One day, a strange and silent thing started happening all over the world. Without any noise, big cracks opened up in the sky above the cities. These cracks connected Earth to other worlds, and strange creatures came through. Some looked like people but were different and spoke in ways no one could understand.
Before all this, life was happy and simple. Families lived together, sometimes with little problems, but mostly good days. Nadira, who was still five but would turn six tomorrow night, sat close to her mother, listening carefully.
"Long ago," her mother said softly, "the world was full of light and laughter. Cities were busy with people, machines made sounds, and the skies were bright. But then, the Veil came. It spread like a shadow, swallowing the light and changing everything. The cities became quiet, and the creatures we knew became strange and wild."
Nadira's small hands squeezed her knees. "Why did it happen, Mama? Will it go away?"
Her mother smiled gently, brushing a lock of hair from Nadira's face. "No one knows for sure, sweetie. But we keep hoping. Your father and I look for others who are still alive, hoping to find a place where the Veil's shadow is not so strong."
Nadira's voice was soft but curious. "Mama, can we go to Grandpa's house? I miss him. I saw monsters outside, but I'm not scared."
Her mother's eyes softened. "I know you're brave, Nadira. But I want to tell you about some of our family."
"Who, Mama?" Nadira asked, tilting her head.
"When the world was normal, we had many people. Your aunt lives with Grandpa, but she can be hard sometimes. Another aunt is lost—we don't know where she is. And your uncle left the family early in 2026. No one really knows where he went or what happened to him. I don't want you to get lost, Nadira. If you get lost, who will help us?"
Nadira's eyes were big and serious. "Mama, don't worry. I won't leave you. I'll keep you safe."
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. It opened, and Nadira smiled wide. "You're back!"
Her mother asked, "Did you find anyone alive?"
Her father's face looked tired and sad. "No. Same as before. Empty streets, quiet. The Veil took a lot."
They talked quietly, their voices heavy. Nadira watched and said, "Next time, I go with you. I want to help."
Their home was small but strong, built to keep them safe. On the roof was a strange panel that caught light and made power. Outside, the city was broken and wild.
When they were hungry, her mother opened a small box from the freezer. Inside were the last bits of food sent by her grandfather. Her mother's face got serious. "The food is almost gone. We can't live like this much longer. Your father carries too much."
Her father nodded. "We'll have to leave soon. Tomorrow, if the weather is good."
Nadira watched them, feeling the weight of their words. Tomorrow was a promise—and a little scary too.
They sat down at the wooden table to eat. Nadira's small voice broke the quiet again. "Mama, can I go outside with Papa tomorrow? I want to help."
Her mother's eyes flicked toward her sharply. "Don't talk while eating, Nadira."
Nadira pressed her lips together and fell silent, focusing on her food. Her parents exchanged worried looks.
After lunch, her mother began washing the few dishes while her father pulled out a device called Key—a small, glowing tool that looked like a phone. He tapped the screen, searching for any signs of life nearby.
Nadira padded over, eyes bright. "Let me help you wash the plates, Mama."
Her mother shook her head with a soft smile. "You ask too much, little one."
But then she handed Nadira a pair of small gloves. "Here, put these on. You can help a little."
Nadira's face lit up as her mother lifted her onto a stool by the sink. Together, they washed the dishes, the warm water running over their hands. In this broken world, the simple act felt like a small moment of beauty—a fragile thread of normalcy.
There weren't many dishes, so it was over quickly. They dried their hands, and the room grew darker and colder as the sun began to set.
Her father went to the roof, the strange panel glowing faintly as it absorbed the last rays of the sun, turning them into power.
Nadira tugged at her mother's sleeve. "Can I go help Papa?"
Her mother shook her head firmly. "No, not tonight. It's not safe."
Her father returned, tired but calm. Together, they prepared their bed, arranging blankets with quiet care.
Nadira sat by the window, watching the dark shapes moving outside—the monsters roaming the broken city. Her young mind raced.
I need to go out. I want to help my parents. They're scared of those walking animals, but they're just big and slow. I can kill them. I can protect them. But why won't they let me go?
Her mother's soft voice broke through. "Hey, little cutie, come here. It's time to sleep. We have to be ready for tomorrow."
Nadira blinked, the worries slipping away like a dream. She curled up between her parents and fell asleep quickly, but something lingered in her mind—tomorrow night would be her birthday. She had wishes for her family, hopes she kept close to her heart.
Though just a child, Nadira understood more than she let on. She saw the fear, the hope, and the strength around her.
For now, everyone slept—quiet and still, holding onto the fragile peace of the night.