30 Nights [BangChan]

13

The days stretched on as they clung to survival. Supplies were dwindling, but they managed with what little they had.

On watch duty, Chris peered out into the darkness, vigilant for any signs of movement. As he scanned the landscape, he noticed a faint light flickering from the other side of the road, emanating from Carl's house.

His heart quickened. "Emma, come look at this," he whispered urgently.

Emma joined him at the window, her eyes widening at the sight of the light.

"I knew you were there," Chris muttered to himself, a mix of hope and caution in his voice.

The two of them slipped out of the station, moving stealthily through the shadows toward Carl's house.

When they arrived, Carl opened the door, his face a mask of regret and fear. "I shouldn't have signaled you," he said, his voice trembling.

Chris and Emma exchanged confused glances. "What happened, Carl?" Emma asked, her tone gentle but insistent as they followed him to the bedroom.

Carl's hands shook as he pointed toward the bed, his eyes wide with terror. "Where are Lewy and the girls?" Chris asked, dread creeping into his voice.

Carl didn't respond. He crouched down against the wall, staring blankly ahead, seemingly lost in his own world.

Emma knelt beside him, trying to offer some comfort, while Chris's attention was drawn to the bed, which was covered with a thick blanket.

Chris approached the bed cautiously, his heart pounding in his chest. He slowly pulled back the cover, revealing the bloodied bodies of three young girls.

His breath caught in his throat, and he staggered back, horrified.

Emma gasped, her hand flying to her mouth as she realized the full extent of what had happened.

She turned to Carl, her eyes filled with shock and sorrow. "Carl, what did you do?" she whispered.

Carl looked up at her, tears streaming down his face. "I didn't have a choice," he said, his voice breaking. "When I came here, they were all bitten. I tried to save them, but... they turned. I had to stop them."

Chris clenched his fists, struggling to process the tragedy before them.

The room was filled with a heavy silence, the weight of Carl's actions pressing down on them all.

Emma took a deep breath, her eyes filled with determination.

"Carl, you can't stay here. It's too dangerous. Come with us to the station. We'll figure out a way to get to the Utilidor together."

Carl nodded slowly, still in shock. Chris reached out, helping him to his feet.

The three of them moved quietly back to the station, the grim reality of their situation settling over them like a shroud.

As they entered the station, it was filled with silence.