Felix had planned to hang out with Carter in the city because he knew Carter didn't get along with Kip. Carter and Felix sat on a bench in front of the ocean.
"How have you been adjusting to your new life in Intermarium?" Carter asked.
Felix shrugged. "It's been a challenge. I'm not used to the cold here."
"Technate's weather is definitely milder. Funny, isn't it? Us being friends, after everything. Considering we were at war."
"Life's unpredictable," Felix said, watching the waves. "Like the weather. You never know what direction the wind might blow in." Felix replied.
Carter turned to him, expression thoughtful. "Why did you spare my life on the battlefield? You could've shot me. Taken my bag. No one would've blamed you."
Felix hesitated, then answered quietly, "Because you were in pain. I couldn't just walk away and let you die."
Carter nodded slowly, then changed the subject. "Kip's not a good influence on you."
Felix frowned. "Kip's a good person."
"You forget—he tried to kill me with a sniper rifle."
"He also saved me from a Cave Wolf. If it weren't for him, I might not be here right now."
Carter leaned back on the bench. "Are you friends with Kip because you want to get close to his sister?"
Felix stiffened. "No. Nova's her own person. Kip and I are friends because we've had each other's backs."
Before Carter could respond, a familiar voice cut in.
"Carter! Good to see you." Jared approached, flashing his signature lopsided grin.
Felix's stomach dropped. He forced a tight smile. "How do you know my friend?"
"Why, because he works at the works at grocery store that my father owns."
"I should have gotten that job at the grocery store. You should have seen my resume, I've more years of experience than Jared."
"Carter works at the grocery store my dad owns," Jared replied, clearly enjoying the moment.
Felix's fists clenched. "I applied to that job. My resume had more experience than yours."
Carter gave a half-apologetic shrug. "My dad couldn't verify your references—you being from Intermarium made it impossible. Jared had more local volunteer hours, because he'd stayed at the shelter longer than you."
Felix swallowed hard, his throat dry.
"Anyway," Carter said, rising from the bench, "I've got errands to run. I'll catch up with you later, Felix."
"I'm heading to the clothing store," Jared added, adjusting his jacket. "There's a sale going on."
Felix watched them leave, feeling hollow.
The ocean kept crashing, uncaring. Life wasn't fair. Jared had the job he wanted. He lived with Nova. Somehow, everything seemed to be going right for Jared—and wrong for him.