Back at the apartment, Lina rolled up her sleeves.
Water sloshed in the basin as she plunged clothes in, scrubbing with practiced force. Aeron's jacket first—always filthy. Then her own. Then the spare cloths they used for cleaning.
Outside, the city moved.
Vendors shouted. Engines roared. Somewhere, a broadcast crackled about new expansion zones and opportunity beyond the frontier.
Lina ignored it.
She focused on the soup simmering on the small burner. vegetables. A bit of dried meat. Enough for dinner and maybe tomorrow morning.
She wiped her hands, grabbed the coin pouch, and headed out.
for groceries shopping .
The shopkeeper tried to overcharge her.
She stared him down until he sighed and corrected the price.
she become smarter but some time talks about silly things
When she returned, she swept the floor, aired out the room, checked the lock twice.
Only then did she sit and allow herself to think.she thinks
Aeron was different now.
Taller. Quieter. He smiled less—but when he did, it was real. He slept lightly. Always near the door.
Sometimes Lina caught him touching the locket under his shirt, eyes distant.
She didn't ask.because
Some things are carried, not shared.