I blinked away the sense of flattered pride at Jason’s words, shaking my head. “I’ve never had an interest in shooting. I’ve seen too many horrible things in the clinic to want a weapon in my own hands.” I glanced at Carrot where she had laid down in front of the stove, a forlorn look on her face as she watched us converse, her muzzle resting on her paws. “But I regret it now. I bet you have no problem keeping yourself safe out there; you’re pretty skilled.” 

“You’re not wrong,” Jason muttered, though his voice was bitter. He looked at his dog, unsmiling as he forced out a sigh and said, “I’m ex-military.” 

My stomach sank as I watched his expression; it seemed to be a painful subject, and I bit my tongue against the questions that flooded my mind. If he had been military, he was likely on the front lines when the world fell apart…and I didn’t have the heart to press him for details. 

“That must have been very difficult for you,” I murmured, covering my awkward pause as I cleared my throat. My gaze shifted to his gear, still on the table, a risky idea beginning to form in my mind as I considered the kind of training he must have received. Carefully, I asked, “Do you have somewhere safe to stay when you leave here?” 

He shrugged, his lips pressed together tightly as he said, “I go from place to place. Easier to keep moving. Never really stayed still for too long. Had a few safe houses over the years but… guess nothing’s permanent in this world nowadays.” His voice was low and gruff—mildly defensive as if I was edging on unwanted territory. 

“You must be exhausted.” I tried to limit the sympathy in my voice, worried he would assume it was pity and close himself off more. Stealing a breath, I stared at my hands for a moment before I spoke quietly. “You know, we might be able to help each other. I need to learn how to protect myself, and I’m sure you could use a longer rest than a single night. You could stay here for a while, I don’t mind the company—and if you teach me how to handle a gun, we’ll both be getting something out of it.” Looking up, I watched his face carefully, wary of how he would react to the deal I offered. 

He was silent and stoic, but he didn’t reject the offer; he didn’t say anything. He pondered, scratching residual grime from under his nails, and I couldn’t help but wonder what kind of internal conversation he was having with himself. 

After a long pause, he said quietly, “It’s been a long time since I’ve been around another human.” His eyes were hard on mine, dark lashes slowly cutting the tension as he blinked toward his dog. “I’ll admit, it would be handy to have a vet on standby—and you’d make a good marksman—but… while I appreciate the offer, I’m not sure it’s a good idea. I’m not exactly easy to live with.” 

“I won't lie that it's been a challenge staying alive all this time. My chances of survival dwindle by the day… I can handle a grumpy roommate for a while, if it means I don’t end up as monster food.” A wry smile pulled at my lips for a moment, my hands rubbing against my thighs as I considered his argument. “It doesn’t have to be forever, but we could start with a trial run. Stay here for a couple of days, and if it doesn’t work out…I won’t argue if you want to leave.” 

Jason smirked, his smile lopsided as he ran his thick fingers through his dark hair, pushing it back only to have long strands fall in front of his eyes. He seemed amused as he grunted, “You really don’t give up, do you, sunshine?” He shook his head, looking toward the pullout sofa. “Alright. You win. You let me stay here—take care of my girl—and I’ll teach you how to protect yourself.” His smile faded, demeanor suddenly deadly serious as he murmured, “But I’m warning you, don’t mess with me. Don’t touch my guns without permission, don’t hurt my dog, don’t cross me. I told you, I’m not above killing you if I have to.” Jason’s expression softened slightly, his voice almost pleading as he whispered, “I’m trusting you here.” 

My chest was tight as I felt the impact of those words; though I hardly knew the man, I had a feeling his trust was hard won. “I have no intention of hurting you,” I assured him softly, my gaze shifting to the dog as a genuine smile crossed my face, “And I’d certainly never harm Carrot. It’ll be a delight having her here.” 

I offered my hand to the shepherd, chuckling as she crawled forward just enough to meet my palm, eyes half closed in bliss as I scratched her chin. 

Realizing I’d given him no reason to believe my words, I searched for an answer that would make sense to him. “And no offense…but even if I got any wild ideas, I know I wouldn’t stand a chance against you. What I’m proposing is strictly survival based. Professional… You’re bigger than me, and I’m sure you have years of experience in combat…” I blinked at the gray streaking his hair and then to his handsome face. “How old are you anyway?” 

“I sure as hell ain’t a kid,” he said, scoffing as he looked at me. He sighed, saying in reply, “Guess you told me yours—only fair I tell you mine.” He paused for a moment, as if he hated to admit it, “I’m forty-two. Nearly twice your age.” He pointed a finger at me, defensive as if I’d hit a nerve, “But don’t for one second think I’m some old man. I don’t want to hear any wise-ass jokes.” 

I held my hands up in a gesture of surrender as I replied, “You don’t need to worry about that, I’ve seen how you move, I won’t risk your temper. And to be honest, you look…” I bit back what I wanted to say, settling instead for, “You look strong, healthy…a lot more than most who’ve made it this far.” Though I meant it to be an innocent compliment, my face flushed as I recalled the image of his bare chest, thick with muscle and dark hair still damp from the shower. 

Flustered, I turned my attention to preparing the couch for him, tossing cushions and pillows aside to pull open the metal bed frame. Sheets were still fitted to the mattress, clean and ready to be used as I dragged my gaze back to Jason—finally confident I could keep a straight face. “Now that we’ve settled things, you really should get some rest. You lost a lot of blood out there, I don’t want you collapsing on me.” 

Pushing himself up from the dinette booth, Jason took a pistol from the table, holding it loosely in his hand as he walked over to stand beside me. Though the gun made me nervous, it seemed he had no intention to use it, a hand on his hip as he stared down at the pullout couch. 

I wondered for a moment if he’d complain it was too small, but his expression was soft and grateful as he murmured, “Been a long time since I’ve had a proper bed.” He looked at me, nodding as he said, “Thanks. I mean it.” I watched as he shoved the pistol under the soft pillow and pulled back the sheets, climbing into bed with a weary look on his face—it was as if he were finally giving in to his exhaustion. 

Closing his eyes, he patted the mattress beside him, Carrot immediately bounding up onto the bed and curling herself close to Jason. She trailed dirt and grime onto the fabric, but Jason didn’t seem to care, closing his eyes as he wrapped an arm around the dog, spooning her. 

I grimaced as I realized I’d have to wash the sheets, eyeing the content dog as I made a mental note that giving her a bath would be a priority in the morning. Quickly stacking the decorative pillows safely out of the way on the dinette table, I turned the lights off, leaving only the faint glow of the tiny lights in jars along some of the counters. My steps were quiet as I padded to the bedroom, pulling the sliding door shut behind me so I could change out of my dirty clothes.

Slipping under my sheets, it was only moments before I felt the pull of exhaustion, my body sore from hours of tension. Still, I found myself tossing and turning for a few minutes, until I gave in. I turned to lie on my side, my eyes fixed on the thin wall that separated me from the man sleeping on my sofa. 

The last thing I had expected heading into the city that morning was to find another person… and to bring him into my home. It was a risk that laid heavily on my mind as my eyes closed, a single thought consuming me as I fell asleep: a silent prayer that I had made the right choice, and I wouldn’t lose what little I had left for the mistake of trusting a stranger.