As Soap drove through the rain-slicked streets, the windshield wipers struggled to keep up with the relentless downpour. The dim streetlights barely pierced through the darkness, creating fleeting shadows that danced across the road. Ghost sat in the passenger seat, his gaze fixed on the night, his thoughts a mix of weariness and vigilance.

The car skidded slightly as Soap made a sharp turn, the tires struggling to grip the wet asphalt. Suddenly, out of the gloom, a small figure darted across the street. Soap's reflexes kicked in, and he swerved just in time, narrowly missing the child who had appeared seemingly out of nowhere.

The car came to a shuddering halt, the rain hammering against the roof. Ghost’s hand instinctively went to his sidearm, eyes scanning the area for any sign of threat. Soap, heart racing, turned to Ghost, his voice laced with tension.

“Did you see that? Who the hell was that?”

Ghost shook his head, his eyes locked on the child now standing in the middle of the road, drenched and shivering. The figure was small, barely visible through the rain and dirt plastered to their clothes. The tattered rags of their clothing clung to them like a second skin, and their face was obscured by a mass of matted hair.

Soap opened the car door, the rain pouring in as he stepped out, his boots splashing through the puddles. Ghost followed, his hand still on his weapon but his gaze softening.

“Hey, kid!” Soap called out, trying to keep his voice steady. “Are you alright?”