Page 104 of Override

The words hit me unexpectedly hard. Because I understand exactly what she means. For a moment, I just stare at the screen. I want to make her happy again.

Me:

What was your favorite thing about growing up with him?

The answer comes faster. Like she doesn't have to think about it.

Maeve:

He always made me feel safe.

I swallow. Hard. The irony isn't lost on me. She continues before I can respond.

Maeve:

Not because he was powerful.

Because he always showed up.

The apartment suddenly feels very quiet. My gaze drifts toward the camera feed. Toward the woman sitting alone on a balcony. Waiting. Probably not even realizing she's doing it. My thumbs move before I can stop them.

Me:

What's your favorite memory?

I don't know why I ask. Maybe because I want to hear her talk about something that isn't Ronan. Maybe because I want to know who she was before all this. Maybe because I just want to know.

The response takes almost a full minute.

Maeve:

My dad taught me how to ride a motorcycle when I was twelve.

I blink. That wasn't the answer I expected. At all.

Maeve:

My mother was furious.

Despite myself, I laugh.

Me:

That seems reasonable.

Maeve:

I drove through a rose bush.

Now I'm grinning.

Me:

Also reasonable.

For several seconds, neither of us says anything. Then her next message appears.

Maeve: