Accidents are no excuse

In the dimly lit hallway, tension simmered between Payton and Catherine as they stood face to face. Catherine's expression was stern, her concern evident, while Payton, sensing the need to deflect, prepared to present her version of events.

"Why were you outside, Payton?" Catherine's tone was firm, a mix of authority and genuine worry.

Payton, fabricating a story to shield her true intentions, responded defensively, "I heard a noise. I thought it might be someone in trouble. I wanted to check."

Catherine's eyes narrowed slightly, her skepticism apparent. "You know the risks of going out alone. We have protocols for a reason. You could have put yourself in danger," she retorted.

As Payton sighed and attempted to confess meeting two women at the warehouse, Catherine's expression remained skeptical. The weight of recent events, combined with the uncertainties surrounding Payton's actions, had fostered an atmosphere of mistrust.

"I met two women at the warehouse," Payton admitted, but Catherine's response was a cold silence, an indication that she was unconvinced or perhaps unwilling to entertain the possibility.

As Simon entered the hallway, Catherine directed his attention to Payton's shoulder. "She got hit with some shrapnel, and Mytia's power went haywire. I gave her a lot of sleeping pills to ease the pain," Catherine explained, her words carrying the weight of recent events.

Simon, looking concerned, examined Payton's shoulder. "Are you okay?" he asked, genuine worry in his voice.

Payton, feeling the weight of the situation, nodded, "I'll be fine. Just need some rest."

As Payton walked away, leaving Catherine and Simon alone in the hallway, Catherine took a moment to address Simon directly. Her tone was firm, and her words carried a weight of authority mixed with a hint of warning.

"Don't let your emotions get in the way, Simon. If you don't help her, I'll kill you before the zombies get you," she stated, her gaze unwavering.

As Simon entered the penthouse, he was met with the sight of Mytia cuddled up to Reggie. The intimate scene triggered a visceral reaction in Simon, his blood boiling with a mix of emotions-jealousy, frustration, and a sense of vulnerability.

Suppressing the surge of feelings, Simon nodded to himself, a silent acknowledgment of Catherine's warning echoing in his mind.

Simon's emotions, simmering beneath the surface, erupted in a heated accusation. He couldn't contain the frustration and jealousy that had been building up, and he directed his anger toward Reggie.

"Was this your idea, Reggie? To get her drugged up so you can get to her?" Simon's voice echoed through the penthouse, his words laden with accusation and a sense of betrayal.

The heated argument between Simon and Reggie reached a crescendo, each accusation and retort adding fuel to the already tense atmosphere. As the tension escalated, Reggie, unable to contain his frustration, finally snapped.

"I met her a week before you did, moron!" 

Catherine, recognizing the need for practical measures in the aftermath of the internal conflicts, moved decisively. She headed to the barricade, where the defense team was stationed, and issued clear instructions.

"Take shifts," she commanded, her tone reflecting the urgency of the situation. The survivors, now acutely aware of both external threats and the internal tensions, mobilized to reinforce their defenses.

With strategic foresight, Catherine directed the effort to improve the barricade's strength. She then proceeded to gather beds from the first floor, intending to relocate them to the second floor.

As the child care team, minus Reggie, left the room on the 9th floor, a magical and enchanting scene unfolded. Tiny fairies, measuring only 3 centimeters tall, with delicate butterfly wings and pointy ears, flitted through the open windows. The room, previously filled with the laughter and chatter of children, now became a magical haven for the little ones.

The fairies revealed themselves to the children, creating an atmosphere of wonder and awe. Their tiny forms danced in the air, leaving trails of glittering fairy dust as they moved. The children, captivated by the unexpected and whimsical visitors, looked on with wide-eyed fascination.

The fairies, their tiny wings shimmering with an ethereal glow, gathered the children in a circle. With voices as soft as the breeze and hearts full of kindness, they made a promise to the little ones.

"We'll take you away to a safe place tonight," they whispered, their words carrying the assurance of protection and comfort.

The children, wide-eyed and filled with a mixture of excitement and hope, listened to the fairies' promise.