Lingyun moved first, the bags hooked over his left arm pulling his balance off-center while he checked out the storefront window.
He didn't adjust the weight of the bags, letting them cut into his arm. There wasn't time for comfort they needed to get everything to the SUV...now.
Chenghai followed close behind with boxes of cereal and crackers and cookies stacked high against his chest, his movements controlled despite the strain. Zhenlan followed him with as many bags as he could carry with one hand. His other hand was empty and ready if he needed to fight.
Yuche took the rear, his injured shoulder held tight against his body, his good hand free, and his focus already shifting past the doorway and into the street beyond..
They stepped out as a unit.
