Before I could ask why on earth he had them, he started explaining. “I filled your tank up. And may have driven it to the hardware store down the street, since your porch light doesn’t work.”

I didn’t even know what to say. We made our way to the car and, sure enough, as I powered up, my gas meter went straight to the F.

“Thanks.” I struggled to look at him. “You didn’t have to do that, and I was going to replace my light.”

“You said you had to work and I was up early, so I just did it. Not a big deal.” He shrugged.

I didn’t know if it bothered me. I felt like it should bother me because I didn’t even know him, and I definitely didn’t need him to pay for my gas or change out the lightbulb on my porch. I remembered the way he seemed to be surveilling my yard as we approached the porch last night, him even grabbing the Tupperware full of dessert that I’d forgotten about. He was a soldier, after all, and they just can’t help but assess their surroundings at all times. But also, maybe, just maybe, he was a person who does kind things for other people? I hadn’t ever met someone like that, but maybe that’s what all this was and I was way overthinking it, allowing my imagination to get the best of me.

“Um, okay . . . do you have Venmo? For the gas?”

He laughed sarcastically as I continued our drive to the store. “You aren’t paying me back for a tank of gas. You were late to your dinner because of me. I won’t take the money, so there’s no point in arguing with me.” His tone wasn’t combative, it was just certain. Certain enough that I didn’t argue it.

We continued our drive, through the main gate and to the commissary; the tension from last night was gone. I sighed in relief. I was definitely just tired and borderline losing it. Today was a new day, a new Kael, and a new me. I parked and he led the way to the entry door. The sun was so bright, I had to cover my eyes.

“When will you get your clothes back?” I asked him, as we entered the crowded store.

“Not sure. I can’t get a hold of anyone.”

I wondered what that meant. Who couldn’t he get a hold of? And why were they keeping his stuff from him? A scorned ex, maybe? The thought irritated me.

The cart we had chosen had a creaky wheel that got stuck on every turn. I’d handed Kael my grocery list in the parking lot, assigning him to hold on to it.