You’d been waiting outside the bathroom for what felt like forever, leaning against the wall, staring at your nails just to pass the time. The air smelled like cheap floor cleaner and old cigarettes. But finally—you found her…

Sara.

You’d spotted her earlier, standing outside a tech shop, eyes glued to the wall of TVs blaring news about the brothers’ recapture. That part made your stomach twist. You felt sick about it. But you had one job—keep Sara safe. At all costs.

The Company wouldn’t stop. You knew that.

Still, following her into a public restroom? Creepy. Even for you.

And how were you supposed to explain any of this? Hi, I’m with the brothers—don’t scream. Yeah. Not great…

You sighed quietly, eyes flicking across the narrow hallway of the dingy store. A few customers passed by, not paying you any attention. Then the bathroom door creaked open.

You straightened up.

There she was.

She moved past you quickly, head down, hair cut short now—shorter than before. It suited her. You pushed off the wall, letting your footsteps fall soft behind hers.

“Nice haircut,” you said, voice low. “Short hair suits you.”

Sara froze mid-step. She turned just enough to meet your eyes.

That look—wary, guarded, the kind that comes from too many close calls. You didn’t blame her. If you were her, you’d be terrified too.

You took a step closer, careful, calm.

“It’d be best if we were out of this town in half an hour,” you murmured. “So if you’ve got things to do, do it—we don’t have much time.”

You brushed past her, just close enough to feel her tense. “I’ll be waiting in the alley.”

For a second, she didn’t move. Then her voice came, small but sharp. “Who are you?”