Ms. Minx sank into an armchair, trying to elevate her broken leg. She was exhausted, both physically and mentally. Keeping up a brave face for the kids was taking its toll.

In truth, she was just as scared and confused as they were. But as the adult, she had to appear strong and in control.

The bickering and mistrust between Astor and Mitch wasn't helping matters. She understood Mitch's anger at being manipulated, but they couldn't afford to be divided right now.

"That's enough, both of you," she said wearily as their sniping continued. "We're all on edge, but turning against each other won't help."

Mitch crossed his arms sullenly. "You're not the one who got mind-controlled."

"I know, and what Astor did was wrong," Ms. Minx replied. "But he's apologized, and he needs our guidance right now, not our disapproval."

Astor gave her a grateful look. Mitch still seemed doubtful but held his tongue for the moment.

Ms. Minx took a steadying breath before continuing. "Our focus has to be on survival and escape. If we want to have any hope of that, we need to work together and stop this in-fighting."

She made eye contact with each of them, seeing her own fear reflected back at her. But there was also trust there—trust in her to lead them through this ordeal.

"I know you're all scared," she said more gently. "But we'll get through this by relying on each other. Each of us has strengths that complement the others. Together, we're far stronger than any of those monsters."

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Cautious optimism dawned on their faces. Mei stepped forward and put a comforting hand on Ms. Minx's shoulder.

"You're right. If we support each other, we can survive this," the girl said.

Ms. Minx managed a weary smile. "Now you're talking. We'll come up with a plan to get out of this town safely. But first—"

She broke off as an unearthly howl sounded just outside the house. Back to action—the dangers were far from over. But Ms. Minx took strength from the kids rallying around her once more, united against the encroaching horrors.

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Mei blinked back tears as she walked slowly through the ransacked rooms of her home. Claw marks and bloodstains told the horrific story of what had happened to her family.

Her mother, father, little sister Lily—all gone. Slaughtered by the merciless monsters that had invaded their town.

Mei sank to her knees amidst the wreckage of the living room, sobs wracking her small body. She couldn't believe her entire family was just...gone. The people she loved most in the world.

Ms. Minx limped over and wrapped a comforting arm around the weeping girl. "I'm so sorry, Mei. But we had to know for sure if..."

Her voice trailed off, thick with emotion. Mei leaned into her Ms. Minx embrace, taking what little solace she could from it.

After searching Booker's house earlier, Ms. Minx had suggested they try to reach their families' homes as well, in hopes of finding survivors. Mei had been the only one eager to make the attempt.

Astor refused to even disclose where he lived or discuss his family at all. And Mitch said his single dad was often away for work.

So it had just been Ms. Minx and Mei making the dangerous trek across the monster-infested town, while the others stayed safely behind in Booker's basement.

But now Mei wished she had never insisted on coming. Seeing her sweet little sister ripped apart by beasts was an image she'd never forget.

The others hovered near the door, faces filled with sorrow and pity. Mei tried to rein in her sobs. She couldn't fall apart now, not when the group still needed her.

Astor cautiously approached, eyes glowing purple. "Mei, let me help...take away the grief..."

"Don't!" she cried, recoiling from his outstretched hand. "My pain is all I have left of them."

Astor shrank back, stung. Mei felt a twinge of guilt, but she couldn't bear the thought of him manipulating her mind and memories. They were too precious.

Wiping her eyes, Mei unsteadily rose to her feet. Ms. Minx kept an arm around her shoulders as they left the house in silence.

Mei took one last look back, saying a final goodbye to everything she had lost. It hurt more than she could bear...but she would keep going somehow.

For Lily, she would stay strong. For the new friends relying on her, she would not surrender to despair. They would survive this evil that had taken so much from them.

She had to believe that.