Chapter 2 Inside the mall

Mark continued on until they reached the docking area, where a locked door barred their way. The group swiftly caught up, and without hesitation, Mark aimed his gun, shooting the lock.

In the distance, a one-armed zombie, part of a group of undead, detected their presence and was quickly making its way toward them. They hurriedly entered, seeking refuge from the approaching threat, leaving the one-armed zombie still some distance away.

Inside the docking area, the group caught their breath, taking a moment to assess their surroundings.

Mark gently placed Anna down, ensuring she was safe and comfortable. He couldn't help but look at Anna's petite frame. Standing at an unassuming height, her slender figure was accentuated by the bloodied and disheveled sleepwear she wore—a testament to the frantic escape from her suburban home earlier. He remembered the first time he had seen her in the movie, and a subtle crush had taken root. Now, seeing her in person, her petite yet determined presence left an indelible impression.

Mark sensed that Anna could use a moment of respite. He found a bottled drink tucked away in a corner and, with a warm smile, offered it to her.

As Mark and Anna shared this small, comforting moment, Michael couldn't help but notice their closeness. Out of nowhere, a twinge of jealousy welled up within him. He found Anna attractive too, even though he remained unaware that, in the original plot, Anna and he were meant to be a couple.

The group made their way inside the mall, while Mark carried Anna on his back once again, Anna unconsciously found herself drawn to Mark's natural scent, which seemed to calm her nerves.

Her proximity and the sensation of her breath tickled his skin, sending shivers down his spine and causing goosebumps to form.

Inside, they encountered a shatterproof glass door that blocked their path. Michael, who had been carrying a crowbar, realized it was the wrong tool for the job. He began searching for something to use as a projectile to break the glass.

However, Mark, ever confident in his newfound strength and abilities, decided to take matters into his own hands. With a swift and powerful kick, he struck the glass door, causing it to shatter. His display of strength left the group in awe, and he playfully winked at Michael, who found himself in an overhead throwing position, his initial plan interrupted.

The shock of Mark's incredible strength was evident among the group. Andre attempted to kick the part of the door that was still intact, but it remained unyielding, leaving him scratching his bald head in bewilderment.

Inside the mall, the group came across an indoor fountain, a rare oasis of calm in the midst of chaos. Mark gently placed Anna on the fountain's edge, allowing her to rest, and positioned her bare, bruised feet on his lap. Her feet bore the signs of her harrowing escape from her zombified husband, with small gashes and bruises marring her delicate skin. Mark, took out the bottled water, a cautious choice considering the uncertainty of the fountain's water source.

As he began rinsing her feet, Anna winced at the sensation, the cool water stinging her wounds. "You know," he said with a grin, "I've heard that taking care of someone's feet is the secret to surviving the apocalypse. So, consider yourself in good hands." Anna couldn't help but smile at Mark's playful flirting. She appreciated the effort he was making to lift her spirits. "Well, in that case," she replied with a hint of humor, "I'm lucky to have you taking care of me, Mr. Apocalypse Foot Specialist." Her response elicited a soft laugh from Mark as he continued to tend to her feet.

The group settled for a brief rest by the indoor fountain, their priorities shifted. Andre, tended to the pregnant Luda, ensuring her well-being.

Michael, taking on a more commanding role, stepped forward, directing his companions to be vigilant. "We need to check the first floor for any possible dangers," he declared. He wanted them to thoroughly investigate the storefronts and other entrances, ensuring their safety. Kenneth, who had a history of taking charge himself, met Michael's directive with a cold, unyielding stare. He didn't seem inclined to take orders from anyone, and his silence made his resistance all the more apparent. Andre accepted the responsibility, telling Luda to stay. Michael glanced over at Mark, who claimed to be preoccupied.

In truth, Mark's decision was influenced by a memory from the movie, one where a zombie had suddenly appeared and scratched Luda. He wanted to ensure the girls' safety, With their roles defined and understood, Andre and Michael left the group behind at the indoor fountain to begin their survey of the first floor. As the group rested at the indoor fountain, they suddenly heard a crashing sound that jolted them from their momentary respite. Kenneth, Anna, and Luda turned their heads toward the source of the noise, their eyes wide with apprehension.

However, Mark armed with the knowledge of the movie's plot, didn't react as they did. He knew that a zombie was likely to appear behind them, and he had his gun at the ready.

Seconds passed, and Mark continued to wait, but the expected zombie, a security guard from the mall, was nowhere to be seen. Perplexed, Mark surveyed the surroundings, searching for any signs of the undead. His gaze drifted to an intersection further ahead, and he decided to investigate.

