In a small American town during the Cold War, a typical school day is abruptly disrupted by an unexpected emergency. The school principal receives a chilling alert signaling an imminent nuclear attack. Following the established protocol, the principal and the teachers instruct the children to proceed to their homes or designated shelters. Despite the panic, the adults strive to maintain order and guide the students calmly, but the atmosphere is filled with a growing sense of dread. The children, largely unaware of the seriousness of the situation, are ushered out of their classrooms in an orchestrated yet tense flurry of activity.

As the students make their way home, the narrative follows a group of them grappling with their fear and confusion about the potential catastrophe. They encounter various obstacles and emotional challenges with some questioning if the alarm is real or just a drill. Meanwhile, the teachers and parents also struggle with their anxieties and responsibilities, trying to ensure the safety of the children while dealing with their own fears. The story thoughtfully examines human behavior under extreme stress, exploring themes of authority, innocence, and survival instincts as each character confronts their own private fears in the face of a looming, invisible danger.