"It's not easy to keep people under control in circumstances like this," one of the guards said quietly. His grip on the spear was tight, knuckles pale. Behind him stood a small family—his wife and two children—pressed close together as if proximity alone could keep them safe.
Tyler glanced at them and nodded in understanding. "Even if we somehow solve the food and water problem, that won't be enough to keep people calm," he replied. "Fear spreads faster than hunger."
As if on cue, a small voice broke through the tension.
"Mommy… I want to go to the toilet," a young child whispered, tugging at his mother's sleeve.
The woman froze, her face draining of color as she looked around at the walls, then back at her child. She had no answer.
