Chapter 330. Compassion Is Not Weakness

Ann stiffened at the thought that it might be a warning for something hostile, but as soon as the doors swung open she knew it wasn’t announcing an imminent attack.

“Looks like you lost that bet on both fronts.” Ann replied flatly as she stood, her heart sinking.

It was an announcement for the arrival of more survivors.

They came in slow, steady waves with the acrid stench of smoke clinging to them.

A mother with a toddler asleep against her shoulder and a baby tied to her front, all three reeking of burned wood and fear accompanied by a boy with blistered palms that snaked its way up his arms that simply refused to let go of a charred toy horse.

Ann didn’t stay on the dais as if she stood above them, she didn’t want them to feel intimidated or uncomfortable in what was probably their most vulnerable moment. So she quickly made her way down the few steps and met them where they stood with a look of compassion and empathy.

“Water for the refugees p