[2026]

The dark sky fractures with a thunderous might. Chris and Jane melt into the darkness and slink behind an abandoned cafe. They hear nothing but distant clicking beneath each thunderous bellow ahead. Jane sobs. Chris gives her a warm embrace. He speaks with a vague whisper, "We will be OK, honey. Let's just stick to the plan." Against her will, she let's out a slightly louder sob, then gasps at what she just did. The chattering stops. Her heart pounds. Lightning strikes, and they see it: the abomination had no visible face, just teeth. Decayed teeth against rotting skin. It faces their direction before letting out a terrifying hiss as it dashes towards them, its head split open like a Venus fly trap, revealing a terrifying set of venomous fangs. Chris forcefully grabs her arm, and they run in a panic as several more abominations begin to chase after them. One foot in front of the other. Scan for a clear path. Watch out for obstacles. Find somewhere out of sight, and hide. Be as quiet as possible. Just like the training manual said. Chris desperately looks ahead as his breathing turns shallow; then, his stomach sinks as they come to a chain link fence overlooking a sea of these monsters choking the streets. They were trapped on both sides, and he had to think fast. He spots an open door, and they run for it. He slams it shut, and they begin looking for a hiding place. It appeared to be a break room of sorts; they began making their way past dozens of upturned tables and chairs, finding purchase in a small janitorial closet. "It's going to be alright, sweetheart. Remember what the CDC said, we need to lie low and wait. They only respond to noise." She didn't respond. Quietly, they sit, waiting to be passed over. Strange, erratic breathing fills the closet, and Chris whispers. "Jane, are you okay?" chattering. In a panic, he turns and sees that her face is now deformed with hundreds of teeth. Her head splits open, and with a horrific roar, she lunges at him, and things go black.