First Entry

I don’t know why I’m writing this. Maybe it’s to make sense of things. Maybe it’s just to keep my mind busy. Either way, I’ve found this old, beaten-up diary, and it’s something to do while everything falls apart.

Nine days. It’s been nine days since Dad rushed us out of the house, like he knew something we didn’t. It’s all a blur, really—he didn’t explain, just grabbed us and told us to get in the car. Mum was crying, and Hannah didn’t say a word. I still don’t know what set him off, but it must have been bad. He’s not one to panic.

We drove out of town and into the countryside, but it was chaos even then. People screaming, roads blocked. We had to ditch the car not far from here. It wasn’t safe. I haven’t heard from anyone back home—my mates, school… nothing. It’s like the world’s gone quiet, except for the fear. It's like whatever is happening, it’s swallowing everything up, and we're just trying to stay out of its reach.

We’ve found shelter in some old farmhouse. It’s not much, but it’s better than the car. There are a few others here now. Some of them seem alright. There’s Matt—he’s a bit older, probably in his twenties. Then there's Jade, who’s about my age, maybe a year or two older. There’s something about her—sharp, like she’s been through more than she’s letting on. And then there’s an older couple, Dave and Linda. Dad says we can trust them. I’m not sure.

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Supplies are running low. We found some canned stuff, and water hasn’t been too much of a problem yet, but it feels like we’re on borrowed time.

What’s happening out there? The silence is unsettling, but there’s been this distant noise—like… rumbling, every now and then, especially at night. We’ve heard some gunshots too. Dad’s always on edge, keeping the fire small so no one sees the smoke. It’s like we’re hiding from something, but I don’t even know what.

Hannah’s been really quiet. She won’t say what’s on her mind, but she looks… different. Like she knows something too, but she’s holding it in. She’s only 15, but all this is forcing her to grow up fast. Mum’s trying to keep it together for us, but I can see she’s barely holding on.

I miss how things used to be. I miss school, the lads, the normal stuff—just kicking a ball around or even just having Wi-Fi. Stupid, right? But now… everything feels like it’s hanging by a thread.

I don’t know how long we can keep going like this, but for now, I guess it’s about survival. Stay hidden. Stay safe. And figure out what the hell is going on before it’s too late.

-Nick