Mark cautiously moved, reaching an intersection and finding himself in front of a men's restroom. Pushing open the door, he entered, checking each cubicle with caution. To his surprise, the restroom was empty, and the zombie that should have been there had vanished without a trace. The inexplicable disappearance left Mark feeling a chill of uncertainty. Suddenly, he heard a loud scream followed by a gunshot.

Rushing back to the group, Mark found them in a state of vigilance. Kenneth tightly gripped his shotgun, Luda appeared frightened and anxious, and Anna was deeply concerned.

With a sense of urgency, Mark instructed Anna, "Anna, please stay safe," his tone conveying a seriousness. Without hesitation, Mark followed the source of the scream and the gunshot. His heart pounded in his chest as he sprinted toward the origin of the sounds.

Upon reaching the scene, he came across a grim sight. Michael was covered in blood, but upon closer inspection, it became clear that the blood wasn't his own. They swiftly moved to the back entrance, discovering Andre lying on the ground, grievously wounded. Bites marked his face and neck, and a lifeless security guard lay nearby.In a heavy silence, their gaze fixed upon Andre's lifeless form.

Michael finally broke it, asking, "What now?"

Suddenly, Andre rose to his feet. Michael took a startled step back, his face a mask of shock. Without hesitation, Mark raised his gun and swiftly fired, ending Andre's existence with a single shot to the forehead.

He couldn't help but make a darkly humorous comment to himself, 'Don't worry. I'll take care of your wife and daughter.'

Returning to the group, Michael conveyed the somber news of Andre's fate. Luda, overwhelmed by grief, began to cry. Mark, maintaining his facade of concern, approached Anna, who was genuinely worried about their situation. She hugged him for comfort, and Mark reciprocated. He cupped her small ass. She was startled but didn't step back. She subtly pinched his back in revenge.

With a heavy atmosphere, the group decided to continue their journey to the second floor using the elevator. Before departing, they took a moment to cover Andre's lifeless body. Luda cast one last lingering look at him. As the elevator ascended to the second floor. He gently placed Anna down, ensuring her safety as he prepared himself.

Anticipating security guards waiting outside the elevator with guns, Mark dashed forward before the doors fully opened, taking everyone by surprise. Swiftly, he subdued CJ, preventing him from aiming at them. Mark locked his arm around CJ's neck in a chokehold, simultaneously pointing his gun at Bart. In this tense standoff, Kenneth and Michael, startled but reacting swiftly, aimed their weapons at the guards.

Amidst the tension and anger, CJ's frustration boiled over, and he let loose a stream of curses and angry words. He demanded that Mark and his group leave the mall, insisting that it belonged to them. Mark maintained his hold on CJ, understanding his reaction, but he also recognized that the mall was the best place for them to take refuge.

CJ continued madly cursing at them, and Mark was starting to get annoyed.

"We're staying put, whether you like it or not. It's the best option we've got. Now, let's lock you somewhere to cool your head down. Alright?" He said, smirking at CJ. Leading him struggling, Kenneth and Michael helped lead the other guards to follow them. Mark found an aisle with a rolling grill shutter and locked them in to cool off.

They all then took a moment to rest, and Mark found a spot beside Anna, allowing her to lean on him for support. After a while, the group managed to find some food, and Anna kindly served Mark his meal.

Later, Anna and Mark decided to head to the clothes section of the mall. In the clothes section, they quickly went through the available options, needing a change from their current attire – Anna's bloodied sleepwear and Mark's boxers.

Mark couldn't resist adding a playful touch to the situation. He grabbed a pair of underwear and jokingly tossed it to Anna, eliciting a small chuckle. Eventually, Anna found a pair of jeans and a double tank top that fit her well, while Mark opted for a pair of comfortable pants and a casual shirt.

Making their way to the security office within the mall, Anna and Mark discovered multiple TV screens displaying the news. However, the scenes playing out were nothing short of chaos and destruction. Some screens showed no signal, while others broadcasted news of riots and turmoil unfolding in various places.

Anna felt really sad when she saw the news and thought about her husband who had passed away. Tears streamed down her face as the memories overwhelmed her.

Sensing Anna's deep sadness, Mark, instinctively wrapped his arms around her, providing a warm embrace. Anna, her tears flowing freely, buried her face in his chest. As she sobbed, she couldn't help but be drawn to the calming scent that seemed to emanate from him. Unbeknownst to her, Mark's unique ability was working its magic, making her feel a connection she couldn't quite understand.

Overwhelmed by her emotions and the comforting embrace, Anna impulsively placed a kiss on Mark's chest. Her actions were driven by a mixture of grief, vulnerability, and the inexplicable allure of Mark's presence.

Wanting to create a private and intimate moment, Mark locked the door, ensuring that they could share their feelings and connection without any interruptions or distractions.