The headquarters of Alps Builders towered over the business district of Viremont City like a silent giant.
Usually, the building buzzed with hundreds of employees.
Today it felt strangely quiet.
Kevin Blackwood drove into the underground parking garage and parked near the elevator lobby.
The echo of the engine shutting off sounded unusually loud in the empty space.
Chelsea stepped out of the car and glanced around.
"I've never seen the parking lot this empty before."
Kevin locked the car and walked toward the elevator.
"That's what happens when the company suddenly sends everyone on vacation."
Earlier that week, the chairman of Alps Builders had made a surprising announcement: all employees were placed on paid leave for several days.
No explanation.
Just a sudden break from work.
Chelsea adjusted the strap of her bag.
"It was still weird though."
Kevin pressed the elevator button.
"People don't question free vacation with pay."
Chelsea smirked slightly.
"That's true."
The elevator doors slid open and they stepped inside.
A few moments later they reached the lobby.
The large reception hall was almost empty.
The bright marble floor reflected the dim lights from above.
Only one security guard sat at the front desk.
He stood immediately when he recognized Kevin.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Blackwood."
Kevin nodded casually.
"Afternoon."
The guard noticed Chelsea standing beside him.
She worked in the marketing department too, assisting Kevin as his secretary.
Still, employees weren't expected to be in the building today.
The guard cleared his throat.
"Sir, the building is currently under the company vacation notice."
Kevin leaned one arm against the counter.
"I know."
The guard hesitated.
"Well… I wasn't told if employees are allowed to come inside during the leave period."
Kevin gave a small smile.
"I just need to check a few things in the office."
Chelsea added casually, "Some files and work documents."
The guard looked unsure for a moment.
But Kevin was the Head of Marketing, and Chelsea worked under him.
Management had not said the building was closed.
After a moment, the guard nodded.
"All right, sir."
He unlocked the elevator access system.
"You can go in."
Kevin gave a quick nod.
"Thanks."
Chelsea offered a polite smile as they walked toward the elevators.
Once the elevator doors closed, Kevin chuckled softly.
"That was easier than I expected."
Chelsea rolled her eyes.
"You always say things like that."
The elevator carried them up to the executive floors.
When the doors opened, the hallway lights turned on automatically.
The floor was completely empty.
Chelsea walked slowly down the corridor.
Her footsteps echoed in the silence.
"This place feels creepy when no one's here."
Kevin unlocked the office door and stepped inside.
The large office overlooked the skyline of Viremont City.
He tossed his keys onto the desk.
Chelsea looked around the spacious room.
"Are we really just here to 'check files'?"
Kevin smirked.
"Relax."
Chelsea crossed her arms.
"You didn't come here for paperwork."
Kevin walked toward the large window and looked down at the busy streets below.
Traffic looked heavier than usual.
People were moving quickly.
Even from this height he could sense the tension spreading across the city.
Chelsea sat on the edge of the desk.
"So what's the real plan?"
Kevin shrugged.
"We stay here for a bit."
Chelsea raised an eyebrow.
"You mean hide here?"
Kevin turned toward her.
"Think about it."
He gestured around the office.
"This building has better security than most places in the city."
Chelsea nodded slowly.
"That's true."
Kevin walked toward the hallway.
"Come on."
They took the elevator down to the employee pantry floor.
When Kevin opened the door, Chelsea immediately stopped.
Her eyes widened.
"Wow."
The employee pantry was huge.
Shelves were stocked with snacks, canned goods, instant noodles, cereal, and drinks. Several refrigerators were filled with beverages and ready-to-eat meals.
Kevin grabbed a bottle of water from the refrigerator.
"Told you."
Chelsea walked slowly between the shelves.
"There's so much food."
Kevin leaned against the counter.
"The company keeps it stocked for employees."
Chelsea picked up a box of crackers.
"This could last for weeks."
Kevin shrugged.
"Exactly."
Chelsea opened the refrigerator and grabbed a soda.
She sat down at one of the tables.
"You always know how to take advantage of situations."
Kevin grinned.
"That's why I'm head of marketing."
Chelsea studied him for a moment.
"You're not really here because of the virus."
Kevin raised an eyebrow.
"What do you mean?"
Chelsea smirked.
"You're waiting for Mia."
Kevin didn't answer immediately.
Chelsea leaned back in her chair.
"I know you."
Kevin took a slow drink from his bottle.
"The company vacation won't last forever."
Chelsea nodded.
"Employees will come back eventually."
Kevin looked toward the window again.
"And when they do…"
Chelsea laughed softly.
"You're unbelievable."
Kevin shrugged.
"Mia can't avoid me forever."
Chelsea's expression hardened slightly.
"She dumped you."
Kevin frowned.
"She overreacted."
Chelsea rolled her eyes.
"You cheated on her."
Kevin waved the comment away.
"That's not the point."
Chelsea stared at him.
"You're such a jerk."
Kevin grabbed a snack bar from the shelf.
"She'll calm down eventually."
Chelsea shook her head.
"She blocked you."
Kevin's jaw tightened.
"I noticed."
Chelsea turned on the television mounted on the wall.
The news immediately appeared.
Hospitals overcrowded.
Cities reporting violent attacks.
Scientists discussing the unknown virus.
Chelsea watched quietly for a moment.
"What if this gets worse?"
Kevin didn't look concerned.
"It won't."
But outside the windows of Viremont City, the streets were already beginning to change.
People rushed home earlier.
Stores were closing.
Fear was spreading slowly through the city.
Kevin believed everything would return to normal soon.
He believed Mia would eventually return to work at Alps Builders.
And when she did, he would be there.
Waiting.
What Kevin didn't realize was that the world outside was already beginning to fall apart.