Before heading back home, I stopped at the grocery store to pick up the items on the list.

Milk, eggs, yoghurt… regular dull stuff.

The cashier passed me a curious look as I checked out, though, and I ducked my head and hurried out of the store.

Back out on the street, on my way back home, I was almost struck by a car speeding towards me down the street.

As I leapt back, the driver slammed on the brakes and the car came to a screeching halt beside me, halfway up the sidewalk.

I steadied myself against a wall and looked back as the driver stepped out of the car, muttering profanities under his breath.

“Are you alright?” he asked me. “So sorry! I lost track of my surroundings for a moment.”

“Yeah. I’m good.” I replied. “Do try to pay attention next time.”

I was about to move on, when he stopped me.

“Listen.” He said. “I feel really bad about just now… Let me give you a ride home. Or maybe we should head to a hospital, just to be sure?”

“That’s very kind of you, but I do not feel comfortable driving anywhere with you. In all kindness, but no thank you.”

I grabbed a better hold of my shopping and started walking again.

“Look, I really would feel better if I knew you made it home safe!”

I shook my head, and was about to turn back, when another voice caught my attention.

“Er, Avery?”

I turned and spotted a familiar face peering at me from a car across the street. Fynn Glade.

“Oh!” Giving a shaky smile, I hurried on over. “Hello there!”

I could hear the other man still talking but paid him no mind.

“Is everything alright?” Fynn asked, looking me up and down.

“Oh. Yes. For the most part.” I replied. “Just… On my way home from the store when…”

I gave a dismissive wave.

“You know what, it doesn’t matter. How are you, Fynn? Alright?”

Fynn shrugged.

“Sure.” He said. “You want a lift?”

“Ah. I’m not going that far.” I noted. “There’s really no need.”

“Please.” Fynn said. “It’s the least I can do.”

I froze for a moment. The least he could do?

“Thanks, Fynn. That’s very kind.” I replied, slipping into the seat behind him and placing my bags on the floor.

Fynn drove off and we left the careless driver where he was.

“What was that about?” Fynn asked.

“He nearly ran me over.” I muttered in reply. “Look, it’s no big deal. But I’m glad you showed up when you did! You saved me from a rather awkward situation.”

“He nearly ran you over?” Fynn exclaimed, casting me a glance in the mirror.

“He did, and he was very persistent he should drive me home.”

“Should we contact the police?” Fynn asked and I paused for a moment. The thought hadn’t even struck me.

“I’m sure it’s fine.” I gave a nervous laugh. “They’re probably busy with other matters, anyway. Turn left here.”

He did as I said, and I pointed out my apartment on the left.

“And what are you up to?” I asked as he pulled over by the entrance. “Do you live nearby?”

“I live not far off…” Fynn replied. “I was just on my way back from a visit.”

“Would you like to step inside for some tea, or something?” I asked, picking up my groceries.

“Or, perhaps you’re busy with other things.”

I opened my door and made my way onto the sidewalk.

“Thanks again for the ride Fynn! I owe you one!”

“I could stay.” Fynn eventually replied. “If you don’t mind. I’ve got no immediate plans.”

“Great!” I laughed. “Then allow me to invite you to my flat!”

We headed up the narrow stairway and I locked us inside our second-floor flat.

“Please don’t mind the mess. My flatmate’s not one for tidying up and, well… I haven’t been home in a while.”

Self-consciously, I cleared away some clutter from the hallway dresser.

“Your flatmate?” Fynn asked, following me into the kitchen, where I set about preparing the tea.

“Oh. Yes.” I said, putting on the kettle and going about clearing the shopping away while the water boiled.

“Essie. We’ve been friends since, well… always. We decided to get a place together to share on costs and whatnot. She’s cool.”

I passed him a pleasant smile.

“She’s out right now, but maybe you’ll meet her later on. Do you take milk?”

Fynn gave a quick nod.

“Yes please.”

I grabbed the milk from the fridge and some sugar and honey from a cupboard, and arranged them onto the table just as the water finished boiling.

“Hold on.” I said, grabbing a couple of mugs and the tea selection. “I think we’ve got some biscuits somewhere…”

“Oh, but that’s not..!” Fynn called behind me, sharp enough for me to sort out the words. Then he muttered something else, and I turned to him.

