Chapter 45: The Calm Before the Storm

The walk back to Mallory's apartment was quieter than usual. The group moved as one, each person processing the events of the day in their own way. The city's ruins stretched out before them, bathed in the amber glow of a setting sun. Smoke curled lazily into the sky from the direction of the factory they had just destroyed, a stark reminder of the danger still looming.

Mallory glanced at her friends, the weight of their exhaustion evident in their slow steps and subdued expressions. Even Blinky, who typically bounced along with cheerful chirps, seemed dimmer than usual. She sighed and decided to break the silence.

"So," she said, slinging her bat over her shoulder, "who's ready for a celebratory apocalypse meal? I hear my fridge has a new recipe for 'mystery casserole.'"

Vanessa let out a tired laugh. "Only you would think about food after nearly getting vaporized by zombie super-soldiers."