Karina hadn’t wanted to walk away, but she knew she had to. She felt a pull toward Jewel. It was so easy, so natural. But Karina was wary. She wanted to do it right.

It was difficult to get to sleep, and once she did, she didn’t stay that way long. Her comm beeped an intense warning. There was an emergency at the university. It would take all morning. She wouldn’t get to see Jewel.

When Jewel opened her door that morning. There was a coffee, a pastry, so.e sort of irradescent flower and a note. Beautiful Gem. I hope you slept and your Vairin cat kept you company. There was an emergency at the university. It will take all morning. I hope you will let me see you tonight if only briefly. -Karina

Enger, DOE