TITLE CARD: All children are survivors. If they weren't;
there would be no adults.
FADE OUT.
EXT. THE SCHOOL - DAY
A group of adults, pull back as ZOMBIES attack them, they try
to protect their kids from the onslaught as they are over run
by zombies. Blood splatters against the steps in front of the
school, screams echo out. No one can help them.
MRS. ROBSON stares at the carnage from the doors. MR. CONNERS
comes up behind her and pulls her out of the way. Zombies
approach the doors. SOPHIE - a student - is behind them, she
can see the death outside, terror on her face.
SOPHIE
Don't leave them!
Her words are lost as Mr. Conners pulls the doors closed with
a crash, just before zombies brace themselves against it.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SCHOOL, HEAD MASTER'S OFFICE - DAY
Close on a phone. A man's shaking hand as he holds onto the
desk.
MR. CONNERS (O.S.)
No, do you have any idea what is
happening out there?
We follow up the phone cord toward Mr. Conners as he screams
down the line. Behind him we can see a group of children and
another teacher.
MR. CONNERS (CONT'D)
Then what are we supposed to do? I
already told you, we tried to get
there, as soon as we opened the
doors, they rushed us. Those
people. I know for a fact they
killed at least one person... I
don't care if its happening
anywhere else, its happening here!
What about the children? Yes, not
everyone got left outside, we
have...
Conners instinctively waves toward the kids and does a mental
count. At the back of the room, MS ROBSON the form teacher
tries to calm down the children;
BRANDON, 14, The oldest boy. He holds onto his little
sister:
LINDSEY, 7, who in turn holds onto her friend,
JULIE, 6, Who shakes with fear.
SOPHIE, 13, The oldest girl. She keeps to herself as she
rocks herself for comfort.
SEAN, 10, Takes in his surroundings, looking toward the
windows, almost trying to keep vigil over the other kids.
Behind him
SALLY, 10, and
CALLUM, 9, sit together in shock, focusing on MS Robson's
face as she tries to talk them into a calm.
And TOMMY, 5, The youngest, just lies on his side sucking
his thumb, his eyes glued to Mr. Conners on the phone.
MR. CONNERS (CONT'D)
Eight of them, and another teacher
as well. No, the rest were outside
when the doors closed. I don't know
how many. Everyone scattered!... I
know, so... We... Excuse me?...
Wait for what? You're the police,
that's why I am calling. Procedure?
Yes, I've barred the doors, but I
can hear them trying to get in,
send someone over now. How safe can
it be? No... I... Please? Please
come here. Yes we're a priority...
Everywhere? Everywhere. But the
children... I. Right, I... I...
Outside of the head master's room is a main hallway which
runs the length of the school. At the end the doors are
locked and figures beat their bodies slowly against them,
their shapes bouncing on the glass. Mr. Conners sighs and
takes a moment. In the silence, we can hear the zombies
banging themselves against the doors and windows. Echoing
down the hall.
MS. ROBSON (O.S.)
Well...
He hangs up. The children all sit and wait. Mr. Conners
crouches before them and holds his hands out, at a loss.
MR. CONNERS
... OK Children, Ms. Robson, I've
spoken to the authorities. And
whatever is happening, is happening
all over. We are not alone. And we
won't be alone.
They'll come here and get us as
soon as they can. They just...
There is a lot going on. With the
train crash last night and now
this. But regardless, I want you
all to try and keep calm. I know
its scary. But we're safe inside
here. And we just need to keep to
ourselves and wait... And we'll be
fine... OK?
The children nod and agree, keeping strong for their
teachers. Brandon looks over to Sophie and puts his hand on
her shoulder. She tries to smile back at him, but doesn't
manage more than a smirk. She looks out toward the windows,
uneasy.
FADE TO BLACK.
CREDITS ROLL AS THE NEXT FEW SCENES MONTAGE
INT. THE SCHOOL, CAFETERIA - EVENING
The teachers safeguard the children as they all eat together
in the cafeteria, the room is intended for a lot more than
just 10 people. They look small huddled at the table.
INT. THE SCHOOL, MAIN HALLWAY - NIGHT
Ms. Robson takes the girls into the ladies toilets while Mr.
