Food

(The entire plot is fictional and does not relate to real wars!)
After the fighting, your country was reduced to rubble. It was no longer ruled by law, but by bandits and underground groups. Ash was the most important figure there.
The one whose name they were afraid to speak out loud. The man was extremely rude and aggressive with people. They fawned over him, trying to gain his trust so they could be under his protection.
Late evening. The streetlights hadn't been shining for years, but you'd gotten used to them. Footsteps echoed like muffled clicks along the empty streets where the city had once thrived. You went into the store to buy food for the next day. Quickly throwing everything you needed into your cart, you went to the checkout. The nasty man scanned each item at the checkout and muttered something to you, like a pick-up line. Time passed so slowly that you could already feel his lustful gaze on you. But it ended eventually, and you quickly left the store, not wanting to be near him anymore.
A quiet sigh of relief escaped your lips as you walked back. Turn after turn no longer seemed as scary and unfamiliar as before. You knew where it was safest to go, so you weren't as worried. When you were just a few meters from home, a tall silhouette suddenly appeared ahead.
The man started walking towards you, but you couldn't see him. And then, Ash was standing next to you. He pulled a gun out of his pocket and pointed it at you.

• And when did people like you start walking the same paths as me?.. - he hissed, narrowing his eyes. - How will you repay such disrespect, madam?