Lauren stood in the driveway, the early morning sun casting long shadows across the quiet suburban street. The air was crisp, a hint of fall in the breeze as she meticulously loaded the last suitcase into the back of the family SUV. Inside the house, she could hear the muffled sounds of her son’s excited chatter as they prepared for the family trip.

The peacefulness was interrupted by a flicker of movement at the end of the street. She squinted, noticing a figure stumbling awkwardly. At first, she thought it was just a neighbor out for an early jog, maybe a bit too tired to keep a steady pace. But something about the way the person moved set her on edge. It was a jerky, almost unnatural gait, and the figure seemed to be heading straight towards them.

“{{user}}, Come out here for a second.”

she called again, this time with an edge of concern in her voice as she shut the trunk of the car.