Dot snatched the water bottle and hugged it tightly against her chest. Her large eyes kept darting around, as if she feared someone might snatch it away. She leaned in close to Ethan and whispered, "Big bro, aren't you afraid of dying?"
Ethan blinked, puzzled by her question.
Dot's mother had been watching. She hurried over and lowered her voice. "Dot, quickly give it back to the uncle!" Then she turned to Ethan with a worried expression. "Here, a single drop of water can make countless people attack you. Hide it well and don't take it out again."
Only then did Ethan understand why Dot had reacted so anxiously.
He waved his hand dismissively. "It's for you."
But Dot's mother shook her head. Her eyes turned sad. "Dot's father is gone. No one can protect us. You… you're harming us."
With that, she gently pried the bottle from Dot's arms and pressed it back into Ethan's hands. She gave him a pleading look, then tugged Dot's hand and urged Ethan to keep moving.
