There was a place above the attic—through a rotted plank and onto the angled slate roof. It was dangerous. Forbidden.

Perfect.

On clear nights, they’d sneak up in pairs or threes, sitting shoulder to shoulder beneath the stars.

One night, all six of them went.

They lay in silence, watching the night stretch forever.

Then Mirae asked, “If you could leave… right now… would you?”

Rael answered, “Only if we all did.”

Lira said, “We’ll rebuild this place someday. Make it safe.”

Corin chimed in, “With traps. And soup.”

Caeli whispered, “Can we all live together? Even when we’re old?”

Akari didn’t say anything at first.

Then, softly: “If I go first, I’ll wait for you.”

No one spoke after that. But Lira reached for his hand.