Chapter 16

Calista found herself by a river, the stillness broken only by flowing water. She breathed out, watching her breath mist in the cold air. The harsh wind and sand somehow made her feel unexpectedly free.

Footsteps crunched behind her. Before she could turn, she collided with a solid chest.

“What are you doing by the river at night?” Henry’s voice was tight with worry. “The wind’s brutal, and it’s starting to snow. You haven’t fully recovered from falling in the pool–don’t risk getting sick again! He shrugged off his coat and draped it over her shoulders.

His unexpected concern startled her. Then a detail in his words caught her attention. “The pool… were you the one who saved me?”

Henry nodded, frowning. “Do you know how dangerous that was?”

The genuine concern in his voice touched something in her, making her throat tight. “Henry, thank you. I had no idea it was you. I should have thanked you sooner.”

He ruffled her hair affectionately. “Don’t be so formal with me.”

skipped at his sudden

late. Let’s get back before you

reached the dormitory, Henry pressed a small box into her hand. “Happy New Year, Calista.” He turned and

without

room, she opened her palm to find a lipstick. She burst out laughing–who would have thought the stoic Henry would give her something

fell into a busy rhythm. Their days filled with machine

but fulfilling work.

Henry developed an easy rapport. He’d surprise her with hard–to–find supplies, chat with her during

their first satellite launched successfully, Calista hugged

excitement.

spread through the

you and Henry together?”

have to invite us to the

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