Shisui went out first.
Kiyoshi stood just inside the doorway.
The door was still open. The light along its edges was fainter than at midnight, and it made no more sound.
People came from the other side, one, then two, stepping into the lamplight with the scent of wild grass.
"The elderly and children first." He opened the register. "Those who can carry others, follow behind. Wait until you're through before speaking."
The line formed beside the door.
People carrying children, supporting elders, walking barefoot.
At the front was a young adolescent carrying an empty bowl.
"Can I bring the bowl too?"
"The bowl is yours," Kiyoshi said. "Bring it."
A man looked back into the darkness. "There's still a cabinet in the main room..."
"Leave the cabinet," Kiyoshi said without turning. "People first."
An old woman was helped to the doorway, but she gripped the frame and refused to let go.
"Your name, granny." Kiyoshi opened the register. "Which household, how many people? I'll write it down."
"My husband is gone, and so is my son." The old woman's voice trembled. "I'm the only one left."
Kiyoshi made an entry. "I've got it. There's something hot inside."
The old woman took a step through, then glanced back at the alley.
"It's gone," Kiyoshi said. "Keep going."
Hands reached out from the other side to take the children, passing them through one by one.
Kiyoshi studied every face that crossed the threshold, making an entry in the register after each one.
A man suddenly rushed back. "My brother's still in the west end!"
Shisui returned from the darkness and stepped right into his path. "The west end is cleared. Root didn't get him. Stay with the group."
The man froze, then the people behind him pushed him into the lamplight.