She took a regular flight from DC to San Francisco. The sub-orbs were overbooked the instant they’d reopened so the government got her a seat on an airplane. It beat driving across the country, but not by much. The lengthy plane ride was uncomfortable, with people giving her the side-eye as if she’d go berserk at any moment. One family with young children opted out of the flight after seeing her board.

Cabs weren’t yet operational in San Francisco, so she decided to run home. Waiting to find a ride meant more time lost before she could see Connor. Besides, she hadn’t done nearly enough exercise during her time on Eko-Yi. The rush of using her revitalized body made fourteen kilometers—and gravity—no burden.

She arrived at her hive in a mess, her hair lank, her clothes darkened with sweat, and burst into their apartment.

Hassan’s and Ammanuel’s grinning faces greeted her.

“Took you long enough,” her former boss said, wrapping her in his bearlike arms.

“How is he?”

“Sleeping,” he replied, “but otherwise healthy. It took a couple weeks to get through the infection. I worried about him until he was through the worst of it.”

“You’re a good man,” Welga said, returning Hassan’s hug. “Thank you for looking after him.”

“You did it,” Ammanuel said, giving her a respectful nod.

“And you made it home okay. I’m glad. Thank you for… everything.”

Ammanuel shrugged. “Still on the bench, though. I’m ready to get back to some action, you know?”

“Yeah, I know the feeling well.”

They snorted. “I bet. Saw your excellent moves at the press conference.”

“Thanks, basic. You’re not so bad yourself. I’m proud to have you as my replacement.” She tilted her head at Hassan. “He is, too, though he might not say it to your face.”

“So what’s next?” Hassan asked.

“Head back to the station. Complete my surgeries. After that, I don’t know. I promised to act as an ambassador, but what that means isn’t my decision.”

“Is it true what people say?” Ammanuel’s eyes gleamed. “Are you reborn?”

“Not literally, but they’ve given me a second chance. I want to make good use of it.”

“Let her go, Ammanuel.” Hassan ushered them to the front door. “Don’t leave the planet without saying good-bye, Ramírez.”

“You got it, boss.”

She cracked open the bedroom door. Connor’s skin had taken on a healthy pink color rather than the feverish flush she’d left him with. His chest rose and fell with the even breathing of restful sleep. She hesitated, hand still on the doorknob, debating whether to wake him. Birds chirped outside the open window.

Never heard that before.

That’s because the traffic and climate control always drowned out the sound.

“Welga?”

He opened his eyes and arms. She fell into them and held on tight.