward. "Miss, you're not allowed past this point."
Amber pulled out her identification card and handed it over.
The soldier glanced at it. "Senator Amber Perkins?" He immediately straightened. "I'll notify my commanding officer."
Moments later, Lieutenant Thomas Scott approached, his expression professional but welcoming. "Senator Perkins, it's an honor to see you."
Amber wasted no time. "What's going on here? Why weren't we informed about this lockdown?"
The lieutenant offered a faint smile. "It was a last-minute directive from the higher-ups. We're simply following orders."
"But what about the uninfected people trapped inside? You can't just abandon them!" Amber's voice rose with frustration.
"That's not my responsibility, Senator," Scott replied flatly. "My orders are to prevent further contamination. That's all."
"You—" Amber clenched her fists, struggling to contain her anger, when suddenly her phone rang. It was Gaston Reynolds, the Secretary of Defense, and an old classmate of hers.
"Gaston, what the hell is going on?" Amber asked, her frustration spilling over.
"Amber, you need to get out of there. I'll arrange a helicopter to pick you up," Gaston said, his tone firm.
"No! I want answers. Why are they building a perimeter around the city? This is insane! What about the people in Liquaton? We can't just abandon them!"
Gaston hesitated before replying. "Amber, this decision was made by the majority. We have to prioritize the safety of the larger population."
"So, the people of Liquaton don't matter?!" Amber's voice trembled with anger. "This is my home too, Gaston. I have family and friends there! I can't just sit back and do nothing."
"I get it, Amber, but the decision is final. We have to protect the greater good."
Amber cut him off. "The people of Liquaton deserve protection too!"
There was a long pause before Gaston sighed heavily. "Alright, I'll see what I can do. But you need to leave the area immediately."
"I'm not leaving," Amber insisted. "I can't."
"Why won't you listen for once?" Gaston's voice grew exasperated.
"Because I can't be like you, Gaston," Amber replied quietly.
He sighed again, but softer this time. "Fine. I'll send a helicopter to take you to the Emergency Operations Center in Lev Abymon. It's the least I can do."
** Ocean View University - Football field **
– 7:00 PM. –
Derek Martin handed a water bottle to Elean Mills.
"Do you think we'll be safe here?" Elean asked, her voice trembling.
"Not for long," Derek replied, glancing at the gate. "It won't hold much longer."
"Then what do we do next? I saw the news... They're building a perimeter around the university. Do you really think they'll come for us?" Elean pressed, her anxiety growing.
Derek didn't have the answers. "I'm sure they'll rescue us. They won't leave us behind."
As the two professors spoke, the weight of fear and uncertainty settled over them.
Nearby, Tang sat with her arms wrapped tightly around her knees, staring at the wire fence. On the other side, infected students—or zombies, at this point—pressed closer. Most of the uninfected students had huddled together in small groups on the field, scattered and scared.
Tang's gaze kept darting to the gate. It didn't look strong enough to hold back the increasing number of zombies. Jenny, tears streaming down her face, stared out at the crowd of infected and spotted Milly, one of her friends, among them.
Everything felt hopeless. No news, no updates. Just silence.
Jenny walked over to Tang from the gate. "Tang... what are we going to do? I'm scared," she whispered, her voice shaking.
Tang forced a smile, but fear was clear in her eyes. "We'll be fine..."
Suddenly, Tang's phone rang, startling everyone. The sound immediately drew the attention of the infected outside the gate, making them more agitated and aggressive. The group of students hushed her as the zombies began moving toward them.
Tang quickly apologized and answered the call. "Kyana?"
Kyana, still in her dorm room, peered out the window as night approached. "Tang, listen to me. I'm going to try to come get you tonight."
"How?" Tang whispered urgently. "You could—"
"I won't. I promise," Kyana interrupted. "My room is next to the parking lot, and my car's right out front. I'll try to get to it and come for you."
"Kyana, those zombies are sensitive to noise. It's just like in the movies. How are you going to get here without them noticing?" Tang asked, her voice filled with concern.
"I don't know," Kyana admitted. "But staying there isn't safe. Those wire gates won't hold. Tang, can you make it to the Warren Athletic Administration Building?"