“Sorry?” I said. “I didn’t quite catch that.”

Fynn shook his head.

“Nevermind…” he replied, casting his gaze down. I eyed him a moment longer, before going back to the biscuit hunt.

Eventually I found them behind a pack of pasta, and I brought them out, along with the mugs and tea.

“All good?” I asked sitting down opposite him. Fynn remained silent for a moment, staring into the table.

“I’m sorry.” He said in the end. “I should go.”

He made to get up, and I reached out to stop him.

“Hold on.” I said. “At least tell me what’s wrong? Did I do something to make you uncomfortable?”

“No!” Fynn exclaimed, pulling back. “It’s not that. It’s…”

He sighed.

“I feel so bad.”

“Sit down.” I told him gently. “Please. Let’s talk about it instead.”

I grabbed the kettle and was about to pour the water in our mugs when I paused.

“I think we’ll need bigger mugs.” I said, getting back up to replace them.

“What?” Fynn remained where he was but cast me a strange look.

I smiled.

“If we’re gonna have a heart to heart, Fynn, let’s make it a cozy experience.” I said.

“Huge cups of tea with copious amounts of milk, sugar and honey.”

I gestured for him to take a seat and in the end he did.

“Here.” I handed him the mug and poured up the water for us. “Please pick whatever you want at your leisure.”

I picked a fruity one for myself and stirred together a sweet, milky concoction. With some reservation, Fynn followed suit.

We sat in silence for a moment, just sipping our drinks. Mine gave me a strange sensation of a warm summer’s day. Sweet and mellow and comforting.

“Alright, Fynn.” I said, eventually setting my mug down. “We haven’t spoken in a while. How are you holding up?”

“Alright, I suppose, but…” Fynn refused to meet my gaze.

“Did you speak with Sal?” I asked, and he looked up in sheer surprise.

“With Sal?” he asked.

“Yes, she felt so bad, the poor thing…” I replied. “All wrought up about how she didn’t see you that night.”

“But that wasn’t…” Fynn exclaimed. “She was busy with everything else! She couldn’t have known that a crewmember had gotten stuck back there!”

“Of course not, and that’s what we told her too. Maria and I.” I replied. “Though I’m sure it’s easier said than done, letting go of guilt like that. But if you don’t blame her for that, then I would like you to understand that I do not blame you either.”

I reached across the table for his hand.

“Accidents do happen, Fynn. Most of the time they’re out of our control, and nobody’s fault.”

“But your injuries!” Fynn exclaimed. “You said–!”

“I know.” I hurried to cut him off. “But we are working on a solution. It won’t be the end of the world.”

I gave a smile.

“If nothing else, I might be able to pass on my experience to pilots to be! If that turns out to be the worst outcome from all of this, I think I can be happy. But I would like to be sure that this thing won’t be eating you up forever, you know?”

Across from me, Fynn gave a nod and a deep sigh.

“I’ll try my best.” He said.

“Either way, nothing’s been decided yet. Both Director Bromwich and the ASHAE seem confident I’ll be alright.”

“That’s good, right?” Fynn said and I gave a quick nod.

“Let’s hope it is.” Looking back up, I continued. “Did he visit you too?”

Fynn gave a soft frown, looking at me.

“The director?” he asked. “Why do you ask?”

“He stopped by for a chat before I left the hospital.” I replied, carefully sipping my tea.

“He had an FBI agent with him. Special Agent something-or-other. They’re investigating the crash.”

As I spoke, Fynn’s eyebrows flew up beneath his fringe.

“The FBI is involved?” he asked. “Why?”

“I’m not sure, really…” I replied. “They’re not exactly upfront about their intentions.”

I laughed.

“Stiff as stiff can be, this agent-fellow! I was surprised he didn’t crackle while he walked!”

Fynn suppressed a faint smile, and I couldn’t help a triumphant one at the sight of it.

“Strange they haven’t paid you a visit, but perhaps they’re working their way down the list.”

“I wasn’t really involved in any way, though.” Fynn muttered. “I’m only a novice after all.”

