Violence Is Never The Answer Unless It's For The Truth

The tension in the penthouse office escalated as Simon, with a determined expression, dragged Mytia and Charles inside. However, as they entered, Simon froze at the unexpected sight of Neil conversing with Catherine. The room fell silent for a moment, and the weight of unspoken concerns hung in the air.

In an instant, Simon's demeanour shifted from determination to a mixture of frustration and anger. Without hesitation, he lunged towards Neil, pinning him against the wall with an intensity that reflected the growing pressure within the group. The sudden confrontation startled both Neil and Catherine, who exchanged puzzled glances.

Simon's voice rose sharply as he demanded answers from Neil about Jay, a name that seemed to carry significant weight within the group. His yell echoed in the room, demanding clarity about a matter that had remained unresolved, adding another layer of complexity to the already tense atmosphere.

Neil, caught off guard by the sudden aggression, stammered as he tried to respond.

As Neil, pinned against the wall, attempted to explain the circumstances surrounding Jay's sacrifice in the mall, Simon's frustration reached a boiling point. The tension in the room became palpable as Simon snapped, his voice filled with a bitter anger that cut through the air.

"You should have perished, not her!" Simon's words were laced with resentment and grief, the weight of loss and the burden of survival pressing down on him. The revelation of Jay's sacrifice seemed to reopen wounds that had never fully healed, and the group's collective pain and sorrow intensified in that moment.

Neil, now grappling not only with Simon's physical restraint but also with the weight of blame, struggled to find the right words. The atmosphere in the penthouse office grew increasingly charged as the emotions of the group members collided, creating an emotional storm that threatened to consume them.

Feeling the escalating tension in the room and recognizing the deep emotional turmoil within Simon, Mytia stepped forward, her touch gentle yet firm. She reached out and carefully placed her hand on Simon's arm, a silent gesture to calm the storm of emotions raging within him.

Simon, still seething with anger and grief, turned to face Mytia. Her touch served as a grounding force, a reminder that they were all navigating the treacherous waters of a world forever altered by the apocalypse. Mytia's eyes conveyed empathy and understanding, an unspoken acknowledgment of the pain they all carried.

As Simon felt the warmth of Mytia's touch, he gradually began to ease his tight grip on Neil. The room, once filled with the echoes of conflict, settled into a heavy silence.

As Mytia's touch continued to offer solace, a profound shift occurred within Simon. The weight of grief and anger that had held him captive began to give way to a wave of sorrow. Simon's shoulders slumped, and his grip on Neil slowly loosened. Tears welled up in his eyes, glistening with the pain of loss and the burden of the choices they were forced to make in this unforgiving world.

Gently, Simon released his hold on Neil, the once tense atmosphere in the penthouse office giving way to a sombre stillness. The vulnerability of that moment laid bare the shared struggles and sacrifices of the group, a reminder that even in the face of darkness, there existed a fragile beauty in their collective humanity.

Feeling the weight of the emotional turbulence in the room, Catherine took charge of the situation. She turned to Mytia, who had been a source of comfort for Simon and spoke with a calm authority.

"Mytia, could you please take Simon away for a moment? He needs some time to calm down," Catherine requested, her eyes reflecting a combination of empathy and a pragmatic understanding of the necessity for emotional respite.

Mytia nodded in acknowledgment, guiding Simon gently towards the door. She offered him a supportive arm, understanding the importance of allowing space for the storm of emotions to subside.

Meanwhile, Catherine turned her attention to Neil, who stood in the aftermath of Simon's outburst.

"Neil, why don't you tidy yourself up in the bathroom?" she suggested, recognizing the need for a moment of personal care and reflection after the intense exchange. As Neil headed towards the bathroom, Charles, who had been observing the unfolding events, spoke up with a quiet curiosity.

"Who was Jay?" he asked, his voice carrying a mix of genuine interest and a recognition that the group held many untold stories and histories.

Catherine sighed, realizing that Jay's story was one that carried its own weight of sorrow and sacrifice. She began to share the tale of Jay, a member of their group who had made the ultimate sacrifice for the well-being of others.

Catherine took a moment to compose herself before addressing Charles's question about Jay. She spoke with a mixture of fondness and sadness, her voice carrying the weight of the memories.

"Jay was only 17, but she had a heart full of courage and bravery," Catherine began, her words resonating with a deep respect for the young member who had left an indelible mark on the group. "In this world, age doesn't always define the strength of a person. Jay proved that time and again."

Catherine continued to recount Jay's story, highlighting moments of selflessness and valour. She spoke about Jay's unwavering commitment to the group's well-being, detailing instances where she put others before herself, embodying a spirit of sacrifice that had become both a source of inspiration and a painful reminder of the harsh realities they faced.

Charles, processing the stories of Jay and the complex dynamics within the group, felt a need to understand the relationships that had shaped their shared history. With a careful curiosity, he asked about the connection between Simon and Neil.

"What about Simon and Neil?" Charles inquired, seeking to unravel the threads of emotions and connections that had been woven into the fabric of their group.

Catherine, with a solemn expression, acknowledged the intricacies of the past. "They were in love with Jay," she revealed, her words carrying the weight of unspoken grief and complicated emotions.