The Road To Armageddon

THE BEGINNING of the END

The soft glow of the TV fills the room as Jiro's family quietly watches the shocking news segment on the television. A montage of alarming images flickers across the screen - empty streets, emergency broadcasts, and frantic people.

News Anchor (On TV)
..a mysterious outbreak has spread across multiple countries, with alarming symptoms including extreme sensitivity to sunlight, uncontrollable cravings, and severe behavioural changes...

The breaking headline news talks about the sudden pandemic causing vampiric-like symptoms. Images of people with pale skin and elongated canines flash across the screen.

Jiro is sitting on the edge of his couch, eyes wide, looking pale and unsteady. He looks at his parents who exchanged nervous looks at each other.

"What was that? Its some kind of sick joke, right?'', Jiro's hands fidgeting nervously.

News Anchor (On TV)
''We encourage everyone to stay indoors. Reports claim that those affected exhibit violent behaviour and a caving for blood...''

As those words echoed through the living room, Jiro felt a wave of dread wash over him. Panic began to grip his heart, tightening its invisible hand around him. His phone buzzes. He glances at it, a message from his friend Adam.

Adam: "Bro did u see the news? This is insane!"

He shakes his head, his brows furrowed with disbelief for the idiocy of his friend. The news continues in the background.

''Mom, Dad.. should we be sharpening stakes or whatever?'', he chuckled trying to cheer up the gloomy mood. But his fathers serious expression made him nervous once again.

His mom went to the kitchen and called someone. He realized that this is more serious than he thinks.

''Quick, pack your bags, with essentials only'', his mom briefly instructed as if she knows what is about to happen next. His father got up of the couch and headed right away towards his mother. Jiro can hear their hushed conversation as they go.

With each passing moment, the reality of the situation sunk in deeper. Panic mixed with disbelief, creating a storm of emotions within him. Jiro sitting back on the couch, staring blankly at the TV, sweat forming on his forehead.

'Jiro, come on, move!'', his fathers voice got him out of his trance. He quickly got up, went to his own room and packed a few clothes, his laptop and his skateboard.

He went down the living room, nervous and confused. His parents, Stephen and Mizuki , still rushing around the room, frantically packing bags. His phone chimed again, its his friend Adam again reading: ''bro we goin to the park, vampire hunting u comin? lol''

''Jiro stop playing and call your Pops, tell him to pack his things fast, important stuff only'', His dad ordered.

''What's happening? Is this serious? '', he asked still not fully grasping the graveness of the situation.

His mom stops to look at him. ''We are not sure, honey. We just need to be prepared. ''

''We'll grab the essentials-food, first aid, anything we can find.'' Stephen chimed as he rifles through the pantry.

A sudden loud thud is heard from outside. They all freeze, exchanging worried glances.

''What was that?'', Jiro asked clenching his bag tighter.

Stephen walks towards the window ''It's probably just the wind...''

He peeks outside, his anxious expression evident on his face.