Driver: Stay where you are, or I’ll smash his head. We’ll take the bike.

“Take it,” said Ellie as she went to check on Alex. The men didn’t even hesitate. One of them grabbed the bike while the other went back to the car. A few people saw everything, but everyone was too busy getting to safety.

Ellie helped Alex up. He had two big, bleeding scrapes on his shoulder and leg. His jeans were torn on the side, but his back and head were okay, thanks to his backpack and helmet. The smallest zipper was broken too, but that wasn’t important now.

Ellie told him to sit on the curb. She needed to check if he was all right and patch him up. She opened the backpack and grabbed a scarf, using it to bandage his arm. He was conscious and breathing normally now, but still groggy from the hit.

She helped him up, and they started walking. Alex had a small limp, so at first, they moved slowly, but soon they picked up speed. Adrenaline had already kicked in, dulling the pain, but he could tell he was hurt. There would be time to check properly when they got home.

People were running, phones weren’t working properly, and traffic was at a standstill. But the worst part was the looting. It wasn’t just criminals. It was contagious—criminals started it, but regular people joined in, driven by thoughts of their families’ safety. They saw a group of four men trying to pry open the metal shutter of a pharmacy. As they passed, one of the men started walking toward them.

Criminal: What are you looking at, huh? You got a problem? I’ll kill you right here.

Alex knew Ellie—she was about to go ballistic. So he butted in. His biggest fear was Ellie getting hurt, or worse.
Alex: No, man, if you’re willing to share, I can help. I’m hurt, so I’ll grab some meds and leave quickly.

He tried to empathize with the criminal but got an unexpected outcome. The man figured Alex wasn’t a threat, but if Alex stayed, there’d be less for him.
Criminal: We don’t need you. Keep going, or I’ll kill you.

People passed close by, but most ignored any injustice or bad deeds they saw. They were too busy on their phones.

Alex and Ellie kept moving and finally arrived at their building. Some neighbors were bringing furniture and boxes to block the main entrance. They were signaled to use the small service entrance, just a metal door.

They came in and were met by Nikola, one of the neighbors who seemed to be leading the effort. He was part of the building administration committee, so it made sense.
Nikola: Hey, come i—are you OK?
Alex (leaning on Ellie): Yeah, I don’t think I broke anything.
Nikola: Jenny from 3.02 is a doctor; she just came in with her daughter. Go see her.
Alex: Yeah, I’ll take a bath and go.
Ellie: Thanks, Nikola, we’ll go right away. 

Then she looked at Alex with a deadpan expression. “We’ll go now.”
Alex: Humphhh… K.

They headed directly to the elevator and went to the third floor. When they came out, Alex turned right, but Ellie grabbed him by the shirt.
Alex: I’m all covered in sweat and blood. I’ll take a shower and go.
Ellie: We are going to see her NOW. I’m also hurt.

Alex: Aaaall right. Let’s go.

They rang the bell, and a kid’s voice answered from the other side.
Kid: Who is it?
Ellie: Hi, it’s Ellie from 308. Could we talk to your mom for a second?

They heard a muffled voice behind the door.
Jenny: Who is it, honey?
Kid: It’s some neighbors.

There was a pause. The peephole darkened as someone looked through it, and then the door finally opened.
Jenny: Hi, neighbors. Oh, you’re all banged up! Come on in, we’ll give you both a check-up. Wendy, put some water in a bucket and get a couple of kitchen towels.

Jenny: You two, sit on the couch. I’ll go get my kit.

Ellie: I’ll get some kitchen towels from our house so we don’t ruin yours.

Alex sat awkwardly on his neighbor's sofa and felt safe for the first time since it all began. Only an hour had passed. He took a deep breath, and at that moment, the pain finally set in. His right shoulder, hip, and knee were all hurting. The shoulder was by far the worst—he could barely move it. Fuck, I think it’s broken.