The next morning brought worse news.
Mia woke up to the quiet hum of the bunker's ventilation system, but something about the atmosphere felt heavier than the previous days. She could feel it before even turning on the television.
Something had changed overnight.
She walked into the dining area of her family's bunker section where her parents were already sitting at the table. Helen had prepared a simple breakfast, eggs, toast, and sliced fruit.
The television was on.
None of them were eating.
The news anchor spoke with a strained voice.
"Authorities around the world are issuing urgent warnings regarding the unknown virus responsible for the recent violent attacks."
A red banner scrolled across the screen.
PUBLIC HEALTH ALERT
"Medical experts now believe the attacks are caused by an unknown infectious virus that spreads through bites and scratches."
Helen slowly lowered her fork.
Michael leaned forward, his eyes fixed on the television.
The broadcast continued.
"Citizens who have been bitten or scratched by infected individuals are strongly advised to isolate themselves immediately for at least twenty-four hours."
Images appeared on the screen.
Hospitals filled with patients.
Medical staff wearing protective suits.
The anchor continued reading the report.
"Health authorities have identified several early symptoms of infection."
A graphic appeared beside the reporter.
Symptoms include:
High fever
Bleeding gums
Visible purplish veins beneath the skin
Aggressive behavioral changes
Mia's stomach tightened.
She knew those symptoms.
She remembered them clearly from her previous life.
The reporter continued.
"Within approximately twelve hours of infection, patients begin experiencing extreme aggression. Many victims lose rational control and attack nearby individuals."
Another pause.
Then the worst part.
"In multiple confirmed cases, infected individuals attempted to bite and consume living people."
Helen covered her mouth.
"Oh my God…"
Michael shook his head slowly.
"So it's confirmed."
Mia remained silent, staring at the screen.
The world was finally beginning to understand what was happening.
But understanding didn't mean stopping it.
---
The television switched to another segment.
Footage from several countries played on the screen.
"In Italy, government forces have placed dozens of infected individuals in strict quarantine facilities."
Another clip followed.
"In Spain, authorities have confined suspected infected citizens in emergency medical zones."
The reporter continued.
"Scientists are currently studying the virus, but officials admit they have never encountered anything like it before."
The words hung heavily in the air.
An unknown virus.
Helen finally spoke.
"They don't even know what it is."
Michael placed a hand gently over hers.
"They'll figure something out."
But his voice lacked confidence.
The reporter continued speaking.
"Citizens in Viremont City are advised to remain calm."
Mia felt a brief moment of relief.
At least the city was still safe.
For now.
"However," the anchor added, "officials urge residents to avoid anyone showing symptoms, particularly individuals with visible bite wounds or scratches."
Helen turned to Mia.
"We should contact your uncle later."
Mia nodded immediately.
"Yes."
Her uncle Daniel was in Australia, far from their bunker.
Helen's voice trembled slightly.
"I just want to make sure they're safe."
Michael squeezed her hand.
"We'll call him later today."
Mia forced a small reassuring smile.
"We will."
But deep down, worry lingered in her chest.
Her cousins were still young.
Too young to live through something like this.
---
At the same time, in the other section of the bunker, Luis and his parents were also watching the same broadcast.
Olivia sat quietly on the couch, staring at the screen.
The images disturbed her deeply.
"Infected citizens have been confined in multiple countries to prevent further spread."
Luis muted the television briefly.
Olivia sighed softly.
"Where did this virus even come from?"
Luis shook his head.
"No one knows."
Frederick crossed his arms.
"It could be a lab accident. Or something worse."
Olivia looked uneasy.
"I hope the scientists find a cure soon."
Frederick placed a comforting arm around her shoulders.
"Yes, honey."
He spoke gently.
"We all hope this ends soon."
But even as he said it, he knew the situation was growing beyond control.
Luis unmuted the television again.
The news showed scenes of crowded hospitals and overwhelmed doctors.
The virus was spreading faster than governments could react.
---
Across the city, far from the bunker, someone else was watching the same broadcast.
Kevin Blackwood paced angrily inside his luxury condominium.
The television blared loudly in the background.
Chelsea sat on the couch holding her phone nervously.
The news anchor repeated the same warning.
"Citizens should avoid contact with infected individuals and report any suspicious symptoms immediately."
Kevin barely listened.
His mind was focused on something else entirely.
Mia.
He slammed his phone down onto the table.
"I can't believe her."
Chelsea looked up.
"You're still thinking about that?"
Kevin ran a hand through his hair, furious.
"She blocked me."
Chelsea frowned.
"You tried calling her again?"
"Of course I did."
Kevin paced across the room.
"I can't believe she actually broke up with me."
His pride was wounded more than anything else.
Mia had always been the one chasing him before.
Now she had walked away.
Chelsea shifted nervously.
"What about the virus?"
Kevin waved a dismissive hand.
"It'll pass."
But even he didn't fully believe that.
Chelsea spoke quietly.
"I'm worried about supplies."
Kevin stopped pacing.
"There's barely any food left here."
He looked toward the window overlooking Viremont City.
Traffic below was already heavier than usual.
People were rushing around the streets.
Some stores had long lines outside.
Chelsea hugged her arms.
"What if things get worse?"
Kevin's expression hardened.
"They won't."
But then an idea formed in his mind.
The Alps Builders headquarters.
One of the most secure buildings in the city.
Advanced security systems.
Private access.
Underground parking.
He knew the building well.
After all, he had once been closely connected to its heiress.
Kevin smirked slightly.
"If things get bad," he said slowly, "I know a safer place."
Chelsea looked hopeful.
"Where?"
Kevin picked up his phone again.
"The Alps Builders building."
Chelsea blinked.
"Can we even get in there?"
Kevin smiled confidently.
"Of course."
But when he tried calling Mia again, the result was the same.
Blocked.
He clenched his jaw.
"Unbelievable."
Chelsea shifted nervously.
"So what now?"
Kevin stared out the window again.
Somewhere out there, Mia was hiding.
And if the virus truly spread through the city, the safest place would be the building her family owned.
Kevin's voice became colder.
"I'll find her."
Chelsea looked uneasy.
"You really think that's a good idea?"
Kevin turned toward her with a confident smile.
"She can't ignore me forever."
Outside, the city continued its normal morning routine.
But tension was growing.
Fear was spreading.
And the unknown virus was moving closer.
Much closer than anyone realized.