“One of the downsides of living, Orion, is that you’re going to have the challenge of living without me,” Valentino said, then cringed. “I’m sorry. That came off more self-important than I meant. You’ve told me how grief affects you, and I’m not in the same league of your parents, but I know I wasn’t a nobody either. I don’t want you to fall into a black hole, or think that you have to. I want you to find the light even on the days that feel as dark and—”

Then the door opened because Valentino got interrupted by me, by Past Orion. The camera is still on Valentino—I can’t even see Past Orion, who I personally know is standing in the doorway in nothing but a towel because that was me—and it hurts rewatching that fear in Valentino’s eyes as if something horrible was about to happen.

“What’s going on?” Valentino had asked, popping out of my chair.

“Nothing, nothing,” Past Orion said. “I wanted to make sure you were okay. I had a bad feel— I got nervous.”

Then relief washed over Valentino as he sat back down and breathed. “I’m okay. I’m just recording a message for Scarlett. Something for her to have after I’m . . . Do you mind if I finish? I need a minute.”

“Take your time. . . . And don’t die. . . . You know what I mean!”

Past Orion left, and Valentino smiled into the camera.

“I’m sorry for lying to you,” he said with a smirk. “I hope you understand. . . .”

If I ever have to lie to someone, I hope it’s charming like this.

“What was I saying?” Valentino looked up, like his words were written on the ceiling, a prepared speech. “Please don’t give in to your grief. Don’t wait for your End Day to live like we did together. If you’re having a bad day, maybe you can do me a favor and go for a run. It’s what I would do. It’s what I did a lot, honestly.” He went quiet, like he was lost in his head. But then he found himself again and smiled. “I want you to make more discoveries in your city, and I want you to be brave enough to make the first move again the next time someone catches your eye. And someone will catch your eye again, Orion. Please don’t deny yourself that out of fear of losing someone again, or guilt because you’re living on and I can’t.”

Valentino inched closer to the camera, so close that it’s like he’s a breath away.