"It is a curious thing, the death of a loved one. We all know that our time in this world is limited, and that eventually all of us will end up underneath some sheet, never to wake up. And yet it is always a surprise when it happens to someone we know. It is like walking up the stairs to your bedroom in the dark, and thinking there is one more stair than there is. Your foot falls down, through the air, and there is a sickly moment of dark surprise as you try and readjust the way you thought of things."
-Lemony Snicket, Horseradish: Bitter Truths You can't Avoid
Day 1: 9:00 a.m. local time [Japan]
". . . . And in other news, there seems to be a minor outbreak of the flu spreading through the northwest. As such, doctors urge the public to please follow the recommended guidelines and to allow children who are sick to remain at home to prevent further spread. Should it get worse, please remember to contact-"
A slam, and suddenly a hysterical woman runs onto the screen.
"IT'S NOT A FLU! IT'S NOT A FLU! WHATEVER YOU DO, DO NOT COME IN CONTACT WITH THEM!"
Three shadows step in from outside the camera's parameter and begin to hold down the woman, the confused anchorman stepping to the side nervously through the tumult and a general commotion arising.
She's struggling, eyes wide and bloodshot as both tears and snot run down her frazzled, dirty features openly.
"LISTEN TO ME!"
The cameraman, sensing the potential of a future news story, focuses in on the screaming brunette who refuses to go down easily between the three crew members.
"KILL THEM ON SITE! DO NOT LET THEM TOUCH YOU! FIND A PLACE TO HIDE AND WHATEVER YOU DO, DON'T-"
She falls from a merciless punch to the head.
The camera pans to the wide eyed anchorman who seems to chuckle nervously.
The screen goes dark.