Nipsung Magar
Chapter 1: A Cold Breeze
It was just an ordinary winter morning. Snowflakes drifted lazily outside the window, covering the world in white. Trevor sat on his rocking chair, gazing at the landscape. The cold breeze brushed against his face through the slightly open window, carrying the crisp smell of frost. He shivered, not from the cold, but from the memories that stirred inside him.
As he stared, his mind wandered back to his childhood. He could almost hear the laughter of his friends as they threw snowballs, their voices mingling with the crunch of snow beneath their boots. A warmth filled him, yet tears slowly welled up in his eyes and slid down his cheeks. He longed to feel that carefree joy again, when every day was an adventure.
Trevor sighed and wrapped his blanket tighter around his shoulders. The present felt quiet, empty, and yet comforting in its stillness.
Chapter 2: Daily Television
Jerry had just woken up; he yawned and rubbed his eyes, the morning sun though weak- peeking through the curtains. It was the 3rd of October, 2015, and the clock blinked 9:30 a.m. Just then, the television flickered to life on its own.
Jerry froze. He hadn’t turned it on. The news anchor appeared on the screen, her expression tense. "Good morning, viewers. Scientists have just issued a critical warning: the sun's activity is over ten times stronger than it was in the last three months. If people are not careful, this could be deadly and might end humanity if people are not careful.”
Jerry’s stomach churned with fear. He watched as the report detailed alarming effects: intense heatwaves, erratic weather, and a strange phenomenon where people exposed to sunlight began acting… differently.
The anchor’s voice shook slightly. “We urge everyone to avoid sunlight. Stay indoors. Close your curtains. Protect yourself.”
From that day forward, Jerry’s life changed. He drew the curtains, avoided windows, and wore long sleeves even indoors. Yet, a strange curiosity filled him. What had really happened outside? What had caused this sudden danger?
Chapter 3: Experience in the Night
The next morning, Jerry switched on the television again. The news anchor looked even more serious, her eyes wide with fear. “The sun’s effects have escalated. Those exposed to sunlight are transforming into creatures… beings capable of manipulating themselves. They only come out at night. Stay safe, and do not open your doors to strangers.” Suddenly the television turned off. Jerry’s heart pounded.
A sudden knock at the door made him jump. Peering through the peephole, he saw a tall, shadowy figure wearing a black cowboy hat. “Hey… let me in,” the figure said in a calm voice. “I’m not one of them. I just need shelter.” Jerry hesitated. How do I know I can trust you? How did you find my house? I saw one of them chasing me, the man said, his voice trembling slightly. I ran as fast as I could. Your house was the closest. Please… I can’t survive outside.
Something in the man’s eyes seemed genuine. Against his better judgment, Jerry opened the door. He led the stranger to the kitchen, offering a chair and some food, though he stayed cautious. That night, Jerry couldn’t sleep, listening to every creak and shadow.
Chapter 4: The Unexpected Escape
By morning, Jerry felt something was amiss. The man still hadn’t spoken since arriving. Jerry approached the kitchen cautiously. The figure was curled up in a corner, pale and silent. “Hey… are you okay?” Jerry asked softly. The man’s face began to contort strangely, his skin paling, his body stretching unnaturally. Jerry’s stomach turned. It hit him—this wasn’t a human. This was one of the creatures.
Panic surged. Jerry ran toward the door, the creature following, its distorted face twisted in hunger. He bolted to his neighbor’s house, banging on the door. The neighbor, an experienced hunter, quickly grabbed a gun. Just as the creature lunged, a single shot rang out. The creature fell, writhing, then stopped.
Jerry gasped and trembled as he realized how close he had come to death. That night left an indelible mark. He had learned a terrifying truth: appearances could be deceiving. Not everyone or everything that looked human could be trusted.
Chapter 5: Shadows in the Night
Days passed, but Jerry could not shake the memory of the creature. The night seemed darker now, the streets emptier, and the silence heavier. He kept his curtains closed at all times, doors locked, and only ventured outside at dawn, when the sun was weak and safe.
One evening, he noticed shadows moving outside, figures slipping between buildings. Fear gripped him, but curiosity pushed him closer. He saw small groups of transformed humans gathering under the streetlights, whispering in eerie tones.
Jerry realized the creatures were organizing. They weren’t mindless- they were planning something. His heart sank. The world had changed, and humanity’s survival depended on understanding these beings before it was too late.
Chapter 6: Dawn of Trust
Weeks passed, and Jerry had learned to survive in this new, dangerous world. He had discovered safe houses, secret routes, and even a small group of neighbors who, like him, had avoided sunlight and had seen the creatures at night. Together, they shared information, food, and strategies.
One night, as he patrolled the perimeter of his street, he noticed a figure approaching cautiously. His heart raced- it was another human or was it? The stranger removed their hood, revealing a young woman, exhausted and scared.
“I need help,” she whispered. “I’ve been running for days. I know where the others are hiding. We can stop them- maybe even reverse this… if we act now.” Jerry hesitated. Memories of the tall black figure—the creature disguised as a man- flashed through his mind. But something in her eyes told him she was human. Together, Jerry and the survivors coordinated a plan. Using light traps and fortified safe zones, they began to limit the creatures’ movements at night. Slowly, they learned patterns, weaknesses, and even discovered that not all affected humans had fully lost their minds- some could be reasoned with helping them devise their plan even further.
Months later, as the winter creeped in and the sun’s intensity began to stabilize, Jerry stood outside, watching the first safe sunrise in months. The world had changed, but humanity had endured.
He knew one truth that would stay with him forever: trust must be earned, courage comes from facing the unknown, and even in the coldest, darkest nights, hope could survive.
The cold breeze swept through the trees, crisp and pure, and for the first time in a long time, Jerry smiled.
The nightmare was not over- but now, he and his friends were ready.
