The morning sun spilled across the Georgia countryside, painting everything in gold. Birds chirped in the distance, and the faint hum of cars on the highway reminded eighteen-year-old Emily Carter that life was still "normal"—at least for now. At 18, Emily felt the world pressing on her shoulders, a mix of responsibility and fear that she could never quite explain. She glanced at her little sister, Lily, who at six was still blissfully unaware of the pressures of the world, engrossed in her coloring book on the kitchen floor.
Emily poured two cups of coffee, trying to ignore the gnawing worry in her chest. Their parents had left early that morning for a business trip, leaving the sisters alone in their modest farmhouse near Atlanta. Normally, Emily would have been thrilled for a day to herself with Lily, but there was something strange in the air—a tension she couldn't shake.
The first news report came mid-morning. Emily had the TV on while Lily colored, the sound of static-filled warnings piercing the calm
"Authorities are reporting a series of violent attacks in nearby towns," the newscaster said, voice trembling. "Residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid contact with affected individuals. The cause is unknown, but the attacks appear aggressive and contagious."
Emily frowned. The word "contagious" made her stomach twist. She knelt next to Lily, forcing a smile. "Hey, Lily… let's just stay inside today, okay?"
Lily looked up innocently, blue eyes wide. "Okay, Em. Are the bad guys like in my storybook?"
Emily forced a laugh. "Something like that."
But deep down, she knew this was different.
By afternoon, reports grew worse. Local police stations had gone silent, replaced by images of chaos: people running through streets, buildings ablaze, and something unholy shuffling behind them. Emily's heart pounded. Georgia, her quiet little corner of the world, was unraveling before her eyes.
She grabbed a small backpack and began packing essentials—water, canned food, a flashlight, and a pocketknife her father had given her years ago. She couldn't risk panicking Lily, so she kept her voice steady. "Lily, we're going on a little adventure. Pack some things you want to bring."
Lily bounced excitedly. "Like my doll and snacks?"
"Yes, exactly." Emily forced a reassuring smile, but as she glanced out the window at the emptying streets, the shadows moving in the corners of her vision, she realized the adventure would be far darker than anything Lily could imagine.