Leaning against the wall of the shelter, Charlie sat in silence until late into the night. The sounds of construction outside gradually faded. Oliver, sensing that Charlie was grappling with a major decision, took it upon himself to finish the remaining tasks for the day on Charlie's behalf.
Amid his chaotic thoughts, the exhausted Charlie soon fell asleep. Helen, lying beside him, noticed the pain etched on his face. She no longer acted petulantly, choosing instead to lie quietly next to him, careful not to disturb his rest.
The entire camp was enveloped in silence. The occasional snores, which might have been considered annoying in the past, now brought an odd sense of comfort to the survivors. In the wilderness, the sound of their companions' presence offered an unexpected reassurance
