The Calm Before
Maxwell "Max" Henderson, with his tousled brown hair and vibrant green eyes, strolled through the bustling corridors of Freemont University. A 19-year-old freshman, his presence was a blend of youthful energy and the emerging maturity of adulthood. His athletic build, a testament to his love for soccer, moved with an easy grace.
The university, set against a backdrop of majestic red-brick buildings and sprawling green spaces, was a world of diversity and intellectual vitality. Max, though majoring in Mechanical Engineering, harbored a secret passion for creative writing, a gift from his mother.
His parents, Sarah and David Henderson, had always been his bedrock. Sarah, a librarian, instilled in him a deep love for stories. David, a mechanic, taught him the value of hands-on work and perseverance. Growing up in their small Midwestern town, Max had absorbed these values, carrying them with him to Freemont.
As he approached the engineering building, Max's thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice.
"Max! Wait up, man!" Leo, his roommate, called out, jogging to catch up.
"Hey, Leo. Another close call with your alarm clock?" Max teased, grinning.
"You know me too well," Leo replied with a laugh. "Ready for Professor Nolan's lecture?"
"As I'll ever be," Max said, and they shared a knowing look. Professor Nolan's classes were notoriously challenging.
Their day passed with a blend of lectures and lab work. In the evening, back in their dorm, Max video-called his parents. His mother's face, framed by shelves of books, appeared on the screen.
"Hey, Mom, Dad," Max greeted, his face breaking into a smile.
"Maxwell! How's my favorite engineer?" Sarah's voice was warm, tinged with affection.
"Just trying to keep up with everything. You know how it is," Max replied.
David joined the call, his hands stained from a day's work at the garage. "Remember to balance those books with a bit of fun, son," he advised.
Max chuckled. "Actually, I'm planning a hiking trip with Leo and a few others this weekend."
"Sounds great, but be careful out there," Sarah said, her maternal concern evident.
"We will, Mom. Love you guys," Max said, ending the call with a contented sigh.
The next day, under the shade of an ancient oak tree, Max joined his friends. Mia, with her sharp intellect, teased Max about his navigation skills. Jake, the group's gentle giant and an environmental science enthusiast, listened intently. Leo, ever the optimist, chimed in with his usual enthusiasm.
Their laughter and banter filled the air, a pleasant contrast to the academic rigor of their lives. As the afternoon waned, they discussed their plans for the evening.
"Did you guys hear about the astronomy club's viewing party tonight? They're hyped about some lunar eclipse," Jake mentioned, his curiosity piqued.
"An eclipse? That sounds interesting. Maybe we can check it out," Max suggested.
The group agreed, and as evening approached, they found themselves among a gathering of students on a hilltop. The astronomy club had set up telescopes, and a sense of excitement was palpable.
The moon began its celestial dance, slowly slipping into the earth's shadow. Max and Mia took turns peering through a telescope, marveling at the reddish hue of the eclipse.
"This is incredible," Mia whispered, her eyes wide with wonder.
But as the night progressed, something unusual happened. The eclipse, instead of passing, remained. The moon stayed cloaked in shadow, casting an eerie reddish light over the campus.
A sense of unease began to spread among the students. Whispers and speculations grew, turning the excitement into apprehension.
"This doesn't seem right," Max said, a frown creasing his forehead.
"No, it doesn't," Jake agreed, his voice laced with concern.
They decided to head back, the strange occurrence casting a shadow on their mood. The campus was unusually quiet, the usual night sounds absent.
Then, out of the silence, a scream pierced the air.
Max's heart raced as he and his friends rushed towards the sound. They arrived at the campus park to find a scene of chaos. A tall, slender figure, with skin as black as the night and eyes glowing white, was attacking a student.
Fear and disbelief gripped Max as he realized that their world had irrevocably changed. The eclipse was just the beginning. The apocalypse had begun.