Chapter 3

After two hours of sharing a private moment, Mark and Anna emerged feeling refreshed and with a newfound sense of calmness. Anna's previously tearful eyes had transformed into a flush of contentment, she appeared visibly tired, and Mark wore a proud smile as he held her hand. They rejoined the rest of the group and shared a meal,

Michael's voice resonated with practicality as he made his suggestions. In the dimly lit security office, with the TV screens broadcasting chaos and destruction, the group huddled together to discuss their next steps.

"We should barricade those glass windows and doors on the first floor," Michael proposed, pointing toward the vulnerable entry points. "It'll give us more security against any unwanted guests."

Mark, having displayed his resourcefulness earlier, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, that sounds like a good idea. We need to make this place as secure as possible."

As for the rooftop idea, Mark chimed in, "And those signs with SOS and help could be a lifesaver. It might catch the attention of someone passing by, or even a rescue team."

With a collective decision made, the group set to work, moving barricades, furniture, and any available materials to fortify their temporary sanctuary. They also gathered supplies to craft the signs they would place on the rooftop, spelling out their desperate plea for assistance.

The hours passed, and they worked tirelessly to ensure their survival in this perilous multiverse, taking each step carefully as they navigated the unknown.

Before proceeding with their plans to fortify the mall, Mark decided to release the original occupants of the mall. He saw potential allies in CJ, Terry, and Bart, even though their initial encounter had been tense.

Approaching CJ and Bart, who were still seething with anger

Mark, determined to assert his leadership and quell the brewing tension, approached CJ and Bart. With a swift, fluid motion, he simultaneously lifted both their collars, his grip firm and unwavering.

Mark's steely gaze locked onto theirs as he declared, "We need to work together, whether you like it or not. There's safety in numbers, but only if we're on the same side."

CJ and Bart, realizing the futility of resistance in the face of Mark's formidable presence, reluctantly nodded in agreement. In that moment, beneath the dim lights of the mall, alliances shifted, and a newfound understanding was forged. Together, they would stand against the relentless multiverse, determined to survive.

As the men proceeded to fortify the first floor, the girls gathered in the security room. Anna and Luda sat close to each other, occasionally glancing at the multiple TV screens displaying various news channels, most of them broadcasting scenes of chaos and disaster.

Anna sighed, her tired eyes fixed on the flickering images. "It's all falling apart out there," she murmured, a deep sense of despair in her voice.

Luda nodded in agreement, her hand clutching her pregnant belly. "I just hope someone out there is organizing help, or that this nightmare ends soon."

Meanwhile, C.J., Bart, and the other security guard watched the men below, their expressions a mix of frustration and resignation. They knew their chances of getting back outside were slim, and their initial anger had given way to a reluctant understanding of their situation.

Downstairs, Mark, Kenneth, and Michael worked diligently on their task, placing makeshift barricades to secure the mall. The tension in the mall was palpable, as they all knew that their chances of survival depended on their collective efforts.

As the security guards solemnly tossed the corpses over the edge of the rooftop, the group watched in silence. The dull thuds as the bodies hit the ground below served as a grim punctuation to their somber task. Luda's gaze remained fixed on Andre's lifeless form, her face etched with sadness.

However, in the midst of this grim scene, Bart couldn't help but interject with a dark sense of humor, trying to lighten the heavy atmosphere. He quipped, "Well, I guess they finally got the day off they always wanted, didn't they? No more overtime, fellas."

His attempt at humor drew a few uneasy chuckles from the group, a brief respite from the otherwise dire situation they found themselves in. It was a reminder that even in the darkest of times, a glimmer of levity could offer a momentary escape from the weight of their circumstances.

As Bart delivered his morbid joke, CJ couldn't help but react. He playfully slapped the back of Bart's head, not too hard but enough to convey his disapproval. "Come on, Bart," CJ chided, "show some respect."

Meanwhile, behind Anna, Mark couldn't hold back a chuckle at Bart's attempt to lighten the mood. He hugged Anna's shoulders a bit tighter, his laughter blending with the others' uneasy amusement. It was a brief moment of camaraderie in the face of adversity, reminding them that even in the midst of a zombie apocalypse, human connection still had its place.

The distant gunshots caught their attention, and the group quickly turned their gaze toward the source of the sound. Mark and Anna exchanged curious glances before the others joined them, equally intrigued by the commotion.

Kenneth, armed with binoculars, peered through them and soon identified the source of the gunshots. It was Andy, the owner of a gun shop in the plot, shooting the zombies with his rifle.

"His name is Andy. He's alone." Kenneth told them when Andy raised an erase board.

Relieved to see that Andy was safe on the rooftop of his gun shop, the group watched as he expertly shoot the zombies on the street from his vantage point.

Mark thought of the massive horde in the movie. He thinks Andy is one of the reason the horde grew that large. He quickly went to the area where the used paint are placed yesterday. Finds some cardboard.

He paints 'Don't Shoot, Lures dead' and hold it on top of his head waving to Andy's area.

Mark hoped that his hastily made sign would get the message across to Andy. Waving it in the air, he tried to signal to Andy that they were allies and not hostile. The others watched with a mix of curiosity and concern, hoping that Andy would understand the warning about the horde of zombies.

As the gunshots ceased, Mark felt a sense of relief wash over him. He didn't need confirmation from Andy; the important thing was that he had stopped shooting. Mark turned back to the group, signaling that things were okay for now. They had made a new ally in this uncertain world.

Curious, Anna questioned Mark, "What's Andy pointing at?"

The group perked up, listening to her question.

Mark replied with a calm tone. "It's a helicopter."

The group erupted in joy.

The helicopter appeared to be zig-zagging across the horizon, and the entire gang couldn't contain their excitement. They shouted and jumped up and down, waving their arms to catch the pilot's attention. Miraculously, the helicopter changed course, heading their way.

Anna's excitement even led to a spontaneous kiss. However, Mark couldn't help but think to himself, "Too bad it won't help us."

The group's excitement soared as the helicopter drew closer. Terry couldn't help but express his enthusiasm, shouting, "It's coming! Yeah!"

Standing beside them, Luda held a hopeful expression, while Kenneth's face displayed a mix of anticipation and hope. Michael smiles.

Cj wore a wide grin and echoed, "About time!" as he watched the approaching helicopter.

Bart jumped up and down.

As the helicopter approached, they all gathered at the edge of the mall's rooftop. It grew larger and louder, almost within reach.

In the midst of their anticipation, Anna, clutching Mark's hand, softly pleaded, "Please," her voice tinged with desperation as she suddenly realized something disheartening.

Luda couldn't hide her disappointment and exclaimed, "Oh no!" Anna did her best to comfort her, while Mark gently stroked their backs.

Their hearts sank as the helicopter passed over the gunshop without stopping, leaving them in silence and disappointment.

Anna's gaze crossed the parking lot, and Mark instinctively followed her line of sight. There, they spotted Andy, sitting with his hands on his face, a picture of frustration and despair.