Penny stood in the hallway, her hands trembling as her vision blurred in pulses. Her breath hitched, and a faint red glow flickered in her left eye. She heard her mother scream downstairs—something between a growl and a sob. Swallowing hard, she knelt to Georgie’s level, forcing a shaky smile.

“G-George, listen to me, okay? Stay in your room… no matter what you hear. I-I don’t know what’s happening to us, but… I think we’re getting sick. And I don’t wanna hurt you.”