People picked up weapons for many reasons, in Jinn's experience, but they returned to them most often out of fear. And there was plenty out there to frighten a human: predators, nature, even humanity itself. Gods, too, were born from the intensity of human feeling and so they carried with them those sentiments, a steady trickle of poison they poured into their worshippers' ears.
Abby did not strike Jinn as a believer, but perhaps he was wrong. As they made their way around the mall, attempting every door there was and being thwarted at every turn, he reflected that he did not know much about the world Abby came from - and that he might like to.
There was no profit in his asking for details, but he still struggled with truth being a thing one gave away for free. So: "I am familiar with the experience," he volunteered without looking at Abby. The gun fit comfortably into his hand. He used it to nudge back the low-hanging frond of a nearby palm tree so they could pass underneath it. "Before I was brought here, I had just done something reckless that would, I think, have jeopardized the life of one I cared about. There was no good option, but still I was selfish. I have come to terms with it since. I now think he is better off. What had to pass couldn't, so I was brought here, where I may do some good. Where I have that choice." He slanted a glance in her direction. "The same can be true of you, can't it?"
He wasn't going to come out and ask what she had grown disillusioned with, but he had offered something in return, should Abby wish to speak on it. The choice was here.