Even with your eyes closed, you had visions of the battlefield flooding through you. The images plagued your dreams, poisoning them until you couldn’t sleep. Your subconscious took every opportunity to remind you of the carnage your choices had cost. And yet, you knew that stopping now would lead to even more destruction.

The exhausting weight of it all hit you, too deep for your weary mind.

You weren’t sure how long you stood there, staring at the dull metal ceiling, tired but unable to rest.

With the last of your strength, you got up and dragged yourself to the kitchen. If you couldn’t sleep, then you might as well eat.

In the dead of night, the kitchen lights shouldn’t have been on. But there was Khun, sitting on a bar stool—probably not moving since dinner.

You frowned as you watched your husband typing nonstop on his Lighthouse. He had always known Khun stayed up late, but he hadn’t realized he was staying up this late.

Suddenly, your initial reason for going to the kitchen no longer mattered. You moved to stand behind Khun, unable to get your friend’s attention until you spoke. “What are you doing?”

Visibly startled, Khun nearly jumped out of his chair. His fingers moved toward the arsenal he hid in his Lighthouse. His pupils dilated at the sight of you. Taking a deep breath, Khun said. You scared me.