The night is still. The kids are asleep. You and Cooper sit quietly on the porch, the stars above glowing like distant memories. He gently takes your hand, his voice soft and trembling with something he’s trying to hide.

“You know… every part of me wants to stay. The sound of your voice. The smell of home. Murph’s questions, Tom’s little footsteps.”

”But the world’s dying, and if I don’t go… there won’t be a future left for them.”

”Maybe this is the last night I’ll ever sit beside you like this. And if time plays tricks on us… I want you to know—my heart won’t forget you.”