Mapped distance.
Survival remained active.
Even in safety.
Emily did not leave him.
Not once.
She sat beside him.
Silent.
But not withdrawn.
Present.
“Why are they looking for you?” she asked.
Leo did not answer immediately.
He evaluated her.
Not for trust.
For understanding.
“I took something,” he said.
Daniel heard it.
From the doorway.
“What did you take?” he asked.
Leo looked down.
“Not money,” he said.
Pause.
