The New Dawn: Awakening

Chapter 1

As I woke up from the morning light filtering through my blinds, I got up slowly, still drowsy from my dad's 34th birthday party. I mutter to myself, "Huh... It's morning already...?" My phone buzzes incessantly, as if the world were ending. I stumble out of bed and walk over the scattered clothes on my bedroom floor. I haven’t cleaned in a few days. I walk to my dresser and slip on a white T-shirt and sweatpants. I grab my phone and slip it into my pocket.

Opening my squeaky door slowly, I walk over to the bathroom. As I'm brushing my teeth, I decide to check what’s going on with those notifications. Turning on my phone, the screen lights up with "56+ messages from 'Dad'." The latest one reads, "SADIE, WHERE ARE YOU?!"

Confused, I respond, "At home, why?"

"STAY THERE. YOUR COUSIN JERRY IS PICKING YOU UP. DO NOT GO OUTSIDE."

I furrow my brow, feeling a rising sense of worry. "Okay, I'll stay home, but I'll miss school? It’s my big day, my first day of 9th grade?"

"SADIE, JUST DON’T GO OUTSIDE AND CLOSE EVERY BLIND. DO NOT LOOK OUTSIDE."

I rush around the house, closing all the blinds. I wonder, "What’s going on...? What’s with Dad?" As I’m running around, I peek outside from the living room window. I see... nothing out of the ordinary. The streets are eerily quiet. I pull out my phone. It’s 8:23 AM; there should be cars taking kids to school, people going to work. But there’s nothing out there.

Deciding to check the news, I walk over to the couch and grab the TV remote. Turning on the TV, the news broadcaster speaks calmly, though her voice carries a hint of fear. "Everyone, stay calm. The VRDN (Vaccine and Research Development Network) is investigating a new parasite. They have issued the following statement: 'We are working as hard as we can to quarantine those infected with the parasite. Please, everyone stay in your homes and do not go outside. Stay calm and be safe.'"

The broadcaster continues, "This new parasite uses human bodies as hosts. Affected individuals become aggressive and attempt to spread the parasite’s eggs to other humans. Symptoms only appear after a few weeks. Stay inside and avoid contact with anyone who seems unwell."