He turned left and right again, merging onto the avenue he was supposed to turn onto in his original route. Traffic was increasingly heavier, and now there were lots of people in the street. Bus stops were becoming crowded. ‘Shit… I need to be faster.’He was less than half a mile away. Stores were closing. He wasn’t in his best shape, so after pedaling for only ten minutes, he was sweating profusely. Traffic suddenly stopped—apparently, a new car crash had occurred. This was a school and university zone. A lot of youngsters were running in groups, probably going to the closest house.

Alex took advantage of the crash and crossed to the other side of the avenue. His next turn was left, and switching lanes seemed more dangerous as time went by. He used the parallel street, figuring it would be faster, and after five blocks, he turned right for half a block and jumped off the bike. He was there.

People were coming out of the building, trying to use their phones. The hubbub at the huge marble-wall reception and at the door was deafening. There was already a car jam in front of the building and cars couldn’t get out due to the traffic on the avenue. 

After scouring through the masses, Alex decided to go up the stairs. He was looking for the bike park when he saw some tension there. He’d have to carry his bike, or it would be stolen. It was nine floors up to Ellie’s office, and he was already gasping for air. But he’d have time to breathe after they were safe. While he was going towards the stairs against a sea of people, he saw her coming with her backpack, a bag in one hand, and a small plant in the other.

Alex: Ellie Lawson, over here!
Ellie: Baby! You’re here already. Alice says she can drive us home.
Alex: There’s no time. Things are already going to shit, and streets are collapsing. I saw and heard at least three car crashes on my way here.
Ellie: Bu—
Alex: We’ll go on the bike and run if necessary.
Ellie: I’m wearing heels; I can’t run.
Alex: Can we just go? We’ll figure it out on our way home. Give me the backpack.
Ellie: Is Morgan okay?
Alex: Yes, we were home when it happened. Gogogo!