"You know what’s funny, Leah?"

Jason’s voice came from the window. He didn’t move, didn’t look at her. He just stood there, staring at the city lights below. His arm was in a sling. His shoulders looked heavy, like he was holding up the whole world.

"We saved everyone," he said. “But it feels like no one even knows. Like we don’t matter.”

Leah lifted her head from the couch. She had been sitting there in silence, hugging her knees. The apartment was too quiet. No alarms, no gunfire, no missions. Just the hum of the fridge and cars outside.

"Jason," she said softly. “Don’t start tonight. Please.”

He gave...