“Wasn’t meant to. Just data.”
“People misuse that word around me.”
We ran in silence. At mile three, my breathing felt steady. The city no longer seemed owned by memory. It held other people too. Carol complaining about hill design. Janine laughing. Tessa refusing to admit she was tired.
Simone telling a story about a student who described the Industrial Revolution as “a group project with smoke.”
The run belonged to the group while it happened. It belonged to me when I chose to remain. At mile five, my watch vibrated.No announcement. No applause. Just completion. I stopped the timer.
“How do you feel?” Tessa asked.
“Sad.”
The honesty came easily.
“And?”
“Better.”
Carol accepted this.
“Both are allowed.”
Dani had taught them that. Maybe Carol had taught Dani. Lessons did not belong to one person either.
Rose texted after the run.
Knee?
No pain.
Truth?
No pain. Emotionally irritated by the question.
Good. Thursday remains six miles.
Then:
I can treat you without discussing Dani.
I stared at the message.
I know.
Do you want to?
I considered. My knee needed monitoring before twenty. Avoiding Rose because she loved Dani would turn care into punishment.
Friday at 4 works.
The reply came immediately.
Booked.
No relationship advice. No pressure. Neutral support. It was possible.
The promotion offer arrived Wednesday. Not the renewable-energy role. The internal position. My manager asked me into her office and closed the door.
