He reached a hand down, and I took it, letting him pull me out of the chair. “I’ll walk with you,” he said.

I took in his outfit again and remembered. “It’s gamer night at Starlite, right? That’s where you’re heading?”

“It is.”

“Then go. Have fun and forget about me and my problems.”

“Come on, Maité. Don’t be like that. I’m not letting you walk home alone. Not tonight. Not when you’re upset.”

“I can take care of myself, and you have plans. Just because a halfer fifteen hundred miles away is being brutally ripped apart by savage, diseased dogs doesn’t mean I will be. At least hopefully not tonight.” I tried to laugh, but Roan just stared at me.

“I know you’re capable of handling everything on your own, but we both know it’s better if I go with you. No one will bug you if we’re together.”

He was right. A girl walking alone at night attracted too much attention. I didn’t want to mess up his evening, but if he was offering, I couldn’t afford to refuse him. “You’re right. I hate it, but you’re right. Will you please walk with me?” I asked as I zipped up my hoodie, put my backpack on, and tightened the straps.

“That’s why I offered.” He pulled me toward the door. “Come on. Let’s get you home. I know how you like that beauty rest.”

I gave him a small smile. “Sleep is very important. Critical even.”

Roan opened the door, holding it for me. “I’m aware.” He might have heard it from me a time or two.

“Well, as long as you know.”

I set the lock for the warehouse and then quickly undid my braid. I bent my head down, letting my long hair fall to shield my face as we stepped into the crowded streets. Patrol bots zoomed overhead, scanning everyone. I’d yet to be picked up by facial rec, and I was doing everything I could to make sure it stayed that way. I tried to wear neutral colors that didn’t attract any attention. Since I hadn’t even broken a sweat tonight, I kept on my black active leggings and tank top. I pulled my hood up over my head.

Someone bumped into my shoulder as they pushed through the crush of people, and Roan tugged me closer to his side.

A ship flew low over the mishmash of buildings in Albuquerque’s warehouse district. The engines were so loud I had to cover my ears. I watched it disappear from view but kept looking up for a second. Smog and light pollution hid any inkling of the night overhead, but I still tried to make out the stars. Hoping to see something to wish on. Hoping that something would change. But hoping never did me any good.