Why Us | The Black Phone

Chapter 2

-Bruce-

We're running so much and avoiding so many that we can't even ask the groupchat where to go or if they're alright.

I'm worried. For everyone. My friends. My family. Oh, god, my family. Are they ok?

I don't understand, what's happening?

What's going on?

We stop in an alleyway to catch our breath. I lean my shoulder against the brick wall. I can feel my heart in my hands and feet. I can hear it in my ears.

Robin falls to his knees and Vance backs into the wall opposite to me. They're both looking as shaken up as me.

We're all panting.

"Que fue eso?" Robin asks, shakily, "What happened to those kids? Why did those people attack them?! What's going on?!" He gradually gets louder.

I look at him and then down to the ground. I can't even formulate my own thoughts.

Vance quickly picks him up and shoves him into the wall, covering his mouth with his hand.

"Shut. The fuck up. You're gonna draw them near, idiot." He says, calmly.

His eyes were in their usual glare state while Robin's were wide in fear.

He nods and Vance lets go of him. He walks to the entrance of the alley and looks around.

Robin slides down the wall and onto the ground. He had his hands over his ears and his eyes seemed to be stuck wide.

I looked at him. Swallowing my fear, I get off the wall.

Walking to sit next to him, I sigh. I turn to him, he's completely terrified.

I wrap my arms around him and whisper, "I'm sorry," he looks at me in confusion, "I don't know what's going on either." He sniffs and nods.

I continue, "We were leaving the arcade, heading to my game, right? And... these people- they came from the woods behind the building and started jumping on others. We tried to go help a lady with a guy that jumped her, her daughter was scared, but one of those people grabbed my ankle and pulled me to the ground. We don't know why but they're set on biting us. Vance broke his wrist and we started running away."

"Entonces, son como zombies? Is that what's going on?" Vance snorts.

We look at him, "This isn't some movie, they can't be dead, they don't look dead, they just... look pale..." He says, slowly getting quieter by the end. He shakes his head and looks out of the alley again.

I can tell he's troubled because his face is in a scowl. I haven't seen him scowl so hard since he was getting caught in fights every day.

"We were just throwing ideas, sabes, trying to figure out what's going on. No need to be rude, pendejo."  Robin says, holding his knees closer to his chest.

Vance rolls his eyes, "Obviously something weird. Maybe a new food or drink. Making them crazy. Shits filled with chemicals nowadays anyway."

"I agree, it'll probably go away soon. We just have to stay outta the way until things settle down so we don't get hurt." I say, "Lemme check on the others." I suggest.

I take out my phone and go on the groupchat.

Guys?
Everyone ok?

Finner for dinner: We're fine
Just finished filling everything up
You?

Ok, good. We got Robin
We're safe
A little scared but all fine