Conners takes his group into the boys. Keeping everyone
together.
INT. THE SCHOOL, HEAD MASTER'S OFFICE - NIGHT
The teachers put together some make shift beds, for the kids
to sleep on in the office. Taking some cloth from the other
rooms. They make sure to tuck Tommy in.
TOMMY
Thank you.
INT. THE SCHOOL, MAIN HALLWAY - THE NEXT DAY
The kids all play with Ms. Robson, kicking a ball around in
the hallway while Mr. Conners looks out of a side window.
Watching a few of the mysterious figures walk around. They
have blood on them and Mr. Conners is terrified.
At the main doors, he checks the chains are tight. When he
looks out the window here, he can see blood and bodies on the
ground, including some of the other kids who were killed when
they first opened the doors. He sighs.
INT. THE SCHOOL, HEAD MASTER'S OFFICE - EVENING
They have pulled a TV into the room and they all watch the
news report that a train has derailed near the edge of town
(This shows the town from an aerial standpoint, its a small
town of about 2000 people)
NEWS REPORTER
(Indistinct)
--Overwhelmed. First reports
suggest this infection may have
been caused by this tragic train
derailment which led to the loss of
an estimated 200 lives. The MOD has
issued a statement that this string
of violence is in fact nationwide
and these individuals do appear to
be infected with some sort of
disease or virus. They're calling
it a pandemic. Pictures are pouring
in from other cities which
highlight similar scenes of chaos.
In this harrowing time, remember,
viewers are urged to stay in doors
and keep away from windows.
As the screen turns to even more images of violence and
devastation from across the whole country, Mr. Conners nods
to Ms. Robson to turn it off. They put on some SpongeBob. The
kids all stare at it without one smile.
At the back of the room, Brandon sits beside Sophie, her face
drained of color. He tries to put his arm around her but she
shrugs him off. She looks away.
INT. THE SCHOOL, HEAD MASTER'S OFFICE - THE NEXT DAY
Sophie stands before Mr. Conners. Behind them, Tommy plays
with a ball, hitting it against the wall and catching it.
SOPHIE
- But if they did?
MR. CONNERS
I promise, we're safe here. We have
to believe that or-
Tommy's ball bounces into the hallway.
INT. THE SCHOOL, MAIN HALLWAY
Tommy chases a ball down into the hallway and he can hear the
banging, getting louder at the doors and windows. Curious, he
approaches the noise at the window. It's just above his head
height. Tommy gets closer and puts his hand on the window
sill.
He tries to pull himself up - just as one of those things
faces comes into view - Mr. Conners pulls him back. Back in
the office, Sophie steps back and away.
INT. THE SCHOOL, HEAD MASTER'S OFFICE - DAY
Mr. Conners come in with a few cricket bats and hockey
sticks. This draws looks from the room.
MR. CONNERS
Just in case...
LINDSEY
In case of what?
SOPHIE
What do you think?
He drops the bats and things on the floor with a clatter.
INT. THE SCHOOL, CAFETERIA - DAY
The cafeteria is empty and the cupboards in the kitchen
spread out and open. Large windows in here have shapes
beating against them.
INT. THE SCHOOL, HEAD MASTER'S OFFICE - EVENING
The kids now eat in the office. Mr. Conners looks out the
window again, there is more of them people wandering around.
Some of the bodies are gone... Still no sign of police. He
looks grimly to Ms. Robson. She nods.
SALLY (O.S.)
I don't know. They are taking real
good care of us, I guess. I miss
you. Why can't you come get me?
They told us to wait too. Yeah, I
saw on the TV the roads are closed.
But can't-Yeah.Oh, Andy's OK? Good.
INT. THE SCHOOL, HEAD MASTER'S OFFICE - EVENING
The kids are taking turns on the phone. Mr. Conners taps his
watch. Sally nods.
SALLY
OK, well, I have to go now. We're
taking turns. see you soon too.
Goodnight.
She hangs up the phone. Mr. Conners dials for Tommy and he
steps up to the phone, near tears.
TOMMY
Mommy? Take me home. I don't want
to be here anymore.
INT. THE SCHOOL, MAIN HALLWAY - THE NEXT DAY
Mr. Conners takes the kids to the bathroom and tries the
light switch - but nothing happens. He sighs.
