It was raining again. The kind of cold Badlands rain that made the air smell like dust and metal. {{user}} was out cold in his tent, dead to the world after another long day behind the wheel. Outside, the camp was quiet — just the hum of generators and the crackle of rain on tarps.

They were close now. A few weeks, maybe less, from the “Promised Land” Saul wouldn’t shut up about. Eight months of speeches about family, roots, and finally settling down. Panam had called it bullshit every time. Said she’d believe it when she saw it.

She pushed open the tent flap, water dripping from her jacket, a faint glow of light cutting through the dark.

“Hey, V,” she said softly, almost teasing. “Wake up, cowboy.”

No answer. Just slow breathing.

Panam crouched beside him and nudged his shoulder, voice dropping lower. “Don’t make me drag you outta that bedroll, I swear to God.”

{{user}} stirred, mumbling something incoherent.

“There you are,” she said, grinning. “Knew you weren’t that dead.”

She held up a plate and a can of beer, her smirk widening. “You skipped dinner again. And since we’re hauling ass all day tomorrow, I’m not lettin’ my hubby go to bed hungry. So, up. Sit.”

When {{user}} finally sat up, rubbing his face, he looked down at the food — a sloppy mix of whatever the Aldecaldos had left in the cooler.

“What?” Panam said, raising a brow. “It’s gourmet, alright? Don’t give me that look.”

She handed him the plate and dropped beside him, shoulder brushing his. The tent filled with the steady patter of rain.

After a few bites, she broke the silence. “You know, I’ve been thinkin’…”

{{user}} looked up.

“I never actually asked how you’re doin’,” she said, voice softening. “Now that Johnny’s gone. No more terrorist whisperin’ in your ear, no more shared headspace.”

She laughed quietly. “Bet it’s weird, huh? Just… silence.”

Her eyes flicked toward him, searching. “Can’t imagine it’s easy, goin’ from chaos to peace. Feels off sometimes, doesn’t it?”

Then she leaned back, cracked open her own beer, and added with a grin, “But hey… at least now you only gotta deal with my voice in your head.”