One month later...
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc42B8bgYuD
I sat at the kitchen table, sketching on my Holopad. I was conceptualizing a painting design for one of my clients. Lately, the shop has been so crowded with customers we can barely fit them all inside the workshop. Ever since Chase started posting about my art on social media, cyborgs have been coming from far and wide to commission my work. I took a bite from my bowl of Fruity Cinnamon Chocolatey Choco Chip Crunch™ cereal. "This is gross! How can anyone eat this stuff?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHoeHuKpKbm
Marisa glanced up from her tablet. "It's the top-selling breakfast item in North America, the UK, and New Zealand. Someone out there must like it.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRH39qGzBR
I tossed the box aside. "This is probably a Bionic Corp plot to poison me."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4acwQDIT3s
Venus pounced on the table and began lapping up the milk from my bowl. I pushed it towards her. She can have it.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmiCXSJkah
Patch rolled his eye in our direction. "You know, in my day, it was considered rude to use your Holopad at the breakfast table. My father never would've allowed such bad manners."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRu10wAL2w
"But I'm working," I signed petulantly.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwJ6NBwHwC
"Hey! Don't be disrespectful. Put it away."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMLmJKlX7B
I let out a deep sigh and powered off my Holopad, but Marisa continued typing on hers.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDZgIhCF4W
Patch crossed his arms. "That goes for you too, young lady. Shut it off."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsprikvZUoT
Marisa hesitantly glanced between Patch and the screen.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjFJ10rhE3
"Care to tell us what's so important you can't stop for a breakfast break?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fnQATEUdB
Marisa took a deep breath. "I'm looking for Katrina."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94c4WiZSSd
The whole table went quiet.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugAnRyrOWZ
Patch let out a long sigh. "Marisa, you saw the explosion. There's no way—"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUInzhH4Dcl
"She's alive, I know it! I have proof!" She spun her Holopad around to reveal two messages from Katrina, both sent within the last hour.
Hey Marisa.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuo3xc3UMv9
Is it really you? How did you survive?
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxexi7oV6s
Were you worried about me? That's cute. It warms my cold, dark, heart.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1SfTBbf1B
"Anyone at Bionic Corp could've gotten access to her messages after she died. We can't prove it's her," I signed, disapprovingly.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9F592STfqT
"It sounds exactly like something she'd write," Marisa argued.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5DdUwmIlS
She wasn't wrong. It did sound like Katrina. "Just don't do anything reckless, okay?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9cn6rN4vx
Marisa waved her hand dismissively. "Of course not. You know me, I stay out of trouble, I don't go running into it like you."She pasted a false smile onto her lips, but something in her tone gave it away. She was up to something.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWNB9seC7A
Before I could call her out, a loud knock sounded from the front door. My fight or flight response activated, and I jumped to attention, preparing to use my spoon as a weapon.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxQ0vHDlwV
Venus perked up and sauntered towards the door.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitLx7tYbv4
"You should go answer that." Patch took a long sip of his coffee and did what I think was a wink, but it was hard to tell with the eye patch.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKy6i3WPK9S
I tiptoed to the door and hesitantly twisted the knob.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4ywp87T3z
To my shock and delight, a familiar face shot me a toothy grin.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOq1iYj1o6U
"Chase Huxley."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgAyoAKO4A
"Atlas Contreras."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzqTG7gTAk
I tackled him into a tight hug. "I missed you."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHQyqgI7tI
Chase stumbled backward, trying and failing to stop himself from toppling over. "I missed you, too." He gently wrapped his arms around me, returning my embrace. That was when I noticed he'd gotten a new arm to replace the one Vindicator ripped off. This one was tan-colored and more realistic looking than his previous one, but it was still obviously cybernetic.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlSBO6qJhC
"I can't believe you're here!" We'd spoken every day since he returned to New Sacramento by using our cerebral link, but he hadn't mentioned coming to visit.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4IRd05dcl
"I'm surprised you didn't sense me sooner." He gestured towards his cybernetics. "I sensed you as soon as I stepped foot on Ikigai II."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡks9dWJNhn6
I rubbed the back of my neck sheepishly. "I've been kind of distracted. The workshop has had loads of new customers recently. Lately, it seems like everyone on Ikigai II wants to commission artwork from me."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8y7nw7dwi
"My post might be responsible for that."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaRW8XwvtG
"Your post?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKewXI1NeMU
Chase looked betrayed. "You don't follow me on Holospace?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2ZMswMVD4
"I don't use social media."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoq6Opy2FZ
He shook his head disapprovingly. "I'm so disappointed in you." He logged into his shiny new Holowatch and pulled up his profile. He scrolled until he reached a post from a couple of weeks ago, where he showcased my entire portfolio. It currently had over 700,000 likes. "That explains a lot."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmj0kOPrXWA
Chase got up and invited himself into our kitchen and plopped down at the kitchen table. "Hey, everyone."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmJBQztCHj
Marisa barely acknowledged his presence.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLZZ3JiJLN
Patch shot him a knowing smirk. "Chase Huxley, what a pleasant surprise."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcyOdEqOhk
"I had some business in the neighborhood, so I figured I'd stop by."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQdRXK7Ioj
I pursed my lips in confusion. What were they up to?
