Story - Camp Life [Part 14]

[Author's note: We're getting closer to the end of this chapter, and this one might get you in your feelings. Grab a box of tissues and keep them nearby, fair warning] -- Mei-Lin is deeply concerned. While she has only known Addams and Morris for a short time, and Mirei and Akinori for even shorter, she's never seen the four of them looking so sullen. She wants to ask so many questions, but the atmosphere seems to silence her as well. Everyone looks to each other, then the ground, then back to one another. After a few more moments of indecisiveness, Addams speaks up. “Well, this situation doesn't look great, no matter how we approach it...” Everyone nods in agreement, then continue looking to Addams, as he might have a solution. Addams continues. “...but I think we can agree on two things: 1) However we go forward, it needs to be with the best interest of as many of us as possible and 2) Mei-Lin's safety is our #1 priority. We can all agree on that, right?” Everyone nods and verbalizes their agreement. Addams continues. “Ok. Now that we agree on those two points...I think the safest action we can take is Morris and I go to the camp first, find Hardev, and try to settle with the militia. Best case scenario is there is no militia, or they're there and they have no interest in us. If that's the case, we'll come back and let you know everything is ok.” Addams pauses, clearing his throat, before he continues speaking. “...worst case scenario, the militia is there, they know about our vehicle, and they don't like us all that much. It's not the most ideal situation, but we're still in good with Hardev and Rodriguez, so hopefully they'll be able to speak on our behalf, letting the militia know we aren't a threat. This will take time, but thankfully the militia will want to question us, and we will be happy to work with them, hopefully building up trust between our two sides. This...I think this is our best bet. How do you all feel about this? Morris?” Addams turns to Morris, who is at a small loss of words from what he just heard. “Well...I mean, it is the best and safest option, not that that's saying much...” Morris reluctantly agree with Addams. Addams then kneels down, as to better make eye contact with Mei-Lin. He puts his hand on her shoulder and speaks with her directly. “Mei-Lin, I need you to listen to me, because what I have to say is very important, ok? There might be some not-so-friendly people back at the camp who are looking for you, Uncle Morris, and myself. We're not sure what they might want, so Uncle Morris and I are going to go to the camp first, just the two of us, and make sure everything is safe for you, Akinori, and Mirei to come back. Ok, pumpkin? Mei-Lin looks up, to Addams and Morris. The two men try their best to hide their fears, but Mei-Lin can see enough to know something is wrong, even if she can understand what exactly is wrong. “How long will you and Uncle Morris be away?” Addams and Morris turn to one another, hoping the other would have something uplifting and insightful to say. This does not happen. After a few moments of awkward silence, Addams speaks up again. “I, uh...I don't know, sweetie. If they are there and they want to detain and question us...that could be anywhere from a few minutes to hopefully a few hours. Worst is...they might hold us for a few days. We don't really know how lo-” Mei-Lin immediately interrupts Addams. “Then we're not doing that! It's not safe!” “Pumpkin, please...this isn't an easy decision, nor are we making light of the situa-” “Then we'll all go together then! We'll be safer, right? You said it when we were in the car, driving to camp! 'We have to stay together, because this place could be dangerous” is what you and Uncle Morris said! You said it and you were right!” Mei-Lin's eyes begin to tear up, something that tugs on the hearts of everyone around her. “We would be safer together! Mirei, please tell him! Please!” Mirei brings her hands together, lowers her head, and looks to the side, hoping to avoid eye contact with Mei-Lin, Morris, or Addams. Mei-Lin begins to panic. “C-come on, Mirei...please...Ah, Akinori! You know we'd be safer together, right? Tell them...please?” Akinori is not made of stone. While he realizes the cold calculations of Addams's plan would guarantee the best possible outcome for everyone, even he is not immune to Mei-Lin's sadness. He crosses his arms, exhales softly, turns his head and closes his eyes, hoping not to see Mei-Lin crying. Mei-Lin is perplexed. How could everyone not see how good her plan is?! Addams even said earlier that everyone staying together would keep everyone safe. How could that be true then, but not now? Her voice shakes while she turns to Morris, hoping she can at least convince him. “Uncle Morris, please...please tell Uncle Addams that you two don't have to go alone. We can all go together! We'll be safer this way because there's more of us and we'll be together! Please, tell him! Please...” Even Morris is finding it difficult not to falter to Mei-Lin's tears. He walks towards Mei-Lin and Addams, hoping to better convince Mei-Lin that this is for the best. “I'm sorry, Kiddo. I really am. We don't know what we're going up against, or even if there is anything to be up against. What we do know is, if there are a lot of not-so-nice people out there, if it's just Uncle Addams and I going out there, that guarantees you, Mirei, and Akinori will be safe, because they'll only know about us.” Addams stands up and is now next to Morris. “Uncle Morris is right, sweetie. You three will be the most safe, as the people out there won't know about you, or Akinori, or Mieri. Your safety is guaranteed, and that's what is most important.” Addams takes his index finger and taps Mei-Lin gently on her nose. “Your safety, yours, is what's most important to all of us. Nothing can change that...” Mei-Lin looks up to Addams and Morris and furrows her brow, hoping to show the two of them that she doesn't like their plan, but her protest is met with the sad eyes and forced smiles of everyone around her. Mei-Lin puts herself between Addams and Morris and tries to hug the both of them at the same time. She tries to speak as she cries. “Your plan is bad! You don't have to go alone! We can still all go together! We'll be safe together! You said so! You did! Please! Please...don't go...” Both Morris and Addams pat Mei-Lin on the shoulders, hoping to calm her down some. It does very little to stop Mei-Lin's tears. Addams and Morris then look over to Akinori and Mirei. Addams speaks up while Morris continue to try and calm Mei-Lin. “Akinori, Mirei, I know this is asking a lot of you two, but...should the worst happen, you two will look after her, right?” Mirei responds as if she were shocked he needed to ask. “What?! OF COURSE! Addams, don't be ridiculous! Dummy!” Mirei wipes a small tear off of her left cheek. Akinori adds to Mirei's resolve. “It was never up for debate or even questioning, Addams, Morris. Should-” Akinori clears his throat before speaking again. “-should the worst happen, we will, of course, look after Mei-Lin. You have our word.” Both Addams and Morris sigh with relief. They look to one another, then down to Mei-Lin, who is still sobbing. They look back to one another, both hoping this will be the hardest part of their day... Unfortunately for them, their difficulties will not end here...