"There are people here."
Bai Li looked toward the basement door.
A faint knocking came from below.
They went down.
The basement was locked.
Bai Li broke the door.
Inside were three people.
An elderly couple and a young man.
The young man lifted a makeshift spear.
"Stay back."
Yan Cijin lowered her weapon.
"We are not here to hurt you."
The old woman stepped forward.
"Are you survivors?"
"Yes."
"From where?"
"Everywhere."
The old man laughed softly.
"That is a good answer."
They gave the family water and some food from their supplies.
The young man explained that their group had been attacked three nights earlier.
"Most of us died."
Yan Cijin looked at the old woman's face.
"You should leave."
"We cannot."
"Why?"
"The old man cannot walk far."
Bai Li stepped closer.
"I can carry him."
The old man immediately shook his head.
"No."
"It is faster."
"I have dignity."
Bai Li stared at him.
Yan Cijin covered a smile.
"You two are going to get along."
