Watch People Bleed

Without a word, Charles launched himself at Simon, fists clenched. The two grappled, a dance of aggression and pent-up emotions. The fight echoed the complexities of their post-apocalyptic world, where survival meant navigating both external threats and internal struggles within their group.

Simon, known for his strength, countered Charles's attacks with a powerful resilience. The room reverberated with the sound of blows exchanged, a physical manifestation of the emotional turmoil that had festered within the group.

As the fight escalated, furniture toppled, and the once-organized room descended into chaos. Each punch and counterpunch spoke to the underlying tensions that had simmered beneath the surface, threatening to erupt.

As the epic fight between Simon and Charles reached its zenith, the chaos in the room caught the attention of Elisa and Riley, two members of the group known for their level-headed approach to conflicts. Recognizing the need for intervention, they swiftly stepped in, separating Simon and Charles with firm but gentle restraint.

"Alright, that's enough," Elisa stated firmly, keeping a watchful eye on both combatants. Riley stood by her side, ready to assist if needed. The room, now marked by overturned furniture and lingering tension, gradually returned to a semblance of order.

Once the immediate threat of physical confrontation was diffused, Elisa and Riley shifted their focus. "Have either of you seen Payton?" Elisa asked, her voice cutting through the lingering echoes of the fight.

Simon and Charles, still catching their breath, exchanged glances before shaking their heads in unison. "No, haven't seen her," Simon replied, the remnants of anger still evident in his tone.

Meanwhile, unbeknownst to the group, Payton remained in the warehouse with the colossal kitten, a secret refuge that no one else was aware of.

With the fight diffused and the urgency of the impending zombie swarm looming, Riley took charge of the situation. Addressing Simon and Charles, she spoke with a no-nonsense tone, "Enough of this. We have more pressing matters. Both of you, help barricade the first and second floor with the defense team."

Simon and Charles, realizing the gravity of the situation, nodded in acknowledgment. The earlier conflict, now pushed aside by the immediate threat, underscored the group's ability to set aside personal grievances for the sake of survival.

As the trio, along with the defence team, made their way to fortify the hotel's defences, the sounds of creaking boards and hurried footsteps replaced the earlier clashes. The urgency of their mission demanded a united front, a testament to the group's resilience in the face of adversity.

The hotel, once a temporary sanctuary, transformed into a fortress as the group worked together to secure their haven against the impending onslaught of the undead. 

Sensing the need to ensure the safety of the younger members of the group, Elisa turned her attention to the children care/education team—Reggie, Archibald, Jaxtyn, and Angelle. With a calm and authoritative demeanor, she instructed them, "Take the kids to the second top floor. Make sure they're safe and stay together."

Understanding the gravity of the situation, the child care team nodded in unison, quickly ushering the children toward the designated safe zone. In times of crisis, the group's ability to organize and prioritize the well-being of its members became paramount.

As the children and their caretakers moved towards the second top floor, an air of urgency permeated the hotel. The echoes of the barricading efforts mixed with the distant sounds of the approaching zombie horde. 

In the midst of the tension and urgency, Noah, the 5-year-old, sat on the second top floor, looking up at the ceiling. The distant sound of Mytia's music reached his ears, and he piped up, "My mum listens to this."

Reggie, one of the caretakers, tried to suppress a chuckle, maintaining a composed demeanor in the face of Noah's innocent observation. 

 Noah, the perceptive 5-year-old, wrinkled his nose and commented, "Smells like my mum." His innocent words unveiled a poignant glimpse into a troubled family dynamic.

Curiosity painted on his young face, Noah continued to share his perceptions, "Nice dad and mean mum. Mother beats dad when drunk." The weight of his words hung in the air, casting a somber tone over the penthouse.

Catherine, who had been present, shook her head, overwhelmed by the echoes of a painful past. Unable to confront the haunting memories, she walked away, the emotional toll evident in her every step.

Mytia and Reggie, understanding the gravity of Noah's revelation, exchanged a glance. Without words, they approached the young boy, offering comfort and reassurance. Mytia, who had been grappling with her own emotions, knelt beside Noah, offering a gentle embrace. Reggie, a steady presence, placed a comforting hand on Noah's shoulder.