THE OUTSIDE AIR IS thick like a blanket. The sky fades to pink with a dusky golden hue. And the crumbled cluster of buildings that used to liven with hustle and bustle, the Central District, is a dot to the west.

We walk in a line; Zora’s gaze is narrowed, focused. Jhamal walks beside her, and they talk about something that deepens the lines on their faces. We could have transported to our destination, but it’s too big of a risk populating somewhere without knowing who or what is already there. So, walking it is. Bri is beside me, tying up her blond hair into a bun as if she’s preparing for some epic battle. Totsi’s is on Market Street in the Commercial District of Ghizon, or what’s left of it.

“It’s a solid few hours at least,” I say to Bri. I know because back in East Row, I walked that far home from the library when I missed the last bus once.

“At least.” She reshoulders her bag and walks, her stare dead ahead. She hates being out here, seeing it all over again. No one wants to see their home destroyed. I get that. Tiny droplets fall from the sky, cold on my skin. I swipe up on the watch for what feels like forever.

Julius: Aye, it’s been a minute, you good?

Julius: Rue?

Julius: Yo my shit is PACKED. Come through, foreal.

Julius: Fam, a nigga starting to bug out. Say something, pls

Julius: Lmk you aight or something.

Julius: RUE!

Julius: I checked on T and Ms. Leola. They good. They wanted to know if you was aight and I said I didn’t know.

Julius: This shit fuckin with me, man… say something. The three little dots… a read receipt… something.

Me: Hey! Sorry.

Before my message even delivers, three dots pop up on the screen and my watch vibrates nonstop.

Julius: I’MA

Julius: WHOOP

Julius: YO

Julius: ASS

Julius: FOR NOT SAYING SHIT TILL NOW.

Me: Sorry, I’m okay. Got caught up. But I’m out. You seen Tasha? She okay? Ms. Leola? The crew?

Julius: Oh, crap. You aight? Yeah, everybody is good. Tasha’s been bugging. Not gone lie. You was supposed to bring me with you.

The rain falls harder. I wonder if I can get a signal out of here somehow to call Tash. I make a note to ask Bri about that when we get back tomorrow.

Me: Hey, tell Tasha I’m okay. Tell her I’m almost done here and I’ll be there soon.

Julius: Bet. I’m still down to come through. I ride with you, fam.