“It’s about 1:00 PM, and the clouds are out today,” Ayana observed. “We should be fine.”

“Enough chit-chat,” Mr. Miura said. “Let’s head out so we can make it back at a decent time.”

The group stepped out of the store, and Mr. Miura locked the door behind them. They began walking toward the towering 20-foot border wall where they’d have to pass inspection.

“We’ll head straight to Amodine since we all know our way around Dozor,” Mr. Miura said.

After about twenty-five minutes of walking, they reached the border’s gate.

Najime leaned toward Saigoichi and whispered, “Why don’t we go through the big hole by the unfinished house on the far right?”

“This is because we’re now working,” Saigoichi replied. “And it’s better to go through the check-out while on the job.”

Najime nodded. “I see.”

“But you know me,” Saigoichi added with a grin. “I don’t have time for that.”

Both boys chuckled quietly.

“Ayana, Najime,” Mr. Miura called, “one at a time. I want y’all to stand and investigate this screen.”

“What is this?” Ayana asked, tilting her head.

“It’s a job ID maker. To pass through the gate faster with no hassle, you need a job ID showing which junction you’re from and what job you do.”

He handed them each an ID. The gate opened, and they scanned them in front of the posted Arsil guards. They walked a little farther across the dusty plain and arrived at the bus stop to Amodine.

As they stepped off the bus, they were hit by a wave of greenery.

“Woah… it’s been a few years since I came here. It looks completely different,” Ayana said.

“It’s a good thing I brought you guys along then,” Mr. Miura smiled.

Later, as the group approached the tree escalator near the end of Amodine, Saigoichi noticed a boy sitting alone, crying.

“What’s wrong? Why are you crying?” Saigoichi asked gently.

The boy wiped his eyes. “I’m homeless… My parents found out I have an Arsil and threw me out. Said they didn’t want any trouble from the Government.”

Najime walked over, and the boy’s Arsil shook for four seconds—alerting him to another user nearby.

The boy looked at Najime. “You have an Ar—”

Saigoichi quickly covered his mouth.

The boy then asked if he could come with them since they were working even though they had Arsils.

“You can’t come with us right now,” Saigoichi said, pulling out a piece of paper. “But tell you what…” He scribbled something down. “Go to this location.” He handed the boy coordinates. “It’s by the unfinished building near the Dozor border. Wait inside until I arrive.”

The boy narrowed his eyes. “Why should I trust you to go to some random place? I don’t know you—and you don’t know me.”

Saigoichi sighed. “You just asked if you could come with us. Look, we’re not in a gang. As you can see, he has an Arsil and he’s still working. I live by myself. I know what it is to live on the streets. So, if you want a place to live and a job, go to that location and wait for us.”

The group boarded the bus, and the boy headed off in the opposite direction.

Two hours later, they reached Alfynite’s border. They hurried through the check to make it to the factory before closing.

“So, Mr. Miura, which factory are we going to?” Ayana asked.

“We’re going to the clothing factory. Young Maximus got a call saying his order was ready—he asked us to pick up the wholesale package for the shop.”

“Oh, alright then.”

As they passed the Engineer Shops, Saigoichi and Najime exchanged a glance.

Did you just see what I saw? They seemed to ask each other silently.

A pretty girl had just walked past, catching Najime’s full attention. His eyes sparkled.

He tried to step forward, but the anxiety froze him in place.

“After all these years, you’re still afraid of approaching pretty girls?” Saigoichi chuckled.

“It’s not that. I know what to say—but the words won’t come out,” Najime admitted.

“There’s nothing to be nervous about. It all comes down to confidence. Girls like a guy with confidence. I know you can do better than that.”

They reached the factory, picked up the package, and headed back toward Dozor.

On the bus, Saigoichi glanced over at Najime with a wicked grin.

“Hey Najime,” he whispered, “I bet you wish that was the pretty girl we saw on your lap instead of that box.”

Najime shot him a look, and Saigoichi burst out laughing.

“It’s 10:00 P.M.,” Mr. Miura noted. “I’m surprised no gang attacked the bus.”

As they crossed back through the border, Mr. Miura turned to them. “Well then, guys, see you tomorrow.”

Saigoichi looked at Ayana. “Head to my house and wait for us. Najime and I have a quick stop to make.”

Ayana nodded and headed off.

But someone else had been watching.