INT. THE SCHOOL, CAFETERIA - EVENING
We see the doors to the refrigerator wide open, things strewn
across the ground. No noise coming from it.
INT. THE SCHOOL, HEAD MASTER'S OFFICE - NIGHT
The kids all eat from a box of defrosting food by candle
light. Ms. Robson tries the phone and shakes her head at Mr.
Conners. He watches the kids a moment and puts his head in
his hands.
Sophie sits at the back of the room. Brandon takes some food
to her and offers it. She takes it reluctantly. Still in a
state of depression and shock.
INT. THE SCHOOL, MAIN HALLWAY - THE NEXT DAY
The noises at the door are even louder now. Mr. Conners
stands looking toward the door, and then the windows. The
ZOMBIES are now at the windows full-time, rubbing their
bodies against the glass. He has a chance to look them over.
They are clearly dead. He doesn't know what to do.
MS. ROBSON
Still the same?
Ms. Robson stands behind him. He turns to her gravely.
MR. CONNERS
Miss Johnson is at the door... I
saw her die last week.
INT. THE SCHOOL, HEAD MASTER'S OFFICE - EVENING
Ms. Robson recoils into the room, upset. Sean and Callum are
fighting about something, hitting at each other and a
Nintendo 3DS slides across the floor. Ms. Robson grabs them
both by the collar and pulls them back.
MS. ROBSON
You two! Stop it now! Stop acting
like a couple of spoiled brats! I
can't take it!
MR. CONNERS
Calm down! Ms. Robson... Emily!
It's OK. Kids, listen...
Mr. Conners stoops down and pulls the kids close. Ms. Robson
walks off to tend to the other kids, holding back her tears
of frustration.
SEAN
We're sorry.
Callum shoots a look like 'speak for yourself!'
MR. CONNERS
It's OK. She's not mad at you.
We're all a bit frayed... This is
all going on a lot longer than we
expected, its just... A hard time.
You kids have to be brave. We have
to be tolerant of each other.
TOMMY
What's tolerant?
MR. CONNERS
It means we keep each other
together, Tommy. We're all friends
here, right? We're all going to
keep each other safe.
JULIE
Mr. Conners, is anyone ever coming?
MR. CONNERS
Of course they are, Julie. Of
course they are.
We just stay here for now. Can you
kids all be brave? For me and Ms.
Robson?
SEAN AND CALLUM
Yes, Mr. Conners...
The kids all kind of nod in agreement. Sophie keeps to
herself in the corner on a bed. Her face in folded arms.
FADE TO BLACK.
MR. CONNERS (V.O.)
Everything will be fine.
SMASH CUT:
THE SOUND OF
GLASS BREAKING
INT. THE SCHOOL, HEAD MASTER'S OFFICE - DAY
Mr. Conners wakes and scrambles to his feet. He eases into
the hallway. Wanting to not be noticed. A few zombies have
broken their way into the building and are falling in from
the waist high broken glass, lifting themselves back up as
they pile in on top of one another. One of them has been
bisected by the weight of the others on it and its upper
torso still crawls towards the survivors.
Mr. Conners quickly closes the door and locks it. Stands back
from it.
BRANDON
What's happening?
MR. CONNERS
Nothing. Go back to bed.
BRANDON
Bullshit.
MR. CONNERS
Watch your tone, Mr. Campbell.
MS. ROBSON
What do we do?
MR. CONNERS
OK. Children. They're inside the
building.
The kids start to get upset, Mr. Conners turns to the room,
his back to the door, holds his arms out, trying to shush
them.
MR. CONNERS (CONT'D)
But we're safe in here. It's OK.
Everyone just keep calm. We're-
A bang at the door. Everyone eyes it. Lindsey hides her face
and Julie holds her. Very slow banging now. Trying to get in.
MR. CONNERS (CONT'D)
No, it's still OK.
MR. CONNERS (CONT'D)
Children, listen. This door is
locked. They don't have the key.
So, we'll be fine. It's OK.
The kids scream. A zombie appears in the window beside the
door. Mr. Conners quickly pulls the shade down to hide it. It
beats softly on the glass.
