As Stephen moved through the crowd, he was greeted with smiles and friendly expressions from those around him. He recognized some men he had previously helped that morning, particularly noticing Edwards, whose bright smile stood out in the dim surroundings. The atmosphere was filled with camaraderie, as someone even moved a bench to allow him passage, and a young boy was playfully reprimanded for turning his back on the doctor. The friendly interactions painted a warm picture of the community's spirit.

However, this warmth highlighted the underlying tensions in their situation, particularly concerning Cheslin. Although the people around Stephen were kind-hearted and created an uplifting moment, it contrasted sharply with Cheslin's plight, suggesting that such goodwill might obscure the harsher realities they were facing. It illustrated a duality in their lives, where moments of brightness coexisted with significant struggles.