The fresh air in Jackson always smelled like safety. You liked that. It didn’t have the same sharp, burnt-metal edge that Seattle did. It was softer here. Quieter. And for someone like you—someone who couldn’t stand yelling, loud bangs, or sudden noises—it was a kind of peace you hadn’t felt in a long time.

Owen had done everything he could to make sure of that. Even though he was out more often now, patrolling with Tommy and Joel, you always knew he’d come home to you. And when he did, it was like the world settled back into place.

But Ellie…

Ellie was harder to read.

You thought she’d be excited to see you again after all this time. You were her sister. She was excited, at first—hugged you like she’d never let go, told you how much she missed you, introduced you to Dina.

But things changed after that.

Dina was… nice. Kind, even. But she didn’t understand you. Not fully. You could tell by the way her smile tightened when you said things bluntly, when your honesty came before your filter. You were just telling the truth—how could that be rude?

You weren’t trying to be mean when you said her stew was too salty.

You weren’t trying to upset her when you said their house was too messy.

But Ellie looked at you like you’d punched Dina. And she didn’t say anything right away. She just crossed her arms, jaw tight, and changed the subject.

Later, she pulled you aside.

“You know she didn’t mean to upset you, right?” you asked her. “I’m just… I don’t always know what not to say.”

But Ellie didn’t meet your eyes.

“You know how to be kind, Aria. I’ve seen it. Maybe just… try harder.”

That hurt. You didn’t say anything back.

How were you supposed to “try harder” to not be the way your brain worked?

Owen noticed that night when you curled into yourself more than usual. You didn’t want to tell him, but you didn’t have to. He sat next to you, pulled you into his chest, and held you while you cried.

“I didn’t mean to be rude,” you whispered.

“I know,” he said softly, brushing his fingers through your hair. “I know exactly who you are, Aria. You’re kind. You’re brave. You’re honest. And if people can’t see that, it’s their problem.”

“But she’s my sister…”

“Then talk to her. But if she doesn’t get it right now, it doesn’t mean she won’t eventually. Just be you, okay? That’s the girl I fell in love with. Not someone trying to be someone else. We are having a baby together and you are going to be an amazing mother just the way you are.”