Heines nods slowly at the radio, absorbing the scientist's words. He needs to focus — to make sure Maria and the child understand the gravity of their situation. He glances around the small market, cataloging their meager supplies and planning their next move. Taking a steady breath, he turns to Maria and offers a reassuring smile.
"We need to talk," he says gently. "Both of you."
He gathers Maria and the child closer, finding a relatively clean spot amid the scattered debris. The child clutches a worn teddy bear, his eyes wide and unreadable. Heines squats down to meet the boy's gaze.
"What's your name?" he asks softly.
The child hesitates, glancing at Maria for reassurance.
"It's… it's Samuel," Maria answers quietly.
Heines smiles warmly. "Okay, Samuel. My name is Heines. And Maria is our friend." He pauses, choosing his words carefully. "There's a sickness that started — like the man on the radio said — and it's giving adults powers. But these powers can hurt people… even kill them. And right now, many people are using them to hurt others. Do you understand?"
Samuel frowns, picking at a loose thread on his teddy bear. He glances at Maria again. She nods gently, confirming Heines' words.
Heines rises to his feet and turns to Maria, his expression growing serious.
"We're in Venezuela," he says quietly. "There are already too many criminals here. If many of them awaken these kinds of powers… I don't even want to imagine what will happen. We need to leave this country."
Maria tightens her arm around Samuel, pulling him close. "What are you saying, Heines?"
"I'm saying we have to be more careful than ever. We can't trust anyone — not until we know they're safe. People are scared, Maria. They're desperate. Some are getting these powers, and as we heard, not all of them can control them."
He exhales slowly.
"I need to learn how to use my ability properly. I can control the shadows… but I'm still learning. If we're going to survive, I have to get stronger. I have to be able to defend us."
He looks from Maria to Samuel, his voice steady but firm.
"We're living in a new world now. The old rules don't apply anymore. We stick together. We protect each other. And we stay ready for anything."
Samuel tugs at Maria's sleeve, his eyes filled with silent questions. She offers him a reassuring smile, but Heines can see the worry etched across her face.
Then—
A faint shuffling sound echoes from the back of the market, near the blocked entrance.