- Dahlia's POV -
As everyone had said, today was the day help would arrive.
While waiting for them, I spent time with Rhea.
Compared to yesterday, she seemed more cheerful today. Maybe it was because of the dress.
After I gave her the dress, Rhea immediately washed and dried it. Although there were still a lot of dirt stains, it was still better than yesterday.
"They've arrived."
Hearing her words, I immediately realized what she meant.
"You should go get your things now."
I nodded quickly and went to get my bag.
People were walking and jostling, making it difficult for me to move. Although it was a hassle, I finally managed to grab my bag.
When I returned, I found many large cars and people who looked like guards guiding the refugees into the cars.
I looked around, trying to find Rhea. After a while, I saw a girl who looked like her.
Even though her skin looked clearer and her hair looked different, I could still recognize her clothes. After all, I'd been wearing that dress for a long time.
"Rhea!"
I tried to call out to her, but she just got into the car.
I didn't know where we were going, but for now, I'd better get in.
I ran to Rhea's car, but as I was about to get in, something pushed me, knocking me to the ground.
"Sorry, only certain people are allowed in. Commoners like you have no right to come in."
I looked at the woman who had pushed me, wondering what she meant.
"Hey, don't be so rude. She's just a normal little girl."
"But we can't let what happened last week happen again. People from lowly backgrounds like them always have their ways. Hey, go! There's no room for you."
Apa watched as the woman and man left, then looked between the people who were allowed to get in the car and the people who weren't.
Some who had forced their way in were being beaten on the spot and thrown out.
I trembled slightly at the sight.
I then looked at the people who remained silent in the shelter.
Didn't they say earlier that we would all be rescued? So why?
Confused, I could only walk back to the shelter as several guards began to stare at me sharply.
"It's not our turn yet."
I turned to an old man sitting in the corner. He looked weak and coughing.
I slowly approached him and took out the orange drink I'd gotten from Rhea yesterday.
"Grandpa, would you like a drink of this? It'll soothe your throat."
The man slowly reached out to take the bottle from my hand.
When I saw his hand stop moving, I was a little surprised to see him looking at me. And just as I was confused, his hand moved again to take the drink from me.
"Humans usually like to listen to what others say, but when we're in a situation, they believe what they see more."
"What does that mean?"
"You're a good boy... You can't be blamed for that."
"Mmm... What I was talking about earlier..."
"Yes. Our turn will come... to be saved. We can only wait... and hope it's not too late."
I still didn't understand what the old man had said, so I tried to think about it for a while, hoping it would distract me from what had happened.
*****
One day, a commotion broke out.
I woke up and tried to figure out what was going on. But as soon as I arrived, people started looking at me.
"There he is!"
Before I knew what was happening, I was suddenly dragged out to the trash can.
"Honestly, that's your trash, right?!"
I looked at the trash I had just thrown away the night before and immediately nodded.
"So it was him who stole our food supplies!"
"Insolent! Just because there are fewer people, you dare to steal?!"
"N-no. I-"
"Shut up! Don't you know that government aid takes a long time?! We even have to count it every week!"
"Even though she's so cute, who would have thought a child this young would steal?"
"I-I..."
I tried to tell them and explain that I didn't steal, but they wouldn't listen.
Then before I could speak after mustering up the courage, a bucket of cold water fell on me.
"This time you're lucky because you're still a child. But if you do it again, we won't hesitate to use physical violence!"
I was doused with water several times, until finally... they left me sitting on the ground alone.
It was still dawn, and the sun wasn't even up yet.
Without knowing what was happening, I could only stand there, freezing.
Why?... Why is everyone so mean to me? Even though I didn't do anything.
Mama and Papa said the world was beautiful... and I believed it.
But why? Everything changed?
Mama... Papa... where are you?
I'm cold... I'm scared... I... sob.
I curled up alone, and buried my face as my voice became hoarse.
For days I sat alone... trying to compose myself, and wondering what had happened.
It wasn't hard to realize I'd been trapped. But what I didn't understand was why no one helped me.
At least... give me a chance to talk.
Days passed once more.
I heard more help was coming. I thought they'd come once a week, but... no one came.
I looked out the window and noticed a red mist floating in the air.
Ever since the supposedly dangerous mist appeared, many people had started falling ill.
I didn't know if I was affected too. Besides, I'd been feeling unwell since before the mist appeared.
"Save your water. In this situation, it's harder to get pure water."
"But your cough is getting worse."
"Then that could be a reason for me to give him my ration."
I don't understand. I tried to give him my water because the sick man needed it, but why was I the one being given it instead?
Another week has passed, the red mist has cleared, and finally more help has arrived. But why am I sitting on the ground again?
This is no different than before.
Once again, I can only sit and watch as people older and newer than me leave the refugee camp.
I've waited so long, but my turn still hasn't come.
No matter how many times I try... and hope... I'll still be left here.
I glanced over at where the old man had previously sat.
For some unknown reason, he hadn't been seen for several days. Whether he'd gotten in one of those cars or gone somewhere else... I don't know.
But one thing I knew was that it didn't matter to me. I'll be alone anyway.
I want to leave here, but the strange fog and the monsters roaming around keep me from straying too far from the refuge.
In the end... I can only endure and wait for something I don't even know.
Is this... what is called helplessness?