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrGaObq8Iu
Chase lifted the box of Fruity Cinnamon Chocolatey Choco Chip Crunch™ "Hey, this is my favorite! How'd you know?" Chase poured himself a bowl without asking for permission. At least someone enjoys this garbage.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkuLYAbqnK
Patch swallowed and cleared his throat. "Gee, Chase. Aren't you supposed to be somewhere?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQq030Krq8e
"We've got time." Chase shoveled the contents of the bowl into his mouth at lightning speed, then stood up and practically pushed me out the front door.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK76J9Ei2yj
I glanced back at the apartment. "What's going on?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv217iYX6L4
"I can't tell you yet. You have to trust me, okay?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxjW6mDSzK
I shot him a skeptical look. "Um, okay."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbYM08v5TT
Chase fastened a soft cotton blindfold over my eyes. "You should have a little more faith in me. I saved your life, remember?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfMdYzo2rD
I nodded. He had a point. I changed the subject. "How did Patch know you were coming?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4qqgpH1Bq
"Oh, we've been chatting. Actually, we've been putting together a surprise for you."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9otdyPIjp
I couldn't believe my ears. I started to wonder if my cybernetic hearing was malfunctioning. "You've been working with Patch?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbE6QJANsNB
"Yeah, I think he's starting to like me."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Sni2zsz0X
"Wow, that's a big deal. He hates working with others."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ksfkoAxoD
"I know, but his misanthropic ways are no match for my irresistible charm."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCy2Igvqjt
Chase led me down the stairs and into the bustling streets of Ikigai II. The lively chatter of people conversing in their own languages and the vibrant smells of street food didn't warm my heart like they usually did. Being outside put me on edge. Is this what Marisa feels like all the time? I wish I had my knives on me now. I lost them when I got thrown into the sea. I doubt I'll ever see them again. I tried to distract myself from my growing sense of dread. "I still can't believe you came all this way just to see me."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBL7nYeFxif
"I'd walk a thousand miles just to see your face when you see the surprise."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2g8vDugGY
"Do I get a hint as to where we're going?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7GTRBmCvT
"Nope. You're just going to have to trust me."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmslqKRtf83
A loud crash sounded from behind us.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXXtRFP5DO
I spun around and held on to Chase for dear life. "What the hell was that?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaTAZaKX1B
"Some idiot ran into a fruit stand with their hovercycle. People really should be more careful when driving."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwf1VyCpi2
I counted down backward and took deep breaths in an attempt to center myself. "Chase, have you been safe recently?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQRVvzeI47
He quirked a skeptical eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtRuzU8WhC
"Has anyone threatened you or made you feel unsafe in any way?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnB67ER6FXU
"Not really. Actually, I've been staying at my parents' house for a while, and they have great security, so I've never felt safer. Why do you ask? Did something happen?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzT1LtoVrmP
There are seven dead bodies on the steps of Bionic Corp's headquarters. I put them there. They tried to kill me, so I killed them first. I don't want to be a killer again, but they've forced my hand. I don't want Chase to know what I'm becoming. He always believed I could be better. Maybe one day I'll tell him, but not today. "No, I'm just paranoid," I lied.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2Qi7oOrbe
I heard the distant sounds of men arguing and hurling insults at each other. It seems everyone is on edge today. Ikigai II has been docked in Launceston, Tasmania ever since the explosion, and the citizens are growing restless. We aren't used to staying in one place for long. We're travelers at heart. I validate their trepidation, but they should be grateful we didn't sink.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkZM2QbMWf
"So, what have you been up to recently? I want to hear everything!"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHwwq7Aye2
"Oh, nothing exciting. Everything's been so boring since you left." The lies kept rolling off my tongue. "I'm considering dyeing my hair a new color just to shake things up. I'm thinking about red."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAsqXfar6J
Chase didn't seem to mind my change in topic. "No, I like the white. You look like a swan."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnVtf8T7h3
I quirked an eyebrow. "I look like a swan?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34v8mqcMoc
"In a good way!"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fQk538tGC
"How does someone look like a swan in a good way?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiMATVz4mw
"I don't know, but you're doing it."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCwGi2J4Kg
Under the blindfold, I was rolling my eyes, but I couldn't keep a smile off my face. For the first time in a long time, I felt okay.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡug7xyAiQMT
I could feel Chase's excitement radiating off of him. "We're here! Take off the blindfold!"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTjvHsY0Hc
I felt for the knot tied at my nape and unfastened it. The bright sun stung my eyes. I blinked several times to adjust to the morning light.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznhLggwIL1
