Word

Karl and Curtis were out the door before anything else could happen.

They weren't cowards, but there were things in this world you didn't need to witness.

This?

This was one of them.

The air outside was cold, sharp. But it was better than whatever the hell was about to go down inside.

They stood in the hallway, the distant murmur of the other residents filing out in disgust. Some still whispered in shock, others just walked away, their expressions blank.

No one wanted to be here.

From inside the apartment, Greg's weak voice trembled. "No—please—someone stop this—!"

Then—

A wet, meaty slap.

A sharp gasp.

Emmet's laughter.

Low at first. Then louder.

Then hysterical.

Karl grimaced.

Curtis stared at the floor.

They could still hear the muffled begging.

And then—

A sound that shouldn't have happened.

A sound that made Karl's stomach turn.