Alone in the car now, the confined space seems to magnify the awkwardness. It's an odd situation, and I can't help but feel a bit flustered. I've never been in such close physical proximity with someone like this before, and the realization that I'm sitting on a man's lap for the first time is strangely unnerving.

Edward, true to form, decides to make things even more uncomfortable with his trademark sarcastic humor. " I must admit, it's been a while since I've had a darling in my lap. Prison life just doesn't offer the same kind of company," he quips, a sly grin playing on his lips.

I roll my eyes, half amused and half irritated by his comment. But I have to admit, shifting the focus is probably a good idea. "Speaking of company, perhaps we should join Emmett up ahead. Strength in numbers, right?" I suggest, trying to steer the conversation away from its awkward trajectory.

Observing the scene outside, my curiosity is piqued by the unfolding scenario. The crowd seems far from panicked, despite the oddity of the situation. Mobile phones are out, capturing whatever has managed to capture their attention. I find myself contemplating Emmett's whereabouts—could he have encountered some obstacle, or is he perhaps engrossed in whatever is transpiring up ahead?

Fragments of conversation drift my way, carried by the whispers of the crowd—murmurs of the "unusual" and the "inexplicable." The atmosphere is thick with uncertainty and fascination, leaving me to wonder if this could be an additional chance to gather crucial insights. My thoughts dance with potential avenues for discovery, all while a mixture of wariness and excitement courses through my veins.

Edward, however, remains firmly in his element of playful resistance. "Safety in numbers, you say? Doc, this world's gone to hell, and I'm not exactly itching to play hero."

I nod, acknowledging his perspective. "I get it. But you did risk your life to help a cop this morning. So, who's to say a little heroic adventure isn't still in your cards today?" I offer, a faint smile playing on my lips.

Edward leans back, his gaze fixed on the road ahead. "That was different, Doc. Jimmy and I had a bit of a... complicated history."

Guided by my inquisitive disposition, I find myself unable to abstain from inquiring « Jimmy was the individual afflicted during the course of this morning ? »

Edward contented to nod his affirmation, I decide to change tack. "Very well, duly noted. However, should I proceed to ascertain Emmett's well-being, may I trust in your commitment to remain in the car?"

Edward chuckles, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Oh, absolutely, Doctor. Observant, aren't you? Copper took the handcuff keys and the car keys with him... I'll be right here, guarding the car with my life," he replies, his tone dripping with faux sincerity.

Edward certainly knows how to keep things entertaining, even in the face of uncertainty. I step out of the car cautiously, my senses on high alert. I take a moment to scan my surroundings, finding no immediate threats. Catching the gaze of the driver behind me, who seems equally perplexed by the situation, I notice her lower the volume of the music and roll down the window, likely questioning the cause of the traffic jam.

It suddenly strikes me that I shouldn't venture into the unknown unarmed. I open the rear door of my car and rummage through my various bags, searching for a makeshift weapon. Among my medical supplies, my hand lands on a scalpel. Not ideal. If only I had foreseen the need for self-defense. Armed with this rather inadequate tool and summoning all my courage, I move closer to the crowd, captivated by the scene unfolding at the pet shop's window.

Emmett is in earnest conversation with two individuals who are standing guard at the closed entrance of the pet shop. Both of them are smeared with blood, a sight that sends a chill down my spine. As I turn my attention towards the shop's window, I catch sight of a figure hunched over a cage.

As the silhouette pivots, it unveils a monstrous visage. It's a sight that defies comprehension, its eyes, injected with scarlet rage, ooze a viscous black liquid, its pallid skin an ethereal canvas veined with secrets unseen. Clutched in its hand is an animal, which it seems to be consuming with unsettling voracity. Its fingers contort the creature until its insides are laid bare in a grotesque display.

I fumble for my phone in my pockets, a rather futile attempt to document the disturbing spectacle before me. I mentally tick off the symptoms I'm observing: animal consumption, bloodshot eyes, strange skin pallor, and a disturbing lack of reaction to the attacking animals. My thoughts whirl as a dog lunges at the creature, attempting to attack it. To my astonishment, the creature reacts with eerie grace, capturing the new prey and bringing it to its mouth.

Emmett notices my presence and signals for me to approach. Part of me hesitates, torn between curiosity and self-preservation, but ultimately, I decide to obey his gesture. The scene before me is too surreal, too twisted to fully grasp from a distance. As I inch closer, my heart races, and I find myself at the door of the pet shop, unsure.

Emmett's voice cuts through the tense atmosphere, as I finally approach the trio. « Doc, looks like you've stumbled upon our little impromptu gathering. It's like a party, only with more bite." His tone lightens the air, albeit momentarily, in contrast to the surreal tableau before us.

Drawing closer, I brace myself for the fragments of their accounts, and it's Emmett who guides the narrative with his inimitable blend of levity and seriousness. "So, here's the lowdown. See that guy inside the pet shop? Yeah, he crash-landed here from a fender bender down the road, and he's got a thing for pet stores apparently. Eric," he jerks his thumb towards the store's employee, "being the Good Samaritan he is, decided to give him a hand. Literally."