MR. CONNERS (CONT'D)
It's OK, it's OK... They'll realize
they can't get in and they'll move
on. We just need to wait.
Everyone looks uneasily at each other.
INT. THE SCHOOL, HEAD MASTER'S OFFICE - LATER
The kids try to read books or talk to one another but the
banging at the door is more frequent now. More outside,
coming in. Mr. Conners and Ms. Robson shoot each other
questioning looks. Fear, hiding it for the kids. Sophie
watches them intently. She knows. Sally stands forward.
SALLY
I need to go to the bathroom.
The two adults look unsure of what to do.
INT. THE SCHOOL, HEAD MASTER'S OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER
Sally is behind the desk, peeing into a bowl. The other kids
look either grossed out or find it funny, but the adults keep
them from acting up. She finishes and looks bashful.
MS. ROBSON
It's OK, sweetie. It's nothing to
be embarrassed about.
Mr. Conners takes the bowl and reaches up high, opening the
thin-slit windows at the end of the room and pours it
outside.
SEAN
Throw it on them things.
MR. CONNERS
Ha. I'll try, Sean. Anyone else?
Reluctantly, Tommy, Julie and even Ms. Robson (bashfully)
lift their hands.
MR. CONNERS (CONT'D)
OK... Number one?
Julie puts her hand down... There is a collective groan in
the room.
EXT. THE SCHOOL - EVENING
Another pot of urine is thrown out the small slat window. We
see it land on the ground ten or so feet below. A couple of
zombies mill around. We also see this window borders onto a
small roof.
INT. THE SCHOOL, HEAD MASTER'S OFFICE - NIGHT
The banging is worse and there are small cracks forming at
the edges of the plaster work and glass around the window. A
chair is propped against the handle of the door now, as it
keeps being pressed down. It's a matter of time. One way or
another. Mr. Conners whispers to Ms. Robson. Sophie watches
them from across the room, suspicious.
MS. ROBSON
(Quietly)
I couldn't. We need to wait.
MR. CONNERS
(Quietly)
You've seen what those things can
do. They'll tear these kids apart.
MS. ROBSON
I couldn't live with myself.
MR. CONNERS
We may not have to, Emily...
He reaches into his desk and pulls out a small flask. He
hands it to her. She nods and takes a swig. Chokes quietly.
She looks around the room. At the kids. Some trying to read
or play little board games with each other. Some trying to
sleep.
MS. ROBSON
... When?
INT. THE SCHOOL, HEAD MASTER'S OFFICE - LATER
By candle light, the kids are all in their beds on the floor
and Mr. Conners has a small treat. To drown out the sound of
the zombies, he's putting up a little radio, the batteries
have just enough juice to let them put some music on. They
put some soothing music on.
MR. CONNERS
This should make it easier to go to
sleep, guys.
LINDSEY
Mr. Conners... Are people really
coming for us?
MR. CONNERS
Of course they are. I'm sure
everything is going to be fine.
Just go to sleep, and keep your
strength up.
The kids are all listening, uneasy.
LINDSEY
Really? Before those things get in
here?
MR. CONNERS
Yes. Lindsey, tomorrow... Will be a
brighter day. I promise.
LINDSEY
OK. Thank you... Good night Julie.
JULIE
Good night Lindsey.
The two girls hold each others hand a moment and turn to go
to sleep. Ms. Robson, fights tears, but the two adults are
unsteady from drinking. Mr. Conners presses his hand to
Lindsey's head.
MR. CONNERS
Go to sleep now. It's OK.
INT. THE SCHOOL, MAIN HALLWAY - NIGHT
The hallway is now full of zombies who are slowly piling on
the door and window to the office and it is partly giving
way. The sounds of the music echoing down the halls.
FADE TO BLACK.
INT. THE SCHOOL, HEAD MASTER'S OFFICE - LATER
The music has stopped and beside the banging there is some
mild rustling noises. Sophie lazily opens her eyes. The scene
comes into focus. The teachers are smothering the children.
She scrambles up with a start.
SOPHIE
Brandon! Wake up!
Brandon comes to and sees what is happening, Ms. Robson has a
pillow over Lindsey's face. He sees red and dives forward.
BRANDON
What th - Get off my sister!
