Toward dawn (part 3)

"Hey." 

Turning to the source of the lovely voice, Derek saw Angel behind him. He was so lost staring at the sky that he did not realize when she came.

She sat down beside him and puffed out. "What's on your mind?" she asked, staring at his side features.

"A lot." Derek's short response wasn't surprising.

"At least share it. You've been unresponsive lately, and none of us likes it. If you're going to turn into those men who care more about something else than their family, then we should stop now."

"She's right." Li Mei, who sneakily came behind them, agreed with Angel. "I'm not thinking of something else but a home for us... There's a lot coming, and I have to prepare; being reckless won't cut it."