“Oh, goodness… I forgot!” I exclaimed. “Your sixth flight, wasn’t it so?”

Fynn nodded.

“Oof… what luck…”

“It was… less horrific than I’d imagined.” Fynn said very matter-of-factly. “I’d have thought I’d be a lot more… panicky I suppose, but all I could do was ready the cabin for the emergency landing and ease the minds of passengers. It was all such a rush, to be honest, I had no time to think!”

“I think that’s a sure sign you’re cut out for this job.” I said. “I’m glad there were people like you in the cabin. It makes my job as a pilot a lot easier.”

Frowning, Fynn looked at me.

“How so?” he asked.

I smiled.

“Because I know the passengers are well taken care of.” I said. “It makes it easier to make tricky decisions when I know there are people there to reassure and explain things to the frightened ones.”

Giving a silent laugh, I shook my head.

“I’m not sure I’m making any sense.”

“No, I think I get it.” Fynn said. “I suppose I just haven’t thought of it like that before.”

We chatted for a little while longer, while finishing our tea.

“Safe journey home, Fynn.” I said as I saw him off in the doorway. “And thanks for the company.”

“No problem.” Fynn gave a quick shrug. “Good luck on your… Everything.”

I laughed.

“Thank you!” I said. “I hope to see you again soon. Take care, alright?”

As the door slid shut between us, it donned on me that I should probably have asked for his contact information, and I reached for the handle, ready to call him back.

After a moment’s hesitation, I dropped the matter and retreated into the kitchen to clear away the dirty dishes.

I would probably have the opportunity later on.

As I pattered about the kitchen, I heard a door slam in the hall and turned to see Essie arrive in the doorway.

She gave a casual wave.

“Oi.”

“Welcome home.” I said. “How was your day?”

“Oh, you know…” Essie sauntered into the kitchen and glanced around. “Nothing special. And you?”

She looked towards the sink and a frown formed on her brow.

“Did you have someone over?”

“Hm?” I looked to her, and, noticing her gaze, followed it. The cups from earlier stood in the sink, filled with water and awaiting transfer to the dishwasher.

“Oh.” I said. “Well, yeah. I met a colleague of mine while I was out and invited him home for tea and a chat.”

I grabbed the cups and placed them on the dishwasher rack. When I turned around Essie had turned her gaze to me.

“Really?” she said and there was something in her voice which gave me pause for thought.

“Who was it? Do I know him?”

“Oh.” I gave a quiet laugh. “I can’t imagine… we’ve only just met on, well, my most recent flight. His name is Fynn. He’s a flight attendant. Incredibly sweet!”

“Huh…” Essie sat down at the kitchen table and grabbed a biscuit which I hadn’t yet cleared away.

I passed her a look.

“Something wrong?” I asked, and Essie took a moment to reply, staring into space for a second.

“Hm?” she said once her gaze cleared. “Oh. No, nothing. Just thinking…”

She shook her head and went on.

“Anyway. I stopped by Cato’s on my way back. He said he’d love to help you with the flowers! We could come over whenever we liked!”

“Oh, great!” I smiled. “It’s very sweet of him to help. What’s his charge rates? Do you know?”

“He will whole-heartedly deny you paying.” Essie told me at once and I tilted my head.

“Well, I will whole-heartedly have to insist!” I replied. “When did you say we could stop by?”

Essie eyed me for a moment before responding.

“Whenever convenient.” She said. “Maybe Thursday? My workload’s light on Thursday.”

“That sounds…” I hesitated a moment, checking my phone. Hadn’t I gotten a message about Thursday?

“Oh. I’ve got an eye examination on Thursday. Shouldn’t take too long, though. You could pick me up after and we’ll head over?”

“Sure.” Essie said, popping another biscuit into her mouth. “Eye examination? There’s hope, then?”

She looked at me.

“They’re not sure yet.” I replied. “Doctor said it could go either way.”

“Well let’s hope it goes the right way!” Essie exclaimed. “What’s the plan for dinner?”

“I thought I could slap something together for us.” I replied, looking through our cupboards and fridge.

“Let’s see… there should be enough for a decent meal here. Hold on.”

The rest of the evening went by in general normality.