The conversations that followed Arthur's disturbing episode had been stilted and uncomfortable. Each question had been met with increasingly evasive answers, and each concerned glance had only deepened the furrows of worry that creased everyone's brows. The atmosphere in the vehicle had grown so thick with unspoken fears and barely contained anxiety that it had become almost suffocating.
Eventually, Cara had decided that some distance might help ease the tension that had settled over their small group like a heavy blanket. She had quietly suggested that she and Myah step outside to eat some of their rations, ostensibly to give Arthur some space to process what had happened, but also to allow herself and Myah a chance to discuss their concerns away from potentially sensitive ears. The two women had settled on a patch of relatively clean ground beside their vehicle, sharing the meager meal in hushed tones while keeping watchful eyes on their surroundings.
