A hand presses the small of my back and I don’t have to turn around to know who it is. I’d know that touch anywhere. I meet Julius’s cinched expression. His hand moves to my hip as I turn in his grasp, and his hazel eyes flicker with gold in the firelight. I should tell him to move his hand….

“I got the ole lady set up comfortable,” he says. “She’s had water and I gave her some food. Made sure she took a bite before I walked away. Big Momma used to pull that stuff on me. Saying she gon’ eat, but then not when I leave. I made sure she had a little something before I left her there.”

Oh, Jue. Always looking out for the old ladies on the block. No surprise the Seer’s worked in a soft spot with him too.

“Her daughter was nearby, so I think she’s good,” he adds.

“Thanks,” I say, and my ribs poke me, sharp pangs ringing through my words. Images of Yiyo on fire, warmth down my throat, my burning arms claw at me. But I blink hard, forcing myself to stay in the present.

“You good?” He touches something on my cheek and it burns. I don’t know if it’s the dim light in here or knowing everyone’s too busy with their own thing to be worried about me right now, but I lean into his touch. And for a moment I let my eyes close, imagining I can wish away the throb on my right side.

“Rue…” His words are a whisper and I smell him. He smells like a Saturday on the stoop, jamming with the homies, like a big dinner with everyone I love sitting ’round, like Ms. Leola’s hug, like morning dew, fresh linen, and that wave cream he uses under his du-rag. I inhale and for a moment I don’t feel the ache on my side. I don’t feel anything throbbing or stinging.

“I-I just don’t have time to be hurt,” I say. “I can’t afford injury. We’re so close and yet… it feels so far. I need us to make it back.”

He takes my face in his hands, making me face him. “We will, Rue.”

I nod but keep silent, because giving space to any of the words dangling on my lips will break me. And right now I need to be resolute. Strong. I press my shoulders back and pull my chin up, remembering Moms’s words. Julius winks at me as I pull away from him.

“I’m going to go check on the Seer, then you and me on first watch, yes?”

He rubs his hands together. “Let’s do it.”