Narrowly escaping the throng of people at the high school, the Hendersons navigated through town towards the freeway, bypassing the relentless chaos strewn across the streets.
"Shit, shit, shit!" Miles exclaimed, pounding on his steering wheel as he dodged pedestrians leaping into his path.
"Take the on-ramp at Tempus; it's the quickest route to the nearest shelter," Abel instructed, scrutinizing his phone's GPS for alternative paths.
Veering sharply to the right, Miles avoided the main roads to reach the freeway as swiftly as possible.
"Jesus Christ," Abel murmured under his breath, gazing out the window. The town where they had spent their childhood was now almost beyond recognition, with buildings sporting shattered windows and rampant looting. Desperate fights over food and clothing erupted, and military personnel swarmed the streets.
"What the fuck is happening?" Miles pondered aloud as he observed camouflage jeeps racing down the roads.
"Miles, take this left; we can get around the traffic!" Abel urged, tapping his phone screen insistently. Miles jerked the wheel so forcefully that the tires screeched against the asphalt, leaving trails of burnt rubber.
"Any luck, Amanda?" Miles inquired, glancing at his sister who was frantically ending calls and redialing.
"No response yet," she replied, disconnecting another call.
'"Keep trying!" he shouted, masking his frustration.
"Where to now, Abel?" he asked, his voice tinged with fear and rising anger.
"Turn left up ahead!" Abel yelled in response, clutching the handle above his head. With a swift turn of the wheel, the onramp came into view. Miles pressed down hard on the accelerator, aiming straight for it.
"Everyone brace yourselves!" Miles called out, bracing for impact. The car's undercarriage scraped against the ramp, sending a shower of sparks trailing behind.
Miles hit the brakes upon realizing the freeway was congested with vehicles, bumper to bumper with no end in sight.
"Fuck!" he cursed, pounding his fist on the dashboard. The car screeched to a stop, its rear lifting and skewing slightly to the left.
"Now what?" Abel inquired, peering through the windshield at the gridlock.
"Look there," Miles directed, pointing to a small black sedan a few cars ahead. He recognized his girlfriend's octopus sticker on its rear bumper.
"That's Beck's car. Let's catch up to her on foot and figure out our next move together," he suggested confidently, sure that they could devise a plan as a group. The siblings concurred, seeing no alternative but to proceed by foot.
Miles shifted the car into park, leaving the keys in the ignition before exiting. Abel and Amanda trailed their brother as he made his way toward the sedan, uncertain of their next steps. The surrounding vehicles were immobilized, inching forward sporadically. They walked past numerous cars, some occupied by individuals, others by entire families, all striving to reach safety.
Miles pondered how everyone could reach the shelter and secure sufficient food and rations for survival. As he passed by vehicles, he peered into their windows, empathizing with the occupants. 'What will become of those who don't arrive in time?' he wondered, hoping that additional measures were in place. Trying to dispel the dreadful thoughts of potential outcomes, Miles shook his head and continued towards Beck's car with his companions.
Trailing behind, Amanda fixated on her phone's screen, displaying numerous unanswered messages to her mother. Despite sending over forty texts, there was no reply, leaving her feeling defeated, bewildered, and terrified.
'Where was her mother? Has she found safety? If so, why hadn't she responded?' She had anticipated such behavior from her sedentary, alcoholic father but never from her mother. Something was amiss.
Meanwhile, Abel consulted his phone's map and noted that the shelter was merely half a mile away. Although walking there wasn't ideal, it appeared to be the quickest option, providing him with a sense of relief that contrasted with their departure from school.
Eventually navigating through the congested path of cars, they reached Beck's vehicle. Miles approached the driver's side and rapped on the window. Startled, Beck gazed at him with a mix of surprise and relief before flinging herself into his embrace.
"I've been so worried... I called and texted but you didn't answer. I was afraid you were trapped somewhere," she confessed, clinging to him tightly.
Embracing Beck momentarily, Miles then withdrew, perplexed.
I haven't received any calls or texts all day," he claimed, pulling out his phone to reveal an empty call log. In contrast, Beck duplicated the gesture, displaying a call log brimming with outgoing calls—each one sent, yet none answered.
"What the fuck is happening?" Miles inquired, his anxiety mounting as dreadful thoughts once again invaded his mind.
"Seriously, there's no service, no incoming or outgoing communications, and no sign of rescue. What's going on here?" He continued to pace in tight circles.
