The gentle hum of morning filled the infirmary, sunlight pooling softly through the high windows. Vivian blinked awake, eyes adjusting as the scent of antiseptic and something richer—coffee—lingered in the air.

  Kara appeared by her side with two steaming cups in hand. “Figured you could use this,” she said with a smile, offering one out.

  Vivian hesitated for a moment before taking it. “Thanks,” she murmured.

  Kara sat in the chair beside her bed, sipping quietly. “Didn’t know what you liked, so I just went with strong. Helps me survive the early shifts.”

  Vivian took a small sip, the warmth curling in her chest. “It’s good.”

  There was a short silence before Kara spoke again, tilting her head as she studied Vivian thoughtfully. “You know, I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone who looks like you. Platinum blonde hair, forest green eyes… You’ve got a unique look.”

  Vivian gave a soft huff of amusement. “My mom looked like me. Or maybe I look like her.” She stared down into her cup. “It’s all I really have left of her.”

  Kara’s smile faded gently, respectful of the weight behind the words. “Well… it suits you.”

  Vivian looked up, surprised by the kindness. There was something genuine in Kara’s tone—not forced, not fake. She wasn’t used to that. Maybe Kara wanted to be friends. It felt strange, but not unwelcome.

  And maybe, after being alone for so long, that wasn’t such a bad thing.

  Kara grinned and leaned in a little. “Wanna hear something funny? A soldier passed out in the hallway yesterday just from seeing his own stitches. Big guy. Tattooed. Nearly took out a tray of meds with him.”

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  Vivian laughed, unable to stop herself. “Seriously?”

  “Dead serious.”

  Vivian shook her head, chuckling quietly. “Guess fear doesn't care how big you are.”

  “Nope,” Kara replied, pleased she got a laugh. “Fear’s an equal-opportunity pain in the ass.”

  They both shared a quiet laugh, the kind that didn’t feel forced. For the first time in a long while, Vivian didn’t feel like a ghost drifting through someone else's world.

  The infirmary doors pushed open, and in came Hale, followed closely by Colt, Jace, and Reyes. The room seemed to shift slightly with their presence—more solid, more grounded.

  Vivian looked up, still smiling faintly from Kara’s joke. The soldiers noticed.

  “Didn’t think we’d find you laughing,” Reyes said with a crooked smirk. “Almost didn’t recognize you without a bat in your hands.”

  Colt grinned as he limped closer, easing himself onto the edge of a nearby cot. “We figured we’d check on the woman who saved our asses.”

  Vivian’s brow rose. “All four of you?”

  “Seemed only right,” Hale said, standing near the foot of her bed. His voice softened just a little. “Back in that bakery… you saved my life.”

  Vivian nodded once. “Did what had to be done.”

  “And we’re damn grateful,” Colt added. “You didn’t even hesitate.”

  Jace, a little quieter, offered a small nod. “That was brave as hell.”

  Reyes leaned on the wall with his arms crossed. “Yeah, well, you curse like a truck driver too, Colt, and I don’t go thanking you for that every day.”

  Colt shot him a look, and Reyes shrugged, unapologetic.

  Vivian let out a quiet laugh and turned to Jace. “You and Whiz… you pulled me out of there. I haven’t forgotten that.”

  Jace looked a bit sheepish. “We just did what needed to be done too.”

  Kara stood nearby, still holding her cup, observing quietly. Hale glanced over at her, then toward the doctor nearby.

  “How’s she doing, Kessler?”

  Dr. Kessler looked up from a clipboard. “Her wound’s healing well—not deep, mostly blood loss and exhaustion. She’ll need a couple more days here, but she’s stable.”

  “She’ll be alright,” Kara added gently. “Just needs rest.”

  Hale nodded before looking back at Vivian. “You’ve been officially assigned to my team. I know the decision was made without your input, but—”

  “I already know,” Vivian said, cutting in gently. “But honestly… I’m glad I didn’t end up with total strangers.”

  Colt chuckled. “Don’t get too excited. We’re mostly strangers with questionable habits.”

  “You’ll get used to us,” he added with a grin. “We’re not that bad.”

  Reyes smirked. “Except for Jace. He’s terrible.”

  Jace gave him a slow glare, and Vivian raised an eyebrow with amusement. “You guys are… something.”

  The atmosphere in the room relaxed even more as they kept talking. No one rushed out. No clipped orders or tension. Just a group of people slowly learning how to share a space again.

  And for the first time in a long time, Vivian didn’t feel like running from it.