Brandon grabs Robson from behind and swings her around and
off Lindsey. She falls back and hits her face against the
desk, splitting open her cheek, knocking her out. Brandon
pulls the pillow off of Lindsey's face and asks her if she is
OK. She's crying and sputtering.
LINDSEY
What's happening?!
MR. CONNERS
You don't know what you're doing!
Mr. Conners back hands Brandon, knocking him back. Sophie
dives up into action and pushes Conners down with all of her
body weight.
Sally and Callum all get up and get on top of him as well,
all screaming in fright. Sean stays in bed, watching, frozen.
SOPHIE
Sean, help me!
Sean gets up but just stands there. Conners is on his back,
held down. He fights to get up. Lindsey moves over to Julie
to help her.
MR. CONNERS
I don't want to hurt you!
Brandon picks something up and scrambles over to see Lindsey
crying, holding Julie in bed - her eyes open, staring. She's
been smothered to death.
LINDSEY
Julie isn't waking up! Why won't
she wake up?
Everyone goes quiet a moment. There is a collective stun in
the room.
MR. CONNERS
Get off me! They will come in here,
and they will kill us all! Don't
you unders-
Brandon swings a hockey stick down in a wide arc. Slamming it
into Mr. Conner's face. With one bloody crunch, he's dead.
The kids all stare in disbelief.
SOPHIE
Jesus, Brandon, what...?!
BRANDON
I... Had to!
LINDSEY (O.S.)
Julie, wake up, wake up Julie,
please. Don't go.
SALLY
Oh my god!
SEAN
What do we do?
They all turn to Lindsey. Holding Julie's body. Then look to
Brandon. Tears streak some of their faces. Sophie is just
stunned, mouth agape. She doesn't even notice the splash of
blood on her face.
Brandon pants and looks around, dazed. The banging at the
door brings Brandon back to reality. He scans the room
hastily. The teachers, dead? Those things at the door. The
window...
BRANDON
... We... Have to leave. Now. Get
your backpacks... Do it! All of
you!
He accentuates do it, launching the kids into motion. Sophie
reaches under one of the beds and pulls Tommy up off the
ground. He's been covering his face and sucking his thumb. As
she grabs him, he squeals.
SOPHIE
It's OK, it's me, you're OK. You're
OK.
She shields his eyes and holds him close. Brandon thinks...
BRANDON
Ah Sh... Over here.
Brandon reaches up and pulls himself through the thin window
slit, barely fitting.
EXT. THE SCHOOL, ROOF - NIGHT
The window borders a small roof, Brandon pulls himself onto
it and quickly looks around. The music is barely audiable out
here. He gets on his knees and sticks his arm through the
window.
BRANDON
Come on, I'll pull you up.
INT. THE SCHOOL, HEAD MASTER'S OFFICE
Sophie first lifts Tommy and Brandon pulls him up and out the
window. She holds her hands out for Sean next.
EXT. THE SCHOOL, ROOF
Brandon pulls Sean up. Tommy and Sean both step up from the
small roof onto the main flat top. Next Sally... They stand
and hold each other together. Confused.
INT. THE SCHOOL, HEAD MASTER'S OFFICE
Sophie pushes Callum up to Brandon, leaving her alone in the
room. Before she can take Brandon's hand herself, Ms. Robson
reaches over and pulls her leg. Her face covered in blood.
Sophie kicks her off.
MS. ROBSON
You can't leave me. Don't go.
Please. We took care of you.
Please...
Sophie stares her down. Anger flashing across her face.
EXT. THE SCHOOL, ROOF
Brandon helps Sophie onto the roof and leads her up onto the
flat top.
BRANDON
You OK? You've got some...
He touches his face. She realizes he means she has blood on
her face. She wipes it off nervously, not wanting to look at
her own hand. Brandon turns to the others.
The kids all stand together in the dark. With no electricity,
the city is pitch black and silent. The occasional moan and
groan breaking the dull.
BRANDON (CONT'D)
Hello!
He shouts into the night. No response.
BRANDON (CONT'D)
Anyone, we need help, anyone?!
Anyone?
No answer. On all sides, the streets are a black haze. No
lights. No people. Just those things. They all look to each
other, wordless, and wait.
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