"I'm not sure. The radio said something about Russia and taking shelter before it cut into static. I tried to retune to the station, but they've all gone silent," she responded, her nerves as frayed as his.
"Last night, the news anchor reported that Russia had issued a threat to the U.S., and the president declared a state of emergency," he recalled from the previous evening.
"Then this morning, it was the same news report on the same channel with the same news anchor," Abel interjected.
"So what? I saw that too. The state of emergency was declared for California, Washington, New York, and Texas. We're not involved in that," Miles retorted.
"I'm merely pointing out that it's strange to replay the same news report, then to lose phone service, and now for the radio to go silent. It seems like this attack wasn't a bluff and it's more serious than anyone anticipated," he expressed, fear evident in his gaze. They exchanged looks, each searching for answers or some form of comfort, but none had any to offer.
As the four individuals stood conversing, an increasing number of people began to abandon their vehicles, losing hope of reaching safety by car. A diverse crowd, ranging from mothers clutching their infants to solitary men hauling duffle bags, started to bypass them, creating a stream of pedestrians. The group became aware of their surroundings, exchanging confused glances as they headed towards the shelter.
Suddenly, they noticed a large contingent of military personnel marching towards them. Clad in the heaviest armor available, their broad shoulders bore a look of concern for the civilians they were approaching. Each soldier carried a hefty gun that oscillated with their stride. Halting in the center of the freeway, one soldier ascended into the cargo area of an abandoned truck and retrieved a megaphone.
His stern visage stilled the advancing crowd. A pronounced crooked nose and a prominent scar above his left eyebrow did little to reassure those anticipating his announcement.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the shelter has reached capacity; your safest option now is to evacuate the town. I repeat, please return to your vehicles and proceed southward out of town," he declared. Gazing down at the sea of anxious faces before him, he displayed no sign of compassion.
It was not his first time delivering such news; these soldiers likely had to pause frequently to provide guidance to the unsuspecting citizens now facing unforeseen peril. The collective panic and fear swiftly morphed into indignation and anger as it dawned on them that safety was becoming an elusive privilege. Desperate individuals sprinted, hoping to be the exception that would keep the shelter's doors open, while distressed mothers implored the soldiers to take their children.
Among those dashing was Scott, pulling Eden along. Close by was Selena.
Fuck that! We deserve to live too!" Scott shouted, his voice filled with defiance as he struck one of them across the face, causing blood to spill from his lips. He managed to slip past the blockade, only to be halted no more than three feet beyond by another soldier. Atop the truck, the soldier surveyed the oncoming wave of people with a sense of urgency.
He rapidly assessed every possible outcome, realizing he needed to de-escalate the situation swiftly. Without a moment's hesitation, he detached his rifle from his back and fired into the air. The once thunderous sound of feet and battle cries transformed into screams and the heavy thuds of bodies hitting the ground.
The Hendersons and Beck quickly took cover behind her car, cautiously peering over the trunk, observing the scene unfold with bated breath. A hush descended upon the bridge, punctuated only by the relentless crashes of the rapids below and distant honking horns. Gunfire reverberated through the trees while soft cries permeated the bridge; some were desperate pleas directed at the soldiers who looked on with a mix of pity and sorrow, others were from infants cradled in their parents' arms.
The megaphone crackled to life, emitting a piercing whine before the soldier spoke into it, "Turn around and leave the city; the shelter is full, and it isn't safe here. We have orders to take necessary measures and will not hesitate to use force," he announced, still pointing his gun skyward. His expression morphed into a scowl as he disdainfully turned up his nose.
Miles rose from his cover, eyes blazing with fury and fist clenched tight. Beck pulled at his shirt, imploring him to crouch down again.
"What's happening? Why isn't it safe here?" Miles demanded, thrusting his fist into the air in a gesture of protest. The crowd rallied behind him, their collective voices rising in a chorus of demands for answers from the soldiers.
"Look, I can't explain everything; all I can say is that it isn't safe, and you need to leave now!" barked the soldier, turning his gun towards the crowd.
"We deserve to know!" chanted the crowd, undeterred by the barrel of the weapon facing them.
The soldier tried to speak again but to no avail; his voice was drowned out by the people, and his patience was wearing thin.
