𝓛𝓮𝓸𝓷 𝓚𝓮𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓭𝔂| ɪᴍᴀɢɪɴᴇꜱ ʙᴏᴏᴋ 4

Tall Oaks University| Request

D/N POV: 

I watch as my mom and dad haul the boxes out of the car, following my lead as we walk up the stairs of the old building and into my new dorm room. It's my first day at Tall Oaks university and whilst I'm dreading being away from my parents I know that they're going to be fine without me, if anything I can finally get away from their cheesy romance and gross make-outs I sometimes walk in on. My heart pounds as their departure nears closer, we're almost done moving me in and then I'll well and truly be on my own. My dad senses my unease and walks over to me, setting a comforting hand on my shoulder as my mom complains about my lack of roommate. 

"You're going to be fine, I know it. You've been looking forward to this for so long kid, don't let your worries hold you back. Your mom and I are so proud of you, even if you're breaking my heart and bailing on our weekly bowling nights." My dad smiles, but I can see the concern etched into his brows. I nod, feeling my eyes fill with tears as I reach out and hug him, my mom joins the hug within seconds as she sniffles and wipes her eyes, cursing at crying. My dad gives her a chuckle as well as a pointed look, they sometimes still act as if I'm five. 

"I think we should all have something to eat after that, one last lunch together?" My mom asks, wrapping her arm around my shoulders. I look at the boxes and rolled up posters, chewing on my lip. Classes start in two days and the sooner I'm settled in the better. I shake my head, throwing her an apologetic look. 

"I just want to unpack and get things organised." 

"We'll bring you over a sandwich and some snacks then." My mom waves off, already grabbing my dad's hand as she tugs him out of the room. I begin to protest but it's too late. I smile, wiping away a tear at how much I'm going to miss her forceful mothering and thoughtfulness. I immerse myself in unpacking as I wait for them to come back, but it seems to take a while. I don't know how much time has passed before I realise that it's getting dark yet everything seems too quiet. I finish putting away the last remainder of my clothes before looking out of the window, the orange leaves scatter across the lawn from the breeze, and I spot a few people wandering around, stumbling as if drunk. I snort, knowing I won't be like them until I've actually committed to this place, yet I can't help but to feel a sense of unease. I check my phone, my parents should have been back ages ago, and I know they wouldn't leave without saying a proper goodbye, even if my dad's work called him in. 

I grab a jacket before heading outside to look for them, the doors to the building are locked which is odd, but I pull out my keys and easily fix that. The stragglers from outside all look at me, their gazes weird in the dark. I shiver, immediately met with the cool September breeze as I jog across the lawn. I hear a groan, making me stop in my tracks as I look around for the source. I glance behind me, seeing the people from earlier making their way over. Maybe there's a fire drill I don't know about or something going on. I make my way over to them. 

"Hi, is something going on around here? It seems too quiet for-" I begin in a friendly tone, but it ends in a gasp when the first girls face shines in the dim light. She's missing an eye and her face is literally torn. I hold back a scream as she groans and tries to reach for me, I trip over my feet, stumbling as I crawl on the ground and find my footing again before racing my way across the lawn and back to my dorm room. I lock the door behind me just in time to see the things throw themselves at the glass, some of it cracks from the force as they try to pry themselves in. A sob escapes me at the situation, I'm shaking and on the verge of a panic attack until an undeadly groan disturbs the silence in the halls. I whimper, footsteps creaking on the old wooden floor as I try and find the fire exit. Where are my parents? I've got to find them, I know my dad's well trained and can defend himself and my mom, they're probably trying to get to me. But do I stay here or go look for them?