"Surprise!" Chase exclaimed. "Do you like it?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3QuHbfmVF
I scrutinized the location in front of me. It was a somewhat run-down building with a hair salon on one side and a sandwich shop on the other. A vacant store sat in between the two. "You took me to a strip mall?" I tried not to sound ungrateful.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjVPpkAKql
He chuckled. "No, silly. I bought a strip mall."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡig6nnfnP1p
I shot him a baffled look. "Why?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3CoZMVqJm
"I wanted to buy that empty store in the middle for you, but the real estate agent said it was a package deal. I guess I own a strip mall now."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbs1jbUOPEz
"You bought this for me?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtsEHfdxfc
"I did! I heard things were getting crowded over at the workshop, so I got you your own art studio." He waved me over to get a closer look.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0blFhcXemy
I squished my face against the window to get a better view of what was inside. It was too dark to see much of anything without adjusting my vision.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0CU1jrSM8
Chase laughed as he unlocked the front door. "Come inside. The view's much better from the inside."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpgSmx4BLL
We stepped inside and Chase flipped on the light switch. I closed my eyes and took a sharp inhalation of the intoxicating aroma of fresh oil paint and wet plaster. It was what pure happiness smelled like to me. I opened my eyes and took my first look at my new workspace. Bare cherry-colored walls were complimented by black leather chairs. Brand-new brushes and unopened bottles of paint in every color imaginable lined the table in front of me.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSY7x5x6OHz
"I hope you don't mind that it's kind of empty right now. I wanted you to pick out the decor. We can go shopping and pick some things out."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVPdftbA62
I threw my arms around him in a warm hug. "I love it! Thank you."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7T3UyiPXUf
He let out a relieved breath. "Oh, thank God! I didn't know what I was going to do if you didn't like it. It was expensive and there are no refunds, so I'm stuck with it." He rambled.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQa9fqi3yzE
"It's perfect."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cOyq3WtFy
"You deserve it."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnvou2XFIz
I don't deserve it. The only thing I deserve is a prison cell, and possibly a public execution. I chose not to argue with Chase and gratefully accepted his gift.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMLfdIjIzl
"I have something else for you."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfq0gXCub75
I gaped. "There's more?" He was being far too generous.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPnIiDWqfz
"I don't know if you want these back. I know you have a sordid history with them. We can destroy it if you want, but I thought you might want it back." He pulled open a drawer and pulled out a wooden box and handed it to me. "I fished them out of the ocean when I saved you, but then I started to wonder if you'd want them back. Maybe you'd rather leave all this in the past. You know what, I'm rambling. Maybe, you should just open it and see for yourself."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAZZ34oZv8
I hesitantly lifted the lid, half expecting a venomous snake to jump out and bite me. Instead, I found my trusty old knives nestled into the box's velvet interior. I brushed my fingers across the handles, reacquainting myself with the feeling of them. I caught a glimpse of my reflection on the flat edge of the knives. I can't remember the last time they were this shiny, Chase must've had them cleaned and everything.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqztXKsUFF
I quietly slipped the knives into my pockets. I'll need them the next time I go toe-to-toe with Bionic Corp.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJxkuCQqlX
Chase shot me a playful look. "Do you have time for a walk-in?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsUSHEbHyM
"I usually require appointments, but I'm willing to make an exception for world-famous model and fashion icon Chase Huxley."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNk6XFBkm4X
He pumped his fist in the air. "Hell yeah!"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVM3EtSotG
I motioned for him to sit in one of the leather chairs while I grabbed my art supplies. "Have you already decided what you want?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA67i4EtmIf
"You know, I never thought I'd say this, but I miss the seagull. I was really starting to like that little guy, and now I want him to be a permanent fixture on my body."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4kIwBtKXm
"Are you sure?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9ude7Q9vr
He nodded. "If I change my mind, I can just get a new arm. No big deal." He extended his arm, and I stooped down beside him and began sketching out my design on his arm. I had to be extra careful because he fidgeted with excitement as I worked. "Guess who just became the first cyborg model to be on the cover of Synthwave Magazine."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhw72waKL0I
I pretended to think hard about it. "Adrien Kumar?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzf6eR709w
He looked affronted. "No, it's me, dumbass." He pulled up an image of the cover to show me. "Dare I say, I'm the sexiest model that has ever graced the pages of Synthwave."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zuWVclsqt
"You're being awfully arrogant, don't you think?" I teased.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKcv9xb2yd
"Yes, I am! Even third-degree burns can't stand in the way of my vanity. I love myself and no one can stop me."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZO52qOdg58
