The night deepens, and the lights are sparse.
Marcus Shaw stands under a tree outside the community gate, with earphones plugged in. The white earphone cable winds its way into his pocket. He has one hand in his pocket, the other holding a bag of fruit, eyes drooping with exhaustion, feeling a bit sleepy.
"Bro."
A clear voice pierces through the deep and mellow English listening exercise, reaching Marcus's ears.
Marcus looks up, takes off his earphones, and sees Oliver, Nora Scott, and Pedro Langley walking out from the gate.
Not even a few hours have passed, and Oliver waves at him as foolishly as ever.
As they approach, Nora Scott glances at Marcus and asks, "Did you get everyone home?"
"Yeah."
Marcus nods.
He had already walked into the subway and was waiting for the train when Nora called him, making him watch as the subway doors opened only for him to turn back.
She said it was an "urgent matter," but the three of them seemed leisurely, without a hint of urgency.
