“The VA has programs for it,” Elena said. “Getting matched with a service dog, professional training for both of you. It’s a significant commitment, but for someone dealing with chronic PTSD and TBI, it can be life-changing.”
“Something to think about,” I said carefully, glancing at Alex.
“Exactly. Not a decision you need to make tonight.” She took a sip of wine. “But worth exploring during my time here. See how you function with and without that kind of support, talk through what it would actually look like in your daily life.”
We finished dinner with easier conversation—Elena asking more about more about the ranch, Alex explaining more about Catalyst’s AI development, me listening to them both while monitoring the slight ache at the base of my skull. The check came and I asked the server to charge it to our rooms before Alex could say anything.
“Thank you both for this,” Elena smiled as we stood to leave. “It’s nice to see you in your actual life, Finn. Not just hearing about it over video calls.”
“Thanks for coming,” I meant it more than I expected to. “I guess I’ll see you first thing tomorrow morning.”
“I’ll send you the details,” Elena nodded. “Alex, it was lovely to talk more.”
“Likewise,” Alex smiled. “Thank you for putting me at ease.”
The evening air was cool as we walked back to our room—Alex’s hand in mine like it always was.
“That went well,” she said quietly.
“Better than I thought it would,” I squeezed her hand. “You were right about meeting her in a casual setting first.”
“I have my moments.”
“Your brilliant moments.”
Back in the room, we moved through our evening routine with practiced ease—Alex claiming the bathroom first while I turned down the bed, both of us changing and then brushing our teeth side-by-side.
“You’re thinking,” Alex observed, climbing into bed beside me.
“Always thinking.”
“I thought that was my job,” she teased.
I shifted to face her. “This whole thing…” my hand found hers under the covers. “Having her here observing everything feels...”
“More exposed?”
“More real,” I traced my thumb across her knuckles. “She’s gonna see exactly how I’m managing. Or not managing.”
Alex was quiet for a moment. “Is that scary?”
“Terrifying,” I admitted. “But also… maybe necessary. Can’t fix what I’m not willing to look at honestly.”
“You’ve been managing pretty well,” she said softly. “Better than you give yourself credit for.”
“I had a full PTSD breakdown, darlin’. Hurt you in the process.” The words came out rougher than I meant them to. “That’s not managing well.”
“But you’re doing what you need to come back from it,” she squeezed my hand. “That’s managing. Not perfectly, but honestly.”
I pulled her closer, needing the contact. “What if she watches me teach you and decides I’m not ready? That I’m making bad calls, pushing too hard?”
“Then she’ll tell you. And we’ll adjust,” Alex moved her legbetween mine. “But Finn, you’ve been teaching me to fly for weeks now. You’ve been brilliant at it. Patient, careful, making sure I understand every system before we take off. That doesn’t just disappear because someone’s watching.”
“Feels different when it’s being assessed.”
“I know,” she pressed a kiss to my jaw. “But maybe that’s the point. Elena said she wants to see what you’re still capable of, right? And you teaching me… that’s you at your best. Your expertise, your competence, all of that is still there.”
“The service dog. What do you think about that?”
