When they regained some composure and could finally move from the floor they got to their feet and got to work.

No one had come to find them in the hall, so they knew it was unlikely there was anyone in the house. They were careful to clear it regardless, moving from room to room, the only sound their calls of 'empty' ringing through the house. Their mom's car was in the garage and Lauren found herself opening all the doors and trunk to check for… something.

Their bedrooms were the strangest. They were exactly as they left them, Lauren's bed neatly made and Andy's a crumpled mess, clothes on the chairs, Lauren's outfit for the next day hung on the wardrobe, Andy's sketchbook laid on his nightstand.

It felt like walking into the ancient past, like they had left them years ago or belonged to someone else. Lauren scooped up her laptop and chargers and closed the door behind her.

"Empty," she muttered as Andy hurriedly closed his own door, his expression matching hers.

"Empty," he agreed.

They both stared into their parents' room. Their mom's makeup was still stood on her dresser and one of their dad's shirts slung over his chair.

Without a word, Lauren reached out and closed the door.

With the house confirmed empty they returned downstairs and sat in the living room. Habitually Lauren hit the button for the TV, but it was only broadcasting white static. Andy stared at the floor. "Do you think- Mom and dad, do you think-"

"Mom's car's in the garage."

"What do we do?" he asked. Lauren glanced around as though someone might materialise to help her. There was only them.

"We stay put. There must be some action plan in place, all we have to do is sit it out until they get everything under control."

"What if they don't?"

"Then we think of something else."