Eric, still visibly rattled, chimes in with a voice laden with disbelief and apprehension. "Yeah, I thought he just needed help, you know? But the second I got close, he lunged at me like I was a prime cut of steak. If it wasn't for Ben here, I'd probably be on the menu by now." His unease is palpable, a stark contrast to Emmett's almost nonchalant retelling.

Ben, the shop's young assistant, adds his insight with a measured, intellectual touch. "It was surreal, honestly. Eric managed to fend him off, and we slammed the door shut. But he wasn't himself, you know? «

Their collective narrative forms a mosaic of events, each fragment connecting to the next. Eric's sleeve pushed up, revealing a bite mark, is a testament to the altercation's intensity, a physical reminder of the day's unexpected turn.

Ben's analysis takes the spotlight as he delves into the inexplicable. " It was like he was possessed by some primal hunger, fixated on us and the animals, oblivious to his injuries. I managed to call for help, but it's like the whole world's gone silent. No one's picking up."

Emmett's words shift to a more confidential tone, his lips barely moving as he speaks. "This isn't isolated, Isabella. The chaos from the precinct is spreading. Two calls to the nearest hospital got nada. Looks like whatever's going on has reached them too."

Emmett continue his concern tangible. "Isabella, you think you can help Eric with that bite?" His question holds weight, and I appreciate his trust in my medical expertise. As my mind races, I'm discreetly calculating the odds, knowing that there's only so much I can do for Eric's condition. The bite rests near the shoulder joint, making my task even more complicated. Despite the limitations, I'm intrigued by the prospect of observing the disease's progression. It's a rare chance to unravel the mechanisms of the pathogen at work, to foresee the emergence of symptoms.

With urgency, I put my scalpel in my pocket, I unbuckle my belt and fashion a makeshift tourniquet as best I can. Turning to the crowd, I inquire about a nearby pharmacy. A tall, elegantly dressed man responds, pointing to a junction ahead. An idea forms, and I ask if he'd be willing to accompany us. He agrees readily, his concern mirroring my own.

Emmett's uncertainty flickers as he weighs the situation. I can tell he's torn between letting me go with Eric and the stranger, or leaving with me and leave the infected individual alone amidst the growing crowd. Sensing the gravity of the moment, I suggest an unorthodox approach to managing the gathering masses. "Emmett, if your authority isn't getting through to them, maybe a little fear will do the trick." I pivot on my heel and raise my voice, projecting it through the air like a siren's wail. "The man feeding on fresh flesh is sick! It's contagious! Go home and stay safe!"

The effect is almost instantaneous. The crowd, enthralled by the spectacle, begins to disperse, a tide of unease carrying them away from the unfolding horror. The strategy works like a charm, and I turn back to Emmett with a nod of approval. He smirks in return.

With the crowd now dispersed, I turn back to Emmett, my concern shifting towards the logistics of our situation. "Emmett, leaving my car and Edward behind doesn't sit right with me. Do you think it's safe to proceed by car now that the crowd has cleared?" As I speak, the blond stranger interjects, suggesting that his van is a bit further down the road and he knows a way around the accident.

Emmett contemplates the options, his hesitance still tied to leaving the infected man inside the pet shop. Ben chimes in, proposing that Emmett could use his taser on the man. Before Emmett can respond, I offer a cold analysis, my voice steady but unyielding. "Using a taser could agitate him further. Unless you're willing to follow up with a headshot, it's safer to seal that door shut than to risk opening it again."

Eric, already showing signs of fatigue and sweat, begins to move a dumpster to barricade the door. Amidst the tension, the blond stranger introduces himself as Jasper and extends an invitation to Eric and Ben. He explains that his van is nearby and offers them shelter. He promises to signal Emmett and me to follow when they're ready.

As we walk onward, my attention is drawn to the distant horizon where columns of smoke rise like spectral tendrils, reaching skyward. The citycenter we departed from appears remote and surreal, its familiar skyline starting now to transforme into a scene of devastation and disorder.

Above, a helicopter passes through the ashen sky, its blades slicing the air with a palpable sense of haste. The pilot's gaze briefly meets mine, a wordless connection formed amidst the chaos. In that unspoken interaction, I feel the gravity of our shared purpose, a mutual understanding that time is slipping away like grains through an hourglass. Our mission's urgency hangs thick in the atmosphere, a tangible reminder that every second counts.

As our gaze settles on my car in the distance, Emmett and I exchange glances, a mixture of bemusement and surprise passing between us. A statuesque blonde leans against the passenger window, her posture exuding a casual confidence that contrasts the turmoil around us. It appears that Edward hasn't wasted any time during our brief absence. My emotions are a blend of irritation and amusement, an odd concoction that I struggle to unravel. Emmett's charming persona takes the lead as he confidently approaches the striking woman, his grin suggesting a familiarity with such introductions.

