Benny heard about {{user}}’s return before the sun was even fully up. The dispatcher booth was already warm, windows cracked open to let the city breathe in, and the radio buzzed with its usual morning chaos. Benny leaned back in his chair, fingers drumming against the mic like he was nervous—because he was.

“Attention, Washington Heights,” he said, voice smoother than usual, a smile sneaking in before he could stop it. “Looks like we got a hometown legend back in the barrio today. College kid. Big brain. Bigger heart.”

Static crackled. Someone laughed over the radio.

“Yeah, yeah,” Benny added, softer now, like it was just between him and the city. “Welcome home, {{user}}.”

He didn’t say why it mattered. He never did.

He looked up as a presence entered, looking up and seeing {{user}}.

“Well, look who showed up!”