On the streets of New York, a strange and tranquil twilight, almost nightfall, pervades the atmosphere of the city that never sleeps, in a climate of insecurity. Looking at the large screens, one understands the reason: news reports on the building screens alternate, announcing rumors of an imminent catastrophe about to begin in the city, an action by the dreaded enemies of humanity: vampires.
"Rumors are circulating in society about a surprise attack in the coming weeks by vampires on the population of New York..."
"However, this is not an attack like those we are used to witnessing, but the beginning of a genocide of the human race..."
"The event we will witness very soon appears to be, according to rumors, the most dangerous and terrifying event ever witnessed since the last century, with the World War II and the Night Rise. Terror afflicts the population..."
"We are undeniably close to the greatest tragedy that human beings have ever seen. There has never been peace with the Provinces, but there is no other choice. Action is necessary at this moment. And President Kennedy shows firmness in his position."
Jesua Kennedy, the President of the United States at that time. Many news reports featured or quoted his speech, in an attempt to show firmness to the world regarding this imminent event.
"We, as human beings, need to fight for our dignity, the right to simply live. We have to resist these parasites who consider themselves superior to us. There can be no peace in a world that has normalized the absurdity of having these monsters living normally in the northern hemisphere, because that is not enough for them. The fact that we are used to seeing people dying every day to satisfy the bloodlust of these despicable beings already shows that we are not acting as we should. It may be supernatural powers, but we cannot remain inert."
And while the news reports roll, countless people are restless. Sometimes with their hands on their heads, trying to stifle their despair. Sometimes talking to themselves in low voices. Whispers and monologues, along with the countless cars, dominate the sounds of the streets, as well as the cries of those who couldn't contain themselves.
"There's no more hope. We're screwed."
"In the end, the end times have come, and I never wanted to believe it."
A child, with her insatiable curiosity and naivety about the things of the world around her, asks her parents: "Daddy, why is everyone scared?"
The child's parents reply, anxiously: "Daughter, don't worry about those things. Let's go home and play. These are adult things."
"But, Daddy, Mommy, you're scared too. I don't like seeing you like this. This isn't just adult stuff."
The parents try to hold back tears to appear strong in front of their daughter, even though that same strength is shaken.
Meanwhile, a mysterious woman carrying a suitcase walks through the city. White skin, almost pale. Short, straight hair. Eyes in a light blue and grayish tone. She wears formal attire, with a long-sleeved white shirt and black pants. And, as she walks, she observes these gestures of the people, as if it were an epidemic that had reached the population. After listening to those almost endless reports of misfortune, she hears a Christian man preaching in the square.
"Men and women, pay attention to this! There is no reason to remain placing our hope in this present world. 'Look to Me, and be saved,' says the Lord! He calls you to look to Him, and not succumb to the terror of these vampires! For His Son gave us His blood, therefore, we must not be afraid of those who desire ours…"
The woman listens attentively to the preacher for a few seconds, while he pronounces these words, and continues on her way. A taxi stops beside her.
"Excuse me, miss. I think your suitcase is too heavy to walk to your destination, don't you agree?"
The woman gives a discreet laugh and agrees to take the taxi.
She enters and continues on her way. On the way, a casual conversation.
"I noticed you were admiring this city, so I imagine you're new here, am I right?"
"That's right. I arrived in this area today. The city that never sleeps. What an interesting title."
"Indeed, a reputation worthy of a metropolis. A place of incessant hustle and bustle. A place where sleeping is a utopian privilege. That's why it's uncommon for those who live here to admire this environment. But in recent days, this celebrated title seems to have taken a somewhat unpleasant turn. I imagine you've heard about it."
"Hm! With the way things are going on the streets, there was no way I wouldn't know."
"A rather inconvenient time to visit the city, isn't it?"
"How tragic, isn't it? But, in the end, it was meant to be today. Things will happen, and I need to be here."
The woman had a beautiful face, like that of a woman in her thirties. The taxi driver is intrigued by the woman's statement.
"A hidden duty?"
"Yes… But don't worry. It's not the time for you to understand."
"Enigmatic motivations… I like you, haha! I just hope it's not to destroy us. However, a vampire wouldn't be here with the sun still shining, I think."
The two laugh, and the taxi heads toward its destination: a residential area in the Brooklin neighborhood. Some movement on the streets, among citizens and homeless people. Upon arrival, the woman pays with cash.
"Thank you very much, miss! Nowadays everyone pays by cell phone. It's faster. It's been a while since I smelled money. May I know your name?"
"I'm enigmatic, as you already said. Haha! Call me Karla. That's enough."
"Okay, okay… I have to settle for that. I'm Romero, a Mexican immigrant. A casual taxi driver, you understand? It was a good prose, nice to meet you. But I have to get back to my work here."
"The pleasure is mine, Romero!"
He then continues on his way in search of another trip, and Karla then enters the building. A building like many in the neighborhood, about ten stories high, with an exterior brick finish.
Upon entering through the main door, ringing the bell on the counter and greeting with a good afternoon, almost a good evening, she is then unusually greeted by another woman, with purple eyes and equally pale skin. Long hair, tied in a ponytail, with more casual clothes: a black tank top and jeans. She also seemed to be around thirty years old.
"A newcomer… But what's going through your head to come live here on the verge of a catastrophe? I say you should be more sensible. But I won't complain: as my tenant, you can be a good source of money for me."
Karla looks at the woman with an apparently disrespectful look.
"What a bad actress you are, huh, Veronica? And on top of that, trying to pass yourself off as the building manager of a building you just moved into…"
The two then laugh and hug, demonstrating that they are not strangers, but long-time friends.
"Don't underestimate me like that, woman... it throws me off balance."
"Calm down, friend... I'm just telling the truth."
"I know..."
"Anyway, we have a duty to fulfill here, don't we?"
"I agree with you... What's your name again?"
"For goodness sake... and since when is Karla a difficult name?"
"Maybe since all the time before that name."
"Yeah... I guess I can let that go for now. You're not wrong."
They laugh a little more. Then, the (real) building manager, a middle-aged woman named Rosemary, arrives to interrupt the conversation. Dark skin, curly hair with dreadlocks tied up. Despite being around 55 years old, she looks like she's in her 30s. She has a small vitiligo spot below her left eye.
"Ah, so you're Veronica's friend she mentioned, right? Look, I tell you, I don't know if I consider you bold or crazy to come live here with all this situation that's coming. But I appreciate you being another part of my livelihood."
"Rose, Rose… You know we're not just investors", says Veronica.
Rose replies with a bit of sarcasm: "Let's be frank: it's not like I've known you since the Middle Ages to know you so deeply. It's only been a few months. Maybe this young lady has known you longer."
"Are you calling us grandmas?"
Karla calms the "heated" discussion: "Calm down, calm down... In the end, I really could see how things are going here in New York. But what we came here to do can't be diminished by this mere sense of fear."
Rose observes them with some curiosity.
"Look... I'm not going to question you about this duty. But what I can guarantee is that, in this end-of-the-world moment, I can still offer you ladies luxurious comfort."
"An honor, Rose. We'll try not to cause any trouble here, but I can't guarantee anything."
"I understand. Know that I'll kick you out if you don't behave here."
The three laugh, and then the two friends are taken to the apartment where they will live during this mysterious stay, with no set end date.