Jinx

Tibby, her voice tinged with discontent, couldn't help but express her frustration as they emerged from the sterilization area.

The advanced disinfectant process, while effective, had been a rather clinical and dehumanizing experience.

She murmured, "Couldn't the researchers have found a more humane disinfection method?"

Mark, whose patience had long worn thin, responded to Tibby's complaint with a cruel lack of sympathy.

He seized the opportunity to vent his frustration and unleashed a merciless kick to Tibby's back, causing her to crumple to the ground in pain.

"Are you also in need of humane treatment, Tibby? I highly doubt it! You're just a worthless chatterbox, utterly useless! It should have been you who died, not Alex and Emily!"

"Mark..." Tibby managed to utter a feeble protest, her voice trembling with fear as she lay on the floor, nursing her injuries.