In 1983, David wakes his son who's unresponsive and foaming at the mouth. Rushing him to the hospital, chaos unfolds as all kids in town experience the same symptoms. Worldwide, children under nine are affected, with no known cause or cure. Ten years later, the children remain in a mysterious coma, prompting government intervention to prevent future births. Society faces extinction, leading to economic crises and social collapse. Tom visits his brother David, who harbors resentment towards him for a past crime.