Adrian's breathing was ragged, his heart pounding like a drum. He ran back into his office, locked the door, and pressed his back against the wall, trying to calm himself. The screams and chaos outside hadn't stopped. The virus was out of control.
He had to get out.
Outside the window, the streets had turned into a battlefield. The infected tore into survivors, cars crashed, stores were looted, and fires burned in the distance. Sirens blared, but no law enforcement could restore order.
Adrian knew the government had already lost control.
He quickly scanned his office, grabbing a pair of scissors, a box cutter, and a bottle of water. In a world collapsing into madness, every item could mean the difference between life and death.
He turned on his computer, hoping for updates, but the internet was barely functioning. Social media was flooded with desperate pleas for help, news websites were either down or horribly outdated.
One thing was clear—New York, and likely the entire country, had fallen into chaos.
A loud bang snapped him out of his thoughts.
BANG! BANG!
The door shook violently.
Adrian's blood turned to ice. He stumbled backward, gripping the box cutter tightly, eyes locked on the doorknob.
Then came a low, guttural growl—something inhuman.
No time to think. He spun around and ran to the window. His office was on the 20th floor, but the fire escape wasn't too far. If he could reach it…
Another crash. Glass shattered. A pale, bloodied hand reached through the broken door.
"Shit!" He cursed, shoving the window open. Gripping the ledge with both hands, he carefully inched toward the fire escape. The cold wind howled around him, sweat soaking his back.
One slip, and he'd plummet twenty stories to his death.
Just as he reached the edge of the fire escape, the office door burst open. A shadow lunged toward the window with a horrifying screech.
Adrian didn't look back. He gritted his teeth and jumped.
His fingers scraped against the cold metal railing. His grip slipped.
For a split second, he was falling.
His stomach lurched. But at the last moment, his other hand snatched the railing.
"Argh—!" His arm nearly popped out of its socket, but he held on.
He groaned, using every ounce of strength to haul himself up onto the fire escape. Gasping for air, he looked back.
The infected creature stood at the window, its bloodshot eyes locked onto him, mouth twisted in an unnatural snarl.
Adrian didn't wait. He bolted down the fire escape as fast as his shaking legs would allow.
He had to get out. Find somewhere safe.
But the real question was—
Was there anywhere safe left in this city?