"Well… it's not just about revenge. It's about surviving. If you want revenge, you'll need to learn how not to get killed first."
She just looked at me and said, "You're lying. I hate it when adults lie to me. You're avoiding my question."
"Well, well, well… fuck. This girl is sure to be smart," I muttered. "Hmm — you're still a kid, so I just can't—"
"If you don't want to help me then don't."
"It's not about that. It's what you will witness —" I started, but before I finished she cut in, "I'm prepared. I already know what I'm walking into."
I looked into her eyes and saw the determination there. I sighed — that was all I could do — then I stroked her hair. "All right. I will help you. But for now you need to rest."
"Hmm", she said.
"If you need anything, don't hesitate to call me."
She hesitated for a second. "Umm… can I get some milk?" she asked eventually.
I couldn't help it — I laughed out loud, remembering the fierce determination she'd shown a moment before. Her face as she asked for milk was almost comical.
"Hey, I'm still a kid, so that's what I need," she said.
"All right. You'll have an entire barrel of it," I replied.
I began to walk away. "Thanks," was all I managed to hear before I exited the tent.
Outside, my expression hardened. A kid who should be laughing and playing had become like this. My face burned with anger.
"You better be prepared, mongrels," I muttered under my breath.
walked away from the tent and found Jessy and Troy.
"How is she? Did she talk to you?" asked Jessy.
"She did," I replied. "Looks like she's in good condition. Make sure it stays that way."
"Troy — give her some milk," I said.
They exchanged a look and both understood. "No problem, sir," Troy said.
"Prepare the soldiers for war," I ordered. They were visibly surprised, but they'd already half-expected it. Both nodded.
"Did you find them yet?" I asked.
"Not yet, sir. Our scouts are still out looking for them," Jessy answered.
"Keep up the work," I said, then left the command tent. They had duties: Troy lead the soldiers, Jessy to oversee the scouts and the camp .
It was already night, and most of the soldiers were asleep, aside from a few still on guard. I remained outside, unable to sleep. My thoughts drifted to Taylor, and I found myself staring at the sky. Stargazing — yeah, I kind of liked it. The dark sky, the stars shining from so far away… it brought me a strange sense of peace.
Not far from me, I noticed Angel staring at the sky as well. I moved closer and said softly, "Beautiful, isn't it?"
She wasn't surprised; she had already sensed me. "It is," she whispered.
After a few moments of silence, her voice broke. "I miss my mom… my dad…" Tears welled up, and soon she began to cry.
"It's okay," I said, pulling her into a hug. We lay back on the grass, looking up at the stars together.
When her sobs quieted, I spoke again. "What you've gone through… no kid your age should ever experience something like that. But this world has gone to hell, and all we can do now is survive. All right?"
"Wahh…" She broke down again, clutching me tighter.
I didn't care that my clothes, my uniform, were soaked through with her tears. I held her close, stroking her back gently. "Let it all out," I whispered.
I didn't notice the time passing. We just stayed like that — me holding her, stroking her back, both of us looking at the sky. Eventually, I heard her breathing change, soft and steady. I looked down and saw she'd fallen asleep.
With one last glance at the stars, I stood and carefully lifted Angel into my arms. Quietly, I started walking toward her tent, unaware that two people were watching me.
Not far away, Troy and Jessy were having a conversation.
"Look, Troy… doesn't that seem like a father and daughter moment to you?" Jessy whispered.
"You're right… Sir Jessy," Troy replied.
Jessy frowned slightly. "I told you — stop calling me 'sir' when we're alone."
"Alright, Jessy," Troy said with a small smile. "Though… you are right. Why doesn't Marcus just adopt her? Considering he… ehem… has Taylor. Don't you think it would be one big happy family?"
"That's what I thought as well, Jessy."
Then Troy looked into Jessy's eyes, and Jessy instantly understood what Troy meant. The two exchanged a knowing look before turning their gaze back toward Marcus, who was just entering Angel's tent with her in his arms.
I laid Angel down onto the makeshift bed inside the tent. Just as I was about to leave, she stirred awake and grabbed my hand.
"Don't go… stay with me," she whispered.
I sighed, then nodded. "Alright."
I lay down beside her, and she hugged my arm tightly. I placed an arm around her in return. Considering what she'd been through, it felt natural.
Well, Taylor… looks like I'm bringing home a daughter, I thought, closing my eyes, finally letting myself drift toward sleep.
Far from the camp, currently in a store, a five-man team finally spotted the enemy's hideout.
"I told you — it was worth it," one of the men whispered excitedly.
"Shhh. Keep your voice down," another hissed, pressing a hand over his mouth.
The team leader peered through binoculars, then hissed, "Circle the place on the map. We finally found them."
"Sir!" the lookout snapped. "Three people are heading this way." He hushed them again.
Outside
"Really? Did you hear a voice?" one of the men asked.
"Yeah — I heard something. I'm not an idiot!" the lookout shot back.
A thin grin spread across another man's face. "Looks like we've got another stock." He licked his lips at the thought, hungry and careless.
Unaware of the danger they were walking into, the three civilians kept moving toward the store.
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