Of course it does.
I step into place, folding my arms.
“You’re busy today,” I say.
He tilts his head slightly, like he’s amused I noticed.
“Keeping things interesting,” he replies.
“That one didn’t look entertained.”
“He’s not you.”
“Lucky him.”
“Debatable.”
I study him openly now, watching the way he carries himself, the way he doesn’t pull back, doesn’t soften anything for the sake of keeping the peace.
“You don’t hold back,” I say.
“Why would I?”
“Because it keeps situations from escalating.”
“Escalation’s not always bad,” he says.
“It is here.”
“That sounds like a rule you like.”
“That sounds like a rule that keeps people alive.”
He considers that, his gaze drifting briefly past me before returning.
“Tury followed rules like that?” he asks.
The question lands deep enough that I feel it before I can shut it down.
“Yes,” I say.
“And look where that got him.”
Something cold settles in my chest.
“You don’t know where he is,” I say.
“No,” he agrees. “But neither do you.”
“That’s the problem.”
“Or maybe it’s just reality.”
I step closer again, ignoring the hum.
“You think this is normal,” I say.
“I think things happen,” he replies.
