After returning to the dorm, everyone took turns showering, washing off the blood and grime. The first-floor dormitory had ten rooms, each with four beds. Though small, it felt like a rare refuge under the circumstances.

After cleaning up, they sat on their beds or chairs, quietly eating bread and packaged meat brought back from the supermarket. The dorm didn’t have cooking facilities, so finding these foods was considered fortunate.

The room fell into an eerie silence, broken only by the occasional sound of chewing. Each person was lost in thought, weighed down by the crises they had just endured and the uncertainty of what lay ahead.

Jiang Ye emerged from the bathroom, drying his hair with a clean towel. He glanced around and noticed the heavy atmosphere. Standing in the middle of the room, he cleared his throat softly.

“All right, let’s stop sitting around in silence. Since we’re all here, let’s talk about our plans,” he said, breaking the tension.

The short-haired woman stood up first, smiling. “If we’re going to plan, shouldn’t we introduce ourselves? It feels a bit strange otherwise.”

Jiang Ye nodded. “Good idea. Why don’t you start?”

She stood straight and flashed a cheerful grin. “I’m Elaine, a senior majoring in sports. I practice kickboxing, so I can handle myself pretty well. I’m outgoing and not easily scared. Honestly, I feel lucky to have made it this far with you all. My parents aren’t in New York, and I can’t contact them right now. I just hope they’re safe.”

“Kickboxing?” Wang Han’s eyes lit up. “No wonder you were so quick and efficient against the zombies earlier. You’re amazing!”

Elaine waved her hand modestly. “Not amazing, but I can manage against these slow-moving things.”

The long-haired woman spoke next. “I’m Anna, a nursing major. My boyfriend Mark and I escaped from the teaching building earlier. He’s in computer science. We’re both commuters—we go home every day after class. Now, though, we can’t contact our parents, and we need to find a way to check on them.”

Mark adjusted his glasses and spoke in a calm tone. “I’m not much good in a fight, but if you need help with computers or gathering information, I might be able to help. That said, I also want to find my family as soon as possible.”

Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

Ethan Parker followed. “I’m Ethan Parker, a sophomore majoring in economics. I live in the school dorms like Elaine, and my parents aren’t in New York. Right now, I have nowhere else to go. I just hope we’ll find some stability soon.”

Wang Han scratched his head. “I’m Wang Han, but everyone calls me Fatty. I’m not particularly skilled, but I can run and carry stuff. Honestly, without Jiang Ge and all of you, I wouldn’t have survived.”

Michael then introduced himself. “I’m Michael, 35 years old. I’m married and have a wife I adore and a 7-year-old daughter. I have to go out tomorrow to find them. No matter what, I can’t leave them to face this alone.” His tone was firm, but his eyes betrayed deep worry.

The muscular man spoke in a deep voice. “I’m Derek. I used to play for the baseball team. Like Anna and Mark, I’m a commuter, and my parents live nearby. Tomorrow, I need to go back and check on their safety.”

Finally, Jiang Ye said, “I’m Jiang Ye. I’ve trained in martial arts since I was a child. In this crisis, we need to stay united and rely on our strength to survive. You all want to find your families, but have you considered the dangers? The streets are full of zombies—can you make it home safely on your own?”

Michael responded without hesitation, “I already called them and told them to stay home and not go anywhere. Even if it costs my life, I will find them.”

Jiang Ye asked, “How far is your home from here?”

Michael replied, “About a 10-minute drive, on Allen Street.”

Jiang Ye turned to the others. “What about the rest of you?”

Wang Han shrugged. “I’ll follow your lead, bro”

Elaine shrugged indifferently. “I’m fine with anything. I don’t really have anywhere to go.”

Derek’s expression darkened as he said irritably, “I need to go find my parents too.”

The couple quickly chimed in, “We also need to go check on our parents.”

Jiang Ye sighed, rubbing his temples. “Where do you all live? Is it along the same route?”

Derek said, “I live on Ridge Street.” The couple added, “We live in Brooklyn—usually take the subway.”

Michael interjected, “Derek, your house isn’t far from mine. It’s on the way. We can stop at my place to get my wife and daughter, then head to yours. Does that work?”

Derek thought for a moment before nodding. “All right.”

Jiang Ye said, “You two still need the subway to get home. Who knows if the trains are running or if the roads are drivable? Let’s check on Michael and Derek’s situation tomorrow first, then figure out your route.”

Anna said, “Mark and I will talk it over tonight and let you know our decision in the morning.”

Jiang Ye nodded.

The group then discussed sleeping arrangements and split into two rooms.

Room One:

* Jiang Ye: Assigned the bed near the door for quick response in emergencies.

* Elaine: Took the opposite bed for easy mobility.

* Wang Han: Assigned a bed by the window.

* Ethan: Took the last corner bed.

Room Two:

* Anna: Shared the beds by the window with Mark.

* Derek: Took the bed near the door to guard the room.

* Michael: Assigned the remaining bed.

Michael nodded. “This setup makes sense. Let’s hope tonight is peaceful.”

Derek patted his shoulder and half-joked, “If any zombies get in, I promise I’ll be the first to charge out.”