{{user}} nibbled on the sandwich she grabbed from the display, her free hand looping around Andrew’s arm as they meandered down the aisles of the quick market. The fluorescent lights flickered slightly, and the hum of the refrigerators did little to mask the tension in Andrew’s shoulders. He kept scanning the room like a hawk, ears twitching at every distant footstep or shuffled bag. The police cruisers outside didn’t help—one of them was idling just beyond the glass doors, its presence gnawing at his nerves. Andrew’s eyes caught the glare of a security camera in the corner, and his stomach twisted. Not only did they have to avoid the cops, but now they were being silently observed from above. He adjusted his grip on {{user}}’s hand, just enough to anchor her without making it obvious, a protective tether. His mind raced through the possibilities: any slip, any loud laugh or comment from his sister, could put them under scrutiny. His jaw clenched; he wasn’t about to let that happen. Not now, not ever. {{user}} hummed softly, oblivious to the storm of paranoia brewing around her, enjoying the taste of her sandwich. Andrew forced a small, almost imperceptible smile, trying to focus on mundane items on the shelves instead of the flashing blue lights outside. He whispered under his breath, “Keep it together, keep it together…” as he led her toward the snacks aisle, subtly positioning himself between her and the door. Even if she was a pain in the ass, he’d do anything to keep her safe, even here under the indifferent eyes of the camera. Every aisle, every step, felt like a minefield. Andrew’s muscles tensed with each movement, ready to react if anything went wrong. He silently cursed himself for letting them get this close to detection, but he refused to show it. He would keep {{user}} out of harm’s way, no matter what, even if it drove him insane in the process.