The chanting persisted, with men, women, and children alike demanding answers. As the soldiers aimed their weapons at the crowd, the chanting abruptly stopped. The lead soldier stood in the bed of the truck, and raised his fist to speak, but was interrupted by a loud whistle from above. A massive rocket adorned with a white body and a red tip, emblazoned with the Soviet flag and carrying two glowing orbs on its sides, sliced through the clouds as it soared overhead.
Everyone ducked for cover as they watched the large object screech overhead. Then a loud click sounded before one of the blue orbs detached, tumbling through the air before landing in front of the soldiers and rolling slightly across the freeway. Panic ensued once more, causing people to flee from the shelter and off of the freeway. Some took cover under cars while others curled into balls where they stood.
Miles surveyed the sea of panicked faces, desperately searching for another solution. Then he glanced over the side of the bridge at the rushing water below that swept away debris at an alarming rate.
"We have to jump," he declared, eyeing the menacing water below.
"What?" Beck asked nervously.
"There's no time—we have to jump now!" Miles insisted, stepping onto the edge of the bridge. He extended his hands towards Beck and Amanda.
Are you out of your fucking mind? We'll die!" Abel voiced his protest furiously.
"It's either jump now with a chance to survive, or stay and face whatever that thing does, which I bet won't be pleasant," Miles retorted. The two girls climbed up hesitantly beside him, followed by a reluctant Abel. They all took a deep breath before jumping into the water one after the other.
On the other side of the bridge, Scott watched Miles and his group as they jumped off the bridge. He peered over the edge and made his decision as he saw the four being swept away.
"Fuck this," he muttered, stepping onto the ledge.
"W...what are you doing?" Eden called out, her voice laced with anxiety.
"Surviving. It's your call—come or die," he declared, then stepped off the ledge into the river, quickly being carried downstream. Selena glanced at Eden, fear evident in her eyes, but feeling they had no other option, she shrugged and stepped shakily onto the ledge.
Clutching her arms close to her body, she stepped off. Eden hurried to look over as Selena hit the water; the current immediately yanked her feet from under her and swept her away within seconds.
Panic set in as they debated whether to jump. Their mind raced at breakneck speed, considering every possible outcome they could imagine.
Whirrrrr. Their attention snapped back to the glowing sphere, noticing its light now pulsated and was quickening. Realizing it was now or never, they climbed onto the ledge and leaped, clearing their minds of all thoughts. They let out screams as they plummeted towards the water when suddenly a loud explosion echoed, followed by a bright blue beam and a humming vibration emanated from the orb as it expanded in size, engulfing the bridge.
Eden plunged into the water, swiftly carried away like Selena and Scott, their head barely surfacing long enough to witness the once-sturdy bridge collapse into the churning waters below. Vehicles and, more tragically, people were sent plummeting as the earth vanished beneath them. Amidst the chaos, Eden's vision blurred, but the piercing screams resonated unmistakably—a haunting echo they wouldn't easily shake off. The relentless current tossed Eden's body, too rapid to clutch at anything for stability. Sharp, jagged rocks beneath sliced through any dangling fabric, the soles of their shoes, and all bare skin.
In a desperate attempt to grasp an approaching branch, Eden's hand met with such ferocity that the skin was stripped away, leaving it raw and bleeding profusely. As they were flung through the torrential waters, their wounds stung bitterly from the relentless assault of icy spring water. The pain in their feet intensified as the jagged rocks below punctured through their shoe soles.
Clinging to Beck and the twins with all his might, Miles maintained their huddle, resembling a makeshift raft drifting downstream. Their legs scraped against sharp boulders, reducing their shoes to sodden cloth with scant rubber attached. Resolute, Miles refused to release his grip—this was all that remained for him now.
His vision was repeatedly obscured by water splashing into his eyes, blinding him each time. Frantically searching for something to anchor them away from the river's grasp, all he could discern were sparse blades of grass shimmering under a mysterious blue light radiating from the bridge.
Scott and Selena were in close proximity, each breath a desperate attempt to cling to one another. Selena kept her head elevated, striving to stay above the surging waters. She gasped for air, taking several shallow breaths as the water submerged her repeatedly, thrusting her against the rocks beneath. Scott battled the current, endeavoring to reach the shore—a task that seemed insurmountable, despite the grass being just an arm's length away. With every tumultuous wave, he tried to latch onto something—anything—that would extricate him from the water's grasp. Yet, each effort was thwarted by the relentless waves, intent on sealing his fate.
