Rick stopped before the tent. He glanced at the few guards guarding the place, then said calmly, "I'll wait here. He prefers one-on-one."
Stanley nodded and stepped inside.
The space was narrow. A lantern hung low, casting steady light. Crates stacked neatly along one side. A rough map scratched into cardboard lay on the floor, held down by a stone.
The man lifted his gaze. "Jin, right?"
"Yes."
"Eli." He gestured to a crate across from him. "Sit."
Stanley obeyed.
Eli adjusted the lantern, dimming it slightly, then leaned back. His eyes never left Stanley's face.
"Rick says you came through the tunnels," he said.
"Yes."
"He also mentioned that you lost your sister?"
Stanley stayed quiet.
Eli observed Stanley a bit more before saying calmly, "I know this is a lot. But don't forget you're alone in this; everyone here has lost something precious to them. I'm not telling you to completely forget about them and just move forward."
He leaned forward slightly, "What I'm saying is... don't ever let the past hold you back. I guess you already know what happens when you stay still too much."
"Yes..." Stanley nodded weakly.
"Anyway, make yourself comfortable here." Eli went back to being casual, "People here are good."
"They are good." Stanley's eyes lifted up to him. "And I guess that's all thanks to you."
"Not all; everyone shows their efforts in working together."
"Still, that seems like a lot. People always ask someone to stand up for them."
"Someone has to do it." Eli smiled faintly. "Even if I'm gone, someone else will. Humans are very fragile creatures in this world. If someone can find a place to stay safe from all this chaos, then I'll be happy to do it."
"Don't you want the same?" Eli asked calmly.
Stanley took longer than usual to answer, "I do."
"Well, that's that. If you're planning to stay longer, there are a few expectations."
Stanley listened carefully.
"You have to be part of the group, whether you like it or not. Don't take more than you need. Don't start unnecessary problems. And if something feels off, come to me."
Stanley looked up. "To you?"
"Yeah, I don't want anyone to become a victim of rumors."
That sounded reasonable.
Eli stood, signaling the end. "Rick's a decent judge of people. If he trusts you, that's enough for now."
"Yeah." Stanley nodded and stood up slowly. His body started to feel a little tired for no reason.
He stopped.
"I ran into a dead body this morning."
Eli crossed his fingers and nodded. "Go on."
"It was about a kilometer west from here, inside a two-story house. I was coming from the west side of the city, looking for some food when I witnessed it." He held it in for a moment. "The back of her head was heavily damaged. But I could tell one thing for sure: that it was recent. Like..."
"Like someone just slipped behind your back?"
"Yeah, and I just about went out when three people came, heavily armed, and started accusing me of her death. I tried to tell them I didn't do it, but they didn't listen. They started attacking me, but I found the chance and escaped."
He breathed out roughly. "Then I ran into Rick and his group."
Eli thought for a moment and said, "Did you mention this to anyone?"
"No, I didn't," Stanley replied quickly. "If I tell anyone, they'll obviously think it was me who did it."
Eli nodded and replied calmly, "I believe you. If they come at you, you won't be alone this time."
"Thank you very much," Stanley couldn't help but bow. "I didn't want to cause any trouble, I promise."
"Yeah, I know." Eli gave a soft smile. "You should take a rest now. I know you are tired."
Stanley nodded again and stepped out of the tent.
Rick was waiting, arms folded. "So what do you think? Normal guy, right?"
Stanley glanced back at the tent. "Normal, yeah."
Dude was anything but normal.
He massaged his shoulders slightly and said, "I'm feeling really tired now. Let's get some sleep first."
…
People huddled near the shelter's heart, some still munching on scraps. Stanley stood with Rick, Jonah, and Caleb at the back, watching Renly.
He didn't ask for eyes on him. He just took it.
"East is clear 'til noon," Renly said. "West is hot. Don't push it."
Folks nodded, no questions asked.
He pointed, quick hands assigning. Names, then ways to go. Two here. Three there. Everyone moved quickly, like they knew what to do before he spoke.
Stanley waited to hear his name, trying not to look like he was.
"Rick." Rick stood up straight.
"Jonah. Caleb." They answered quickly.
Renly looked at Stanley, just long enough.
"And Jin," he added.
Stanley looked back and nodded.
"Route check and supply check," Renly went on. "West blocks. In and out. No extra turns."
Jonah breathed out soft. Caleb looked at Stanley, then away.
Rick nodded short. "Got it."
Renly moved on, no waiting.
The group broke up around them. Folks went off, some alone, some together. No one asked why they were going where.
Stanley fixed his bag strap.
Four people, stuck together 'til noon. Like it or not.
They were checking gear when Stanley heard whispers.
He looked quick.
Five people came in. They acted like they knew where to stand. They had bits and pieces. Metal rods. Strong blades. Stuff not from the store.
Stanley felt Rick move next to him.
Folks up front moved apart, no words said.
Three went right for Eli's tent, no stopping. They waited outside.
The other two went to the side.
They looked like they were waiting, eyes moving over their faces. Jonah saw first and went quiet. Caleb saw them a bit later.
Stanley didn't move.
One man stopped close. He looked at Rick, Jonah, Caleb—
Then stopped on Stanley.
His mind went back.
The man looked hard.
He leaned to his friend and said something low.
Both turned now.
Stanley felt things change. Quiet talks are fading. People felt something before they knew it.
Rick took a step forward.
The two men didn't hurry. They walked closer, eyes on Stanley.
"Didn't think I'd see you so soon," one said.
Jonah looked confused. "You know him?"
The man didn't answer.
"You are the same bitch from that house," he said like stating facts, "thought you could walk away."
Caleb went still.
Stanley breathed out slowly. Here we go.
…
The man entered the tent, his two guards waiting outside.
Eli sat casually in his seat, engrossed in a book, completely ignoring the man in front of him.
The man waited for Eli to close the book. He didn't.
"So, what do you want?" Eli finally asked, eyes still glued to the page.
"I've considered your suggestion," the man said.
Eli snapped the book shut. A faint smile played on his lips. "And what's your conclusion?"
The man took a slow breath and answered, "You were right. I should've agreed to your proposal back then."
"Sounds like you're having a hell of a time managing things. Though it's only a matter of time before you get the hang of it."
"Six people died because of my orders. I sent them there." The man looked at his trembling hands. "I don't want to spill blood because of my pathetic leadership. If they can be saved by someone else, that's good enough."
"I hear what you're saying, but..." Eli's gaze finally met his, "I can't promise anything. I'm no God."
"I know." The man looked at the map on the floor, markers scratched into the cardboard. "But you know better than I do."
Eli didn't deny it.