The Children - Episode 1
by Mia Siegert
We need to talk.
What’s up?
I messed up.
So I just wanted to say I love you.
And I’m sorry.
Wait, what?
I love you. I need you to know that. Okay?
I love you so much. I never thought it’d come to this…
Slow down.
I have no idea what’s going on.
It doesn’t matter now—
I screwed up. And this is all my fault.
What is?
I need to go away for awhile.
I’m sorry.
Stop it. You’re scaring me.
What’s going on?
I’ll explain later. I promise.
No, not later — I need to know right now.
I promise to explain everything when I can.
That’s not good enough.
Calvin, I’m your wife — you need to tell me.
3 minutes later
Now! Calvin!
Don’t turn on the TV.
Don't read newspapers or check social media.
Not yet — not until I explain.
Explain what?
There’s not enough time.
You have enough time to text this cryptic shit but you can’t tell me?
I’m sorry. It’s not safe.
Not safe?!
Our texts might not be secure.
WTF does that even mean?
Someone could be reading them.
I know what “secure” means. But why are you being so paranoid?
I told you I screwed up. Big time.
I need to go. I’ll explain everything as soon as I can.
Wait.
I need to go.
Something’s happening outside.
What do you mean?
There’s a huge crowd forming.
Don’t leave the house.
Not until I contact you again, okay?
Get the external batteries.
Make sure your phone’s charged at all times.
Keep it with you — do NOT give anyone your phone.
Not the police, not family — NO ONE.
Calvin, why is there a news van outside our house?
I told you not to go outside.
I didn’t go outside. I can see them out the window.
Keira sends picture of a news van parked across the street.
A few cameramen and a reporter are walking out of it.
Shit. I didn’t want you involved—
I’m so sorry.
Someone’s knocking on the door.
Who is it?
Journalists, I think?
Don’t answer.
No shit. Why are they here?
What did you do?
Don’t turn on the TV.
Why?
Just don’t.
Calvin, I swear to God — what the hell did you do?
Something went wrong.
It wasn’t supposed to be this way, and now I’m in way over my head.
I’ll explain everything — I just need a little more time.
Keira sends picture of the mob forming outside of their house.
I don’t have that kind of time. They’re starting to chant…
I can’t make out what they’re saying…
Close the shades!
Tell me what’s going on.
Try not to let anyone see you.
Did you close the shades?
Oh my God — someone threw a rock in the window!
Hide.
Don’t call 911.
Don’t turn on the news.
Go down into the basement.
Wait, this isn’t a rock—
It’s a brick. There’s something tied to it…
It looks like a note.
DON’T READ IT!
Go down into the basement.
Don’t call 911.
Don’t talk to police.
Oh God, promise me you won’t talk to police.
Calvin, someone just through a BRICK through our WINDOW—
Of course I’m going to call the cops.
DON’T—
You have no clue how much shit I’m in.
Did you get the chargers and external batteries?
Tell me what’s going on!
DID YOU GET THEM?
YES OR NO?
It’s important.
Yes.
Okay. Go down into the basement.
Stay out of sight.
Lock the door behind you.
Go to the room with the workbench and someone will come for you — I promise.
You’ll know when they’re there.
WHAT IS GOING ON?
Do not tell ANYONE where you are. No matter what. Remember that.
Also whatever you do, do NOT go in the boiler room.
The boiler room?
What the hell is in the boiler room?
Just don’t go in there.
I’m not going to the basement until you tell me what the hell is going on.
Do you love me?
What?
Do you love me?
Of course I do. You know that.
Then trust me on this one.
That’s it? You want me to follow you on blind trust?
I’m so, so sorry. I never meant for this to happen…
But I need to go.
Wait. I have no idea what's going on!
Give me a few hours—
I’ll explain everything then.
Explain this.
Keira sends picture of her hand holding a brick—
A note is tied to it that reads…
GIVE BACK OUR CHILDREN.
The message you sent failed to deliver.
Calvin?
The message you sent failed to deliver.
I’m scared.
The mail carrier you are trying to reach is no longer in service.
App