"There are some zombies near the entrance," Tang replied hesitantly. "The professors tried to get in earlier, but..."
Tang's voice trailed off, the memory too painful. She recalled how Professor Maggie Morrison had managed to enter the building, but they hadn't anticipated the infected lurking inside. Though they had observed the building and assumed it was safe, the silence had been misleading. Maggie was bitten inside. Before her body gave out, she managed to bring back water, food, and a first-aid kit. The memory of her desperate escape was burned into Tang's mind.
Kyana sensed the hesitation in her friend's voice. "Alright, Tang. Don't do anything risky. Just follow your professors' instructions. I'll do whatever it takes to get to you."
"Kyana... I'm scared. I hate this."
Tears welled up in Tang's eyes as she spoke.
"I know," Kyana said softly, trying to hold back her own tears. "But you have to stay strong, okay? I'm here. I won't abandon you."
The call ended, leaving Tang in the heavy silence of the field, waiting for what might come next.
June sat up from the bed, her voice tense. "Tang's right. Those infected… can you even call them people anymore? They're basically zombies now. They won't leave us alone, and they're so sensitive to sound. If you go out there, you're going to get yourself killed. Maybe we should just stay inside and wait for the rescue team."
Kyana shook her head, her frustration clear. "Do you really think that's the best plan? They're building a perimeter around the university—do you know what that means? No one's getting in or out. If they were going to rescue us, they would've done it by now. It's already 7 PM. What's taking them so long? It's not a rescue; it's a lockdown. If you want to stay and wait, that's your choice. But me? I can't. My sister is out there, waiting for me, and I'm not just going to sit around and wait for death to come knocking."
June started to sob. "Why are you saying that? I hate you!" She turned away and sat back on the bed, burying her face in her hands.
Samuel tried to comfort her. "Kyana didn't mean it like that. I'm sure they're doing everything they can to find a solution. Don't worry, okay?"
Kyana sat down in her chair, her resolve hardening.
–– 10:45 PM ––
Kyana began packing her backpack.
June, still crying, pleaded with her. "Kyana, can't we just wait a little longer? Let's be patient."
Kyana turned to her and gently stroked June's hand, which was trying to stop her from leaving. "There's food in the container in the closet, and I've got snacks in the drawer. If you get hungry, take what you need."
Kyana continued packing, pulling out a 3-inch knife and some medication her mother had given her before she moved into the dorm. She placed them carefully in her bag.
Turning to Samuel, Kyana spoke firmly. "You have to protect June, no matter what. Don't run off and leave her behind, okay?"
Samuel nodded, looking down at his feet.
Kyana turned to June, her voice softening. "You know I love you, right? You're my best friend, my family. If I don't make it, you have to. Promise me, okay?"
June sobbed quietly, her fear overwhelming her.
Kyana moved to the window, where the screen had been removed because it had torn and hadn't been replaced yet. She peered outside. There was a zombie about 10 feet away from her car, but most of the infected were on the other side of the parking lot, drawn to the brighter lights.
Climbing trees had been a skill Kyana mastered during her childhood, and luckily, there was a tree right outside her second-floor window. She slowly lowered herself onto the tree and carefully descended. A small noise escaped as she landed, but thankfully, the zombies didn't notice.
Kyana crept toward her car, but just as she reached it, she felt a hand grab her shoulder. She nearly screamed, but a hand covered her mouth.
It was June.
"What are you doing?" Kyana whispered, shocked.
"If we're going to die, let's die together," June said, pouting slightly.
Kyana sighed, then quietly unlocked the car, and in one swift motion, they both climbed in.
Now, the real challenge: starting the car without attracting attention.
As Kyana turned the key, the zombies glanced their way and began moving toward them. Fortunately, the lights from other abandoned or crashed cars helped distract them, keeping Kyana's car from drawing too much attention.
Driving was still a problem, though.
"Forget it. Let's just get out of here," Kyana muttered, and she quickly drove past the stop sign, heading into a nearby parking structure. Her dorm was close to the football field, with only parking lots and a structure between them.
The noise of the engine had drawn some attention, but soon, the area grew quiet again.
