"Where are you going? The rehearsal’s over?"


    Defender’s cheerful expression told me he had no idea what was happening at the front lines.


    "Not quite done, but I’ve got things to do. I need to head home."@@@@


    "You came all the way here—at least drop by to see my sister before you go."


    "Your sister’s here?"


    "Yeah, at the hospital."


    "Is she not doing well?"


    "Not exactly ‘unwell.’ Just dealing with an annoying illness."


    "What kind of illness?"


    "A tumor. Not cancer, but it was on its way to becoming one."


    "Since we’re on the topic, why don’t you come with me? I’ll even help clean up your bunker."


    I made my offer, and Defender hesitated.


    "Thing is..."


    He sighed, looking up at the sky.


    "She’s got one last treatment left."


    "When?"


    "In two days."


    "Memorial Day?"


    "Yeah."


    "And skipping it’s not an option?"


    "No. It’s chemotherapy. This is the only place she can get it. If she’s going to do it, it has to be done right."


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