Ren quickly recoiled, stepping back from the bald man's outstretched hand. The man's sudden offer and the unsettling look in his eyes, now seeming distant and unfocused, sent a shiver of genuine unease down Ren's spine. His earlier amusement at the "crazy" residents vanished, replaced by a prickling sense of danger.
"No, thank you, sir," Ren said, his voice a little too sharp, a little too quick. He forced a polite smile, trying to mask his rising panic. "I appreciate the offer, but I... I have to get back. My friends are waiting."
The bald man paused, his head tilting slightly as if trying to process Ren's words. A slow, vacant smile spread across his face, revealing more of his poorly maintained teeth. "Friends? Here? No, no. Everyone is family here. We take care of our own." He took another step forward, his hand still extended.
