“My father’s dead. He died because he put others before himself, and if that’s honor then what’s the point? I’m not going to make the same mistake. The days of selflessness are gone. Now it’s about survival. Not just for a month or even a few, but for longer than that.

“The others are on their way up the hill. They’ll start from the top and make their way down. They’re taking over the homes, even now. It will go quickly. No one will be hurt as long as they cooperate.”

Oh my God. Leon had let armed men in the gate, and they were taking over these homes? Panic infused my veins causing my limbs to tremble. Other sounds met my ears now. Distant footsteps running. Voices from far away.

“The guards at the gate,” Merrick said, his voice choked. “They let these people in? You said we could trust them. You said we needed them.”

“Obviously you did. You created a government, Merrick, but you forgot that every small country needs an army.”

“But why? You were safe. You were being cared for and fed.”

“I’m creating space, it’s as simple as that. I’m preparing for what comes next.”

Creating space. What did that mean exactly?

Merrick let out a sound that was somewhere between a moan and a cough and Leon turned slightly so that I pulled in a breath and plastered myself more firmly to the wall.

“There are so many weaknesses here,” Leon went on. “And no weapons. If not my people, this place would have been taken over in a few weeks. Sacked by a violent horde who wouldn’t treat anyone with the dignity I will. How the fuck are you going to have a future with a community who will die off in a few short years? Then what, Merrick? All of you are such damn do-gooders. But a plan for the future is important too. Young people, strong people. Do you know how fucked the world is? No one needs to waste food on a bunch of senior citizens who can barely walk, much less defend the community. They do nothing for a world like this except use up resources. They’ll be dust in the ground soon enough and we need those resources now.”

Merrick took a few steps and sank down on a chair, his shoulders rolling forward.

“You’re not such a spring chicken yourself, Leon,” Merrick said, his voice weak.

“I’m a leader, however,” Leon said. “I get shit done. I make the hard calls that no one else is willing to make.”