The First Small Thing

“You’re lying,” Cal said. “If you really wanted us to stop, you would not have recognized the tape that fast.” Ruth’s mouth twitched, but she didn’t answer. Then someone pounded on the office door. Dale Harker stood outside with a hard face and a hand on his belt. “You kids owe me an explanation. I’m hearing reports of a false emergency broadcast. And Eddie Mott was last seen near your school.” Mara clenched her fist, and suddenly the meaning of the future broadcast changed shape. It had not just warned them. It had pushed them into the exact place where every adult in town would start treating them like a problem. And the real danger was already moving closer through their own voices.