As Selena drifted further from Scott, she flailed wildly, attempting to remain afloat long enough to draw a deep, soothing breath for her weary lungs. Her arms, fatigued from the struggle, tempted her to succumb to the treacherous waters. Nevertheless, she mustered the strength to surge upward once again.
Abel clung to his siblings as if his life depended on it, each splash introducing water into his nose and mouth, leaving a foul taste as he expelled it. The soil and mud battered his legs, while sharp rocks pierced the soles of his feet—so sharp that they inflicted deep lacerations and cuts along his heels.
Amanda fought for breath as she propelled herself above the waves. Her swimming skills had always been lacking; since childhood, she had confined herself to the shallow end of pools, venturing into deeper waters only with the aid of floatation devices. Her siblings often teased her for it, but it never bothered her—until now. A modicum of experience might have been their salvation. Instead, she was haunted by visions of drowning—of water inundating her lungs and darkness enveloping her as she sank, gazing upwards for help that would never arrive. To some, her fear of deep water might seem irrational, but in this moment of peril, it was terrifyingly real.
Miles tried his best to keep his head above the crashing rapids to no avail his head was dunked over and over each time his mouth was filled with water and his eyes were blinded. As time passed Miles had little hope of survival swearing if the water didn't kill him the bomb would. In the distance, he could see small glimpses of the bridge they had all jumped from smoke floated into the air as the large blue beam, that the orb emitted continued to spread across the plains. His mind told him to keep pushing forward, but his aching body told him to give in.
Beck's grip tightened as she held onto Miles, her arms wrapped around his waist, attempting to stay as close to him as she possibly could. The area surrounding the river was all grassland, with no civilization visible for miles. The area consisted mainly of trees and mountains. The only reminder she had been in the city was the smoke filling the sky from the bridge behind them.
Animals of all shapes and sizes ran in different directions. Smaller animals like squirrels and rabbits hid in small burrows and holes while larger animals like deer and moose couldn't escape, their bodies engulfed by the glowing blue light. It's unclear what the beam did to their bodies but some of them became something far from what they were only moments ago. They were almost dead, their skin and fur decaying revealing the bones and organs within. Their bodies stretched and enlarged as a strip of glowing blue light wrapped around them like a snake constricting its next meal.
They were no longer living but not fully dead they were shells of themselves no brains no feelings. While other animals grew in size and became vibrant and magical versions of themselves. Sprouting flowers and vines from different parts of their body and some growing armor that seemed to be made of their bone, expelling from their skin and creating a hard exoskeleton.
Humans weren't as lucky. The people who were absorbed by the blue light were burned from the inside out, their organs melted while the liquid left behind turned to dark black sludge submerging the area around the feet of the molten casts that were left behind - hollow shells wearing the final expression the hosts bore when they were engulfed.
The Hendersons and Beck had all but lost hope of survival their last attempts at escaping proved futile as the angry river foiled any attempt they made at escaping. The four of them grew tired of treading water their limbs growing numb, as if they were being poked by hundreds of needles at once. Miles looked at his siblings and his girlfriend as they began sinking slowly. He looked around wiping water from his face. Behind them was the expanding beam of light beginning to dissipate, in front of them a threeway split in the river. His mind filled with ideas as he stared at the fork ahead of them.
The split had three options if they continued with the current the water would take them east most likely killing them in the process. If they found a way to break off to the right, the water would send them west with a slight chance of survival as they would have to navigate through the Rattlesnake Rapids, an even faster set of rapids only trekked by the most experienced rafters and paddle boaters. Straight ahead of them, the fork broke north directly for a waterfall that crashed into a large lake below. Miles thought to himself knowing it was risky but if they were to go over the falls the water below would be stationary giving them the best chance at survival.
"Hold onto me!" Miles yelled, spitting water from his mouth. His siblings reached for his shirt pulling themselves onto their brother. Beck grabbed tighter around his waist clinging to him like a baby animal to their mother.
"When I say so, rotate to the right!" Miles yelled, looking ahead at the large waterfall.
"Now!" He yelled. The four of them with the rest of their energy forced their bodies to the right. As they spun the water broke and the waterfall sucked them in sending them over the edge of the mountain. A sense of relief washed over their bodies as they no longer needed to tread the harsh and unforgiving river, as they fell into the lake below. All of them took a deep breath as they got closer to the water. They entered the lake with a large splash before being pushed away by the force of the waterfall crashing behind them and rushing them toward the beach.