Meanwhile, on the other side of the laboratory, Tom and May were busy crafting makeshift weapons for defense. It was during this time that Tom's intellect truly shone. With deft hands, he skillfully mixed together various chemicals and carefully poured them into a specially designed glass bottle. As he worked, he explained each step to May, his voice steady and confident.
"I learned this formula from an old book," Tom said, his focus unwavering as he continued with the delicate task. "It's a bit dangerous, but if we handle it properly, it can be extremely powerful."
May stood nearby, her eyes filled with admiration for Tom. She and Tom had grown up together as childhood friends, their bond deepening with time. There had always been an unspoken affection between them, but neither had ever had the courage to express it. Now, trapped in the library, they found themselves with a rare opportunity to be alone together.
"Tom, I…" May began to speak, her words hanging in the air, but Tom gently cut her off.
"May, I know what you're thinking," Tom said, his voice soft but firm. His gaze softened for a moment, but there was a hint of regret in his eyes. "I feel the same way, but right now, we can't let our emotions cloud our judgment."
May nodded silently, understanding that Tom was right. In a world on the brink of collapse, even the slightest emotional distraction could lead to fatal consequences. That night, the two of them sat in quiet companionship, each lost in their own thoughts. Tom's hand reached out, but in the end, he didn't take May's hand.
The following day, as Lily peered through the laboratory's glass window, she saw someone frantically signaling for help from across the hall. Without a moment's hesitation, she rushed to gather Jack, Tom, and May.
"There's someone over there asking for help," Lily said, pointing toward the classroom across the corridor. Her voice was filled with urgency and determination. "We need to go save them."
Jack nodded without hesitation. "Let's go. We'll go together."