The cafeteria was half-empty when you slid into the seat across from Abby. She handed you a tray without looking up.

“Figured you’d show,” she said, half-smirking.

“Wouldn’t miss breakfast with you,” you replied, picking at the toast.

There was a comfortable silence as you both ate. Patrol was coming up, another long day outside the walls—but it was easier with her. Always had been.

Abby glanced at you, then back at her food. “Hey… you ever think about us? Outside all this?”

You paused. “Yeah. More than I should.”

Her eyes met yours, more open than usual. “Good. Thought it was just me.”

You smiled, heart beating a little faster. “Guess we’ll have time to talk on patrol.”

“Yeah,” she said, grabbing her rifle with a grin. “Let’s survive first. Then we’ll figure the rest out.”