'How had it come to this?'
This question haunted the mind of the helpless young man as he attempted to comfort himself in the hall of the once joyous cabin. The hall was empty, save for him. Its tan walls and ceiling attempting to spread hope as they dimly reflected the light shining from the crowded den at the end. The light stopped short of the young man as he hugged his knees to his chest and rested his chin on them, getting as comfortable as possible on the cold wooden floors.
His attention was drawn in two directions. He half-listened to the voices coming from the den. Muffled sobs and silent prayers flowed from his friends as they waited for any report, good or bad, about the situation. The young man let out a weary and heartbroken sigh. The pain and sadness that gripped the group was heavy, the hope of consolidation leaving him as he hugged himself tighter. His attention shifted to the heart of their despair. He stared intently at the door to his left. Through the walls, he could faintly hear orders being given and a shuffling of feet across the ghastly room. The two attendees inside could be heard working desperately toward a common goal; saving the life of their beloved leader. Their determination granted him some hope for a better outcome than the one that lingered in his mind.
As he shook his head in an attempt eradicate those nightmares, he heard hesitant footsteps approach him. He slowly raised his head as the familiar figure knelt beside him. Dark blue eyes spoke to him, silently sending condolences at an attempt at comfort. The young man read his brother's expression with silent gratitude; his own blue eyes replying with confusion and distress. The brother sat alongside the young man as he returned his attention to the door. Only one word was spoken between them, one unrelenting question.
"Why?"