"Well, hello there," he drawls with a charming smile. "Looks like we've got a new member joining our little ensemble."

The blonde raises an eyebrow, a smirk gracing her lips. "And who might you be, handsome?"

The woman's casual demeanor seems to echo a larger sentiment, one that pervades not just her understanding, but the collective ignorance of the city's population at large. She appears blissfully unaware of the perilous circumstances that have befallen us, but in truth, she's not alone in her lack of knowledge. The dawn of this pandemic has caught everyone off guard.

Emmett executes a charming half-bow, his countenance exuding a blend of good-naturedness and self-assuredness. "Emmett McCarty, ready and raring to serve. Picture me as your extraordinary guide to navigating the uncharted waters, with a sprinkle of charisma."

A beguiling smile graces her lips, the atmosphere charged with a playful spark. "Is that a promise? And what's your unique expertise, Mr. McCarty?"

Emmett winks, a touch of amusement tingeing his words. "I'm here to unveil unseen realms for you. Perhaps not at this exact moment, though, given the slightly chaotic state of the world."

As the sun's descent imbues the scene with a warm amber glow, she steps forward with a grace that echoes the fading day, her hand extended in a graceful introduction. "Rosalie Hale. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Emmett's robust grip envelops hers, firm and welcoming. "Likewise, Rosalie."

Their exchange is momentarily interrupted by a familiar symphony of laughter from the car behind, Rosalie's eyes twinkle as she turns her attention back to Emmett. "They're my sisters. We are on a summer road trip. We've been stuck in traffic for about twenty minutes now, and I was just about to investigate the cause when I spotted Mr. Edward sitting all prim and proper in your car."

With an air of nonchalance, she leans against the car window protecting Edward and directs her question toward Emmett, seemingly curious about her previous acquaintance. "So, what's the deal with this guy?"

Notably, Rosalie's perceptive gaze has caught onto the handcuffs and Edward's prison attire. Despite an absence of fear in her demeanor, there's a distinct intrigue in her eyes.

Emmett, with his ever-present sense of humor, embraces the lightheartedness of the moment. "Well, miss, this gentleman here is your personal guide to the latest downtown spectacle. Call it an immersive theater experience."

Rosalie chuckles in response, her laughter contrasting with the urgency of our situation. "Oh, how thrilling. A dramatic performance right here in the streets."

His charm remains unwavering as he plays along, spinning tales that match the surreal nature of our predicament. "You've got it. We've got suspense, intrigue, and a touch of chaos thrown in for good measure."

While their banter dances on the edge of reality, a sense of frustration tingles within me. We can't afford to be sidetracked by light-hearted exchanges when the city is slowly unraveling. "Can we please focus?" I interject, my voice carrying a note of hysteria. "Socializing can wait. And this is no time for sightseeing!"

My words aim to anchor the conversation in the seriousness of our situation, even as I'm reminded that Rosalie's lack of awareness isn't unique. A collective sense of bewilderment looms, shrouding the city in a veil of uncertainty as the pandemic's first tremors ripple through the urban landscape.

But the universe seems determined to underscore the chaos that engulfs us. From a nearby skyscraper, two figures plummet, their descent. A haunting tableau against the backdrop of the city. The impact is followed by a chorus of screams, a cacophony that reverberates through the air, sending a chill down my spine.

Reacting swiftly, Emmett, Edward, and I find ourselves back in the vehicle, a sense of security and familiarity prevailing even amidst the tumult. Our actions prompt Rosalie and her sisters to take quick action. They pile into their car, an unspoken understanding weaving through the tense atmosphere. The engine roars to life as Emmett readies us to navigate this new chapter of uncertainty. It's an odd alliance, formed in the midst of chaos, yet there's an underlying sense of unity.

As our car begins to move, we motion for Rosalie and her group to follow suit at the sight of Jasper's van approaching in the distance.

Edward's irritation is palpable as he finally opens his mouth for the first time since our return. His tone drips with sarcasm and irony as he addresses Emmett and me. "Took you guys long enough. So now we're tailing a van with three thrill-seekers in tow, huh?"

Emmett chuckles in response, undeterred by Edward's cynicism. "Oh, you have no idea, Eddie. We've had quite the adventure since you've been sulking here."

Edward's eyebrow arches skeptically.

Emmett proceeds to give him a account of the pet shop escapade, sparing no details and embellishing certain aspects for effect. Edward's eye roll is audible, but there's a faint curve to his lips that betrays a hint of amusement.

Once the laughter subsides, Edward's impatience takes the forefront again. "Alright, alright. So, where exactly are we headed now? And why are we still stuck within the city limits?"

My response is delivered with unwavering importance, a stark contrast to the levity of the previous exchange. "We're on the verge of raiding a pharmacy, Edward. And we need your particular talents for this endeavor."