It was late at night near the Boardwalk.
Most of the Whitesun Hotel had gone quiet. The last conversations behind its doors had faded, and only a few battery-powered lamps remained lit around the entrance and the nearby barricades.
Margaret was still outside.
She had stayed to speak with the people taking the night watch, offering a little company before they began their rounds. Some were young enough to be her grandchildren. Others had known her since Jackson Township. All looked tired.
Martin glanced at her and shook his head with a faint smile.
"You don't have to stay awake just to keep us company, you know."
"In times like these, we should support each other."
"You already do plenty of that." He adjusted the strap of his weapon. "You should be resting. Especially at your age."
"That was rude, Martin."
He laughed quietly, and Margaret chuckled with him.
For a moment, the exchange made the night feel less tense.
Then Martin looked toward the road beyond the lights.
