“You sure?”
“Yes.”
She picks up her coffee again and sits back in the rocking chair.
“We can worry about evolving infrastructure systems tomorrow.”
I grin.
“That’s a solid plan.”
The rocking chairs sway gently again.
The lake glows in the rising sun.
And for now—
The world remains peaceful.
Even if somewhere deep inside the network—
Something is still learning.
55
Wren
The water is flowing peacefully.
Late morning sunlight pours through the kitchen windows, warming the wood floors and the long counter where Boone is standing.
He’s cooking.
Again.
Which still surprises me.
“You’re staring,” he says without turning around.
“I’m observing.”
“That sounds suspicious.”
“I’m studying your technique.”
“Making eggs isn’t exactly complicated.”
“I stopped a cascading infrastructure collapse.”
“I think I can analyze breakfast.”
Boone laughs softly and slides two plates onto the table.
“Alright, professor.”
“Breakfast is served.”
I walk over and sit across from him.
