"Spot Jackie, huh…?" Denver chuckled and looked out onto the horizon, gesturing as he spoke. "I really wish I could just randomly look out and see his face. It's been two years. He would look like a caveman if he neglected himself. You know, like how the movies did it. Long beard, long hair. He used to want a beard. Judging from his character, though, he'd learn how to cut his hair properly."
"Yeah…" Ashley kept her smile and hugged her jacket tighter around her. "Mr Turning, I heard your mother speaking to another woman on the phone. She keeps asking when you'd head to The Garden. I didn't know you were supposed to leave."
Denver glanced at the lady. He didn't drop his small smile. "My dad's legal wife likes having me around. I'm not surprised that she wants me near and safe."
The lady faced him and tilted her head a little. "So, you're leaving? When? Just so we know when to stop relying on you so much. I mean… you're pretty much the most reliable… and trustworthy…"
"Probably when the building gets breached." Denver lazily put his hands on his hips. "I won't have a reason to think we're safe here if it happens. I can only guarantee Mom's and my entrance, though. Special permits are needed to get others inside a megacity. Even if we can secure those, the living spaces in The Garden are running out. There's a big chance that we won't get in."
"We…?" Ashley softly asked. She caught Denver glancing at her. Her shoulders jerked in shock before she looked away. "I mean… you plan to take others with you?"
"I will take every one I can. Survival isn't just for me." Denver looked over his shoulder to find her. "Your will is strong. I don't think you'll have problems with wanting to be alive. But… if you have other troubles, you can come to me."
The lady shook her hands before her. "No, no, that's too much. I think I can handle most things. You don't have to think about me, Mr Turning."
Denver nodded and resumed watching the horizon. He could see her shivering beside him. She kept pulling her summer jacket closer. However, she wouldn't leave as if it was a mission to sightsee with him. The man cleared his throat. "…you're cold. You should head back inside."
"I should…" Ashley remained standing beside him.
Denver glanced at her. He rubbed his head and sighed. "If you have something to ask, please do it later. You seemed hesitant. Go back inside, Ms Ross. We can't have someone get sick."
She lowered her head and caressed her hair. A bitter smile was on her lips. "…can we have our conversation in writing, Mr Turning? I… I don't want to be left behind. I don't think me and my brother can survive this long without your help. Please… if you're leaving… can you take us with you? This is a very selfish request. I just… I'll do anything…"
Denver waved his hand, not dismissing her fears. "It's all right, Ms Ross. A lot of people depend on me. I'll take every person I can."
"…thanks…" Ashley lowered her head more and turned away to leave. "Please excuse me. I'll find my brother again. He probably won't sleep without seeing me."
"I'll talk to him tomorrow." Denver didn't stop the woman from leaving. He turned to the horizon again when the door behind him closed. He sighed and rubbed his head in stress, whispering, "I should tell Miss Barbie to stop calling. The tenants are starting to overthink her conversations with Mom. Maybe I should visit The Garden. Will they even let me return if ever?"
"Shouldn't you remove parasites around you?" Lulu phased into existence and stood on the railing before Denver. She placed her arms akimbo again. "It's the first rule of survival, isn't it? Ensure your nutrients stay as your own."
Denver shook his head and walked to the space beside her. He leaned his arms on the railing. "I'm not that greedy. I used to serve the public. Do you expect me to do that?"
Lulu frowned and hopped down to the ground. She swirled around and faced the same direction he did. The girl barely peered past the bar parallel to the floor. "Fine. As long as it doesn't drown you. Remember. Your death is a failure to me."
…
Today's night errand was headed by Denver. It had been three days since he last went out, and he figured the streets would be as dangerous as they used to be now. However, he couldn't tell the tenants about the invisible safety markers. That was why he took Lulu and a few younger members for the night. If they were unlucky, these young people would have to succeed other members in running errands.
Denver briefed them before leaving. Everyone had a copy of the survival guide, but no one was allowed to take it outside. That was why one could only rely on their memory… or another piece of paper.
The group of five walked across the dark hallway. Anthony, a teenager, led the navigation. He relied on his hand-drawn map to get through the alleyways. When they arrived at the supermarket, he flashed a big smile at Denver, who praised him with a smile and a thumbs-up. The group slowly made their way to the establishment. Their peculiar group was instantly tagged.
"Oh, you're back…" the verification officer instantly recognized Denver. He took the cards and processed them normally. "I heard you got chased by a mimic on your way out of the supermarket days ago. You're… still a human, right?"
"I would have pulled a stunt, but I have children with me." Denver offered a smile to humor the person. He glanced at the young ones before collecting the cards from the officer.
The officer looked at the collection of people with Denver. Three were teenagers while the fourth person was indeed a child. He snorted at the arrogance of that rich man. "Yeah, yeah. Just because you survived one encounter doesn't mean you can simply waltz out of trouble every time. Why did you even take children outside your shelter? Are you inviting marauders into your place?"
Denver's brows lifted. This officer didn't seem to like him for reasons. "Not exactly… but I will be ready for them. Thanks for your concern, officer."
Instead of waving him away, the officer reached under his table and gave a pamphlet to Denver. "Take everything you think you need for a week or so. No one knows how long campaigns like that could last. I wish you had enough funds in your miracle card."
"Why? Are you closed?" Denver received the pamphlet and read through the first page quickly. His brows frowned at the words written on it.
The government would cross Abels Creek to intercept a horde of migrating mimics. Everyone was warned to stay home and hide. A warzone would be inevitable.
Denver frowned. "Those things migrate?"