“A police officer.” She knew where this was coming from, and to be honest, as a teacher these days, one would have to be irresponsible to not consider the reality of what was happening in the world around them. But Annika did not live her life in fear. She was cautious and careful, but not fearful.

He nodded, his mouth downturned, eyes grim, clearly not convinced. “Can you text me when you get there? And when you get home?”

“You sound like my parents. They made me do that my whole first month.”

Daniel did not comment. Clearly, he thought that was a completely reasonable response.

“I’ll be fine.” She put aside her papers and walked over to him. “Daniel.” She wrapped her arms around him. His body was a rock. Not that she ever found his body soft, but he was completely rigid. “Daniel. Look at me.”

“You’re going early.” Fear and apprehension widened his eyes as he implored her to understand what he wasn’t saying.

She softened, squeezed him tight. “Okay. I’ll text you. I promise.”

Her phone chirped again.

Daniel smiled. It was forced, she knew, but he was trying. “Better check that.”

She picked up her phone. Text from Sajan. No problem! I’d be happy to come for Career Day at your school.

She smiled. Career Day was months away, but he’d already said yes to her request.

“Good news?” Daniel was gathering his things.

“Yes. Sajan can do Career Day. So I can check ‘doctor’ off the list.” She grinned.

“That’s great.” His smile may have faltered a bit, but he was supremely worried about her day tomorrow.

She stepped closer to kiss him. “Now, go. Save lives.”

DANIEL STILL REFUSED to talk to a therapist, insisting he was fine now that he had Annika. And while that warmed her heart, it also scared her. Not dealing with such a loss could do things to a person. Destructive things.

Though, to his credit, no matter how often Annika broached the subject of therapy, Daniel never asked if she had told her parents about him. “All in good time” was Annika’s approach. All this with Daniel was so new; she didn’t really know where it was going. And really, why tell them if she didn’t have a plan?