text: Madeline’s day started like any other. She rolled out of bed and into the kitchen, practically sleepwalking through her morning routine. Work passed in the usual blur of meetings, emails, and calls - spending so much time satisfying the clients that the project was on track that there was hardly any time left to actually spend working on it. Before she knew it, lunchtime had arrived. Not wishing to spend any longer in the office than necessary, Madeline made the familiar journey to a nearby cafe with her book tucked under her arm. Coffee and sandwich acquired, she huddled up in a quiet corner to eat, drink and read. The stress of the day melted away as she immersed herself in the words on the page. Until a chorus of chimes, buzzes and beeps drew her back to the real world. Looking around, she noticed everyone staring down at their phones, confusion and fear plastered across their faces. She fumbled in her pocket to draw out her own, palms prickling in apprehension. The notification light was flashing. She tapped the side, bringing it to life. Blazoned across the screen was an emergency message from the government. `Several large masses approaching the planet at speed. Find shelter where possible. Await further announcements.` Silenced reigned in the cafe, the usual sounds of steaming and grinding swallowed by the tension in the room. A clattering cut through it all, setting Madeline’s heart pounding. Every head whipped around to find the source - a teaspoon fallen to the ground, rocking gently as it settled. Finally, somebody spoke. The man at the table next to her. “Th-this has to be a hoax, right?” “I don’t think so,” a woman by the window replied, gesturing outside. “Look.” Everyone did just that, shuffling over to peer at the people on the street. Some were frozen in terror, staring at their phones or up into the sky. Others were running, tripping and falling or colliding with each other in their blind panic. But the sight that sent Madeline’s heart plummeting into her stomach was the uniforms. Police. Firefighters. A strange mish-mash of officials hurrying to take control of the situation. If this was a hoax, it was certainly a convincing one. “What do we do?” another customer asked. Gradually, all eyes turned to the barista behind the counter, as if his authority in the cafe made the young man - barely out of childhood - the natural leader. “Err... I suppose this building has a basement,” he murmured. “We could shelter there?” Madeline watched on from the sideline as the customers glanced around at one another, seeking approval. All it took was for one of them to start nodding and soon they all were. Together, they filed down the stairs into the storage room underneath. The walls were lined with metal wire shelf stacks, full of cups and bags and bottles. The only sections empty of stock were the gaps there to make the stairs and doors accessible. Fluorescent lights flickered overhead, illuminating the stains that littered the floor, more vibrant than the faded paint. It was a far cry from the cosy cafe above. They huddled there for what felt like hours, though the clock disagreed. Its tick filled the room, accompanied by a slow dripping in an unknown location. Now and then a low muttering between neighbours broke the monotony, but Madeline couldn’t make out any of the words through the blood rushing in her ears. A *thump* from above prompted a collective intake of breath. A series of small, quick steps clacked across the floor above them. Almost like something was scuttling through the cafe. Her eyes tracked across the ceiling, following the sound until it reached the entrance to the basement. Heart hammering against her ribs, it felt like the world was rushing around her as she tried to focus on the door at the top of the stairs. For a second, everything was silent, only to be broken by the creak and crash of splintering wood as a strange pincer-like claw burst through. The crowd erupted into chaos. Some clung to each other, frozen to the spot. Others backed up to the furthest edges of the room, Madeline amongst them. A brave few charged the stairs in an attempt to get past the horrific creature. It knocked them back with a swing of its claw, eliciting gasps and cries of pain. Casting about frantically, Madeline spotted a door to her left. She dived for it, just as others around her did the same. It opened into a small cupboard, stocked with cleaning supplies. Before she could decide what to do, Madeline found herself pushed into it by the crowd. A few people piled in behind her before someone pulled the door shut and started barricading it. “What are you doing?” she whispered. “I don’t want to be crushed by people piling in here,” he replied. “And I *definitely* don’t want that thing getting in here.” She opened her mouth to reply but thought better of it. As the thumps and screams and squelches started drifting through the door, Madeline did the only thing she could think of to shut it all out. She read. She dived into the world of Mary Shelley’s *Frankenstein*, trying to force her focus to remain on the words on the page instead of the world around her. Because of that, she hardly noticed the strange buzzing pressure encroaching on the edge of her senses. She only glanced up when the people around her started unbarricading the door to leave. “Hey,” she whispered, grabbing a woman’s arm. “Where are you going?” The woman didn’t respond, simply pulling free of Madeline’s grip to keep moving. No longer absorbed by the fictional world of her book, the strange sensation engulfing her mind grew. It felt as if it was smothering her thoughts, her feelings, her very self - wrestling control of her body from her. Before it could take hold fully, she plunged herself back into the story, immersing herself in the conversation between creature and creator that was transpiring. Gradually, the buzzing pressure receded, though she could still just about feel it on the edges of her senses. Glancing up, she realised