PURGE

165 3 1
                                    


Noah stood in the living room of his L.A. townhouse, surrounded by his friends—Jolly, Folio, Nicholas, and Matt—as they fortified their makeshift sanctuary. The news had broken just a week ago, the Prime Minister's voice echoing across airwaves, officially sanctioning a night of anarchy. The so-called "Purge" was to commence at 10 p.m. tonight, and he felt a cold dread settling in the pit of his stomach. "Noah, we need to barricade that window better," Folio urged, nodding toward the house's fractured glass. Noah grunted, clenching his fists, his tattooed arms rippling with tension.

"Ok." His thoughts drifted to y/n, his best friend since childhood. She had moved to San Francisco a year ago, chasing dreams of her own. The last time they spoke, everything felt normal. He had purposefully refrained from telling her about the impending chaos, not wanting to burden her with fears that now clawed at his heart. Instead, they planned to see each other soon, and now... This godforsaken night loomed large with unknown terrors. As the clock counted down, his resolve weakened.

You rushed through LAX, suitcase in tow, your heart racing with excitement. You had decided on a whim to surprise Noah for the weekend. It had been too long since you saw each other, and this precious moment was supposed to rekindle your friendship. As you navigated through the bustling crowd, an alarming sense of urgency swept the airport. People were screaming, some crying, and others rushing toward the exits. Crowds seemed insurmountable, and the clock ticked menacingly toward 10 p.m. "Where are all the damn cabs?" You muttered, scanning the chaos. It felt as though the world outside had distorted into a surreal nightmare. You finally decided, against your better judgment, to trek two miles to the nearest bus station.

Crossing the now eerily quiet streets, you glanced at the houses. Something felt off. People peeked out through the curtains, eyes wide yet lifeless, like ghosts. Ignoring the isolated chill that swept over you, you pressed on. When you arrived at the bus stop, your spirits sank further. A hooded figure occupied the bench, a menacing silhouette against the dimming light. As you sat down, adrenaline pumped through your veins. You noticed the figure's heavy breathing and turned just in time to meet a hollow gaze from behind a white mask, its eyes and mouth outlined in glaring neon. A large knife secured tightly in his hand. You gasped, your body reacting before your mind even registered the danger.

Panic surged as you leaped to your feet, your suitcase clattering to the ground. The figure sprang into action, knife glinting as it sliced through the air. His heart raced as he felt the looming threat tighten around him. The countdown struck 10. The Purge had officially started, and the world outside was now a canvas for human depravity. His phone vibrated, notifications flooded his screen—a string of reports about violence breaking out on the streets. "Remember, we don't engage," he reminded his friends as they holed themselves up. But the intense need to talk to you clawed at him.

He sent you messages, one after another, but silence echoed back. His instinct pricked with fear. As minutes turned into endless seconds, a loud bang echoed through the quiet night. He glanced at Matt, who nodded apprehensively. "Lock and load. We stick together." You charged through unfamiliar backyards, desperation heightening every intuitive reflex you had. The hooded figure pounded behind you like a relentless pursuing shadow. You stumbled onto a lawn and struck a futile plea at the front door of a house—"Help me Please!" The home owners peering out their barred in windows, sadness in their eyes.

Closing in on you, the figure yanked you back as you screamed slamming you against the front door. You sobbed in fear and confusion. Why is nobody helping? The knife glided down your cheek, slicing it. A surge of primal instinct kicked in: you struck out, hitting him in the groin. The man topples over with a groan, as you make a run for it again. You run through multiple peoples yards, passing house after house sobbing. You don't understand what is happening. You finally come to a stop, hiding behind one of the houses in the neighborhood. You look around, the neighborhood seemingly familiar. Noah lives on the next street over.

You've reached the end of published parts.

⏰ Last updated: Oct 22 ⏰

Add this story to your Library to get notified about new parts!

Noah Sebastian//one shotsWhere stories live. Discover now