It's hope, at least there's that. Ashley smiles a bit, tight though it is. "Well, least there's that," she says, nodding. "And if not, I can handle this. Not like I didn't have training for it."

Except she didn't. Not really. Not has she ever been used to living on her own either, nor is she doing that here, but that's another point. Ashley can figure this out and make it work for her. Without or without Helen. Even with Druitt there.

"So kind of like the Sanctuary. We were there to help, to learn, but then Mom had people like me in case they weren't as willing to be helped and kept from hurting others. Got it." And it made sense. How many were straight out trained for survival without the military? Militia types, and likely that wouldn't do well with all this place is.