the cupboard was now empty apart from her, the door gaping open. The only sight she registered outside of it was a flash of red before she yanked it shut and barricaded it once more. Huddling in the far corner, she buried herself in her book again, losing all sense of everything else. Eventually, she reached the last page. She stared at the final word for what seemed like an eternity, reluctant to return to the real world - whatever that meant anymore. Soon, she could put it off no longer. Closing the novel, she tucked it under her arm and pressed her ear up against the door. But no matter how much she strained, she could hear nothing. Everything outside seemed calm and quiet. With trembling hands, she lifted the various mops, buckets and bags that blocked the entrance. Then she reached towards the handle. She struggled to get a proper grip, sweaty palm sliding over the cold metal. Taking a deep, shaky breath, she steadied herself before tightening her fingers and pulling. The door swung open onto the basement. It was empty now, save for the two bodies that stared up at her with lifeless eyes. Scarlett splattered the shelves and floor, but the source of the blood seemed to be long gone. Madeline tried to tell herself that they had escaped - overpowered the strange creature, or run away. But she couldn’t forget that strange feeling - as if she was losing control of her body - and the way those people had walked out into the carnage willingly. And what had that *thing* been? Why was it here? And how? As the questions spiralled around her head she felt the world rushing in around her once more. The sensation made her dizzy and she had to steady herself against the wall to avoid sagging to the ground. She shook her head, trying to dispel the thoughts as she breathed deeply. When she felt stable enough, she pushed herself up and started taking slow, shaky steps across the room. Her feet squelched in the sticky, red liquid that littered the ground. She shuddered, trying to hold back the rising bile. When she reached the bottom o the stairs, she peered up into the world above. Through the doorway, all she could see was the cafe above. Tables and chairs lay scattered and broken, but otherwise, the place was empty. She began her careful ascent, wincing at every creak of the steps. As she neared the top, a buzz in her pocket made her flinch. She fumbled for her phone, pulling it out to look down at the screen. Notification after notification flashed across it: official government messages, news articles, and messages from friends and family. Standing on the stairs of the cafe’s basement, Madeline stared down at her mobile. She flicked through the notifications: alerts about unknown objects, alien ships, strange creatures. None of it felt real. Then came the messages from her parents. Text after text pleading with her to let them know she was okay, abruptly stopping around two hours ago. There were similar messages from other friends and family, some continuing longer, but none in the last half hour. Struggling to keep hold of the phone in her trembling hands, she opened her contacts and started trying to ring everyone she could think of. First her mum - no answer. Then her dad - no answer. Ella - no answer. Michael, Becky, James - all no answer. As she went through to voicemail after voicemail she felt tears prick at her eyes. She wiped them away with the back of her sleeve, trying to keep her vision clear as she called number after number. Soon, she gave up the battle, letting the tears stream down her face as she heaved in shaky lungfuls of air tinged with copper. A buzzing in her hands sent a jolt of hope to her heart. She pressed the button to answer the call and held it up to her ear. “Hello?” “Mads?” Ella’s voice cried from the other end of the line. “You’re okay?” “Yes! Well...not really...” “Okay, but you’re alive? And not hurt?” “Yeah. Just about. Are y-you?” “Just about,” Ella replied. Despite everything, Madeline could swear she could hear a smile in her friend’s voice. “Where are you?” Madeline asked. “I’m at the university library. I was working when it all... well, you know. What about you?” “At a cafe in town. Near my office. We got a text - me and the other customers - and we hid. Then there was this thing. And they all just... I don’t even know what happened. But everyone else is gone.” “You mean you actually saw one?” Ella gasped. “And you survived? God Mads, that must have been-” “Yeah.” “Well, I’m glad you’re okay. You should probably try and get out of the city. Apparently, they targeted the most densely populated areas first. Christ, I can’t believe I’m saying this. I can’t believe any of this is even happening.” “I know the feeling,” Madeline replied with a sigh. “So where should I go? Or where should we go? I’d feel better being with you than by myself. Or with some strangers.” “I don’t know. The library isn’t exactly central, but it isn’t quiet here either. Perhaps my house would be best? It isn’t too far to get to but is a bit more out of the way. And maybe some of my family will be there too... I haven’t been able to contact them so far.” “Me neither - with mine I mean.” “So what do you say? Meet at my house and go from there?” “Sounds good. Though to be honest, I’m glad to just have someone tell me what to do. Thank you, Ella. Really. If you hadn’t called I don’t know what I’d-” “Thank me in person. Now get moving. I won’t be able to relax until I see you,” Ella said. “And *please* be careful.” Madeline hung up the phone and tucked it away in her pocket before climbing up the last few steps back into the cafe. From here, she could peer through the shattered windows into the world outside. On the street, other shop fronts were similarly damaged. Broken glass littered the pavement, glinting in the light from flames that danced amongst the carnage. Her heart leapt at the sight of people running this way and that. She open her mouth to call out to them, but the cry caught in her throat as she