“NORAD said maybe the hottest in a decade,” Peter said. “We’re outfitting the Complex with better fire suppressants and deterrents around the perimeter.”

“I feel safer already,” Sloan said.

My stomach sank. The year before, I was falling for Zeke. Everything was so different. “You know,” I began, trying to keep my voice cheerful, “I’d better get home and get some laundry done. I didn’t get a lot of sleep last night. I’m going to try to get the house in order then turn in early.”

I dried off my hands, grabbed my keys, and headed for the backyard. “Dishes are finished! Thank you!” I said, waving to Harbinger and Caroline.

Caroline stood and jogged over to hug me. “Thank you. Come see us more often, okay?”

“Will do,” I said with a smile.

I headed home, walking through the door to a quiet house. Everything reminded me of Zeke: the television, the couch, the kitchen, the bed. I enjoyed it when Zeke was there. Now, it felt like a cage.

The laundry was already finished and folded, so I put it away, showered, then slipped Zeke’s oversized T-shirt over my head. Just as I pulled back the covers, a soft knock made me freeze. I rushed down the hall and through the living room with the smallest bit of hope, only to be on the verge of tears when opening the door revealed Peter.

“That look in your eyes breaks my heart. I am sorry, you know. I’d never want you to hurt like this.”

“Get the hell out of here, and don’t come back.” I slammed the door in his face and sat on the couch.

With my elbows on my knees, I covered my head with my arms and rocked back and forth, sobbing.

The next morning, I woke up alone and half an hour later than usual. I rushed around and pulled in just as Trex closed his driver’s side door.

“You’re cutting it close, aren’t you?” he said.

“Aren’t you?”

“I just forgot something. I’ve already been inside and back.”

I snarled at him, and we walked together to the locker room where we gunned up and had a quick team meeting before making rounds. The day was mundane, almost boring. It sounded like a good idea at first, to have a job where we could hold a gun and still be home for dinner. But we were all itching for action. Walking the halls just wasn’t enough, at least not for me. Thoughts of re-enlisting crossed my mind, or maybe going back to Arizona.

After a quick lunch, I escaped to the gym, working my arms, back, and abs until my muscles shook from fatigue.

“How are you going to be worth anything working yourself that hard in the middle of your work day?” Peter asked from the doorway.