The tension in the air was palpable as the group gathered in the corner of the convenience store. They had fortified the entrance as best they could, stacking shelves, overturned carts, and boxes of stale candy to create a makeshift barricade. Outside, the groans of zombies persisted, a constant reminder of the world's decay.
Mallory leaned against the counter, fiddling with an expired pack of gum she'd found. "So," she said, popping a piece into her mouth and grimacing at the chalky texture, "are we just going to sit here all night, or does someone have a brilliant idea?"
"We need to rest," Greg said, his voice steady as he surveyed the group. "Moving in the dark is suicide. We'll leave at first light."
Alex, sitting cross-legged on the floor, twirled a small pocketknife in his hands. "You're assuming they won't break in before morning."