looked closer. The people weren’t running from the strange creature she had seen before. They were running from each other. Some had bats and bags, breaking their way into buildings and carrying away what they could. Some grabbed at each other, taking out their fear and frustrations on whoever was unlucky enough to be close by. Some simply ran, trying to escape the chaos. Madeline shrunk away from the window, reluctant to go out into a world such as this. But what choice did she have? The longer she stayed here the more chance she’d be found - by the looting crowds or the strange creature. And Ella was waiting for her. Clutching her book tightly under her arm, she stepped outside, glass crunching underfoot. She tried to move with confidence and certainty while sticking to the edge of the street in an attempt to draw as little attention as possible. Her eyes flicked back and forth, movement in her peripheries sending jolts of panic through her body. A hand darted out of an opening, grabbing at her arm. She yanked it back with a yelp and ran, feet pounding the pavement the sole focus of her mind. When she finally slowed back down, she struggled to get her bearings. Everything looked so different - so desolate. Her eyes fell on a sign, frazzled brain trying to make sense of the letters. Eventually, they coalesced into a word - a street name she recognised - and she set off at a brisk pace. Until a scuttling sound sent a sweep of cold terror through her. She dived for the nearest doorway, only to be pushed back by a group already huddled there. Her skin prickled and her lungs burned as she sprinted for the next entrance. But once there, she was met with the same sight. The scuttling was getting closer now, along with the *rap rap* of human feet on concrete. Madeline turned to see a man reaching toward her. Scarlett flecked his clothes and a fire raged in his face. In a blind panic, Madeline grabbed at the book tucked under her arm and brought it round to meet the stranger’s head as hard as she could. The following *crack* seemed deafening. The man sagged to the floor. Her stomach churned, like something was writhing inside of her, but she tried to push down the feeling. As she turned away, she caught a glimpse of a blackish-purple creature, slightly larger than a person, rounding the corner on more legs than looked right. She fled, praying the scuttling sound wouldn’t follow. That the *thing* would find something else - *someone* else - to distract it. As she got further out of the city centre, things seemed to calm down slightly. There were more people huddled together instead of fighting and fleeing. Less damage. Less destruction. Eventually, she was nearing her destination. She slowed her pace along the residential street, taking in the sights around her. Families were hurrying out their doors, loading their cars with everything they could carry. Others hid inside, peeking out from behind the curtains with fear in their eyes. Ella’s house was devoid of activity - door shut but curtains open, revealing no one inside. At least not near the windows. Madeline hammered on the door but no answer came. Pulling out her phone, she tried calling Ella over and over, but to no avail. She looked around, wondering what to do. Waiting outside felt exposed - dangerous. Going back into town was out of the question. She thought back to late-night visits, stumbling back to Ella’s place after drinks in the city. Hadn’t there been a key hidden somewhere? Bending down, she fumbled under everything she could think of but found nothing. Then her eyes settled on the key safe mounted on the wall. She fumbled at the small dials on the side, setting them to every combination she could think of, praying the family hadn’t just chosen a random number. As they turned to `0000` a click sounded. She silently thanked their poor security as she retrieved the key inside and let herself into the house. “Hello?” she called out. “Is anyone home? It’s Madeline - Ella’s friend.” No reply came. Closing the door behind her, she made her way toward the living room, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that she may not be alone. It was only after a thorough search of the house that she finally felt secure enough to settle on the sofa. While she waited, she tried flicking through the channels on the TV, but all showed the same message in plain text: `Emergency Broadcasting: Shelter in Place and Await Further Broadcasts.` With nothing else to do, Madeline selected a book from the coffee table and started reading, determined not to let herself think too closely about anything. She woke up the next day, slumped on the sofa with a crick in her neck. Cold sweat pricked at her skin as the events of the day before came rushing back. Her head whipped around frantically, searching for signs of danger. Until she realised she was still alone. She grabbed her phone off the sofa next to her. There were no new messages - no signal at all. No way to contact Ella. \ “What happened next?” Liam asked with wide eyes. “Did you find Ella? Or anyone else?” Madeline stared down at the table, tracing the patterns in the wood with her finger. “No. I didn’t.” “Oh... I’m sorry.” Forcing a smile onto her face, she looked up at him. “It’s okay. It was a long time ago now. I’ve had time to process it all.” “So how did you end up here?” “I waited at the house for a while, hiding inside while everything went to shit. Or trying to hide. I learnt to defend myself and what I had pretty quickly.” Madeline paused, trying not to dwell on the things she’d done - things she’d had to do - to survive. “When things died down a little and I was starting to run out of food I packed up everything useful and went looking for people. This was the last place I knew Ella had been but... when I got here it was deserted.” “So you stayed?” “Eventually, yeah.” “What does that mean?” “It means, that’s enough dwelling on the past for one day. Come on, you must be tired. Let’s both get some rest.