The caravan rolled out into the morning light.
Jianghu Riverside Complex looked different from the road than it did
from the twentieth floor. The buildings rose above the damaged
landscaping, their windows reflecting the pale sky. A row of parked
vehicles had been left at odd angles near the entrance. Beyond them, the
road led toward the city, marked by broken signals, scattered debris,
and the remains of an evacuation that had ended too suddenly for anyone
to clean it up. The complex was still standing, but the area around it
had become part of the larger ruin.
Bai drove slowly at first, giving the family time to adjust to the
movement. Yan checked each turn against the map and watched the sides of
the road. Mother Yan looked out through the protected window, keeping
one hand near Lili's shoulder. The child pressed her face close to the
glass until Bai reminded her to stay back from the window and keep her
