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You and the twins take the natural path south to the hilltop. The other survivors are all involved in setting up sleeping arrangements or performing other chores. No one notices your return.

As usual, Reilly sits beside his mother, one hand resting on her arm to comfort her. He has a smile on his face, one of the only ones he's worn today.

Reilly looks up at you. He whispers something to Nora, and then stands to meet you at eye level. He pulls you away by the arm until you're just out of earshot of his mother.

"What's wrong?" Reilly asks.

"Nothing imminent," you say. "I just wanted to talk."

Reilly lets out a deep breath. "That's a relief. What have you got on your mind? Was it the brunch? I bet it was the brunch, wasn't it? Did I do good? Come on, come on, speak up, I don't got all day."

You say…