(Third Person POV – Group Focus)
Silence.
Not the stunned silence of shock.
Not the heavy silence of grief.
No —
this one was sharper.
Like the quiet before a building collapses.
Everyone in Jeff's grand living room sat frozen, scattered among the couches and armchairs like debris after an explosion.
Lara stood in the center —
shoulders stiff, eyes red, chin shaking.
Jasmine sat beside her, hands curled uncertainly in her lap.
Anthony leaned forward, elbows on knees, looking like he wanted to dig a hole and hide in it.
Kate stood with arms crossed, posture sharp and protective.
Jeff and Vince both looked like they were moments away from yelling.
Andy remained a still, terrifying presence on the screen — his expression all steel and ice.
No one knew how to breathe.
Until Kate did what Kate always did —
she steadied herself.
Straightened her spine.
And stepped into the chaos.
--
(Kate — the voice of reason sharp enough to cut)
"Alright," she said quietly.
