In the kitchen, the fluorescent light hums low over the counters. Benjamin angles Louis and Jenny away from the others, just enough to talk without carrying across the room.
Louis
Dane is watchful. Not reckless, though. He kept checking the door before he checked us.
Jenny
And Mara keeps looking like she expects us to toss them back out into the street.
Across the room, Mara sits with her shoulders eased at last, while Dane stays upright nearby, one hand near his sister as if he is still counting exits. The injured survivor rests quietly, ankle wrapped and elevated.
Benjamin
Benjamin keeps his voice quiet, and asks what they think the siblings want.
Louis
Safety, obviously. But maybe something else too. People do not run that hard unless they are carrying a plan.
Jenny
Or a problem. Still, Mara was honest about the house. That counts for something.
Benjamin looks back at them. Mara meets his eyes, then glances away with tired relief. Dane stays guarded, but he does not hide how badly he wants the room to stay peaceful.
“"So what do you three plan on doing once his leg is better?"”
SUCCESS (Legendary Leadership, rolled +2)
Benjamin lets the silence sit just long enough for the room to hear itself breathe. Then he asks what they plan to do once the ankle heals.
Mara Miller
Mara answers at once. We do not want to squat in your house forever. We want a place with walls, supplies, and people who can hold it.
Dane
Dane cuts in, calmer than before. I want my sister somewhere safe. If that means helping fortify this place, we help.
Mara Miller
And if this place can become that kind of shelter, I would rather build it than keep running.
Louis
Louis glances between them, measuring the answer, then gives a small nod as if that at least makes sense.
Jenny
Jenny folds her arms, less sharp now. So you are not just looking for a bed. You are looking for a base.
Mara Miller
Mara meets her eyes. Yes. And if we stay, I can tell you what the Miller place has, what it lacks, and who might still be out there.
The injured survivor shifts on the chair, wincing once, then quietly starts to speak their name to the room as the fluorescent light hums overhead.
Quest Complete
Learn what Mara Miller wants
New Gift: Street Smarts