–– 11:30 PM ––
Kyana and June cautiously peeked out from behind the windshield cover. The night was eerily silent, broken only by the occasional growl of zombies and the sound of their shuffling footsteps.
Kyana had parked two or three rows deep in the parking structure, just far enough from the field. June whispered, "Do you think it's safe to go now?"
Kyana glanced back at her, frowning. "Why did you guys follow me? You should've stayed in the dorm."
June crossed her arms, her voice defiant. "I couldn't just stay there while my friend was risking her life."
Just then, a crunching sound broke the silence. They both turned to see Samuel, munching on a bag of chips.
"What are you doing?" Kyana hissed.
"Eating," Samuel replied, trying to chew quietly. "I'm hungry!"
Inside the field, Professor Derek surveyed the gate. It was loose and shaky from the pressure of the zombies. Although they had calmed down for now, it was clear that the gate wouldn't hold much longer.
There were 41 survivors gathered inside the field, and Derek knew he had to make a decision fast, especially since the zombies had been drawn toward the lights of nearby buildings, 40 to 60 meters away. This brief lull in danger wouldn't last.
Derek quickly called everyone together.
"Alright, listen up," he began. "As you can all see, the gate won't hold for long. We need to get out of here before morning."
Murmurs spread through the group.
"If we stay, we'll be sitting ducks. We need to escape to safety," Derek urged.
A student asked, "But where do we go?"
"We can't all move as one big group," Derek replied. "We'd attract too much attention and die faster that way. We need to split up into smaller groups, head for the nearest buildings, and find a safe room to hide in."
More nervous chatter broke out among the students.
"We have to move quickly. Staying in the open like this is too dangerous," Derek continued.
Jenny turned to Tang. "What about your sister? Is she coming?"
Tang remained silent, her face tight with worry.
Within 20 minutes, the group was divided into smaller clusters of five to seven people.
"Alright, when the gate opens, stay quiet. If you're spotted, run—hide in a car, climb a tree, do whatever you can to stay safe," Derek instructed.
The gate slowly creaked open. A zombie lurked about 20 feet away, but for now, it hadn't noticed them.
As people began slipping through the gate one by one, a trembling student in the group accidentally wet himself. In his panic, he tripped, and the loud thud immediately caught the attention of the nearby zombie.
While some students had already hidden behind cars or crossed the road toward the parking structure, others were still inside the field. The noise drew the zombies, and suddenly, they were running toward the group.
A few students attempted to lock themselves back inside the field, but it was too late. A zombie had slipped through, and chaos erupted. Screams filled the air as the students ran in every direction, trying to evade the incoming horde.
Tang, realizing they'd be trapped if they stayed, grabbed Jenny. Together, they sprinted toward the Warren Athletic Administration Building, which was only eight feet away from the field.
The scene was chaos—students were running toward the parking structure, some screaming, others already bitten. Kyana, hiding behind a car, froze as she watched the scene unfold. Her eyes scanned the crowd, but she couldn't spot Tang. Her gaze shifted to the Warren Athletic Administration Building—the place she had told Tang to head to earlier.
As the chaos unfolded, Kyana stealthily made her way through the parked cars and slipped into the building.
Inside, Tang and Jenny were moving quietly. Some students had run upstairs, while others had taken refuge in the bathrooms. Tang and Jenny entered a room near the elevator, a small shop where food was sold and students often rested. They silently closed the door behind them.
They thought they were safe, but then they heard a noise from behind the counter. As they approached, the sound stopped.
A male zombie in a staff shirt stood up, locking eyes with them.
Tang and Jenny bolted for the door, using a chair to block the zombie, but it was fast. It shrieked and lunged at them. Just as it was about to attack, Kyana appeared, swinging a bat. She struck the zombie in the back of the head, hitting it repeatedly until it finally collapsed.
Panting, she dropped the bat and rushed over to hug Tang and Jenny. She had spotted them just in time before the zombie could reach them.
"Are you hurt?" Kyana asked, checking Tang for injuries.
Tang sobbed but shook her head.
Kyana smiled gently. "Okay, we need to get out of here. My car isn't far."
Just then, a car crashed into the building's entrance.
Kyana turned to look. It was June.
The three of them quickly jumped into the car.
The night fell eerily silent once again.