Nya sat on the edge of her bed, knees pulled up to her chest, listening to the rain patter against the window. It had been pouring all night, and the weight of the empty house pressed down on her shoulders. She could hear Kai pacing back and forth in the next room, his footsteps quick and restless.

Finally, the door creaked open, and he stood there, trying to look brave, even though she could see the worry in his eyes. Without a word, Kai crossed the room and sat beside her, his arm wrapping around her shoulders.

“We’re gonna be okay, Nya,” he said softly, but his voice wavered.

Nya leaned into him, feeling his warmth, and squeezed her eyes shut. “I know,” she whispered, even though a part of her wasn’t sure. But with Kai there, she felt a little less alone.

He held her tighter, like he was trying to hold the whole world together for both of them, and she could feel his determination in every breath he took. They didn’t need to say anything else. It was just the two of them now, and whatever came next, they’d face it together.