Katherine didn’t rest. With Ahmed beside her, she began opening every locked container. One by one, families stepped into the light. Their eyes, wide with disbelief, filled with tears. There were mothers holding infants, elders barely able to stand.
The ship was turned toward the coast, under official escort. At port, an emergency relief camp had already been prepared—blankets, food, medical help. Officials worked in silence, many visibly shaken by what they saw. Katherine and Ahmed watched as the families disembarked, faces weary, but no longer resigned to silence.