The Shifting Vines

Dennis watched as Mia's small frame shook with sobs, her tears mixing with the grime on her cheeks to create streaks of mud. Her words were punctuated by gasps, the terror of her ordeal still fresh and palpable.

"They took them... They took them all... I had to hide..." she cried, her voice trembling as much as her body.

Dennis, his face etched with concern and confusion, gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "Who took who, Mia? Who are 'they'?" he asked, trying to piece together her fragmented outbursts.

Mia continued to weep, her cries echoing off the cold, damp walls of the underground facility. Dennis kept a steady, comforting presence beside her, waiting for her to gather herself enough to speak coherently.

Finally, taking in a shaky breath, Mia wiped her eyes with the back of her hand and looked up at Dennis. "The aliens," she whispered, her voice a ghost of fear. "They came a few days ago... invaded this place."

Dennis's mind raced. Aliens?