The library loomed ahead, its front doors hanging crookedly on shattered hinges. Inside, chaos reigned — overturned shelves, scattered books, and broken furniture lay in disarray. The air was thick with the stench of rot and decay, a grim reminder of the danger lurking nearby.Jack and Tom exchanged a glance, both gripping their makeshift weapons tightly."Stay sharp," Jack muttered, his voice low but firm. "There might be something useful in here."Tom nodded, his eyes scanning the mess. "Let's search carefully. We need all the help we can get."They moved cautiously through the main hall, stepping over fallen books and debris. Dust hung heavy in the dim light filtering through cracked windows. Jack's gaze landed on a glass cabinet partially ajar. Inside were maps and navigation tools. He grabbed a map and a compass, tucking them into his backpack."This might come in handy," Jack whispered, his voice tinged with hope.They continued searching, the tension thickening with every step. Suddenly, a faint metallic tapping echoed through the cavernous library: ding-ding... ding-ding... ding-ding.May froze, her heart racing. She recognized the sound immediately — a rescue signal she and Lily had devised long ago. Hope surged through her chest."Lily!" May shouted, her voice breaking with urgency."May! I'm on the third floor!" Lily's voice, trembling but unmistakably alive, echoed back down the stairwell.Jack and Tom didn't waste a second. They bolted toward the staircase, weapons at the ready. The groans and shuffling footsteps of zombies grew louder as they ascended."We have to move fast," Jack said through gritted teeth.They reached the third floor, eyes darting to locate Lily. A barricaded classroom door stood ajar, Lily's frightened voice coming from within."Ready?" Jack asked, his voice steady despite the chaos.Tom and May nodded, determination hardening their expressions.Jack took a deep breath and led the charge. Zombies lurched toward them, their decaying hands clawing the air. The group fought fiercely, knives slicing and pens stabbing as they cleared a path. Jack dodged a swipe from a snarling zombie, driving his blade into its temple."Keep moving!" Jack shouted, his voice urgent.Tom shielded May as they pushed forward, his knife flashing as he took down another undead creature.They finally burst into the classroom, slamming the door shut behind them. Lily stood trembling in the corner, her face pale but filled with relief."You came," she whispered, tears welling in her eyes.May ran to her, pulling her into a tight embrace. "I knew you were still out there," she said, her voice cracking.The group collapsed against the walls, gasping for breath. Exhaustion clung to them, but so did a profound sense of relief. They were together, and they were still alive."We can't stay here," Jack said, his tone resolute. "The lab in the library is our safest bet. We can regroup and fortify there."Tom nodded. "And maybe I can rig up some defenses with the chemicals there."Lily wiped her eyes and steadied herself. "I'm with you," she said, her voice stronger.They gathered their supplies, slinging backpacks over their shoulders. The world outside had changed, dark and unforgiving, but they clung to hope."We'll survive," Jack said, his gaze unwavering. "As long as we stick together, we'll find a way."With renewed resolve, they pushed forward, ready to face whatever horrors lay ahead.