“It wasn’t the not knowing I was laying into you for,” he informed her. “This place isn’t like Out There. Nobody abandoned anyone and they sure as hell didn’t stop looking because they didn’t consider the missing person worth it.” Yes, he knew what it stood for. “So if you’re going to function here, there are some things you need to set aside from Out There. I was offended at your assumption that we let our friends just... what. Die somewhere? Because we didn’t feel like turning over enough rocks?” He stepped towards her. “A few days ago, some of us were forced to watch while the others were ripped to shreds by invisible monsters. There are no cops here to pick and choose who’s worthy of protection. There are no authorities. There’s only death and how much we can stick together to survive it. Do you understand me? We all have been through different stuff Out There. It doesn’t mean anything here. So to smugly suggest that we abandoned people who were only lost and could have been found is so offensive on the deepest level that I can only even keep talking to you because I know - with that attitude - we’re going to end up burying you sooner than later if I don’t. If you don’t believe me because you still think this place has to work like Out There and missing people were abandoned by the system, then go check out the row of fresh graves along the treeline, then come find me at 1306 Philips Drive. We have coffee and food. Nothing fancy, unless one of my roommates is cooking.”

This time he headed for the door.

“I’d be happy to tell you more about what you’ve gotten into when you’re ready to hear it. But don’t take too long.”