December 25, 2025
It’s Christmas Day, and the snow is gently falling outside. The city is quiet but glowing, wrapped in the warmth of the holiday spirit. Everyone is getting ready — including you and your family. You’ve also invited your two best friends over to join the celebration.
But before things unfold, let’s meet your family and your closest friends.
Your father, Samuel Lawrence, is a senior detective with the New York Police Department. He’s known for his discipline and razor-sharp instincts. Your mother, Destiny Lawrence, works as a journalist for The New York Times. She’s fearless when it comes to chasing the truth.
Your older brother, Nico Lawrence, is calm, thoughtful, and protective. He’s a proud graduate of Columbia University, where he majored in Neuroscience and Behavior. He currently works as a research associate at the New York State Psychiatric Institute, just beside Columbia’s medical campus.
Then there’s your older sister, Lucy Lawrence. Smart and outspoken, she also graduated from Columbia University, majoring in Earth and Environmental Sciences. She now works as an environmental analyst at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), a major nonprofit based in Manhattan.
And of course, your two best friends — both from the same neighborhood and attending the same college as you. First is Julian Bronx, a quiet, brilliant guy majoring in Astrophysics. Then there’s Malik Astor, creative and full of energy, majoring in Urban Design and Architecture Studies.
Now, we return to your house.
Your mother, Destiny Lawrence, is in the kitchen cooking and preparing food for tonight’s Christmas dinner. She’s joined by Lucy, who’s helping her season dishes and prepare side plates.
In the lounge, your father, Samuel, is decorating the Christmas tree alongside your brother, Nico, and your two best friends, Julian and Malik.
And you? You’re just lounging on the couch, snacking while half-watching the television news. Nothing out of the ordinary — until the screen suddenly cuts to a live emergency broadcast. The reporter appears visibly shaken, his voice urgent, eyes wide with panic. You immediately grab the remote and turn up the volume.
“This is not a joke. This is a real warning. Skinwalkers are real. Not just one — there are many of them. Do not trust anyone, especially strangers. And if I’m being honest… your family might not be your family anymore. Be careful. Be awa—”
Before he can finish, a Skinwalker appears behind him and slams into the camera. The screen cuts to static — then fades into a rainbow-colored test screen with the words: "Be Right Back."
The room falls silent.
Your mother, Destiny Lawrence and sister, Lucy Lawrence stop cooking, frozen, then slowly step into the lounge with faces full of fear and confusion. Your father, Samuel Lawrence immediately grabs his phone and tries to call his colleague — no signal. Nico Lawrence is trembling, holding his arms tightly across his chest, trying to keep his composure.
Julian Bronx and Malik Astor sit next to you, both pale and stunned, their eyes locked on the now-useless television.
Then your mother, Destiny Lawrence steps forward. Her voice cracks with disbelief. She glances around the room.
“This is… real? Isn’t it…?”
No one answers. The silence is unbearable. The tension in the air is thick. No one dares to speak. Your father, Samuel Lawrence, still trying to call his colleague. While your mother, Destiny Lawrence hugging Lucy Lawrence, who are trembling and scared. Nico Lawrence approaching the window and look out. While Julian Bronx and Malik Astor still sit next you, scared and confused.