They approached the entrance of the shopping mall quickly, the air thick with an uneasy silence.
The world outside had become a chaotic mess, but it was still quiet here — unnaturally so.
Simon and Bethany both knew that silence didn't always mean safety. In this new world, quiet often meant something worse was lurking, waiting.
Simon glanced at her, his face set in its usual stoic expression. There was an unspoken understanding between them now.
They didn't need to say much to know what the other was thinking, and yet, Simon spoke anyway.
"I'll make a crazed run inside," he muttered. His voice was low but firm. "There should be someone with firearms inside. I'll probably get shot at, but I'll handle it. You'll take care of the others in the confusion."
Bethany didn't flinch. She'd been through enough to know how to keep her cool. She gave him a small nod, a silent agreement.
