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“You have landed and now you can’t leave.”

“I will be leaving. The company will retrieve me.” Actually they’d be more worried about the ship. Collecting me is just a bonus that means they don’t have to send any awkward messages home about missing staff.

“They can try.” He sighs then turns over, ending the conversation.

I do not feel sorry for this great lump being stuck here on his own. I am not his new best friend or whatever. But if I’m now stuck here…

I scoot a little closer—but only so I can bask in his heat. The fur tickles my skin, awakening nerve endings I’ve never paid attention to. As I lie there awake, I’m aware of every move he makes in his sleep.

This could be the rest of my life.

I screw my eyes shut, refusing to believe Indiz.

He’s wrong or lying. Just because his people left him, doesn’t mean mine will forget about me. I hug the hope close.

When I wake again, I’m alone which is ten times worse.