Page 167 of Silent Shadows

The pause says enough. This all hurts. I’m suffering physically, sure, but I don’t think I’ve been impacted emotionally like this in… ever. The feeling of letting someone down that you’ve somehow grown to really, actually care about? Fucking brutal. Now I understand what the heartbroken celebs I’ve interviewed were talking about.

“Cool,” I croak.

Jax studies me for a second like he wants to say something smarter than he’s equipped for.

Then: “You know he looks like absolute garbage too, right?”

I look away. “Great.”

“He coughed so hard earlier Owen asked if we should call a priest.”

Despite everything, I almost laugh.

Jax sighs. “You know we’re not idiots, right?”

Then he disappears, the curtain falling closed. I’m alone again.

Just me, and the hum and creak of the Machine.

And Miles’s voice, somewhere beyond the curtain—low. Controlled. Talking logistics.

Still moving. Still functioning. Still doing it for the mission.

Or at least that’s how it feels.

I hate myself a little for listening. More for caring.

Eventually, the cold meds take me back under.

When I wake again, my phone is hot in my hand and my comment notifications have multiplied into something more concerning than my typical engagement.

At first, it feels almost normal. Funny. Absurd.

I want to see more of my Bigfoot hunting boyfrienddddd

Absolutely not. Blocked emotionally.

Okay, Daisy’s got me questioning my worldview

Not bad? I don’t think?

Need the next episode NOW!!!!!

Sure, we love anticipation.

Then, my stomach drops.

Guys, pretty sure I found the campsite from ep two teaser!

I sit up. Too fast. My head hits the top of the bunk, and I yelp.

There’s a whole thread. Screenshots. Zoomed landscapes. Map guesses. Speculation.

ROADTRIP THIS WEEKEND??

Guys I’m in Arizona already lmao

I’m in!! Let’s investigate.