Page 103 of PSYCHOlogical

“I had fun today,” she said, her voice much softer than her normal convincing tone.

I cupped my hand against her shoulder and pulled her tight against me. “Me, too,” I said, even though I was mostly disappointed. “It was fun.”

I found the pattern of her predictable breathing comforting. In a semiconscious state, I scanned my recollection of the coastline for cities in which we could search for a home.

“What about the other side of the state?” I asked.

She didn’t respond.

I tilted my head the side.

Fast asleep, but still wearing the last smile she offered me, it seemed Val managed to find her place of serenity.

As her body rose and fell with each breath, I took a moment to admire her. Her strength and support during New Dawn’s demise was commendable. If she were a Marine, I’d gladly have her at my side in combat.

I switched off the bedside lamp and stared into the darkness.

At that moment, I, too, found my serenity.

She was laying at my side.