The moment Scarlett and Ethan stepped out of the office, every pair of eyes turned toward them, filled with curiosity and anticipation. Whispers buzzed among the survivors, and Scarlett could feel their gaze burning into her.
Garvin, Rose, Louise, the Andersons, and their two children hurried over, surrounding Scarlett and gently tugging her away from Ethan.
"How are you doing, dear?" Mrs. Anderson asked, her eyebrows raised in concern. "Are you alright?"
"Yes, how are you, really?" Mr. Anderson added, his eyes steady on her, full of worry.
Scarlett mustered a small smile, though her heart still felt heavy from her conversation with Ethan. "I'm fine. Thank you for asking." But the warmth of her smile quickly faded, weighed down by the gravity of what lay ahead.
Rose's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she leaned in. "So… what did you two talk about? You've been gone for over an hour, you know."
