A Reason to Stay

Rain hits the window of a small apartment.

Serin sits on the floor. Bills are scattered around her.

Serin: ...I tried.

She looks at another paper.

Serin: Rent… electricity… hospital…

In the corner, a small baby sleeps in a cradle.

Serin looks toward the cradle.

Serin: You deserve better than this.

Her phone lights up.

Phone Message: Final notice. Payment overdue.

Serin: Of course.

She slowly stands and walks toward the window.

Outside, the city feels unusually quiet.

Serin looks toward the cradle again.

Serin: Whatever happens… I'll protect you.

The baby suddenly moves.

Baby: Ah…

Serin freezes.

Serin: …You're awake?

She walks to the cradle and gently touches the baby's hand.

Serin: You need someone strong.

Suddenly, distant screams echo through the street.

Unknown Voice: RUN!!

Unknown Voice: IT'S COMING!!

Serin turns toward the window.

People are running in panic.

Man Outside: Monster!

Serin steps back.

Serin: Monster…?

A terrifying roar echoes through the street.

The baby begins crying.

Serin quickly picks up the baby.

Serin: Hey… hey… it's okay…

Another roar shakes the building.

Serin: No… no…

She holds the baby tightly.

Serin: I can't leave you alone in this world.

Serin takes a deep breath.

Serin: Alright… we're going to survive.

Meanwhile, inside the apartment building, Lian and Kiera stand near the window.

Kiera: Something attacked them…

Lian: Whatever it is… it isn't normal.

A loud crash shakes the building.

Kiera: The entrance door…

Distant screams echo through the building.

Unknown Resident: LOCK THE DOORS!!

Another Resident: IT'S INSIDE!!

Lian looks toward the stairway.

Lian: We need to close the hallway doors.

Kiera: Something is coming.

Inside another apartment, Serin holds her baby close while the screams continue.

Serin: Don't worry…

Serin: Mom will protect you.