It was a cold night. Rain pattered against the windows as the day slowly evolved into the tint of dusk. All was relatively normal in the small city in Texas — save for the sirens of emergency personnel. Erica had come home earlier than usual tonight. Typically, she’d be heads deep in newly found data concerning the research she was doing. Having come back from the United Kingdom with Jackson, she received a grant to continue her work at the University of Texas — Austin. It was one of the factors that moved the two out here in the first place. Initially, it was difficult due to culture differences and the manner of speech. However, like all things, people adapt. No matter the circumstance, they adapted to fit in.

Leaning against the arm rest of the living room couch, Erica sat with feet tucked underneath her as she watched the television screen. She was dressed in a pair of sweatpants and an oversized sweatshirt. Her hair tied in a neat ponytail. She could imagine the looks on her colleagues faces if they saw her outside of her professional ware. Pure scandalous. The thought was almost too comical to bear. 

For the past few months, what had started out as isolated incidents slowly built up to multi-state occurrences. Scientist appeared on the morning and evening news assuring the public that it wasn’t something to be concerned about. Speculation of excessive drug use, mental instability, and many more wild theories flooded the air. There were even talks of governmental conspiracy. Something along the lines of fixing instability to strengthen governmental regulations. How stupid Erica thought. She had witnessed several cases in the past that depicted these traits; however, none of them were like this. This was an entirely different beasts. And definitely not a conspiracy.

The news anchor zoomed into focus as the commercial break ended. His normally spunky energy gone. Fatigued eyes stared out as he straightened his papers. “Good evening ladies and gentlemen and welcome back to Channel 7 news,” he said. “More updates coming in concerning the recent string of events of horrific outbreaks of violence across the United States. What the CDC is now labeling as an aggravated gene evolution of the flu has spread through the majority of the Eastern Seaboard as well as the northern part of Texas.

“Authorities have asked all civilians to report any individuals exhibiting the symptoms that include: slurred speech, memory loss, dementia, and any form of sporadic violence. If you encounter said individual, stay indoors and call emergency personnel immediately. Those affected with these symptoms are to be considered dangerous…”

A passing siren drew Erica’s attention away form the television as the apartment window basked in the colors of blue and red. She heard footsteps behind her as she felt Jackson’s passing hand on her shoulder. A slow spread of relief calmed her nerves. She hoped all of this would blow over soon. Their neighborhood returning to its tranquility. 

Moments later, she heard Jackson call out from the kitchen. 

"It's crazy out there," Jackson called to Erica, re-emerging from the kitchen a minute later with a packet of crisps in hand. “Seriously, I wouldn't be surprised if that's what all these ambulances are about." 

“I don’t think its the weather that’s got everyone in a fuss, Jackson,” she said. “Remember that crazy flu thing that’s been on the news? They say it’s in the northern part of Texas. I don’t like this one bit. Got a call from mom earlier. She said it’s there too.” 

She felt the area next to her depress as Jackson sat down next to her, opening a bag of chips. Vinegar and salt. Definitely not what she would’ve picked, but to each their own. She shifted as she learned against Jackson’s strong shoulders and snuggled in until she was comfortable. “More are going to he hospital everyday,” she said more so to herself. “The CDC said something about this being the flu. Can you believe that? If anything, the symptoms hint more so to hints of psychopathical tendencies mixed in with hints of schizophrenia. Neurotransmitter imbalance? The aggression and lack of the necessity of sleep. Serotonin? Maybe… Sorry. Geek talk.”

A loud rumble shook the room as the power went out. Erica looked around as she felt Jackson squeeze her hand reassuringly. “The storm’s really picking up,” she said. “I’ll go fish out the flashlights. Just in case. Wouldn’t want to stump a toe, if the lights go out, no?”

Before she could get up, the TV screen flickered off then back on. A high pitched alarm came from the speakers. Emergency Broadcast flashed across the screen. Erica stopped cold. Everything else seemed non-important as her attention went straight to those blocky, legible letters. 

She squinted her eyes to read the screen. “Um … something about Texas National Guard being deployed. My god…” She sat up straighter as she re-read the reoccurring message. “They’re implementing quarantine around a number of counties. Hold on. Holy crap! Jackson, our county’s on the list. Wha—“

Erica jumped as a loud bang slammed against the apartment door. She stared at the door and then at Jackson. The banging continued as she got to her feet. She mouthed to Jackson: [I]What should we do?[/I] 

The pounding continued as the hinges of the door began to creak. Every single small hair on Erica’s neck stood on end. A guttural, wrenching scream came moments later. It was a terrible sound, something that was almost too unique to compare to. It sounded like a wounded animal, desperate to tear into its awaiting meal. A cold trickle creeped down her spine. She knew that feeling. Fear churned inside her.