Good bye

As he headed toward the entrance, Mark's voice stopped him. "Where are you going, Aiden?" There was a note of panic in his voice, mirrored in the worried expressions of the others.

"You can't leave," Lila added, stepping closer. "It's too dangerous out there. We need to stick together."

Aiden paused, his heart aching at the concern in their voices. They were right; it was dangerous, and they were safer together.

But something inside him urged him to go.

"I have to check on something," he said, trying to keep his voice steady. "I won't be long, I promise… stay here. It's safer for you."

But their eyes didn't waver, their worry deepening. "No, Aiden. We can't let you go out there alone," Lena said, shaking her head. "We need to be together."

Aiden's chest tightened. He knew they wouldn't let him leave without a fight, and he didn't have time to argue.