"See, I told you, you'd be okay. Your life isn't over just because you look different."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulTqXA9YIm
Chase rolled his eyes. "Okay, fine, I'll admit you were right, and I was wrong. Whatever. Are you happy now?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFCKzhmhrn
I smirked. "Yes. Yes, I am"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkjgWobcdm
"People have been saying my look is unique, I don't know whether that's supposed to be a compliment or a sly insult, but beggars can't be choosers. Right? I've gotten a few offers from celebrity plastic surgeons to undergo some procedures to cover up the scarring."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAQzAvVatW
"Are you going to do it?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBE4oP1neS
"I haven't decided yet. The scars feel like a part of me now, and I don't hate the way I look as much as I used to, but I have my career to consider. Not many places are hiring models that look like me."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6I5r5Z4Wv
"I know you'll do what's right."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JIKXyEmgb
"And here I was hoping you'd have all the answers."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1XSY3huX7
"You're a grown-up, Chase. You need to make these decisions for yourself. I can't tell you what to do."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojBKmwRIES
"Being an adult sucks, dude."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEkYac05pj
We talked and laughed for several minutes until I felt a wave of sorrow abruptly wash over Chase.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOmqReGK2P
"What's on your mind? Don't try to hide it. I can feel your sadness."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpPJf3keQf
"You're going to hate me if I say it."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wV14ij6h3
"Why don't you tell me, and then I'll decide whether or not I hate you."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeff5twpSTU
He let out a long sigh. "I miss Mason."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJb92Y2X4jS
The sound of his name made me freeze in place. A drop of paint dripped off my brush and splattered onto Chase's arm.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbj8yfECQM3
"You're upset with me. I knew it! I shouldn't have said anything."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiE9jiU4cR9
I wiped up the mess I'd made on his arm. "I'm not mad."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GGPx3ZjnO
"It's just that he was my best friend, or at least I thought he was. When we were talking and joking, it reminded me of hanging out with him, you know? I know he was a terrible person, but I still cared for him. I didn't want it to end this way."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZFr5YFfMh
I gave his arm a reassuring squeeze. "I understand. I cared for him once. He was easy to love. He took care of people, and he always did what he thought was right. I can't blame you for missing him because for a long time, I missed him too."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3k85X46lM
"Does it ever get easier? Losing people, you care about?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyq2ZzisPWV
My memories drifted to my parents. "Yes and no. There will always be hard days when you feel like the grief will swallow you whole. There will be other days when you can look back and smile at the happy memories. It will always hurt, but the scars will fade."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUl5k4LsKj
"How do you do it? How do you keep going after you've lost so much?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6UwHnXnZI
"It's challenging at times, but I keep going to honor their memories."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHg6tIyjSA
I added the finishing touches to Chase's seagull. It was the perfect excuse to change the subject. I didn't want to relive my grief today. "Ta-da. You're all done. Just don't touch it, it's still wet."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFy1FD6sI3a
Chase admired the seagull. "He's perfect. I missed him."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHR9k5ayKYr
I missed you. I thought, but didn't dare say. I didn't notice how lonely I was until Chase became my friend. Ever since he left, I've felt desolate. "You should stay on Ikigai II with me. I can protect you from Bionic Corp."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcnNTmQy7O
He let out a solemn sigh. "Atlas, I can't. My home is New Sacramento and your home is here. I still have a job."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJbYEAlbSW
"What about your strip mall? Who's going to manage it when you're gone? It needs you."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcVdLI6lj7
His lips curved upward in a solemn smile. "My strip mall is going to be just fine. I'll manage it remotely. Besides, I don't think Patch would appreciate me crashing at your place."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbSepyFC6H
He was right. As much as I wanted him to stay. We belonged to different worlds.
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiXOwk61r3
"Don't worry." He gestured toward his cybernetics. "I'll never be far away, and we can come to visit each other all the time."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvsJiXjRvh
"I'm going to spam your cybernetics with pictures of cats every night."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgrf6mq1Tf
He chuckled. "Why?"
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Kp0dtC5Y9
"So, you'll know that I'm okay."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH65ZRHlsGP
He shot me an understanding look. "Then I'll spam you right back, just so you know I'm alive."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1SZyqQY9A
"I look forward to it." I stared out the window as a security bot flew by. "Bionic Corp will be back, you know. This isn't the end."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPOvlFcluh
Chase reached out his hand for me to take. "I know, but this time, we'll be ready, and will face them together. Side by side with guns blazing."
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpdn1z5Vwv
I clasped his hand in solidarity. "Let's kick some ass."
ns18.221.87.167da2
