"Maarg, you're going to apologize," Jack said firmly, his arms crossed by the door.
"Why? It was an accident," Maarg muttered, slouching deeper into the couch.
Jack's glare hardened. "You knocked her down with a door, Maarg. And you didn't even check if she was okay."
Maarg looked away, pretending to scroll through his phone. "She's fine…"
"Now." Jack's tone left no room for argument.
With a heavy sigh, Maarg stood up and dragged his feet toward Sammy's room. "Fine, I'll go."
But when he reached the room, it was empty. The bed was neatly made, and her bag was gone.
"Jack!" Maarg called, his voice echoing through the small apartment.
Jack appeared in the hallway, his brow furrowed. "Where is she?"
"She's gone."
Jack's jaw clenched. Without a word, he grabbed his jacket and headed toward the front door.
"Wait, where are you—"
"Stay here, Maarg." Jack's voice was clipped as he stepped outside.
Jack spotted Sammy near the colony's entrance, arguing with a man in a hazmat suit. The reflective visor made it impossible to see the man's face, but his stance screamed frustration.
"I told you, miss," the man said, his voice muffled through the suit. "The city's on lockdown. No one gets in or out."
"I don't live here!" Sammy's voice was firm, but her eyes betrayed her anxiety. "I was just visiting. My family is waiting for me at home!"
"I understand," the man replied, though his tone was anything but sympathetic. "But the infection is spreading faster than we can contain it. If you leave now, you'll be risking your life—and theirs."
Jack walked up just in time to hear Sammy's sharp reply.
"I don't care! I'll take the risk."
"Sammy," Jack interrupted, his voice calm but firm.
She turned, her face flushed with frustration. "Jack, they're not letting me go."
"Because it's not safe," Jack said softly. He could see the panic in her eyes, the fear she was trying to mask.
"But my family…" Her voice cracked, and Jack could tell she was close to breaking down.
Jack placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Look, I know you want to go home, but right now… this might be the safest place for you."
Sammy's eyes flickered back to the man in the hazmat suit, who stood silently, no longer engaging.
"Where am I supposed to stay, Jack? I can't—"
"You can stay in my room," Jack offered gently.
Sammy blinked, her frustration giving way to surprise. "Your room?"
Jack nodded. "It's not much, but it's better than being out there."
She hesitated but finally gave a reluctant nod. "Okay… thanks, Jack."
When they returned, Maarg was sprawled on the couch, still munching on rajma rice, his feet kicked up like he owned the place.
"Maarg," Jack said, stepping inside with Sammy behind him.
"Yeah?" Maarg mumbled, barely glancing up.
"Sammy's staying here," Jack announced casually.
"In my room?" Maarg asked, his tone laced with suspicion as he paused mid-bite.
"No," Jack said quickly. "She'll stay in—"
But before Jack could finish, Maarg's mother's voice echoed from the kitchen.
"Of course not, Jack!" she said, walking in with a warm but firm smile. "Sammy's our guest. She'll stay in Maarg's room."
Maarg nearly choked on the rice. "What?!"
Jack blinked, equally caught off guard. "But—"
"No buts," Maarg's mom cut him off, her tone leaving no room for argument. "She's a girl, and she'll be more comfortable with a room to herself."
Jack opened his mouth to protest, but her gaze silenced him.
"Maarg and Jack, you two can share Jack's room," she added, her decision final.
"But, Ma—" Maarg tried to argue, but one look from his mother shut him up.
"Maarg, show some manners," she scolded. "She's our guest."
Maarg exchanged a look with Jack, who gave him a helpless shrug.
"Fine," Maarg mumbled, dragging his feet as he headed toward his room to grab his stuff.
Sammy, meanwhile, was standing awkwardly by the door, trying not to laugh. "Are you sure about this?" she asked softly.
Maarg's mom smiled kindly. "Of course, beta. You'll be safe here."
As Maarg stomped past her, carrying his pillow and blanket, Sammy gave Jack a look.
"Looks like I get the royal treatment," she whispered with a smirk.
Jack shook his head, trying not to laugh. "Yeah… lucky you."
As Maarg squeezed past them, he glared at Sammy as if saying "don't you dare touch anything"