The group fell silent, their eyes fixed on Dr. Harris. The doctor's expression was grave, his usual calm demeanor replaced by a look of intense concern.

Dr. Harris took a deep breath. “I haven’t been entirely honest with you. There’s more to this outbreak than you realize. The virus that caused this wasn’t a natural occurrence. It was created.”

“What do you mean, ‘created’?” Regine asked, her voice trembling.

Dr. Harris nodded. “I worked at a research facility not far from here. We were experimenting with a new form of genetic therapy, something that was supposed to revolutionize medicine. But something went wrong. The virus mutated and became uncontrollable. The facility was one of the first places to be overrun.”

The group exchanged horrified glances. Cara spoke up, her voice shaking. “So this whole thing... it’s your fault?”

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Dr. Harris shook his head vigorously. “Not mine. I was just a researcher. The project was top secret and funded by some powerful people. When things went south, they abandoned us and left us to deal with the fallout. I’ve been trying to find a way to contain it ever since.”

Keith clenched his fists. “Why are you telling us this now?”

“Because,” Dr. Harris said, his voice firm, “there’s a chance we can stop this. The facility has a lab with equipment and data that might hold the key to a cure. But it’s dangerous, and we’d need to act fast. The longer we wait, the harder it will be.”

Cayden looked at Dr Harris. He was annoyed. He said, “So because of you, we can’t meet our parents, friends, and loved ones? No, no, no. We’re leaving. Come on guys. I know a place not too far from here we can go there.”

Dr. Harris went pale. Knowing this would happen he told the group one final thing, “I know you won’t trust me whatever I say now. But, I’m infected. You should stay away anyway. You guys should take my car and all the supplies to the hospital. I’m gonna lock myself in a room. And stay away to not infect you guys. If this is the end I want you guys to know that I believe you can fix this.”