Maria Lufrin.

At first glance, she might seem like your average old lady. She had a pet cat named Dolly. Her husband passed a few years ago. She liked to watch old dramas on TV. She had a family but they lived in another county. Her knitting skills... top-notch. She played card games with her old friends every weekend.

What made her a cut above the rest was her healing ability in-game. She was really good, better than Ray at support. Though he wouldn’t admit that.

But most importantly, at least to Ray, Mrs. Lufrin doted on him ever since he was young. This made her special. She went from an average old lady to a family member, like a third grandma. That and she was awesome in other ways.

So naturally, Ray was feeling a little worried. Even if his mom hadn’t said anything, he still would have gone and checked up on her. Even though nothing seemed out of the ordinary just yet, he couldn’t just write it off.

He’d been getting voices in his head talking about change. Ray was not crazy. This meant something, he was sure of it.

Well, it was either that or he just played way too many video games.

Ray found himself speeding a little as he made familiar turns into Mrs. Lufrin’s neighborhood. The place wasn’t that far, about five minutes' drive any time of the day. Ray cut that time in half, blatantly disrespecting stop signs.

Honestly, he had no idea what to expect. He knew she kept a Glock by her bed. Ray’s mind quickly ran through possibilities. Then he stopped, shaking his head at himself.

Why am I assuming the worst? Ray wondered. There was almost no reason to suspect anything, other than the fact that aliens had invaded Earth. Then there was that pesky voice in his mind.

Maybe there was reason to worry.

Ray parked the car in front of the house, then ran up to the door. He rang the doorbell, then stepped back from the door to be in plain sight of the peephole. Ray then checked his phone for any updates while waiting.

Nothing from the phone. Similarly, nothing from the door. He stepped back a few steps to make sure the lights were on.

Strangely enough, they were off.

Ray then knocked on the door a few times with his knuckles. “Mrs. Lufrin?” He called out. “Are you home?”

The lights by the door blinked on. Then, the door opened. An old lady appeared with a smile on her face.

“Ray! It’s so good to see you,” Mrs. Lufrin exclaimed. “I was beginning to think that you’d forgotten about poor little me.”

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

“I wouldn’t do that, Mrs. Lufrin. Not ever!” Ray dramatically replied. “Have you seen the news?”

“I have, Ray. The government broadcast was so unreal. I felt like I was watching a TV show.” Mrs. Lufrin said as she invited him in. “You know, I was so scared I locked the doors and turned off the lights! Maybe that’ll keep the gremlins out.”

“Well, so long as you’re safe. I just came by to check on how you were doin’, Mrs. Lufrin.” Ray took off his shoes and put on the indoor slippers. “There’s been a lot of talk on the forums already.”

“Well, I saw that as well. Been browsing,” she didn’t finish as she slowly walked to the computer room. “I think people are calling it an alien immersion now. My fellow netizens, at least.”

Ray followed her to the computer. She had quite the impressive personal gaming setup that would put most nerds to shame. But, it wasn’t that impressive considering her disposable income. She had owned a joint business with her late husband that did well back some twenty years ago.

He looked at the screen. “Hey, I was just on this post too,” Ray commented. His eyes skimmed the post for any new replies. “Umm... Anyway. Have you noticed--”

Just then, the telephone rang. Ray looked up. “Oh just a moment dear, let me get that,” Mrs. Lufrin interrupted. “That might be Catherine.”

Something moved out of the corner of his vision. There were faint shadows outside the windows. Ray could just barely make out human outlines past the semi-transparent drapes.

“Hello, Maria speaking.” Mrs. Lufrin answered the phone. She waited for the reply. “Mhm. Okay. I’ll go see what all the hubbub is about. Mhm. Thank you for telling me. Bye.”

The conversation didn’t last long, but it seemed serious. Ray was so focused he forgot what he was about to say and shot a questioning look at her.

“That was Catherine. She said that something happened outside. I think one of the neighbors saw something?” Mrs. Lufrin looked confused as well. “We could go as well and take a look.”

“Uhh, sure. Let me see.” Ray turned to a window and pulled aside the drapes. A few people were milling about, strangely walking in the same direction. He couldn’t recognize any of them, but they were probably Mrs. Lufrin’s neighbors. “Yeah, we can go meet up with them. Should be fine.”

The two prepared to head outside. Mrs. Lufrin went to get her coat. He flipped out his phone again while waiting, checking to see if there were any updates on the situation.

There was.

The front-page headline read: CAREFUL AROUND YOUR AREA! Ray tapped the post to enlarge it. Skimming the post he found that there had been sightings of strange men near his area tonight.

Well, that’s not suspicious at all, Ray thought. Maybe she should bring the Glock.

Footsteps alerted Ray to Mrs. Lufrin slowly walking down. She was dressed a little too warmly for the slight chill of the night. But that was just business as usual.

Ray looked at her, then at the dresser. Then at her again. Then at the dresser. Then back at her. He raised an eyebrow.

“We should probably take it, huh,” Mrs. Lufrin said slowly. Ray bobbed his head a few times in agreement.

She went over to the dresser and pulled it out. Then she opened her purse and popped it in nonchalantly.

“It’s loaded, right?” Ray asked quickly. “I mean--”

“Of course. There’s no use in concealing an empty gun, right?” Mrs. Lufrin replied with a laugh. “I always keep one in the chamber.”

Ray thought this made sense. He turned back to the door and pulled it open. Ray saw people on the street, gathering towards a street just up ahead. He didn’t recognize anyone though. Ray took off the slippers and put on his shoes, then stepped outside. Mrs. Lufrin was right behind him.

What could have the residents so riled up?