The TV’s static buzz filled the quiet shop, broken only by the frantic voice of the newscaster.

“—we repeat, citizens are urged to stay indoors. The outbreak is spreading beyond the capital—”

Keishin stood frozen behind the counter, one hand braced on the edge of the register. The beer fridge hummed softly behind him, a weirdly normal sound against the words spilling from the screen. He swallowed hard.

“—authorities confirm, those infected are extremely aggressive. If bitten—”

He didn’t even realize he’d grabbed his phone until it was already ringing in his hand, knuckles white. You picked up on the second ring.